Opinion on shared/connected room & split stay

[Kt75]

We are planning 4 adults (grandparents) and 1 child to stay on site. What are your thoughts on is it cost effective to do a villa type room or get 2 rooms with preferred connecting door.

Also thinking to do a split stay since DH has a corporate employee discount at Swan/Dolphin; and to try the Polynesian or Wilderness half the time. Also do you know if Swan/Dolphin have the same perks as staying onsite in a disney resort? Oh we are thinking 7 nights / 8 day stay in May 2018.

 

[cruisin5]

Connecting rooms are never guaranteed, it's just a request they will try to fulfill. A 1 bedroom could work (some sleep 5) but 3 will be sleeping in the living room - a 2 bedroom would give you the best layout for sleeping and gathering but it's also the most expensive. You'll love the full kitchen and laundry in a villa.

The poly does not have 1 bedroom villas, only studios which sleep 5. Wilderness lodge sleeps 4 in a 1 bedroom. Look at AK- Kidani or BLT if you're thinking of 5 people in a 1 bedroom, those 2 resorts will also give you an additional full bathroom.

 

[Kt75]

Connecting rooms are never guaranteed, it's just a request they will try to fulfill. A 1 bedroom could work (some sleep 5) but 3 will be sleeping in the living room - a 2 bedroom would give you the best layout for sleeping and gathering but it's also the most expensive. You'll love the full kitchen and laundry in a villa.

The poly does not have 1 bedroom villas, only studios which sleep 5. Wilderness lodge sleeps 4 in a 1 bedroom. Look at AK- Kidani or BLT if you're thinking of 5 people in a 1 bedroom, those 2 resorts will also give you an additional full bathroom.

hmm..will have to rethink our resorts then. I would not want anyone to sleep on a sofa bed. I don't mind the bunk beds option, just don't know how "close" we really want to be on vacation . lol

 

[disney144]

If privacy is important, book two rooms.

 

[patty57]

Another vote for two rooms. Traveling with the grandparents is great, but a little privacy and downtime is a good thing. Swan & Dolphin also has connecting rooms. They have many of the Disney perks such as Extra Magic Hours, and booking FP+s at 60 days. They do not have Magical Express, free MBs, or the ability to charge with MBs. You can make ADRs at 180 days like Disney resorts, but need to make them daily instead of for the entire trip. With that said, people on the Swan & Dolphin thread have posted that they were able to make ADRs for their entire trip, so you could get lucky with that.

 

[maxiesmom]

I would go with 2 rooms as well, as make Connecting Rooms your only request.

 

[Marionnette]

We are planning 4 adults (grandparents) and 1 child to stay on site. What are your thoughts on is it cost effective to do a villa type room or get 2 rooms with preferred connecting door.

Also thinking to do a split stay since DH has a corporate employee discount at Swan/Dolphin; and to try the Polynesian or Wilderness half the time. Also do you know if Swan/Dolphin have the same perks as staying onsite in a disney resort? Oh we are thinking 7 nights / 8 day stay in May 2018.

Two rooms would be the most economical. Connecting rooms are a request but are not guaranteed.

A family suite at AoA or ASMu would give you some of the advantages of a 1-bedroom villa without the high cost. But you wouldn't get a w/d or a full kitchen. And the privacy issues are the same as you would confront in a 1-bedroom villa.

Ideally, a DVC 2-bedroom villa would give you privacy and a place to relax after the child is put to bed. But it would be pricey.

The S/D has some of the perks of being an onsite guest. You get Disney transportation on property but not between the hotel and the airport. You can do EMH but you cannot do 180+10 ADRs, nor FP+ at 60 days. You cannot charge your purchases to your room account. And any purchases made in the parks cannot be delivered to your hotel.

 

[maxiesmom]

The S/D has some of the perks of being an onsite guest. You get Disney transportation on property but not between the hotel and the airport. You can do EMH but you cannot do 180+10 ADRs, nor FP+ at 60 days. You cannot charge your purchases to your room account. And any purchases made in the parks cannot be delivered to your hotel.

You do get FP+ at 60 days.

 

[wdwthanksgiving]

Request connecting rooms at time of reservation (not guaranteed but we've always had luck with our request). Two rooms give you each party privacy and comfortable beds for everyone ..and 2 bathrooms is huge when trying to get ready-- WL is a wonderful resort with interior rooms and a lovely lobby and theming throughout the resort. The watercraft to MK , Contemporary and Ft. Wilderness is a huge plus. Geyser Point is a fun place to eat and Roaring Forks will open soon. You will love it!
As several posters noted regarding Swan/Dolphin, you don't get free Magic Bands..also, be aware that there are additional charges at Swan and Dolphin in addition to their nightly rate (activity fees, parking, etc)

 

[patty57]

nor FP+ at 60 days.

You do get FP+ at 60 days.

maxiesmom is correct. You DO get FP+ at 60 days at the Swan & Dolphin.

 

[Kt75]

Thank oh all for your feedback. I think we will do 2 rooms and that way DD can visit them when we need down time

 

[kaytieeldr]

You expressed interest in a split stay, but it's possible the Swan, Dolphin, or both can book connecting rooms in advance. Call and ask.