9 nights would you do a split stay?

[birmantaz]

I *think* we are going to rent points and stay at AKL for 9 nights. But, now I am wondering if we should split the stay with a resort that you can walk or ferry to a park for convenience. Our kids are 8 and 9.. The only reason I am considering splitting the stay is because I read the AK resorts are dark and it is kind of isolated. I like that it is a bit quieter, but not sure if 9 nights would be too long of it...

 

[mmmears]

I would, but that is because my family had trouble narrowing things down to 2 resorts per trip!

I love AKL and we tend to always stay there for part of our vacations to WDW. Then we move to a resort with a more central location (like YC/BC or Poly/GF) so that we won't be on buses for a week or more.

AKL is a lovely resort -- I never get tired staying there. There is plenty to do and see, plus great pool areas.

It really depends if you like the idea of moving or if it sounds like too much of a hassle for you. Many people don't want to have to re-pack and un-pack in the middle of their vacation.

Hope this helps!

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

My opinion, absolutely.

For our next WDW stay I would like to do at least a seven night stay and split it. We typically take the day midway into the trip anyway and kick back; it's a pool, reading, DTD, explore the resort day. So I would take the middle day and use it for the move/resort(s) day. I would like to do a ASM/AK for our next vacation.

 

[lulu0506]

We always do a split stay.... they will move your bags for you so it's very easy. We usually do a MK resort and an Epcot resort. This way we have the convenience of each. It's also nice to look forward to experiencing another resort in the middle of your stay. I say "go for it"!

 

[MyMagicKingdom]

I super love AKL, but I think next year I'll be doing a split stay with AKL and Poly. I love staying at monorail resorts because they're super convenient and offer more than one kind of transportation. AKL is wonderful but I think if they built a monorail over there...I'd be even more in love!

As a PP said, Disney makes it so easy by moving everything for you that its worth it...that way you can experience two different resorts without making two different trips. Why not!?

 

[momjkm]

I am considering a split stay this summer... waiting for AP rates. But have you thought about WL? cost is similiar to AKL and you can take the boat to MK. My kids love that part of WL... and close to get to other monorail resorts...
Jill

 

[Sweettears]

I definitely would and usually do. As PP said I like the change of scenery and think it adds to the trip experience. I have a 4 night solo trip planned and will be splitting between POFQ and YC. Also helps to manage the cost depending on your choices.

 

[ThumpersWorld]

We are doing our first split stay in a few weeks. 8 nights and we are going to split between BWV and BCV. I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[Planogirl]

How does it work when you do a split stay? Do they take the bags at a certain time and do you have to be at the second resort to receive them or do they deliver them to guest services? It appears that you take them to guest services at the first resort the day of the move. Also do you in effect check out of one resort, go to the parks and then head to your new resort that evening?

 

[MissionMouse]

We found 3 nights to be fitting. We live in a city with a world class zoo and the viewing or animals while unique wore off after a few days...even for our young girls. We didn't find it to be dark. The accommodations are very nice. We did find it to provide a get-away feel or a vacation inside a vacation. Prefer other deluxe locations, but definately worth experiencing and its pricing may have a relationship to its location.

 

[pooh2001]

No split stay.

You are at the resort you would love/like.

Unpack, enjoy, do everything the resort has to offer and WDW.

I like to stay put and not waste time repacking and moving to another resort.

We have 10 nights at the Dolphin.
Unpack once and pack only when we check-out.
We do all the parks, 2 tours, 1 mini-golf, DTD and the BW at night.

Enjoy AKL - so much to do there - nightly stories by the camp fire, animal watching, exploring the resort, using the pool, watching the wildlife....
{from another web site}
view of close to 100 grazing animals and 130 birds on the property and in the private savannas.
100 Sand Live Oak trees and 35,000 shrubs in the savannas
rooms are also wired for High Speed Internet Access
flamingo feedings at the Flamingo Pond
--animal tracking at Arusha Rock
--Music of the Savanna in the Sunset Lounge
--wildlife games in the Sunset Lounge
--African games and crafts on the Uzima Pool Deck
--cultural safari in the Sunset Lounge
--animal viewing with Night Vision
--Adventure Camp for children 6-14 that includes ostrich egg painting, private lodge tour and lunch overlooking the savanna.
--Cookie decorating at Boma

Outside, at the Arusha Rock, there is nightly African storytelling next to Ogun's Firepit. (Storytelling is held indoors in the event of inclement weather.)

