2 Resorts...1 Visit

[pewing]

I see that some of you have 'split' your visit between to resorts. What are the advantages/disadvantages of doing that? We are going for 6 nights 12/8-12/14 and it might be some added fun to experience 2 resorts. We are booked all six nights at AKL now. Thanks again for any help...I am an amateur in this forum

PEwing
Poly '00
AKL '02??

 

[joyful1nh]

Advantages:
experience different resort feels
different restaurants
proximity to different parks
might be able to afford more deluxe room if staying shorter time

Disadvantages
time spent packing
time spent checking into second hotel

We split AKL & WL -- perfect for a split as you are close to MK at the WL and to AK at AKL....

 

[Misti]

We always split our WDW stays. Typically, we'll spend half the trip at an Epcot resort and half the trip at a MK resort. For us, it makes the trip feel longer and we get to experience two unique Disney resorts. Plus, we have easy access to all of the Disney theme parks. Disney takes care of luggage transfer (they guarantee it after 3PM at the new resort). We'll usually check-out by mid-morning, give our luggage to bell service and head to the theme parks. Around 3 or 4, we'll head to the new resort, check-in and have our luggage sent to our room.

I'm not sure if it is worth it to everyone. Some people don't like packing twice (especially if you have kids). And, if you rely on "nap-time" for younger kids, the check-in and check-out could be a hassle considering rooms are usually not ready until after 3 or 4 PM.

It is an individual choice. I'd recommend splitting if you are there 8 days or more. It may be a lot to do in 7 nights or less.

 

[GEM]

I sometimes like to split our long stays, but I don't think I would do it with a six night stay. I personally wouldn't really feel like I got to experience either resort to the fullest in only three nights. Disney does make it pretty simple and easy, but I still wouldn't do it for a stay that short just because I think you would miss out a lot at both resorts. I would rather stay for six days in the same place and really get a chance to explore it and take advantage of all that it offered. I'm afraid that if you leave the AKL after only three nights, you will have missed out on so much! We are going to split our December stay between the Wilderness Lodge and the Boardwalk Inn, but we are staying six nights at each. I personally wouldn't do a split stay with less than five nights at each resort. That gives you time to enjoy the parks, but still spend some time relaxing at your resort and soaking up all the wonderful atmosphere, recreation options, etc.

 

[pewing]

Thanks for the tips

PEwing
Poly '00
AKL '02

 

[susy]

I would definitely split it. We spent three nights at AKL Labor Day Weekend and I would say that we got to see plenty of the resort in that time (plus did all 4 parks and did DTD). We ate at Mara, Boma 2x (breakfast and dinner) and Jiko (dinner). Spent a lot of time in the pool, too.

I would do AK and MGM while there and then go to an MK resort and do MK and Epcot , using the monorail. It will feel like two vacations! On your switch day, I would wear bathing suits under your clothes and use the pool while waiting for your room to be ready. I would even send a fax requesting early check-in, since you have very little ones.

 

[Bellefan66]

We are seriously thinking of splitting our next trip. I was going to do the whole week at GF, but IF we split, and do 4 nights GF and 3 nights at POR, we save money AND get to try out a moderate for our next visit WITH the children! I am leaning heavily on splitting our visit,DH is undecided as of yet. Let us know what you do & how it worked for you guys!

 

[tampafan]

What we do when we switch the resort is get up, pack, load up the car, and go to a park for a late breakfast. We return around 2 or so and drive to the new resort for check in.

 

[Bellefan66]

Good idea ,that way you don't really loose alot of time. We were actually thinking of going back around 1ish, doing lunch, then checking in.Since we're going in Sept.the resorts should be less crowded...hoping anyways!

 

[pewing]

I was under the impression that you could pack your bags and the staff would transfer them to your new room. Does anyone know if that is the case? I am having trouble securing a second room (hopefully at the WL) at this point. We will see...

 

[minniesota]

We just returned from a split stay at GF and YC. Just call the bell captain's desk the morning of your transfer day. They collected our luggage and gave us a receipt. My sister and I went to the YC while the Dhs and kids went to MGM. We checked in at 10 a.m. - our rooms were ready! - and our luggage was at YC by 2:30 when we all returned from MGM. Worked slick! I'd highly recommend a split stay. We did it with 4 adults and 3 kids. Piece of cake.

 

[pewing]

How long was your visit. We are staying six days. We would probably split it 3 days and 3 days. How did you do it? Thanks for the info

 

[Misti]

Originally posted by pewing
How long was your visit. We are staying six days. We would probably split it 3 days and 3 days. How did you do it? Thanks for the info

Here is the link to the trip report:

Trip report

 

[Deb & Bill]

The problem with splitting your stay between two resorts is that you become homeless for most of one day - you have to check out by 10 and you can't check back into your new resort until after 3 or 4. Since we are DVC members and go often, I don't ever want to split my stay unless there is a really good reason to do so.