Guests visiting Walt Disney World and Disneyland have a wide range of budgets and different priorities when planning their trips. For some, the magic includes VIP Tours, spa treatments, and eating at fine dining restaurants throughout their stay. Others may be counting every penny, staying at off-property hotels, packing their snacks, and limiting extras like merchandise or Lightning Lanes. And, of course, the majority of us fall somewhere in between.
However, it’s important to recognize that very few Disney guests have an unlimited budget, which raises an interesting question: Would you rather extend your stay at a value resort (or even off-property) or splurge on a shorter, more luxurious trip by booking a deluxe resort for just a couple of days?
While I’m not someone who believes in pinching every single penny while on vacation, I personally fall into the camp of those who would rather make the trip last longer by staying at a more affordable resort and skipping the extra splurges like expensive restaurants or spa treatments. For me, the joy of being at Disney is the experiences in the parks—not just where I’m staying or what I can buy. Sure, a deluxe resort is nice, and a nice shopping spree at the Emporium sounds fun, but it also means a shorter stay. And who wants to cut their Disney vacation short? The longer I can be there, the more I can savor the magic, and that is what I care most about.
Now, if your budget allows for both spending sprees, deluxe resorts, and an extended stay—well, that’s fantastic! But I don’t think many people find themselves in that position. Most of us are trying to make the most of our experience without stretching ourselves too thin. For me, the added time is worth more than the extra luxury. More time means more opportunities to explore, more moments to enjoy, and less stress about fitting everything into a rushed few days.
A short, expensive trip can create a sense of urgency that might make the vacation feel less relaxing. Especially if you’re traveling with kids, the pressure to do it all can be overwhelming. Instead of leisurely enjoying the parks, you’re faced with the stress of cramming in as much as possible. Kids have their own needs, and when you’re spread thin, trying to balance all the park experiences while keeping everyone happy, it often leads to burnout and frustration. Even VIP tours are typically jam-packed with ride after ride, which is super fun, but I would imagine would become tiring if done for more than one day of the trip.
In the end, for me, the value of a longer trip is clear: more time to explore, more time to relax, and less pressure to rush through the parks. Staying at a value resort might not offer the same luxury as a deluxe option, but it offers the gift of time—a far more valuable resource when it comes to making the most of your Disney vacation.