AKL has a themed pool, a kids' wading pool, two outdoor spas ("hot tubs") and a fitness center. There is also a kid's playground.
The Uzima Springs pool, with a 67-foot long slide, is the largest on Disney property, over 11,000 square feet. It is also a "Zero-Depth Entry" pool, meaning there is an entrance without steps.

Zahanati Fitness Center is open from 6:00am to 9:00pm at no additional charge to Animal Kingdom Lodge guests 14 and over. Those 14-17 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Niki Bryan Spa provides services at the Fitness Center. For pricing and other information visit: http://www.relaxedyet.com/

Bring binoculars

Bring a tripod for your camera

Lighting in the rooms is low, women may want to consider a lighted make-up mirror.

There are cameras everywhere on the outside of the lodge. Be sure to close your room drapes for privacy.

AKL does not allow balloons inside the resort. Any balloons brought to the resort (from the theme parks, for example) will have to be checked with bell services for the duration of the guest's stay. They will be returned upon departure.

 

[mirage0306]

Well, we are doing nine nights in June, and are splitting it--5 nights at CBR and then 4 nights at BWI. I think it'll be fine for us, since we never unpack fully anyway and this way we can try two new places. Staying at a mod for part of the trip also allows us to go for a bit longer.

 

[birmantaz]

thanks so much for the advice. I think we will split the stay, especially since we may be able to save some money and still enjoy AKL for a bit!

 

[ksbean]

It's a personal preference to do or not do a split stay. We tried a split stay in 2010 between AKL and YC for an 11 night trip. Both DH and I decided split stays are just not for us. The whole packing up, checking out, checking in and transferring to another resort just wasn't our thing. We're just happier to stay in one place and to us that's just more relaxing that way. As to swapping resorts other than time it took to do the swap AKL and YC was great. We dropped off our baggage and such at bell services and when we got to YC later that day just had to call down to the YC bell services and they delivered the bags. - Karen

 

[Carrie in AZ]

We LOVE doing split stays!! I would definitely split if I was going to be there for 9 nights.

 

[Sue M]

We do sp[lit stays on vacays of 10+ days most of the time. 9 days would be ok, you could do 4 & 5. I like to stay at least 4 nights at a resort, otherwise you're just unpacking & packing and really don't get much of a stay. Your check in day isn't a full day, or your check out day. There is so much to do at AKL, it's more then just a place to shower & sleep.

 

[Sweettears]

How does it work when you do a split stay? Do they take the bags at a certain time and do you have to be at the second resort to receive them or do they deliver them to guest services? It appears that you take them to guest services at the first resort the day of the move. Also do you in effect check out of one resort, go to the parks and then head to your new resort that evening?

Despite what others say I find it to be relatively easy. I guess it depends on how organized you are. You pack your bags and leave them in your room. Let bell services know they are ready to move to your new resort. You are then free to do what you want for the day. Upon arrival you need to contact bell services at your new resort and they will bring your bags to your room. The one thing to note is that, unlike ME, you need to be in your room at the time of delivery. They will not leave your bags in your room if you're not there.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We have done many split stays and I prefer not to do them but I guess it depends on the resort and the cost of course. We didnt care for AKL because of the location so I would split it with another resort

 

[jngwright]

We have done split stays multiple times. It is easy peasy. They will come get your luggage from your room (you have to be there) and take it to the new resort (you do NOT have to be there to receive it) Bell services will hold it until you check in and ask them to bring it to your room. We love trying out different resorts!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We're doing nine nights in October. All at BLT-Lake View one bedroom villa. We like to unpack and settle in instead of having to do it more than once and being homeless on the day of the move.