It’s Mother’s Day Weekend and that means it’s time to celebrate all the wonderful moms and women in our lives!
Polynesian Village Resort
In Disney World, that also means it’s time for special offerings, adorable merch, and some limited-time treats! If you’re looking for a fun way to treat mom, you might want to head on over to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort where you’ll find a specialty cocktail that’s available this weekend only!
We stopped by Tambu Lounge to give the Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail a try. You can also snag this sip at Barefoot Pool Bar!
Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail
If your mom likes a refreshing blend of vodka and flavors of raspberry and lemon (that’s fancy talk for pre-mixed raspberry lemonade), then this might be the perfect drink for her to celebrate her day! Not to mention the paper umbrella garnish adds the perfect reminder that it’s time to kick back and relax!
Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail
And how did it taste? We’ll admit it was pretty sweet, but overall not that bad! You can really taste the raspberry lemonade, so fans of that particular flavor will enjoy this cocktail. We thought the vodka was a great touch for adults. FYI, you can ask the Cast Member for a nonalcoholic version of this if you just want the lemonade!
Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail
This drink is available from today through May 9th and you can snag it at either Barefoot Pool Bar or Tambu Lounge for $13.89. That’s a pretty steep price tag for a drink that consists of just 2 ingredients, so be warned! As always, stay tuned to DFB for all the latest eat, sip, and treat reviews from Disney World.
Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
And even if you’ve already shopped for Mom, then who’s to say that you can’t buy a little something-something for yourself? With Star Wars items, new Disney bags, and a brand-new rainbow collection, there’s something for everyone this week!
Foodie Merchandise
If you love Disney merch themed to the best snacks from around “The World,” then you’re going to NEED to see the new item that dropped this week!
Just look at this neww Disney Foodie Loungefly Backpack. We’ve seen several food-based Loungeflys over the years, but we certainly aren’t complaining about the possibility of adding another to our collection.
We also got to check out a TON of items from this year’s rainbow collection. We’re talking collectible keys, ears, shirts, and so much more!
Mickey Rainbow Ear Hat!
We’ve seen a bunch of these items in the parks and online for fans to shop, and we’ll be looking out for more of this collection to land on shopDisney in the future.
It wouldn’t be a merchandise update without some new Disney bags! If you’re excited about the upcoming Moana refurbishment at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, then you’re going to love the new Moana Dooney & Bourke bags.
How fun is this bag?!
There’s also a new series of Mickey Mouse bags from Herschel for pre-order on shopDisney.
That’s everything new this week, but continue following along this week to see all the new merchandise in Disney World and online! Here at DFB, we’ve got you covered on all the Disney latest!
Order Your Copy of the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Today!
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet.
Coming off of a brand new UFC Women’s flyweight champ being crowned at UFC 261 just a couple of weeks ago, two more top contenders in that division will look to stake their claim for a future opportunity when the UFC returns to Las Vegas tomorrow night. Two promising stars will do battle with the […]
More plaques from the closed Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game have been removed from Liberty Square and Fantasyland. We’ve recently seen other Liberty Square and Fantasyland game plaques removed, so today is no surprise. The final medallion at Sir Mickeys has finally been removed. The lock remains inserted into the wall below a screen. This game plaque was in the bricks, so it appears some brickwork had to be done to repair this. The second one was also located […]
Average posted wait times were low across all four Walt Disney World parks today, with each park’s average wait time ranking near the bottom of its 30-day average. That’s the good news, as far as crowds go. Over at the Studios, Rise of the Resistance is having one of its worst days of operation in recent memory.
We’ve got 207 actual wait times so far today from our fabulous Lines community! And we’ve counted 478 of 500 guests (96%) wearing masks according to Disney’s guidelines. Let’s do the rest of the numbers!
Magic Kingdom Wait Times
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 46 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 56 minutes, so today ranks #227 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 75% of the posted wait time.
Magic Kingdom wait times for Friday, May 7, 2021
Astro Orbiter had an average wait time today of 30 minutes. Its 7-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #19 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #184 for the past year.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 32 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 32 minutes, so today ranks #13 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #225 for the past year. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 38% of the posted wait time.
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin had an average wait time today of 26 minutes. Its 7-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #195 for the past year.
Prince Charming Regal Carrousel had an average wait time today of 25 minutes. Its 7-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #1 for the past year.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #139 for the past year.
“it’s a small world” had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #260 for the past year.
Jungle Cruise had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #181 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 82% of the posted wait time.
Mad Tea Party had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 16 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #134 for the past year.
