Looking for opinions -- 1 long trip vs many short trips

[Flibbity]

I need some advice/opinions regarding whether my DH and I should invest in a week-long trip at a Disney Resort a year from now, or go on 10 or so short day trips throughout the year, not staying overnight at a resort.

We've been to Disney many times before and have been AP holders in the past. We've stayed on site at AKL, Pop, Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge.

Here are some things to consider for our situation:

1. We live about 2-1/2 hours from WDW. We can drive there in one day fairly easily, but by the end of the day you're talking about 5 hours of driving and $30+ in gas.

2. We like to eat at the fancier Disney restaurants and have a 20% discount b/c we're FLorida residents...

3. We really enjoy the December activities: MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, HOliday decorations, etc.

4. For a long trip, we have to get a pet-sitter for our Kitties back home.

5. I'm very impatient when it comes to waiting for a trip.

6. DH is a homebody and doesn't like to travel frequently.


Anybody have any advice about what you would do in my situation?

THANKS!

 

[jenny_E]

I would consider overnight trips as well as just day trips. If you go off season you could stay at an all star or POP for around $70 for a night. If you would spend $60 on gas for 2 day trips and now you'd only spend $30 for the 2 day trip that's $30 to put towards the hotel. For that convenience of not having to drive both ways in 1 day I would say it would be worth it for a hotel room for 1 night. It really seems to make it special to stay onsite.

Might be more economical and allow you enjoy an evening at Disney with dinner and fireworks without a long drive back right afterwards.

 

[yecats]

I say neither one is an option. If your looking to do 10 day trips and are an AP holder, you would have all that drive time and less time spent together having fun in the parks.

My suggestion instead is to do 3 extended weekend trips spread out over the course of a year (say January, May and December). This way everyone gets something they want (your husband won't be away from the house for an extended period of time, your kitties won't be in the vet for very long and you get to eat out and have a good time at the better restaurants, stay on property and not have to drive home after an exhausting day).

Take this as a for instance, you and hubby can take off a Friday from work, drive up and enjoy a park, check into your resort be it value, mod or deluxe, rest in evening and have a great dinner out. Check out the following Sunday, enjoy a park and drive back home. This way you get 3 days in the parks, a 2 night stay at a resort and everyone is happy in some sort of way. Spread this out 2 more times over the year and you've had 3 nice relaxing vacations without killing yourself or missing your kitties. Additionally, you'll stay have a week's vacation left (granted you get 2 weeks) to go and visit family or have another vacation away from Disney.

 

[Flibbity]

Very thoughtful responses. We have done the many long weekend trips before, I think we'll heed that advice and try that approach. 3 two or three day trips sound good to me...

Thanks for your help