Actually, that sounds like a very good solution!
Since they are booked at AP rate, they wouldn't have to pay any extra. Upon arrival, and in the reservation - they can have it noted that it is a continuing reservation, so they should be able to keep the same room.
Since we can now do online check-in, they wouldn't need to do in-person check-in, except maybe just for POM to verify their room assignment that morning. (I think the official WDW policy is that usually honor, but don't promise, same room.)
With two reservations, they can book FP for everyone.
The only real difference would be that they'd have to make an additional deposit now. (and be subject to the terms of two reservations)
Having to do 2 reservations might not be a big deal for some, but it could be a big hassle for others. We've never needed to add guests after check in, but I know I wouldn't be happy if my only option was to book 2 reservations to avoid being charged the extra adult fee for all nights (especially with there being a chance of having to move).
Disney does try their best to accommodate requests, but there is always that slight chance that you will have to move as staying in the same room on a continuing reservation is never guaranteed.
As far as OCI, some guests do need to go the front desk. Not sure why that is, but not everyone gets a room ready text with the room number. With 2 separate reservations, this could very well happen with the 2nd reservation/check in.
^^ I actually disagree because with 2 reservations you have other issues. They will not guarantee that you will not have to switch rooms, and you will have to pay two deposits and keep track of two reservations. (It also affects booking FPs and Dining). They really need to update their "systems" to accommodate things like this; it's not an unusual occurrence. Just one opinion, but other hotels we have stayed at have not made things so complicated.
I agree.
1. Keeping track of an additional reservation number is a non-issue, IMO. Two deposits yes, but no additional cost. Again, kind of a non-issue, IMO, unless they have cancel less than five days before arrival.
You are correct, there's no additional cost, but I agree with
mmmears it's just one added thing to keep track of, just for the sole reason of having additional guests for a few nights (which, to me, isn't worth it).
2. If they already made dining ADRs, there would be no change. They won't lose any ADRs they have. Otherwise, if we make our dining requests via IPO more than 180 days out, we've never had any trouble getting what we wanted (like BOG), and we also often do short stays. I also think if give IPO's both conf #'s, they might be able to make all their ADR's at once anyhow.
I think the OP is saying that at 180 days from the 1st reservation you can't make ADRs for the 2nd reservation, not saying they will be lost by changing to 2 reservations later. I don't know about IPO, but being able to call and make ADRs for both reservations at the 180 day mark from the first reservation has changed. Guests now have to wait until 180 days from the 2nd reservation to book for that part of the trip. Like I said, I don't know about CL guests using IPO for booking ADRs, but non-CL guests have to wait.
Worst case scenario, is only that they'd have to swap rooms that day. For us, packing takes about 15 minutes.
I might be in the minority, but that would pose a problem for me when there is (IMO) a much easier solution.
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. Enjoy BC CL!
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