Mickey’s PhilharMagic had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #119 for the past year.
Peter Pan’s Flight had an average wait time today of 28 minutes. Its 7-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #207 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 96% of the posted wait time.
Pirates of the Caribbean had an average wait time today of 33 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #25 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #236 for the past year. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 96% of the posted wait time.
Space Mountain had an average wait time today of 30 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #193 for the past year. We received 6 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 90% of the posted wait time.
Splash Mountain had an average wait time today of 67 minutes. Its 7-day average is 69 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 67 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #90 for the past year. We received 10 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 79% of the posted wait time.
The Barnstormer had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #15 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #185 for the past year.
The Haunted Mansion had an average wait time today of 17 minutes. Its 7-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #237 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 47% of the posted wait time.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin had an average wait time today of 14 minutes. Its 7-day average is 13 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #153 for the past year.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh had an average wait time today of 26 minutes. Its 7-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #134 for the past year.
Tomorrowland Speedway had an average wait time today of 12 minutes. Its 7-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 16 minutes, so today ranks #211 for the past year.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover had an average wait time today of 30 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #5 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 72% of the posted wait time.
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid had an average wait time today of 17 minutes. Its 7-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 20 minutes, so today ranks #198 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 43% of the posted wait time.
Animal Kingdom Wait Times
Na’vi River Journey had an average wait time today of 34 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 38 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #228 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 65% of the posted wait time.
Animal Kingdom wait times for Friday, May 7, 2021
DINOSAUR had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #88 for the past year.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain had an average wait time today of 19 minutes. Its 7-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #205 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 59% of the posted wait time.
Kali River Rapids had an average wait time today of 20 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 33 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #88 for the past year.
Kilimanjaro Safaris had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 35 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 40 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 24 minutes, so today ranks #114 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 69% of the posted wait time.
It’s Tough to Be a Bug! had an average wait time today of 25 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 29 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #86 for the past year.
TriceraTop Spin had an average wait time today of 5 minutes. Its 7-day average is 7 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 8 minutes, so today ranks #17 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 7 minutes, so today ranks #106 for the past year.
Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 61 minutes. Its 7-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #104 for the past year. We received 5 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 90% of the posted wait time.
Hollywood Studios Wait Times
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway had an average wait time today of 37 minutes. Its 7-day average is 36 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #18 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 54 minutes, so today ranks #277 for the past year. We received 7 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 100% of the posted wait time.
Hollywood Studios wait times for Friday, May 7, 2021
Rise of the Resistance is not having a great day of operations. Although the Studios’ official opening time was 9:00 a.m. today, and Rise of the Resistance normally starts calling boarding groups at 8:30 a.m. (because the park actually opens earlier than 9:00 a.m.), Rise of the Resistance didn’t start calling boarding groups until 10:00 a.m. And ride operations has proceeded today in fits and starts, with short, consistent delays making the graph below look like a short set of stairs, instead of a smooth, upward-sloping line. At this pace, it’s like Rise will have its worst day of the past week, if not recent memory.
Rise of the Resistance boarding groups for Friday, May 7, 2021
Muppet*Vision 3D had an average wait time today of 33 minutes. Its 7-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 31 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 22 minutes, so today ranks #41 for the past year.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith had an average wait time today of 36 minutes. Its 7-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #16 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 41 minutes, so today ranks #195 for the past year. We received 10 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 63% of the posted wait time.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #24 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #172 for the past year. We received 9 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 66% of the posted wait time.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror had an average wait time today of 57 minutes. Its 7-day average is 53 minutes, so today ranks #1 for this week. Its 30-day average is 57 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #101 for the past year. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 103% of the posted wait time.
Toy Story Mania! had an average wait time today of 27 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #166 for the past year. We received 19 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 66% of the posted wait time.
Slinky Dog Dash had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 60 minutes, so today ranks #191 for the past year. We received 19 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 56% of the posted wait time.
Alien Swirling Saucers had an average wait time today of 25 minutes. Its 7-day average is 26 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 28 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 25 minutes, so today ranks #167 for the past year.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run had an average wait time today of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #27 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #234 for the past year. We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 91% of the posted wait time.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 23 minutes, so today ranks #2 for this week. Its 30-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #23 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 21 minutes, so today ranks #135 for the past year.
EPCOT Wait Times
Test Track had an average wait time today of 44 minutes. Its 7-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 55 minutes, so today ranks #214 for the past year.
EPCOT wait times for Friday, May 7, 2021
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros had an average wait time today of 5 minutes. Its 7-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 8 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 9 minutes, so today ranks #284 for the past year.
