Stuck... two shorter trips or one longer trip??

[Blessedwithboys]

Hi all!!

We were in the beginning stages of planning our next Disney trip. We have went the last two Septembers, but this year is my oldests first year in full day school and we did not want to pull him out the first few weeks. We feel he might need some time to adjust.

Our original plan was to go Nov 13-22 a 9 night/10 day trip that would include a a MVMCP, a day at Legoland, and 6 days full of Disney parks. We would be flying and planned on getting the dining plan (hoping but not banking on free dining) We would get to do nine yummy meals and really just relax and enjoy. But....

With the Orbitz deal and my (almost) 6 year olds on going love of Star Wars, we were thinking maybe we would try to plan a 4 night/5 day trip the end of May 27-31. We would do a day at Hollywood Studios during Star Wars Weekend, and a character dining (i booked today just in case), a day at Magic Kingdom, a day at Legoland and a resort/ DTD day. We would drive and skip the dining plan and most sit down meals to save on costs.
If we go in May a November trip would be out...but we may be able to swing another short trip the summer of 2015... thinking early June for maybe another 4 nights.
Like I said we are not dead set on seeing everything and know we won't in 4 nights. We have been the last two years and Epcot and Animal Kingdom are very fun but not a hot priority for us. I am just unsure if doing a May trip is rushing it and to soon. we are used to the crowds of September and I am wondering if forgoing a nice relaxed vacation to see Star Wars weekend (and to get back sooner) is worth letting our big pre Thanksgiving dreams go! Thoughts???

 

[JennyDrake]

I would go for 2 trips--especially at your kids' ages, each trip will be different in what they want to see and do and what they like.

 

[AshleeH]

I would go for two trips, but I would space them out more: May and November.

 

[sethschroeder]

Have you done the math on costs? I feel that in November there is likely going to be some sort of deal right?

While others say 2 trips I feel that if your going 2 times within 2-3 months you might as well just go for a nice longer trip. I don't know about you but I feel that 4-5 days is just when I start to really be in VACATION mode. That first 3 days is basically like a normal weekend where you feel like your going to have to go back to work the next day.

Although with the longer trip you seem to be cutting down the park days? Couldn't you for the same cost likely hit the park a few more times? After all I assume flights alone would be around $1000+ for the 4 of you? Also with a longer trip you would save money on park tickets as well (1 - 9 day tickets even vs 2 - 4/5 day tickets)