One Week May Be Too Long

[Raineman]

I am currently at WDW, day 7 of an 8 day stay. We have been at the parks for 6 straight days, and at this point, I am thinking that a week may be too long, as I am starting to get a bit burned out. I know that taking a day away from the parks a couple of days ago would have been a good idea, but there are so many things that annoy me now after having been here almost a week-crying/screaming kids, dodging the constant stream of double-wide strollers, the literally hundreds of high school tour groups that have rolled in the past few days, the constantly crowded buses, etc. These things were there at the start of our week, but I didn't notice them. Now - ugh. I would definitely advise anyone staying for a week or more to get that "day off" from the parks (at least one), to relax and refresh, and to give those aching feet a break.

 

[Tinkerbella16]

This only happened to me once, and it was this past November on the longest trip I took, 10 days. By day 9 I was over everything you mentioned. The rest of the trip, nothing bothered me.. it is weird! I would still do a 10 day trip in a heartbeat. I think what it was for me, were the crowds. It was so crowded and it used to never be that way in mid November. We always go for a week - 7 nights, 8 days and this never seems to bother me as much at the end of the trip. We also take midday breaks, every day. We are morning people, so we do rope drop, but leave around 1pm the latest when the parks are at their most crowded. We like to relax and enjoy the resort during those breaks, so they really help. We never do full morning to night days.. I would be burned out quick if we toured that way. We have gotten so used to the way we do it over the years, that the daily breaks are a must - especially for sanity at the end of a long day.

 

[disneyfirstLJ]

After out last trip just a few weeks ago I have to agree with you. We did 8 days, 7 nights but only 6 days of tickets with the park hopper. We found the parks busier then our last two trips and had a harder time navigating that. We had a rest morning on the Friday during our trip and really needed it. Plus, I got sick with a cold halfway through so that didn't help. This time the trip felt long and we were ready to go home. That has never happened before.

 

[hooch]

I no longer get to go for 8 days anymore, more like 4 or 5, but I appreciate the warning/reminder to take some down time. I hope you enjoyed your last day!

 

[KCheatle]

I think this feeling depends in large part on when you go. When we travel in May and September, 1 week never feels like enough. But, when we went in July a few years ago, my entire family was homesick by day 5 or 6. We even stayed concierge level that trip; which one would think would have taken that trip up a notch. But, the heat and the crowds just were too much.

Plus, I think when the parks are less crowded there are more opportunities for your family to experience those magical moments that make you love WDW. In the off season, the characters and staff have more freedom and free time to meander around and do all sorts of cool things.

After that July trip, we decided we needed a break from WDW for awhile, and when we go back this September, it will have been a few years. So, hopefully we'll be able to rekindle our love for WDW. But, man...July was bad. Even the pool was hot

 

[Princess_AmyK]

I feel like a week flies by!

I won't stay for any time less than a week. I feel like it is the perfect amount of time. It allows me to go at the pace I like without feeling stressed or rushed.

This upcoming trip will be a week long, and I am only getting 4 day park hoppers. That gives me a few days to relax, explore resorts, and have fun at Disney springs. Some of the most magical memories I have don't even involve the parks. I definitely think that if I forced myself to spend every day at the parks, then I would be burnt out too. I can see how you feel that way after being on your 7th day. Sounds like you need a drink by the pool

 

[SeanWM48]

need to space things out. we never do more than 2 days in a row at parks unless the third day is a half-day party (halloween not-so-scary, christmas etc). i'm probably in the minority but i have almost as much fun being lazy at the pool, exploring another resort, or wandering downtown disney (springs) as i do at a park.

take a day where you have ZERO reservations. go to the wilderness lodge or polynesian, a place you've never stayed. eat there. go to springs mid-week mid-day when it's not so busy. you'll feel like you're really on a break. and by the next day you're ready for a park again

 

[MickeyMomV]

For our first true Disney vacation in 2001 we did 7 days in the parks and by the end we were so ready to go home. 15 years later we know more, can better schedule time, and can navigate the parks with our eyes closed so we try to do 9 to 11 days each visit and it is never enough. Sad part is that with our DS going into Jr. High this fall I think our long trips will be done for a while as the summers are just too hot and the holidays are just too busy. I think 4 and 5 day weekends will become the norm.