Journey Into Imagination With Figment had an average wait time today of 15 minutes. Its 7-day average is 16 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 18 minutes, so today ranks #22 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 14 minutes, so today ranks #126 for the past year.
Living with the Land had an average wait time today of 8 minutes. Its 7-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 11 minutes, so today ranks #242 for the past year.
Mission: SPACE Orange had an average wait time today of 39 minutes. Its 7-day average is 43 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 44 minutes, so today ranks #26 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #92 for the past year.
Soarin’ had an average wait time today of 41 minutes. Its 7-day average is 50 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 52 minutes, so today ranks #29 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 37 minutes, so today ranks #129 for the past year.
Spaceship Earth had an average wait time today of 23 minutes. Its 7-day average is 27 minutes, so today ranks #6 for this week. Its 30-day average is 30 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 19 minutes, so today ranks #109 for the past year.
The Seas with Nemo & Friends had an average wait time today of 15 minutes. Its 7-day average is 15 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 17 minutes, so today ranks #21 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 12 minutes, so today ranks #79 for the past year.
Frozen Ever After had an average wait time today of 33 minutes. Its 7-day average is 39 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 42 minutes, so today ranks #28 for the past month. Its 365-day average is 45 minutes, so today ranks #201 for the past year.
In an interview for SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Show, Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff added a bit more insight into what happened behind the scenes of her Disney+ Sequel Series that never came to be. What’s Happening: In an appearance on Thursday’s The Jess Cagle Show on SiriusXM, former Disney Channel Star Hilary Duff shared […]
Live with Kelly and Ryan has announced their special guests for the week of May 10th. Among the guests joining for a virtual or on location appearance are actors, authors and lifestyle experts. What’s Happening: Every day millions of Americans tune in to ABC’s nationally syndicated, long running morning talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan for […]
This week Jimmy Kimmel Live! will welcome a number of special guests including actors and musical guests who will discuss current projects, business successes, and perform their latest hits. What’s Happening: Every weeknight, comedian Jimmy Kimmel entertains audiences across the nation with his wit and fun take on the world at large. The show features a […]
With a vacation destination as vast as Walt Disney World, it’s possible to stay there for several weeks or longer, without repeating a single activity or attraction. But just because there’s plenty to do at the parks, that doesn’t mean you can, or should, stay to do it all in any one trip. With so many options available, how do you decide the length of your Walt Disney World vacation?
There are several factors you might consider when planning the duration of your trip:
Amount of time available for travel
Budget allocation
Time of year of your visit
Age/Stamina of the members of your traveling party
Your frequency of travel to Walt Disney World
Number of “must do” attractions for your family
Distance from which you’re traveling
Interest in non-theme-park activities
Interest in time for relaxation
Interest in visiting other Central Florida attractions
Time needed at home at either end of your trip to pack/unpack
Let’s break these down individually …
Amount of Time Available for Travel
Let’s say that a late August trip is an ideal time for my family to visit the parks. Given that time frame, does that mean we stay for six days? Seven? More? Given our commitments, the trip could possibly last as long as nine nights. But is that the right length visit? The first step in deciding the length of your trip is to determine the maximum time available.
Budget Allocation
It sounds like a truism that the longer you stay, the more you’ll pay, but that’s not necessarily accurate. With a bit of savvy shopping, you’ll find that two or even three nights in a Disney value resort costs less than one night in a deluxe resort. Are you willing to stretch your budget into a longer trip by compromising on accommodation amenities? Are you willing to save enough money for extra nights at the hotel by eating a quick service restaurants vs. table service restaurants? Your answers to these questions will help determine the trip length that’s right for you.
One area where you may not need to make concessions to stay longer is in park ticket prices. Take some time to explore different options on the TouringPlans.com Ticket Calculator. In general, you’ll find that beyond the first five or six days of a trip, increasing the number of days of your stay has minimal impact on ticket expense.
Time of Year of Your Visit
Take a look at the TouringPlans Crowd Calendar. Make a note of the relative crowd level during the time of your visit. Even with a touring plan in hand, the larger the crowds, the longer it’s going to take to accomplish what you want at Walt Disney World. Decide if crowd levels create a need for you to stay longer. Also, note whether there are special events that may influence the length of your stay. For example, if you stay one extra day, you might have the opportunity to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Or, because you’re traveling during EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, you might want an extra day at that park.
My family often visits Walt Disney World during our February break. At that time of year, I like to spend every possible vacation moment in sunny Florida, thus avoiding the icy yuck at home in New York.
