How Many Days Do You Need For A Walt Disney World Vacation?

How many days do you really need for a Disney World trip? Or rather how long should you stay at Disney World? We say 7 days makes the perfect Disney World trip. But, whether it’s 5, 7, 9 or 11 days, either way, you cut it, there’s never a right or wrong answer here. Because it’s all depending on how much you want to do during your visit. While these answers may be more about how much time you can get off work, the kid’s vacation, or your Disney budget, it’s still good to have a basic idea. So, Just How Long Should a Disney World Vacation be?

Walt Disney World is a HUGE undertaking on any vacation, so you might as well give yourself enough time to enjoy it! With over 25 resorts, 4 theme parks, 2 water parks, a shopping center, and a Boardwalk area, there are a ton of things to do both inside and outside of the parks. As such, a 7-Day trip to Disney World is best. This gives you a chance to do all the theme parks at least once, and Magic Kingdom twice, which you’ll need since there are over 25 rides there. It also gives you some flexibility with your days so you can add in the Disney Resorts, Boardwalk, and Disney Springs. While you won’t see everything at Disney World on a 7 day trip, you can make a good effort of it. Here we share some Sample Disney World Itineraries for each length of stay, and a bunch of tips to help you maximize your vacation.

Contents

• 1 How Long Should You Stay at Disney World?
• 2 How Many Days Do you Need at Each Disney Park?
• 3 How Many Days Do you Need for Magic Kingdom? 2 Days
• 4 How Many Days Do you Need at Animal Kingdom? 1 Day
• 5 How Many Days Do You Need at EPCOT? 1- 2 Days
• 6 How Many Days Do You Need at Hollywood Studios? 1 Day
• 7 Disney World Sample Itineraries
• 8 5-Day Disney World Itinerary
• 9 7 Day Disney World Itinerary
• 10 9 Day Disney World Itinerary
• 11 11 Day Disney World Itinerary
• 12 Walt Disney World Vacation Tips

How Long Should You Stay at Disney World?

A Walt Disney World Vacation should combine all the fun of a theme park vacation, with new experiences and some relaxation. That’s difficult to do if you’re rushing through each day trying to do all the things. We’ll break down a couple of options here for you, but let’s start with our favorite length of stay at Walt Disney World, 7-9 days.

How Many Days do you Need for a Disney World Trip?

A good Disney World Vacation is a minimum of 5 days, while the best length for a Disney World trip is 7-9 days. Most people stay at Disney World for 1 Week. Aiming for a 5 day Disney World vacation means you will be rushed trying to fit in 4 theme parks, and anything else you may do, but it is possible. Whereas a 7-9 day Disney World vacation offers you the time to visit all four theme parks, a water park, perhaps Disney Springs and the Boardwalk, as well as resorts.

If you’re hoping to really get into all the Disney magic that Walt Disney World has to offer, we recommend 9 days. Really that long? YES! Frankly, if you can afford it by all means stay longer! What’s our reasoning behind this? Well once you see how the parks break down you’ll see where this comes from. Of course, it’s not just all about the numbers either. Having been to Walt Disney World many, many, times we can tell you that the Best Disney Vacation is typically 7-9 days. Check out our page on Disney World Vacation Planning to get a handle of just how big Disney World is and everything you can do there.

Can you do a Walt Disney World Vacation in One Week?

Yes, a 7-day Walt Disney World trip is the most common length of trip. Better still, it will allow you to skip the parks on your arrival and departure days, meaning that you should have time to see the resort, head to Disney Springs, the Boardwalk, or even get in a round of Disney World Miniature Golf.

How Many Days Do you Need at Each Disney Park?

Depending on the length of your vacation, it’s best to aim to give each park at least ONE FULL DAY. While not everyone will be adding the Water Parks to their trips, most everyone will enjoy the main four theme parks, and exploring the Resorts, Boardwalk and Disney Springs. As a result we typically recommend a 7 day trip so that you can add some flexibility. We’ll dive into each park below.

• Magic Kingdom: 2 Days
• EPCOT: 1 Day, 2 Days if there’s a festival.
• Hollywood Studios: 1 Day to 1.5 days
• Animal Kingdom: 1 Day

How Many Days Do you Need for Magic Kingdom? 2 Days

2 Days. Magic Kingdom is by far the reason most people visit Walt Disney World. With over 25 rides, and the most shows and parades, it’s the most difficult to fit into one day. Whether it’s to see Cinderella’s Castle, ride TRON, or head to Haunted Mansion, this is the most ride-heavy park to visit. It’s also the most kid-focused. With so many rides you will need at least 2 days to NOT feel like you’re rushing. Check out the Magic Kingdom Bucket List to get started planning what to tackle each day.