 

[DisneyJoe]

and the "every day, all day" approach at the parks is definitely not one we will include in our plans again.

I think that this is this is the most important piece of advice.

 

[TXDisney]

We just did an 8 day trip and never got bored or anything. The key is to take time out to relax and eat meals and maybe relax poolside and explore resorts, Disney springs and the boardwalk along with the parks.

 

[DiSnEyF@n]

The longer the stay the more relaxed I am... We stayed one time for 10 days and it was pure bliss. We didn't have to worry about missing something on day 1 or even 5! Taking afternoon breaks is wonderful and peaceful and relaxing. We went for 7 days last time and although it was a very wonderful trip I would have loved a couple more days to stay and play.

 

[LindsaySue2]

I am currently at WDW, day 7 of an 8 day stay. We have been at the parks for 6 straight days, and at this point, I am thinking that a week may be too long, as I am starting to get a bit burned out. I know that taking a day away from the parks a couple of days ago would have been a good idea, but there are so many things that annoy me now after having been here almost a week-crying/screaming kids, dodging the constant stream of double-wide strollers, the literally hundreds of high school tour groups that have rolled in the past few days, the constantly crowded buses, etc. These things were there at the start of our week, but I didn't notice them. Now - ugh. I would definitely advise anyone staying for a week or more to get that "day off" from the parks (at least one), to relax and refresh, and to give those aching feet a break.

Yup a day off in the middle of the week is now a permanent part of any trip I take to WDW. I've made that mistake before of going too hard and cramming it all in. By the end of the week I was a crabby lady. Not anymore. We are doing a Sat-Sat trip this July and that Wens is a free day. We have nothing planned but to sleep in and weather permitting go to the pool. Maybe we will go out to eat somewhere but if not I'm sure we will be happy with pizza in the room. Also we are doing an all grownup trip this time. The only tantrums or meltdowns we have to deal with are our own and I certainly hope we don't have any of that. Sorry it was crazy for you. Hopefully the next time you go it will be better.

 

[JIMINYCR]

Everyones vacationing style and tolerance to conditions differ. Any time I went to WDW less than 2 weeks I was miserable. The 7 day and 10 day trips were just too short. I enjoy the 2 week span, it seems to suit me fine. As more crowded conditions/ seasons made their way into WDW over the years I learned to plan wiser and adjust my mind set and expectations. You have no choice but to deal with things as they are now because Disney no longer gives you empty parks and walk on attractions. If you dont have the patience and find yourself becoming miserable, you have to find ways to cool down and take a breather so it doesnt ruin the time you have. One thing we do that helps is to go off property one day to see other places or just visit resorts for a break. And taking advantage of those late EMH's when crowds drop off helps a lot.

 

[jaklgreen]

For the past several years I have been going on a solo trip staying for 2 weeks. I love it! It is not all about going on the rides. I spend time at the resort just relaxing with a book at the pool, walk around Disney Springs, Eat at some of the nicer restaurants, etc. If you slow down and just look at all of the details Disney puts into their parks you would be amazed.

 

[Much-Pixie-Dust]

We alternate between 11-14 day and 4-5 day trips. We never go commando from open to close, and will take day breaks every 4 days or so on the longer trips and 1 break day on the shorter trips, which helps getting away from all the people in the parks. I always am sad to leave, but I start missing my dog and house on the longer stays.

 

[oneillkat]

I can definitely see what you are saying. We've done shorter and longer trips, and it all depends on what you do with your time. Our best experiences have been when we do long trips with half-days in the parks and days off mixed in for relaxing at the pool or just taking it easy. Seven straight days in the park is too much for me. The key is making time for relaxation, or else you'll just be exhausted.