Is five nights long enough for a split stay?

[DarthGoofy]

We are taking both of our DSs (ages 4 and 1) to WDW for the first time. We are planning on staying for five nights, and I was thinking about splitting our stay. We have ressies at the ASMo for the five nights right now, but I would love to end the trip at a Deluxe.

I was thinking about the Contemporary. Do you have any suggestions on a Deluxe that would be a great end to our trip?

 

[jaysue]

If you are going to split, given the age of your kids, the Contemporary is the Deluxe to split the trip since it is only about a 10 minute stroll to the MK and is right on the Monorail if you want to loop around to the MK

So during your value stay go everywhere but MK and then use your CR stay to go to MK because it is so close

As for whether to split a 5 night stay or not, I think it depends upon your tolerance for a pack and move after 2-3 nights

thanks
jaysue

 

[epcotfan]

I'd say you need at least a minimum of 3 days at each hotel to fully appreciate them. Personally I would only switch resorts if I was there for a week or more. The other thing to consider is if your kids really like ASMo and then you have to leave they may be dissappointed.

 

[msteddom]

I say go for it Darth Goofy!! I think splitting stays is a great way to get just a taste of different resorts and then deciding which ones you would like to stay at for longer on future trips. And we all know there will be future trips!!! I think your boys will be thrilled with both resorts, and you can trun the switch in to a bit of an adventure for them.

 

[Mickeyluver37]

We're staying 3 nights at ASSp, and 4 at the CR in August. The reason we're doing it is because we couldn't get the CR for the entire week. I would just rather not have to pack everything up an move during vacation!

 

[*123JOANNA123*]

I think split stays are a great idea, but be prepared to be homeless for the best part of a day.

We stayed GF/AKL last year and were very lucky that our room was ready when we checked out of the GF. You'll be out of your AS room early and won't get into your CR room till after 3pm(?), so if you have young kids that will need a nap or will want to get changed or swim midafternoon (you can swim but think of the wet clothes and getting changed), it could be a problem.

Oh and definitely split the stay in that order- AS looks like a great resort, but might pale in comparison to the CR, KWIM?

Have a great trip

 

[rjjr]

We split our 5 night stay in May, 2 nights at AKL and 3 at the Swan. The transition day was fine, we just packed up, went off to the park for the morning, had a leisurely lunch then had no problem checking in around 1:30.

It's a great way to try different places to see where you would like to stay for a longer visit.

 

[MermaidsMom]

Why not just split the difference and stay in a moderate the entire 5 nights? Average the prices and see if it would work!

 

[Gabrielle]

Hi!

I think all the advice you've gotten is great. I think even one night at a Deluxe is a great way to end the trip!

Given how young your kids are, I think mom & dad would most appreciate a deluxe day or two at the end of the trip.

So, if it were me, I'd plan on knocking out the parks during the first part of the trip and dedicating that last day or two to a more leisurely pace. The AKL and WL are a little less expensive than the other deluxes and heavily themed.

But, I think the best resorts to end the trip with are either the Beach Club or Yacht Club. Great sandy-bottomed pool for the kids - within walking distance of Epcot (I assume both kids are in strollers) and a pampered stay for the grown-ups that really make you feel like you've been on vacation.

By the way, I've never had a problem checking in early. I checked into CBR at 9:00 a.m. once and my room was ready. I think I'd call ahead to the resort room controller to let him/her know that you have very young kids and would appreciate an early check-in, if they can swing it.

Have fun!

 

[franw]

This is a question without an answer as five nights are never enough nor are 10 nights. We have a different kind of a trip no matter how we split it up and we always have a good time. You'll end up loving one place more than the other but that is what brings us back to different experiences time after time. If you don't mind packing up and moving and having to re-register in the middle of your trip you will enjoy each day. If it is something that you don't like doing, I would definitely take the previous advice and see about doing a moderate for five. Whatever you do, don't stress over it. Just make your decision and run with it. It will be your trip and you'll enjoy it no matter what.

 

[becka]

I personally would not do it but I know lots of people who switch resorts midstay and have a great time. The hassle of packing up and being "homeless" (especially with a little one) would be too much stress for me and I go on vacation to get away from stress! LOL!

I would possibly think about switching resorts if I was going for a 10-14 day type trip but I think a minimum of 5 nights at any one resort would be the cut-off for me.

I would love to experience more resorts but not doing 2 at once just gives me more of an excuse to go back again!

