In general, deciding how long to stay at Disney depends on how far away from Disney you live and how long you have for vacation. For example:

• DisneyDiva lives in Georgia (surprise surprise, she doesn't live in Orlando), therefore if she were going to Disney World (in Orlando for those of you new to Disney planning) a 3 day vacation is possible if she flies and only plans to visit 2-3 of the 6 parks.
• Alternately, 4-7 days is more practical if driving (2 days driving, 2-5 days at the parks). Again, this would not allow full exploration of all 6 parks.
• To drive to Orlando from Georgia and visit all of the parks, would require a 7-10 day vacation window - something that isn't practical in most cases or in this economy, as it is not as affordable as a shorter holiday.

DisneyDiva's Key Tip#2: Just because money is tight, doesn't mean you can't have a Disney holiday...it just means you have to pick and choose when you go and may need to shorten your trip!

Considering the current economy, the first thing I advise is to try and vacation during the value seasons (click here for the Disney Seasons chart). However, while the value seasons for the Disney 'value resports' and many other 'affordable', motel-style accomodations around the Disney parks is in the fall (September through early December), value season for some Disney deluxe resorts (and other more 'pricy' resorts/hotels in the area) goes from July through September. This means that if you plan carefully, you could upgrade your accomodation to a deluxe resort, by reducing other expenses.

Working out how long to stay at Disney can be tricky, especially when you are juggling work and school schedules. As a teacher who likes to avoid Disney during the crazy summer months, I prefer to take two shorter (3-4) day trips a year. The 3-4 day vacation works great as it is long enough to allow me to relax and see the things I really want to see, while allowing me to take advantage of the cheaper accomodation rates in fall and early spring.

However, if I were travelling to Disney World from Colorado, the more expensive transportation costs would probably reduce any savings I might gain from only going for 3-4 days. So in this case I would shoot for a 5-9 day holiday.

When working out how long to stay, you also need to consider your own circumstances. For instance, if this is a first trip to Disney with kids, you may need to miss some more adult aspects of the parks (like Epcot's World Showcase), in favor of more 'kid-friendly' experiences (like spending more time in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom). Remember that while there are 6 parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) you don't NEED to see everything at all of them in one single trip. To manage that feat, even in the lower seasons, would take upwards of 10 days!

For a 3-4 day trip, I suggest working to hit 2-3 parks and cover everything you want to do at them. In 5-6 days it is possible to see most everything at 4 parks. I have tried to cram 5 parks into 5 days and can say honestly that I was MISERABLE by the end of day two, thanks to rushing from one site/ride to the next without taking the time to really appreciate or enjoy anything. This is especially true if you have small children - remember they will need to rest, as will you. There is no point to trying to cram too much into too little time, you will go away frustrated and tired, rather than rest, relaxed and happy.

In the end, when planning a Disney vacation on a tight budget, how long you stay is directly related to your budget, what season you are travelling in (and consequently how expensive accomodation is) AND lastly, whether you are staying on site or off. Where you stay is a key part of the planning puzzle.

Next article....Balancing Cost versus Comfort - The Accomodation Puzzle

Actually, once you have decided to head to Disney, working out 'what' to do is less important than working out when to go.

Disney (as well as other resorts) charge different rates for different seasons based upon park/resort attendance and booking. If you want to go at Christmas, you can expect to pay more for transportation and hotels (both on Disney property and off) because this is a high attendance period due to school holidays. For example here are the 2008 seasons and rates for the DisneyWorld value class resorts:

• Value Season (from $82 per night for a family of 4): 1/1-2/13; 8/3-10/1; 11/30-12/18
• Regular Season (from $99): 3/30-5/21; 10/2-11/29
• Summer Season (from $109): 5/22- 8/2
• Peak Season (from $119): 2/14-3/29
• Holiday Season (from $129): 12/19-12/31
  

DisneyDiva Key #1: As a general rule, you will pay more during any time period when there is a school holiday this includes: Summer months (no surprise there), but also Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, New Years Day and Easter/Spring Break.

Being a teacher in my other life, I can sympathise with those of you who look at that list and immediately think "it is impossible, we can never go!" If you are limiting yourself to going only during a school holiday, then yes, finding a 'cheap' time of year to go will be difficult. However, if your children are younger (elementary school age), you might consider taking them out of school on a Monday and Friday to plan a 4 day trip. In particular, taking them out in late August or early September means they would only be missing the 'review' part of the curriculum.

Disney Diva's Top Time Picks for Disney:

• End August-September 25th: Yes, school has just started and most families are at home. If you can manage it, this is a fine time to visit the World. It is still quite warm, so if you detest hot, humid weather, I'd suggest one of the other times (see below). But, if you like warm weather and reasonable crowds, this is a good time to visit. September features the 'Star Wars Weekends' at Disney's Hollywood Studios, so unless you are a real fan, I'd hit the other parks and avoid the Studios. The other plus to this time period is that for the last 3 years Disney has offered 'Free Dining' if you book a Disney resort package (hotel & tickets) - more about this later this week!
• Mid-October - Thanksgiving: Weather is cooler which is ideal for a leisurely stroll around 'the World'. Having done Disney in July on my honeymoon, I will never again go in the summer (unless I win a free trip!). Also, during October the crowds are more manageable meaning more ride time. Be warned, Canadian Thanksgiving is over Columbus Day, so crowds may pick up then - particularly as the US Dollar has declined (more out of country tourists). Also note that days which have the "Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party" will have larger crowds, particularly after 4pm. I'd also avoid the "Food and Wine Festival" at Epcot during early October. BUT, one of the most enjoyable trips I've ever had to Disney World was Thanksgiving Day! Weird, but true.
• Early December: It sounds crazy, but early December (from the 1st - 15th) is a fine time to visit the World. Again, it is cooler, but the crowds are bearable. The crowds pick up on days when the 'Very Merry Christmas Party' is on, but are still manageable.

So, if you are thinking about planning a 'quick' Disney get away for October-Early December, NOW is the time to start making your arrangements. There are some great 'last minute' deals available (check out Travelocity or undercover tourist). But, even if you are thinking you might go next September, now is the time to start sorting out the details.

Next post...How Long Should You/Can You Stay?