Be sure to add things like the Festival of Fantasy Parade, Happily Ever After and the newer Starlight Nighttime Parade to your Magic Kingdom day. These are the things that make it more than just a theme park, and are worth doing.

The best time to visit Magic Kingdom is usually on a Tuesday or Thursday. As Walt Disney World’s smallest park it will feel the most crowded faster, so be mindful to avoid weekends and holidays.

How Many Days Do you Need at Animal Kingdom? 1 Day

1 Day. Animal Kingdom used to be a half-day park…IF you didn’t walk all the animal trails. But, with the arrival of Pandora it is now officially a 1 day, full-day park. AND technically, if you add in all the animal trails and Wild Africa Trek to your Disney Vacation, this could easily be a 2 day Park. This is probably the best multi-generational family Disney park. There are paths for walking and seeing the animals for taking it slow. Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids for the thrill-seekers, and kid’s can play the Wilderness Explorer’s Game to learn about animals and collect badges around the park along the way. Read through the Animal Kingdom Bucket List for a checklist of rides, restaurants, and shows.

The best time to visit Animal Kingdom is usually on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Our best tip here is to plan to arrive very early before opening so that you can rush to Flight of Passage as soon as the park opens. This will give you time throughout the rest of the day to tackle all the things to do in Animal Kingdom, without waiting in the often more than 2-hour line for Flight of Passage.

How Many Days Do You Need at EPCOT? 1- 2 Days

1- 2 Days. EPCOT is one of our favorite parks! No longer just a park for Disney adults, this park includes Frozen Ever Ever, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and the EPCOT World Showcase. It is also home to the iconic Spaceship Earth ride, and the Disney World Aquarium at The Seas building.

Home to 4 Annual Festivals this park opens 20+ outdoor kitchens 4 times a year with specialty foods to try. Each festival highlights something different. The Festival of the Arts features over 100 artist booths across the park. While the Flower and Garden Festival showcases over 70 topiaries and gardens in the spring. The Food and Wine Festival brings new dishes and drinks, center stage every year in the fall. And the Festival of Holidays welcomes holiday storytellers from countries around the world to share holiday traditions. Check out our EPCOT Bucket List to get started planning what to tackle each day.

The best days to visit EPCOT are Mondays and Wednesdays. And if you’re adamant about avoiding the crowds, stick to daytime hours before 4 pm. EPCOT is a favorite spot for locals and annual pass holders. So, consider yourself warned. We adore EPCOT, but you can always feel the crowds when they start descending here. That said, if you’re planning to attend all the things the festivals have to offer, 2 Days at EPCOT gives you the most flexibility.

How Many Days Do You Need at Hollywood Studios? 1 Day

1 to 1.5 Days. Hollywood Studios is another park that used to be a half-day. But, with the arrival of Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy Edge this park has jumped to a full 1-day park…and sometimes even more than 1 day if you can manage it. Things like Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular, and Star Tours are classic experiences to add to list. But, Hollywood Studios also has key rides you don’t want to miss, like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance. And while weekdays aren’t bad, if you’re visiting on the weekend, or during the busy season, consider grabbing a Disney Lighting Lane Pass for your ride strategy here.

The best time to visit Hollywood Studios is on Tuesday, Wednesday, and sometimes Friday. Another park you don’t want to be stuck in during the weekends, Hollywood Studios is Disney World’s smallest park, and feels crowded the fastest.

Disney World Sample Itineraries

For the purpose of sharing how each length of trip to Disney World could look, we have included some Disney World Sample Itineraries below for each length of trip in this post. Hopefully this can give you a good idea, of how you’ll want to plan each day your Disney Trip.

Arrival Day

Ahhh, the day you arrive at Walt Disney World. If you’re not shoving a park in to your arrival day, you can explore your Resort or Resort Hop for a Dinner Reservation. If you’re getting in extra early you can always head to the parks. Which park should you go to on Arrival Day at Disney World? Magic Kingdom. No contest. There is nothing like getting your first dose of Disney at the Magic Kingdom. Cinderella’s Castle, the cinnamon roll smells on Main Street, and Pirates of the Caribbean make this a great first day of vacation.