 

[Nlihte]

In my opinion, if you could spring for it, I'd stay in a Deluxe the whole time. 5 nights isn't alot of time. You'll really enjoy the magic of a Disney deluxe! I've never stayed at an AS, so I don't know what they're like. If you could add an extra night on, a split stay might be nice.
The Poly is one of my favorite resorts, and it's great for your kid's ages! It's right beside the CR, so it's just as convenient!
With whatever you decide, have a magical trip!!!

 

[skiwee1]

There is no way I would split 5 days into even 2 hotels, much less 3. That would waste too much time checking in and out and waiting for rooms to be ready. You would be "homeless" for much of your vacation. Gosh, we don't even split a 12 day trip into two hotels! LOL! I like to unpack and set up one time and not have to live out of a suitcase.

 

[Karel]

I love switching resorts. We've done it four times. Once we did it on a last minute planned trip; we could only get four nights at All Sports and had to switch to Port O for one night (Thanksgiving!)

One trip we were staying at PO - R and decided to add one night at the Poly. This was great because we spent all day at MK and jumped onto the monorail and went to our room.

Last trip we stayed at All Sports for four nights (we like All Stars because we can get two rooms there.) Then we switched to Yacht Club for two nights and had the benefit of walking into Epcot. Plus they have a fanastic pool.

You have to be willing to spend part of your day switching hotels. Last time, we checked out of All Sports early and went to Yacht Club, checked in and had a nice breakfast. This meant that we didn't 'get anywhere' till about 11 am. One year, we sent our luggage ahead via Disney transport and then the kids and I hung out at one of the ports while my husband went to PO to check us in. This worked well too - we had two way radios so that he could find us in the park.

Only you know how much transition your family can handle. Yes, you may have a period of time where you won't have a room but the little one can sleep in the stroller. Take an afternoon swim, then check into your room around 3 or 4 and have naptime then.

 

[ceecee]

I personally would not split with only 5 days! Maybe if it were just my husband and myself. It means packing and unpacking two times. I would do what the above poster said and stay at a moderate for all 5 nites if you feel you want nicer than AS. Depends when you're going too, We've had some pretty long waits at check-ins.....too much wasted time! The kids will love the AS....be prepared! My DD still asks if we can stay at the "Dalmatian hotel" She loves it! We went to Contemporary and she wasn't impressed, She thot Poly was OK.

 

[karen1]

WE just returned today from 3 nights at HRH and 7 nights at GF and I would suggest not splitting stay. WE lived out of suitcases at HRH cuz I didn't think it was worth unpacking for that short a stay.

Originally I planned to split my 7 nights in DW but with FTP we booked GF for all 7 and i am SOOO glad we did--you really feel at home when you can unpack and get comfortable with the hotel. For 5 nights I would definitely pick a place and stay!!!

 

[wdwfan]

I have split my stay before. I first did it with a 6 night stay (3 nights at BWI and 3 nights at BC). I did unpack each time because it was easier than living out of a suitcase. I spent about 30 minutes in the late evening each time unpacking. I know others would not do this, I don't really recommend it, but it can be done. I really wanted to try both resorts, so I was motivated to do the extra work of unpacking/packing.

We are going to split our stay again this time with 3 nights at the Portofino Bay and 7 nights at the Yacht Club. I think this time I will only unpack the clothes that I have designated for the Universal leg of the trip to save me time. We go to Universal first.

Experiencing a deluxe is also really nice when you have time to enjoy the day at the hotel. The pools are top notch! You've got to plan time for that. Whatever you decide have a great time!
Let us know your decision.

 

[MJames41]

As you can tell by my signature at the bottom, I think splitting is great. We have stayed at different resorts as short as one night. But, we also live out of our suitcases, so there is no extra time spent packing, and if there are lines at the new resort, we will go shopping or get dinner or whatever so we are not wasting time.

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

Last yr I split my 5 nights, 1 night AK, 1 night POly and 3 nights BWI. I dont unpack, I leave everything in the suitcase. I don't take little kids but i wiould still do it. have a FUNTASTIC time no matter what you do.

 

[swilphil]

If you could swing 2 nights at All Star and then 3 at a deluxe, I would go for that. You might even look into the Dolphin--they have rooms for $129 a night and you have the convenient location like you do at Beach Club.

If you pack in a very organized manner, it will be easier. Put your All-Star clothes in one suitcase and the Deluxe in another, or whatever works best for you.