AKL and split stay advice needed

[erin1998]

Good day everyone
First a little background.....we are booked at POP from June 26-July 4. It's just myself and my son (9 years old) and we will both be celebrating our birthdays there (DS's 10th birthday). I have been thinking though, that I would really like to stay at AKL, and I know my son would love to stay there too. I don't know when we will ever get back to Disney, so I would like to make this trip really special/memorable for him. So, I priced out AKL, and it would cost $1300 more to stay there for the week in a standard room. We will be spending a lot of time in the resort (we love to swim), but that is a lot of money for the week. Is it worth $1300 more? I also know how crowded it will be at both resorts, but does one resort handle crowds better? To lighten up on the cost, I thought about doing a split stay.
But my question is, if we were to stay at POP for 4 days, then AKL for 4 days, how does that work with luggage? How does our luggage get from one resort to the other? Also, can we go the park for the day, then check in to the new resort afterwards? Any details on how this works would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance
Erin

 

[phillytwins]

I haven't been to either resort, so I don't know if it's worth the $$ or how the crowds will be. But I just booked a split stay starting at ASMusic and ending at AKL. The agent told me that if you go from a value to a Deluxe, they will move your luggage for you. She said that they don't move your luggage if it's the other way around (Deluxe to Value or Mod). Only the Deluxe resorts will move your luggage. That was news to me! Be sure to doublecheck when making your reservation. Also, I am taking Disney Mag. Express, and they set that up for the 2 resorts with no problem.

 

[erin1998]

Thank you phillytwins for your reply....
I am very confused on what I should do. I priced out the split stay and it would work out to about the same as a moderate resort for the entire trip.... I should just stop looking at my different options and make a decision already...
Thanks again
Erin

 

[erin1998]

oh, just thought of another question...
if we were to do a split stay and go to the parks on the day we switch hotels, what do we do with our valuables (passports, airline tickets, etc). I wouldn't want to bring them to the park with us, so do I pack them in our suitcases and hope our luggage doesn't get lost! Does that ever happen....luggage getting lost when moving from one resort to another?
Ugh....I am sooooo confused!
Who knew planning a disney trip could be so stressful....
Erin

 

[DizzDoll]

oh, just thought of another question...
if we were to do a split stay and go to the parks on the day we switch hotels, what do we do with our valuables (passports, airline tickets, etc). I wouldn't want to bring them to the park with us, so do I pack them in our suitcases and hope our luggage doesn't get lost! Does that ever happen....luggage getting lost when moving from one resort to another?
Ugh....I am sooooo confused!
Who knew planning a disney trip could be so stressful....
Erin

We're doing the split between Pop (first) and the AKL (second) in August. We split the stay last year between Pop and the Contemporary. When you go to the park on your switch day, I'd recommend going to the AKL first and putting your valuables in the resort safe while you're doing the parks. It's a no-coster for you, and your valuables will be safe and you won't be worrying about losing them. And rest assured, no luggage gets lost going from one resort to another - at least not that I've ever heard of (do you have tags for your luggage?) - but don't expect to see your suitcases in your room for several hours. But that's OK. Once you do get in your room, you may have to call bell service to have your bags brought to your room. It's very easy, and a no-stresser, and they'll be brought up within minutes. Relax and enjoy, and tell me all about the AKL since you'll be there before me!!!

 

[erin1998]

Thanks for your replies...I just got off the phone with my TA, and decided to book AKL for the entire trip... I don't know when, if ever, we will return to Disney, so I decided to make this trip incredible and book a room at the place my son always wanted to stay at! I think I made the right decision.
Thanks again
Erin

 

[macheath]

Thanks for your replies...I just got off the phone with my TA, and decided to book AKL for the entire trip... I don't know when, if ever, we will return to Disney, so I decided to make this trip incredible and book a room at the place my son always wanted to stay at! I think I made the right decision.
Thanks again
Erin

Hi, Erin. I'm really happy for you and your decision! We've not done the split stay before, but when I checked into it I had a lot of the same questions and concerns as you.
Our last stay was at AKL. It is an amazing resort!!! and I am so happy that we stayed there. We were like you- is it worth the money? After our stay, I certainly felt it was. We like to spend a lot of time in our resort, also. We have small children and there is a lot to do and see at AKL for everyone. And we felt the same way- who knows when we will be back. Let's do this BIG! Have a great time and enjoy the savannas!

 

[collcass]

Congrats on your decision!