The Top 9 Reasons to Book an Extended Trip to Walt Disney World

1: For the Kids
News Flash... kids get tired. Any parent who has taken young children to Disney knows it is hard to balance the desire to do everything with the need for rest time. Let's be honest, when you've invested money and time into a Disney Vacation -- it's tempting to skip naps and rest. On the first trip with my son, we intended {keyword: intended} to return to the resort for naps each afternoon. Yet, when it came to the actual trip, we skipped naps or let him sleep in the stroller. We wanted to maximize our time in each park and weren't disciplined about naps. Not surprisingly, our son would get tired and cranky.

This fall, we are taking two kids to Disney and we must ensure rest is a priority. Since an extended trip provides more time in each park, it removes the pressure to do everything each day.

2: For the Adults
If you're taking children to Disney, you'll get tired too. Our first trip was without kids and we went hard from morning to late night. However, chasing kids, pushing strollers, and changing diapers, is physically taxing on adults. At the end of a day at Disney with kids we were much more tired than when we traveled to Disney without kids. Plus, Disney is fun for adults -- it's not just a kid place.

Yet, if you are taking kids -- and you go on a short trip -- you will be inclined to design the touring plan around their enjoyment. Of course, there isn't anything wrong with that, Disney is magical for children! But, if you book a longer trip, you won't feel guilty about fitting in magical moments for the adults too. Finally, though adults may not need naps, we do have more aches and pains. Your body will "thank you" for a more relaxed Disney vacation.

3: For the Shows

There is so much to do at Disney. Maybe it's just us, but we tend to prioritize rides over the live music, entertainment, and shows. Booking a longer vacation makes your time more flexible. If we want to watch an hour-long show, we can (and we're not missing out on our favorite rides in the meantime)! If we book a short trip, we won't allocate much time for shows.

What shows are on our list? Here are a few: Mickey's Royal Friendship Fair, Mickey's Backyard BBQ, and Move It! Shake It! Dance and Play It!.

4: For Exploring

During past trips, we have visited the Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner at Boma (which is a delicious meal, I recommend it!); but we haven't seen many other resort properties. Plus, even when we have been at another resort, we haven't had time to explore. Planning an extended trip to Disney allows for time to explore the beautiful Disney resort properties. For example, we'll spend: an evening enjoying the Savannah View at Animal Kingdom Lodge a morning at Disney's Polynesian Resort and time walking on the Boardwalk, to name a few.

Mickey Ears for Disney World Trip

We dressed up as Mouseketeers for Mickey\'s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey Ears, Mickey Ear Headbands

5: For Disney Springs
Last time we visited Disney World, we "stopped by" Disney Springs for an early dinner on the way out of town. Clearly, we had never been to Disney Springs and didn't realize that we'd stay busy until well after 10PM.

There is plenty to do at Disney Springs, especially in the evenings with live music and an array of delicious restaurants. The kids can find tons of fun, too -- there is: a Carousel, Train Ride, and free activities (such as building with Legos at the Lego Store).

6: For the Resort
We travel during the Value Season, and we stay at Value Resorts (which makes an extended trip more affordable). Don't assume that "Value" means a lack of amenities. Granted, the amenities aren't as luxurious as a Moderate or Deluxe Resort, but it is still a quality Disney resort. I don't know about your kids, but my children love to swim. The resort we are staying at, Pop Century, has three pools and plenty of space to lounge. On past trips, I believe we've been to a pool at Disney maybe three times. Remember reasons #1 and #2? Some of our rest time will be taking place poolside.

7: For the Magic
What would make your trip more magical? Maybe you'd like to take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, or attend a Park Opening? Maybe it's: searching for Hidden Mickeys, collecting Character Autographs, or making Pressed Pennies. You can't do it all (even on an extended trip), but you can incorporate more magical moments when you aren't forced to fit four amusement parks into four short days.

8: For the Value
What? How is an extended Disney trip a value for your vacation budget? Well, it does -- of course -- cost more to stay more nights. However, the park ticket price (per day) drops drastically after four days. By day seven, you are only paying about $10 more (per person, per day) for the park tickets (as opposed to approximately $100 per person, per day). So, when we go to Disney, we make it a big deal. A quick, weekend Disney trip is cheaper overall, but the price per day is significantly higher. If you can save for a longer trip, you'll get a bigger bang for your buck.

9: For the Experience
Disney 2017 has been marked on the calendar for several years. For our family, there have been 4-5 years between each trip to Disney. For some families, they may only go once. If this describes you, consider an extended trip. It doesn't need to be a 10-day vacation -- but the longer, the better. A longer Disney Vacation will allow you and your family to experience Disney; as opposed to rushing through Disney. We want to take it slow. If our kids want to spend an hour playing in the water at Casey Jr. Splash n' Soak, then we'll let them play. If we want to meander through each country in World Showcase, listening to live music, tasting food, and window shopping -- then let's do that!

Instead of making Disney a checklist, make it a vacation. What do you think? Would an extended Disney Trip be a good option for your family?

About the Author: Lora Green blogs at Craftivity Designs, where she documents how she is creating her home. She believes that a home should tell the story of a family -- their personality, stories, dreams, travels, and faith. If you are trying to create a home, check out her organization ideas, DIY projects, and free printable templates to get started.