Help me choose :) a split stay

[softballmom3]

Ok....so I have booked VWL for 5 days next year and we have (by we I mean my DH) that it is cheaper (never thought I'd use that word w/ WDW LOL) to stay 2 more days than leave and go to Universal due to the fact a few of us probably won't do anything but Harry Potter's there.

I digress.....since I booked through DVC owner I guess we could check out the last day there and book a 2 night stay somewhere else on property.

Are the split stays a huge hassle? I do want to take a day off from the parks and this one would probably be the one to do it, I would guess.....but I definitely don't want to spend the day moving around and trying to check in. I wonder if there is a service that would move our luggage or if I need to just suck it up and do it myself since we will have a vehicle.

Any suggestions on where we could stay that wouldn't totally bum me out after being here? I've heard it's great. We have stayed at POP and POR before and want something new.

We are a party of 7 so easily splitting into 2 rooms. I have 3 teenage daughters and travelling with my inlaws whom I love also!

Any suggestions welcome!

 

[Singinglizzie]

Well, if you are planning to go to Univ. Studios, you might consider staying at one of their onsite properties. Like WDW they are expensive, but you can sometimes get a discounted rate. If you purchase an AP at universal studios you can get a great room rate, although dates are often limited. You used to be able to check AP rates online on their website and all you need is one AP to score the room rate. The benefit of staying onsite there is that you will get the front of the line pass included, which is a huge bonus and it's good for everyone in your party with a current hotel room key. I would go this route if I was you. However if you have your heart set on Disney, why not try getting/renting more points at a WDW DVC. My favorite resort is AKL, so any chance I get to stay there is what I would do. It's only 20-25 minute (with a car) to US since I have stayed there before while doing US. PS I've also wanted to stay at the new Waldorf Astoria, so it too would be on my list of potential resorts. Best of Luck.

 

[softballmom3]

Well, if you are planning to go to Univ. Studios, you might consider staying at one of their onsite properties. Like WDW they are expensive, but you can sometimes get a discounted rate. If you purchase an AP at universal studios you can get a great room rate, although dates are often limited. You used to be able to check AP rates online on their website and all you need is one AP to score the room rate. The benefit of staying onsite there is that you will get the front of the line pass included, which is a huge bonus and it's good for everyone in your party with a current hotel room key. I would go this route if I was you. However if you have your heart set on Disney, why not try getting/renting more points at a WDW DVC. My favorite resort is AKL, so any chance I get to stay there is what I would do. It's only 20-25 minute (with a car) to US since I have stayed there before while doing US. PS I've also wanted to stay at the new Waldorf Astoria, so it too would be on my list of potential resorts. Best of Luck.

Thanks but US is out. It is strictly WDW for us this time. I understand DH's logic, because it would save us 100s of $$$. I think I will go back sometime with just the one DD who wants to go there .

 

[Karabee]

In terms of a second resort I'm just going to give a little shout out to renting point at OKW or SSR. I personally love being near DTD and taking the boat back and forth is amazing - anything over buses! It might be nice for your teens to enjoy DTD a bit on their own without being too far. You can really point out that any resort is amazing but in terms of really ending on a relaxing note, OKW gets my vote. The pool there is also amazing as is the service and grounds. Good luck on your pick!

 

[softballmom3]

In terms of a second resort I'm just going to give a little shout out to renting point at OKW or SSR. I personally love being near DTD and taking the boat back and forth is amazing - anything over buses! It might be nice for your teens to enjoy DTD a bit on their own without being too far. You can really point out that any resort is amazing but in terms of really ending on a relaxing note, OKW gets my vote. The pool there is also amazing as is the service and grounds. Good luck on your pick!

Thanks! I'm going to give them both a look and see what we think. I feel like if I ask my girls they will say AoA but idk if I will be able to do that after VWL. Now....if I end up with some kind of pin I may pick up CR or Poly but I doubt that will happen!!

 

[danceintherain]

In my mind (I've never done a split stay) it actually makes more sense to plan on going to a park on the day you switch resorts. Disney will move your bags for you! You can just check them in with Bell Services at the first resort, and they should have them at the new one by the end of the day. If I had a car, I'd probably do it myself though. Either way, I recommend packing a days worth of clothes to take with you, just in case you don't get into your room at the second resort until late. In my opinion, it's not really a break from the parks, if you're stuck hanging out in public areas all day.

I would probably have a hard time "downgrading" in the same trip, but I think a moderate or AKL would be more satisfying, than all the way down to a value.
We really enjoyed our stay at CBR, but they still only have double beds, which wouldn't be pleasant with 7 adults. I've never stayed at a value, and don't really want to, so if I was in your situation, I would probably choose Coronado Springs.
I guess it really depends on your budget.

 

[softballmom3]

In my mind (I've never done a split stay) it actually makes more sense to plan on going to a park on the day you switch resorts. Disney will move your bags for you! You can just check them in with Bell Services at the first resort, and they should have them at the new one by the end of the day. If I had a car, I'd probably do it myself though. Either way, I recommend packing a days worth of clothes to take with you, just in case you don't get into your room at the second resort until late. In my opinion, it's not really a break from the parks, if you're stuck hanging out in public areas all day.

I would probably have a hard time "downgrading" in the same trip, but I think a moderate or AKL would be more satisfying, than all the way down to a value.
We really enjoyed our stay at CBR, but they still only have double beds, which wouldn't be pleasant with 7 adults. I've never stayed at a value, and don't really want to, so if I was in your situation, I would probably choose Coronado Springs.
I guess it really depends on your budget.

Thanks for the bell services info! I will definitely look into that one. I don't really want to downgrade either but we are staying in 2 studios so it won't be too bad. Now that I think about it, maybe it would be best to go to a park that day. I won't have to worry about anything then!!! Maybe I will wait awhile and try to hold out for some kind of pin code! I also looked into BWV too. My teenagers just might love that with the nightlife and walking to Epcot!

I do have a budget but I can make anything work, LOL!

 

[nolanboys]

We've done split stays our last 3 trips and love them. Bell services comes and gets the luggage or we drop it off, and then head to a park. Last time, we stayed in the THV and then moved to BCV. I packed a bag with swimsuits and off we went to Epcot. After touring and lunch, we strolled over there and swam until our room was ready. It was a great day. Since you are staying in the MK area, you may want to consider an Epcot area resort or stay at AKL. This upcoming trip, we are staying at VWL for 5 nights and then off the AKV for 4 more nights. Our plan is to be more park centered the first half of the trip, and then relax more for the second part.