Please help...need advice re: two separate reservations

[DisneyKim4Life]

I'm starting to work on the logistics of my next trip for Feb 2016, and need a bit of advice or strategies that you've used previously that work.

This year, as something new, we will be booking a room only at Pop Century on our arrival day in hopes of resting up, dealing with travel lethargy, and just stating our vacation with some R&R (no dining reservations) We will check out of Pop Century the next morning and check right back in for our 8 day park hopper package with dining.

I'm a planner, so I'd like to get a grasp on what to expect regarding what "My Disney Experience" is going to look like when I do this. Will I customize two sets of Magic Bands (one for room only and one for our package)? Is it clear when I am in MDE which bands are which? Does doing this affect my 180 days (I assume I can only book our dining reservations for our whole vacation on the 180 day mark for the date our package begins)? I can't visualize what MDE will look like with the two reservations and I want to make sure I am prepared on our "180" to make our dining reservations with no issues! If I can master the Dining reservations, I think I'll be able to figure out the fastpasses!

Any help or redacted screenshots you could provide to assist is GREATLY appreciated!!!

 

[electrocutie]

I've actually done this exact thing for my upcoming trip! (Free Dining started on my birthday, and I didn't want to arrive on that day.) Yes, I customized two sets of Magic Bands. MDE is actually super easy to understand with my two reservations- no issues with that at all. I'm not sure about dining with 180 days, but it shouldn't affect your ability to make reservations. I often make dining reservations before I've even booked my trip!

 

[electrocutie]

I've also asked if we will be able to keep the same room. I'm told it's most likely a yes, but it's not guaranteed of course.

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Also it won't matter which bands are for which stay, and they can be used interchangeably

 

[DisneyKim4Life]

I've actually done this exact thing for my upcoming trip! (Free Dining started on my birthday, and I didn't want to arrive on that day.) Yes, I customized two sets of Magic Bands. MDE is actually super easy to understand with my two reservations- no issues with that at all. I'm not sure about dining with 180 days, but it shouldn't affect your ability to make reservations. I often make dining reservations before I've even booked my trip!

Thank you so much, this makes me feel so much better!! Happy Early Birthday! I hope you have a great time on your trip - I'm so jealous that you got free dining!

 

[wdwrich]

The 180+10 perk is actually 180+length of stay (up to 10 days). So for your first (1-day) reservation, you will only be able to book for that one day and perhaps the next (check-in and check-out days).
180 days from the start of your second reservation, you will be able to book for that entire stay.