While weather situations can happen at any time of the year, during fall/winter when hurricanes in Florida or blizzards in the North often impact flights, you may want to build in a buffer day for travel home if you have something important to attend to immediately upon your return.
Age/Stamina of the Members of Your Traveling Party
Does your party include babies or toddlers who have limited patience for non-home environments? Does your party include seniors who want to take things at a slower pace and extend the trip with intermediate rest days? Does your party include teens who want to sleep all morning, thus limiting touring to the more crowded afternoons? Factor these items into how long you’ll need in the parks.
Your Frequency of Travel to Walt Disney World
I often make half a dozen trips to Walt Disney World in a year. With such frequent visits, I know that if I don’t go on a favorite ride this time, I’ll have a chance again soon. This means that shorter trips are often fine with me. However, if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or even if you only visit once every several years, then adding a few days to accomplish more may make sense for you.
Number of Must-Do Attractions for Your Family
I have three daughters, all fairly close in age, with a large overlap in their park touring interests. Particularly when they were younger, this kept my family’s list of must-do attractions quite small. As long as we hit the princess highlights, everyone felt satisfied. However, if you have a large age range or both boys and girls in your family, your list of key attractions may be longer. If both the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and Expedition Everest must be accomplished, then you may need a longer vacation to get everyone what he or she needs.
Distance from Which You’re Traveling
Most folks like to spend more of their precious time off actually enjoying their vacation vs. traveling to and from their vacation. This means that if you’re coming to Florida from a sizable distance (Europe or even the Western U.S.), you may want to consider taking a longer visit to Walt Disney World. This keeps the ratio of travel to trip balanced in the right direction.
Interest in Non-Theme-Park Activities
Walt Disney World is a HUGE place. In addition to the four major theme parks, there are also dozens of non-park activities: spas, mini-golf, water parks, fishing, shopping, exploring the resorts, dining, dancing, shows, a tethered balloon ride, tennis, horseback riding, behind-the-scenes tours, bike rentals, and on and on. If you want to experience these types of amenities, you’ll need a longer trip.
Interest in Time for Relaxation
A Disney World vacation has the potential to be both fun and exhausting. Many folks walk five, six, or more miles per day just visiting park attractions. Consider your family’s need for unplanned downtime on a vacation. If you’d like to take a mid-trip day to lounge at the pool, factor that into the length of your stay. And yes, a relaxing Disney vacation IS possible!
Interest in Visiting Other Central Florida Attractions
While I’m a Disney girl at heart, my kids are absolutely Harry Potter fanatics. On our Disney vacations, we’ve planned side trips to Universal Studios’ Wizarding World. Your family may be interested in Sea World, Orlando’s outlet shopping, the LEGOLAND near Tampa, Kennedy Space Center, a beach visit, or any number of other non-Disney activities. Add time to your trip if you plan on experiencing other nearby attractions.
Do You Need Time At Either End of Your Trip?
When I return home from a vacation, I like to start fresh the first Monday back with suitcases unpacked, laundry done, and groceries purchased. This means that on a week-long trip, I’ll almost always choose to come back on Saturday rather than Sunday. This may make my trip shorter by a day, but it keeps me saner when I’m home. Other folks may choose to delay the start of their trip so that they can pack or clean house before they go. Both options may impact how long you’ll be able to be at Walt Disney World.
Decide What’s Right for YOU
Many “experts” will recommend a five-day or seven-day trip as the best way to experience Walt Disney World, but that could be entirely wrong depending on the profile of the guest. For example, taking into consideration the factors above, a single parent coming from Atlanta on a limited budget might have a four-day trip work best, while a family of six coming from London might find that a ten or twelve-day trip works best. Try to disregard blanket recommendations and create the travel plan that’s right for your specific needs. Are there other factors you consider when planning how long to stay at Walt Disney World? Have your past Disney vacations been too long or too short? What made it feel that way? Please let us know in the comments below.
First published February 24, 2014. Revised May 7, 2021.
The verbiage on The Walt Disney World website has been updated to remove mention of temperature checks at resort table service restaurants: With the verbiage already changed to no longer reference sit-down restaurants, it seems that policy may have already changed, and thus, they may no longer be requited in order to dine. It does sometimes take a bit for these policy changes to trickle down to the actual locations, so don’t be surprised if they still do these checks […]
With more than 750 pages, the 2021 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs!
With Star Wars items, new Disney bags, and a brand-new rainbow collection, there’s something for everyone this week!