Hollywood Studios Day

If you’re planning to do a park on your arrival day, or departure day, Hollywood Studios is your best options. It is a small park, and able to be done in one day. So, even if you don’t get there until noon, you should still be okay to get most of the rides in. Be sure to stay for Fantasmic! and visit Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. Top 10 Things to Do at Hollywood Studios

Magic Kingdom Day

Arrive at the park early and plan to spend all day at Magic Kingdom. Take a break in the middle of the day at the Monorail Resorts just outside the park, and head to Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resorts for lunch. Between 12-4pm Magic Kingdom is the busiest, and it’s the hottest time of day, so it’s a great time to take a break. After your break head back to Magic Kingdom, and get in the rest of the rides, and shows, and stay late for the Happily Ever After Fireworks Show. Top 10 Things to do at Magic Kingdom

Epcot Day

Plan to spend a full day at EPCOT Park so you can get in all the rides, and try all the foods during festival times. Take a break at the Disney Boardwalk just outside the back gate of EPCOT Park in the afternoon, then head back into the park afterwards to tackle more rides, shopping, dinner and the nighttime show. Top 10 Things to do at EPCOT

Animal Kingdom Day

By the third or fourth day of your trip, you’ll need a break, and you should plan Animal Kingdom for that day. And while Animal Kingdom is sprawling, and will require some walking, it’s Disney’s largest park, and won’t feel as crowded. It also closes early, usually by 6pm. As such Animal Kingdom is also a good park to put just before your last day, meaning you’ll have time to get back to your resort to pack, before having to leave in the morning. Top 10 things to do at Animal Kingdom

Departure Day

If your flight leaves late enough head to Disney Springs, to get in your last bit of Disney shopping before leaving. Every Disney Resort has checkout at 11 AM. That said, you can easily stash everything in your car or leave it at Bell Services while you explore the resorts one last time.

5-Day Disney World Itinerary

On a 5 day trip to Disney World, you can visit all four parks, and have one day to see the resorts or Disney Springs. But you will feel RUSHED! That said, you can still make the most of it, by Saving at Time at Disney World where you can. This is what a 5-day Itinerary for Walt Disney World looks like.

1. First Day- Arrival Day Hollywood Studios
2. Magic Kingdom
3. EPCOT Park
4. Animal Kingdom
5. Last Day- Departure Day Resort Day

7 Day Disney World Itinerary

The average Disney vacation is 7 days long. Of course, it really isn’t long enough to get to the “vacation part” of your vacation. And we’d never recommend less than 7 days unless you were an avid Disney World Vacationer and were not trying to fit it all in. With a 7 day trip you have time to take it easy and do non-park things on your arrival day. Believe us, this will make it feel like the whole vacation is more relaxing.

1. First Day– Arrival Day. Disney Springs, the Disney Boardwalk or Resort Hopping
2. Magic Kingdom
3. EPCOT
4. Hollywood Studios
5. Animal Kingdom
6. Magic Kingdom ( 2nd time) or head to the Water Park, Disney Springs, the Disney Boardwalk or Resort Hopping
7. Last Day- Departure Day Resort Day

9 Day Disney World Itinerary

We’ll break this down by park too, but for the most part, it goes like this. By Day this is what your plan will generally look like. The park order can change depending on which day you start your Disney vacation. At 9 days you can add 2 days for Magic Kingdom, which is a big deal, because with over 25 rides, it’s a huge amount of stuff to get into one day.

1. First Day– Arrival Day
2. Magic Kingdom
3. EPCOT
4. Hollywood Studios
5. Animal Kingdom
6. Disney Springs/ Ferry Resorts
7. Magic Kingdom ( 2nd time)
8. Resort Hopping/ Pool Time and Disney Boardwalk
9. Last Day- Departure Day Resort Day

See how even at 9 days you may feel a little rushed? The only park here that got two days was Magic Kingdom. But there are other things we left off this list too! Resort Hopping can include the Monorail Resorts, Skyliner Resorts, and Boardwalk Resorts. EPCOT usually requires the 2nd day, especially during a festival. Hollywood Studios usually requires a day and a half if you’re a Star Wars fan. And if you’re traveling during the holidays it’s important to build in time for the Festival of Holidays, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney Resort Decoration Crawl, and the Christmas Tree Trail.

