Budget
The deciding factor for how long to stay at Walt Disney World is your budget. The most common duration is 2-weeks, but some people do opt for just one week. If budget is the primary factor, see our Walt Disney World Staying Onsite Vs Offsite article. There are many benefits to staying at A Walt Disney World Resort hotel - and it's what we do when we're at the Walt Disney World theme parks - and there are several hotel options that span almost all budgets from Disney's All-Star movies up to the beautiful deluxe resorts such as Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.
What We Suggest
We Brits tend to stay in Orlando longer than Americans do for some reason. Most American families visit stay for 4-5 nights - I find that baffling!
If you're staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you should allow at least 1 week, but preferably 2 weeks if your budget allows. 1 week gives you enough time to see all the parks at least once, and then a couple of times more towards the end. However, it can feel quite rushed. 2 weeks is the sweet spot because you'll be able to do pretty much everything once, what you love a few times, and have time to relax in between so you're not exhausted the whole time. Plus going for longer gives you time to enjoy the resort you're staying at.
Like To Take It Slow?
Staying for 2 weeks allows you to holiday at a slower pace like we do and enjoy using our half-day tip. This entails going to a park in the morning, heading back to your hotel around lunchtime to chill or go to the pool for a while, and then heading out in the afternoon and evening to another park. It is very exhausting to try and do a whole park in one day.
Length Adds Flexibility
Staying at least 2 weeks also gives you flexibility for when Florida's weather attempts to ruin your holiday. If you plan to see Fantasmic and it gets cancelled due to weather, then it's not too hard to fit in another night. While you can still have a great time going for a week, it's always worth staying a little longer for 10 or 14 days. Even more so if you plan to go outside of Disney to do other parks mall shopping.
UK-Exclusive Tickets
Us Brits get access to UK-exclusive Walt Disney World tickets! We have the option between a 7-day Disney Magic Ticket and a 14-day Disney Magic Ticket. The 14-day Disney Magic Ticket doesn't tend to cost much more than the 7-day, enticing you to stay longer. See our Walt Disney World Ticket Guide article for a full guide.
Summary
We like to extend our holiday and stay for up to 3 weeks, but we usually stay for 2. We do stay for 3 weeks if the prices are favourable - which differs from year to year - and if everyone can get that long off work! Overall, it comes down to how you like to holiday and how much budget you have to play with. I think if you're going for the first time and can afford it, save the extra and go for 2 weeks. Don't underestimate how sore your feet get and how hot they get can - you'll want time to chill out.
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