Debating a split stay Value to Deluxe

[melissalovesfigment]

If you can swing it financially, I would go for it the Beach Club for the second portion. I also have 3 kids and we have never had bathroom problems sharing just 1. Obviously 2 would be better but it has never been an issue at a deluxe because the sinks are separate. We are "frugal" but have never regretted spending the money on nicer lodging at Disney. Pop is our go-to for a long weekend/budget trip where we will spend almost all of our time outside the resort. If we are staying a little longer or plan to spend significant time at the resort (not in the room but at the pool, restaurants, strolling), Yacht Club is our top choice. Cresent Lake has so many areas to explore. We are also holding out for a hopeful discount there (or Beach Club) for a September and December trip. You never know with the discounts. Sometimes YC has a great one and sometimes BC does. YC has a full balcony but is a further walk so we have had better luck there.

Pop has the Skyliner, which is great but unless you are first in line, it can still take an hour to get to Epcot or Hollywood Studios if you want to arrive close to opening. The bus service has always been amazing at Pop though. The lines will look ridiculously long but they have staff there just to manage the busses and get the most people on efficiently. I'm not sure about capacity but we stayed at Pop in February and there was always a line to get in the pool. We didn't see a line from our favorite bar at Yacht Club (Hurricane Hannas).

We don't love split stays but some people enjoy the feel of 2 vacations packed into one. Disney has always been great about transferring luggage so if it isn't a pain to pack/unpack in the middle, that isn't a huge deal. You just call the Bellman from your room and say where you need them to go. We have had them already in our second room pre-Covid but sometimes you need to call from your new room.

 

[mickeymom22]

We are a family of five and love to do split stays. We definitely pack things with the mindset that one bag is for the first stay and the other bag is for the second stay. Sharing a bathroom wasn't a hassle for us.

Definitely plan resort time when you are at the Beach Club. The pool area is so nice and strolling over to the Boardwalk is nice too. We enjoy walking over there and getting a Mickey pretzel and drink and people watch.

Option 1 (If staying at Pop first): If you have your own car, I recommend driving it over to the Beach Club the morning you are moving, then head over to Epcot or HS. You can still let them transfer your luggage if you want or load it in the car. We have been very lucky and gotten our room that early before (7 am).

Option 2 (If staying at BC first): We have also done it the other way. We have started our split stay at Beach Club. If that is the case, I would pack up the luggage let them transport it to Pop and head to Epcot or Hollywood Studios. When you get the text your room is ready, you could walk back and get your car and head over to Pop for a mid-day break.

Option 3 (We did this once when we didn't have our car.): Use transfer day to hang out at Stormalong Bay. Pack a small bag with clothes to change into after you are finished swimming. Then go to Disney Springs if time allows and head over to Pop whenever.

I will say on all our trips we had park hoppers. When we stayed BC and the Boardwalk, we would start the day off at any park but Epcot, and finish the day off at Epcot with a nice meal and leisurely stroll back to the resort via the International Gateway.

Happy Planning! Sounds like a great trip!