Split stay as a solo. Good or bad idea?

[cricketgirl]

I have been thinking about Animal Kingdom Lodge, but my frugel side keeps saying No!!! Hubby keeps saying do what you want. I was thinking about a split stay. I will be there for a week so what about Pop Century for the first part and AKL savanah view for the second? Am I crazy? Brings my cost down ALOT!!!! I was adding the Deluxe Dining plan as well but at $100.00 a day I think I could do better on my own this time. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Lori

[sasquatch]

I had a split stay booked up until today. I'm doing a three-night, and the 3rd night at AoA wasn't available, so I was booked at Pop. (Today, the 3rd night became available at AoA, so I rebooked.)

Anyway, Disney told me they would transfer my luggage from one to the other, which was super convenient. Plus, AoA and Pop abut each other, so it would have only been a matter of me walking over a bridge to check into Pop.

I was tempted to keep my ressie at Pop, since I've never been to either resort. But, the annoyance of having to pack up my luggage and toiletries for just one night convinced me to stay all three nights at the same location.

Now, my price difference was only $5. Obviously a different savings consideration for your scenario.

[cricketgirl]

I figure I have wanted to stay in all the different hotels and this would be more economical but may do Port Orleans Riverside isntead of Pop very little in price difference. I have 7 days to kill by myself. Good way to see more sites.

[DefLepard]

Originally Posted by cricketgirl

but may do Port Orleans Riverside isntead of Pop

Port Orleans Riverside is awesome compared to PoP, you have the convenience of the boat to DTD, Boatwright's, and River Roost Lounge

[cricketgirl]

Originally Posted by DefLepard

Port Orleans Riverside is awesome compared to PoP, you have the convenience of the boat to DTD, Boatwright's, and River Roost Lounge

Thanks, I have never been to Boatwrights but have wanted to since first trip in 2007.

[spiceycat]

happen to love Pop - if I didn't join DVC - it would Pop.

think you will be fine. just make sure you see and do all the parks and stuff while at Pop.

akl is so nice really doubt you will want to leave it. You can do a bunch of things there.

[ZehnJahren]

You should absolutely do it! That sounds great! I switched from YC to OKW on my last partially solo trip; I would absolutely do that if I were you. I would lean towards three nights at Pop and four at AK; save money, but get a nice chunk of time at both resorts.

From my resort-hopping experience, I wouldn't do less than 3 nights at any resort. Have you looked into renting points at AKL? It can be VERY inexpensive; it was cheaper for me to rent points at AKL off our rental board here at DIS than to stay at Pop on my solo trip in January.

[ludari]

I've never done a split stay but I love AKL and three of my solo trips this year have been to AKL. Personally I think the food plans provide way too much food than I would eat so you should consider skipping that. I think if you are spending the majority of your time at the parks then splitting your stay might be a reasonable but you are planning on just relaxing at the resorts I would prefer to stay at AKL.

[Simba's Mom]

Originally Posted by cricketgirl

I have been thinking about Animal Kingdom Lodge, but my frugel side keeps saying No!!! Hubby keeps saying do what you want. I was thinking about a split stay. I will be there for a week so what about Pop Century for the first part and AKL savanah view for the second? Am I crazy? Brings my cost down ALOT!!!! I was adding the Deluxe Dining plan as well but at $100.00 a day I think I could do better on my own this time. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Lori

I did a split stay like this once, and was really happy. I knew I couldn't afford AKL the whole time, so I did a split stay with a value. Three days at a value, followed by 2 days at AKL. Actually I got into the split stay idea so much that after the first night at AKL, I went down to the lobby and asked for a move to a different floor/different savannah for the second night, just to experience as wide a variety as possible.

[tellemarie]

I think you may have gotten your answer, OP, but I thought I'd weigh in!

I actually did a split stay at POFQ followed by AKL when I was at Disney for a week last February. I think a lot of people don't do it because it seems like it'll be a hassle (and I suppose that for a large family it could be) but being solo/two people it hasn't been that bad! I did a taxi from POFQ right to AKL's door and it only ran me about $20 with tip (it may have been less), but I paid it and brought my suitcase with me. Not having to worry about when my luggage would show was totally worth it!

The split stay was great, the only downside was that I wanted to be at AKL MUCH longer than I was - probably why now that we've bought DVC we're going back so soon!

[~Tonga Wingo~]

I liked the split stay I did in June with Music and POR. I would just point out that if you go with the dining plan to plan your meals accordingly because your meal plan will end at midnight on each day you check out.

(MouseSavers has the deluxe priced at $85.52 and $89.52. When most sit downs are at least $25 a meal, I think it's a good deal depending on what your plans are. You also get two snacks and the mug. I always do sit downs at every meal with the exception of lunch in Hollywood Studios. I am an open to close person so my sit down meals provide me my much needed breaks.)

[LindaBabe]

Alone, pre dvc, I almost always did a split stay - at least 4/4 with the more expensive resort second, so I wouldn't be too spoiled to enjoy the less expensive resort.

Now with DVC, I still do a split stay, if using all the points alone, because they are contracts at two separate resorts. Since my trip is in January this year, I choose cozy Wilderness lodge first, and AKL to do second since it might be marginally warmer outside by then.

Another trick - I pack two complete suitcases of clothing and only open 1 at the first resort. Last day, I transfer the toiletries to the other bag and only open the second bag at the second resort. makes it seem like a whole new vacation.

[SiAmCrAzY]

Originally Posted by cricketgirl

I have been thinking about Animal Kingdom Lodge, but my frugel side keeps saying No!!! Hubby keeps saying do what you want. I was thinking about a split stay. I will be there for a week so what about Pop Century for the first part and AKL savanah view for the second? Am I crazy? Brings my cost down ALOT!!!! I was adding the Deluxe Dining plan as well but at $100.00 a day I think I could do better on my own this time. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Lori

I just returned from a split stay. I have done them in the past with no problems (must of had good room karma) but this trip it took forever for my room at my 2nd resort to be ready. Just something to keep in mind. You can always have Disney transfer your bags or hold them for you. But if you want access to your room to change, nap, or suit up for the pool you may not be able to do it until after 3pm. In my case, it was closer to 4pm. That can be frustrating in the middle of your vacation. AKL Savannah View is pretty amazing, I agree with PP about renting points. As much as I Love POP, if you can stay at Port Orleans for just a little more that would be the way to go. The boat ride to DTD, The proximity to beniegts, Yee Haw Bob, you just can't go wrong with PO. I have done the dining plan solo, and sadly for me it was a waste of money. You definitely can do better on your own. Whatever you decide, I hope you have an amazing trip!

[*~PrincessBelle~*]

I have done split stays on solo trip and trips with DH. Personally I find that split stays are really easy and its a great way for me to get a taste for different resorts each time I go...now DH finds it a pain because he likes to unpack and settle in somewhere but I find that Disney makes it so easy with their luggage transfer service that I almost always do it on solo trips... on my upcoming stay in May im trying out CBR for a few nights followed by a week as ASMo..cant wait!