11 Day Disney World Itinerary

At 11days your Disney Vacation becomes a “Vacation.” You just simply have a little more time to make decisions, to do all the things you’re excited about, and see more than just the basics at Walt Disney World. As Disney Season Passholders, we can tell you there is more to do than you will ever know. After years of visits, we still haven’t done it all. Give yourself the time to experience the entire Walt Disney World Resort. Keep in mind that if you are attending any parties or special evening events you would naturally skip the park for that day- and only pay for your event ticket.

1. First Day– Arrival Day
2. Magic Kingdom
3. EPCOT
4. Hollywood Studios
5. Animal Kingdom
6. Disney Springs/ Ferry Resorts
7. Magic Kingdom ( 2nd Day)
8. EPCOT ( 2nd Day) and Disney Boardwalk
9. Resort Day/ Pool Time/ Mini Golf
10. Hollywood Studios (2nd Day)
11. Last Day- Departure Day

To Consider

At 11 days you can add another day for EPCOT and a second Hollywood Studios day that is only a half-day, with the other half of the day being on the Disney Boardwalk since it’s within walking distance. You can also add a full lounge day at your resort, or head to a resort you’re excited to see! We love having a day at Animal Kingdom Lodge or heading to a fancy breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort. Or a nice dinner at Toledo at Coronado Springs. And we always try to fit in a boat ride to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds for some walking and exploring.

Walt Disney World Vacation Tips

When planning how long to stay at Disney World, it’s important to know a few facts! Here are all our tips that may affect how you schedule your Disney Vacation.

Which Disney World Park takes the least time?

If you’re leaning towards a shorter vacation, there are ways to cut down on the magic and just do the necessities. In terms of size, and being able to navigate the park easiest, Hollywood Studios will take the least walking time to get through. Major Hollywood Studios rides include the following; Star Tours, Smugglers Run, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Midway Mania, Tower of Terror, Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Rock n Rollercoaster.

Is Disney more crowded on Saturday or Sunday?

Disney Parks are ALWAYS the Most Crowded on Sundays. Of course, Saturdays come in a close second. This is why a 7-10 day vacation is PERFECT because then you can arrange your weekend days to be resort hopping or Disney Boardwalk or even Disney Springs days! Without entering the chaos of the parks.

When is the least crowded time to go to Disney World?

The least crowded times to visit Walt Disney World are generally January, August and September. Based on historical attendance and the DVC rate calendar are January 1st -31st, September 1st-30th, and December 1st-14th. While these dates align with the slowest times at Disney World, they also align with the cheapest times at Walt Disney World and are definitely worth a second look at when planning your Disney Vacation.

What is the best time to visit Disney World?

We’ve written before about the best time to visit Disney World and the decision really does come down to what you’re looking for in a Disney vacation. Disney offers different festivals and events throughout the year that you may want to attend. Specials and discounts show up throughout the year. And the weather should ALWAYS be a variable in your plans. If we have to choose one time of year we never miss Walt Disney World it’s Fall, usually in September before the crowds and prices get crazy. That said, we NEVER visit Disney World in the summer by choice, but if that’s your only option, then the month of August is best.

Can you do all 4 Disney World Parks in a Weekend?

Sure! With a park hopper ticket and nonstop stamina, you absolutely can. We don’t, however, recommend it. If you do want to try this and visit all 4 parks in a weekend plan to grab Lightning Lane Passes for each park, and the Park Hopper ticket both days. You’ll be up against some early mornings and late nights, but if you’re not worried about relaxing, more power to ya! 

Planning a Disney Vacation

There you have it! Hopefully this post has given you an idea of what you can fit into a Disney Vacation, no matter how long you stay. While every Disney Vacation looks different, keep in mind you never have to do all the parks when you visit. And there are so many things to do outside the parks as well. When thinking of how many days to stay at Disney World, plan what you’re hoping to do each day, and then go from there. You may find you don’t need as many days as you thought. Or may want to build in an extra day for Universal Studios nearby. Happy vacationing!

Rochelle Mariah

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.

You may also enjoy:

• 

  Disney World News – Upcoming Attractions

• 

  15 Tips for a Disney World Spring Break …

• 

  Disney Coronado Springs Resort Guide and Review

• 

  Disney MagicMobile Service Details and Guide