Shorter or longer stay for toddler?

[Freiden8]

We're trying to decide between a 4, 5, or 6 night stay when we take our DD. I can see benifits to all, but never having actually taken a toddler, I'm not sure.

What do you think? How long do you like to stay with your toddler? Thank you!!

 

[boudreaufamily]

Our DD was 10months for her first trip to DW. We stayed 4 days. TOO SHORT!!! She needed naps, and breaks from the park. I was hard. I think the longer you could go, the better, b/c you could take your time at every park. You could also have pool time (if it is warm enough).

 

[mom2bellaandlivi]

We had the same question and decided on a longer stay for the very reason stated above. We wanted to be able to do all that the girls want and still have time for naps. My girls are 2 and 11 months. We will see how they fare! Good luck!

 

[mask_w03]

we are doing longer, actually almost 2 weeks. DH and I went for about 6days 3yrs aog for our honeymoon and it wasn't long enough for us. So we figured we have the points to use and are going longer so there is no rush to see everything with DD. She'll be 20months when we go. I would go longer so you don't feel rushed to do and see everything and allow your little one to get naps at the hotel and just take an afternoon at the pool or something outside the park for a break.

 

[bubba73]

With one so young, you will want to take breaks. Those little kids, no matter how energetic at home, just can't stay at our pace. And that is even if they are in a stroller most of the day. We took my DD on her first trip when she was 3 and I always go commando. I never take a break. A lot of the time, I will forget to even stop to eat because I want to do it all. I can't tell you how many pictures we have of her asleep in the stroller and even on some of the rides. If we had another baby, I wouldn't do it the same way again. So I guess my vote would be for a longer stay so you can go at more of a leisurely pace.

 

[WDWorBUST]

I think it depends. DD went at 13 months (7 days), 22 months (8 days), 25 months (6 days) and we're going again in September when she will be 34 months for 9 days. Our tripi at 25 months she had her first and only real meltdown. We had went all day and we had planned on going to the Candlelight Processional. We were at dinner (we did the dining package) and she just lost it. We skipped the Candlelight Processional and headed out immediated and she just cried and cried and cried. It was so out of the ordinary for her that we were worried she was sick or something had bitten her or something in her clothes was poking her. This is the most laid back child that had done Disney twice prior with no problems. But then I realized that 1.) That was our shortest trip 2.) We went with my parents and I was trying to "do it all" Our philosophy with Sammi is we go when she goes and if she's tired we don't. So either way you won't be able to "do it all"....but I would definitely say the longer the trip you can take the better.

 

[Lauraubie]

We have a 15 month old (on Monday)... we decided to go for 8 nights so that we could take our time and not push her into doing everything rushed. We figure at least 2 of our days will just be days where we take it easy and probably not even go to the parks.

 

[3mickeys&me]

I say the longer the better but thats just all about me!! LOL My kids are a little older now and are into THE DISNEY OBSESSION like I am so we like going for a longer period. dh on the other hand has had enough after 3-4 days. I do all the planning and booking so he has no choice but to stay longer.

I agree with everyone above go for the longer trip so if you need to take breaks and stuff at your childs pace you still have time to enjoy your trip.

Have fun

 

[brat5063]

This will be our first trip with a toddler in Sept. We opted to go longer for the same reasons everyone mentioned above. I didn't want to rush. I wanted to be able to feel like we could take a day off and relax or even come back in the afternoons for a swim. We are going 8 days/7 nights. The last time we went, we stayed 6 days. I could have easily stayed longer.

 

[LBKMAMA]

We've done 6 nights 2x...but did the parks for 6 days as well. I think I'd only do 5 day parks and take a day off in middle if I could have done over. This time with free dining we are doing 5 nights with 6 day ticket, but we are not hopping and we are skipping Epcot in hopes of slowing it down. I've made most dinners for 6:30 ish so we can have decent pool time pool time and some TV/chill time in room. The parks are a lot for their little minds to take in!