As Walt Disney World continues to offer new attractions and experiences, it’s becoming more of a challenge to see and do everything the Walt Disney World theme parks have to offer. While there really is no way to see and do it ALL, booking a longer stay at Walt Disney World offers you the opportunity to enjoy the theme parks and resorts in a whole new way.
The average Walt Disney World vacation is 4-6 nights. However, today I am going to share some tips with you on how to make the most of a longer stay in Orlando, “longer” being defined as 8 nights or more!
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Book a Split Stay
A “split stay” is when you split your time between two Walt Disney World resorts. This is a great, budget friendly way to experience two {or more} resorts during your stay. It can be particularly budget friendly if you begin at a Value Resort for the first few nights of your trip, then move to a Moderate or Deluxe Resort for the remainder of your time.
When staying for a longer amount of time, you may want a change of scenery. Or, different amenities. The food court at Pop Century (read our review) is great, but I am not sure I’d love it for longer than a week. My kids would thoroughly enjoy the pool and waterslide at Disney’s Beach Club Resort (read our review), but a longer stay there just isn’t in the budget. That is where a split stay comes in!
Consider Room Set Up
Along the lines of a split stay, consider your room set up. I am sure your family will be fine in a room with two queen beds for a few nights. But, perhaps after 4 nights or so, you need your own space. That is when you could move from a standard room to a suite or villa set up either at your same resort, or to an entirely different one.
Plan Park Days Accordingly
If you are planning a split stay, plan your EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios days while at one of the Skyliner or EPCOT resorts. Then, plan your Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom days if you move to a Magic Kingdom resort.
RELATED READING: Must-Do Attractions, Shows and Dining at Each Disney World Theme Park
Purchase “Base” Tickets for Theme Park Days
First, base tickets are a money saver. They are a lower rate than park hopper, so you are saving money. Also, plan to purchase 6-7 days of tickets, depending on the length of your stay. Magic Kingdom is at least a 2-day park. And with plenty of days of tickets, you can take your time and visit the theme parks more than once.
With base tickets, and plenty of days of tickets, you do not need to cram your park days from park open to close. Also, this gives you plenty of time to enjoy your resort on your “down days”.
Consider Grocery Delivery
Grocery delivery at Walt Disney World is always a good idea, no matter how long you are staying. On a longer stay, your food budget may overextend itself. So having some groceries for quick meals or snacks, and especially a case of bottled water is a good idea. It not only saves money, but also you are not eating theme park food ALL the time.
Enjoy the “Hidden Gems”
There is SO much to see and do outside the Disney Parks. On a longer stay, you can enjoy so many unique experiences! Mini golf and Cirque du Soleil are perfect for a non park day. You could easily visit a Disney Waterpark, as well. Or, try creating your own Skyliner tour or Monorail crawl to the resorts on both of these forms of transportation. Get a snack, explore the resort, grab a drink….so much fun!
Another fun aspect on a longer trip is taking part in a hard ticketed event. Disney’s After Hours, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (read our best MNSSHP tips here), and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party all take place at various times of the year. Why not add one of those to your itinerary?
There is so much to see and explore at Walt Disney World! Will your family be taking a Walt Disney World vacation this year?
