I don't know how it is to travel among all the shops, I do know how it is to work at one during the shop hop...FUN! Our last one was over 3 days, and we "workers" seemed to have as much fun as the "hoppers"! The main thing I heard the "hoppers" comment on was they really had the best time when they signed up and took the tour bus that took them to all of the shops. My advice is yep, take your $$$, enjoy all the games and such, eat lots of the snacks, and have a blast!!
Kif
PS Let us know how it all goes for you...