When we think of trips to Walt Disney World, we often think of one or two week long expeditions to the Orlando area.  We are there for the long haul, determined to see everything and anything the property has to offer. Hundreds, if not thousands of dollars are spent during our trips.  And when it is all over, we return home, most likely not coming back to the World for another year or two.  For some, this is the only way they are able to take vacations.  With children in school, and parents with their own work schedules, it can be difficult to coordinate everyone for more than one vacation – and so, that vacation has to be longer during a time when everyone has off.  However, for those of us that have more flexibility in our schedules, the one long trip per year method of travel is not the only way to experience Walt Disney World.  You will find that shorter trips two or three times a year can be an even better way to experience what the World has to offer.

            There are many advantages to travelling to the World in shorter trips several times a year.  The first is the ability to avoid busier times of year.  Most likely, families that go for longer vacations are stuck going when every other family in the country decides to go to Walt Disney World as well (Christmas, Easter/Spring, Summer, and Thanksgiving).  While you are still able to have fun because you have more days to see things, the trade off is that you have experience it with the parks filled to capacity.  The advantage of planning your trips for shorter trips, is that you have the ability to travel on dates where you will see the least amount of crowds.  For example, going for a four day trip in September, then a three day trip in early December, then a long weekend in early February, and a final trip right after Easter/Spring Break and before the Summer onslaught.   While you may be at the World for shorter time spans, the time of year you do go enables you to do more things in less amounts of time.  And yes, while the parks have grown in popularity over the last few years, and there are less differences between the “off-season” and the “busy season”, many people would agree that they rather weather the Disney storm during a slower time of year, no matter the difference. 

            Travelling multiple times of year also allows guests to experience Walt Disney World all year long.  If you are a Disney-phile like me, there is something to be said for being able to parcel out trips to Disney.  Sure, going for one or two weeks a year is great.  However, the problem is that people can often not afford go much more than that.  Once the trip is over, it might be a year (or *gasp* more than a year) before they can go back again.  Being able to look forward to multiple trips a year, albeit only for a few days each, can be a lot more comforting than having to wait a year or more for your next Disney fix.

            In my opinion, several shorter trips a year also allows to do and see a lot more.  This means you can focus on different things on different trips.  For example, when I went to the Walt Disney World for a week and a half long trip, I stayed at one resort the entire time.  I got into the habit of hitting the same attractions at the same parks, at the same time of day.  It almost became a job, of sorts (an awesome job, but a job nonetheless).  This “Mickey Mouse Monotony” got to me the last few days.  I was so tired of touring, I found reasons to go back to the room early – and then not come back to the parks at all.  I spent good money watching ESPN and All My Children in my room.  It’s the proverbial “too much of a good thing” situation.

            Shorter trips are like breathes of fresh air.  You come to the park every few months, take it all in, and then head to the Magic Kingdom for a Hidden Mickey hunt, or go to Downtown Disney to catch La Nouba for the first time.  Each time in the World can be focused on doing something new and fresh.  You won’t get into a monotonous touring rhythm, because you won’t want to waste your few precious days in Orlando.  Moreover, with more frequent trips, you have the chance to stay at different resorts, if you so choose.  While some won’t want to waste the money staying at a moderate or deluxe resort for such a short stay, if you decide that you want to spend one of your trips lounging around the Grand Floridian resort, you wont be out as much money (since you’re only there for a few days) if you stayed there for a “long haul” trip.  Short trips can be focused on a few things and will keep things fresh for you all year long.

            If planned correctly you will not have to break the bank to go to the World several times a year.  The advantage of going once a year, is that you can save on air travel, because let’s face it – the state of the airline industry is not too strong.  However, you’re often forced to go to the World during busier times of year for long haul trips.  As you probably know, Disney charges higher nightly rates at its resorts during the busy times of year.  And depending on the flight you get, you might also be charged a premium as well (everyone wants to travel during the summer, during Easter and during Christmas).  Remaining flexible and open to shorter trips during less crowded times of year, allows you to take advantage of value season rates.  Checking out airlines like Southwest and US Airways might also lead to cheaper airfares.  Moreover, knowing in advance you will be going to the parks several times a year, you will probably find investing in an annual pass a good value.  Not only will be saving on tickets, annual pass discounts (when available) will make your room even cheaper.  You will also be eligible for the Disney Dining Experience, where you can save 20% off of dining.  There is value to be had on shorter trips.

            As you can tell, I truly endorse the shorter trips several times a year method of Disney vacationing.  There are major advantages and the costs are well worth it.  So if you enjoy Walt Disney World and have the flexibility to travel several times a year – I definitely suggest examine the way you travel to the World. 

Until next time!