resort decisions and split stay advice...

[gigi1313]

here's what we're thinking...

thursday check in @ RPR/Universal...
saturday check out and check in @ swan...
thursday check out of swan and check in to animal kingdom lodge...
sunday go home

we're doing it this way for a few reasons, the main one being "affordability" and catering to my son's special request (dd has no special requests! she just wants to go! LOL) affordability 'cause we've got enough starwood pts to get half price for five nights at swan/dolphin (i chose swan 'cause they have queen beds not doubles)... and my son has been begging to stay at akl since he first saw a pic on the web...

does anyone see any reason i should change this plan? when we switch hotels will we be a new ressie? if so, could we add meal plan to the akl portion of the trip? can't do meal plan at swan, right?

also, disney will do the luggage transfer so all i have to do is pack it up and have it ready, hit the park and return to akl?

we've never done a split stay but that's the only way i could meet our budget and surprise our son... so, what do the experts think?

 

[DisOrBust]

We have been splitting stays now the past three years and really like it. Your plan sounds decent to me however, I don't think Disney transfers luggage from S/D to an onsite resort. Check with one of the S/D experts, which I am not,lol!

This wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. I would rent a car for one day from S/D to move luggage, etc..or a van/cab over to AKL.

Check in early at AKL for the best room. I don't know what type of passes you have but this transfer day may be a good "down" day at AKL. There is so much to see at AKL that sometimes its hard to get to the parks!! Remmeber you could swim until your room is ready they have the nicest changing area I have seen!

Be sure to request Arusha Sav, 2 or 3 floor, bunk beds, Zebra trail. I do every time AND GOT IT ONCE! . But it doesn't hurt to try!!

Sue

 

[gigi1313]

hmmmm... color me confused... i posted a day or two ago here asking if swan/dolphin participated in luggage transfer and a poster said definitely YES... that may be a 'deal breaker' for us 'cause we will be renting a car at the beginning of our trip and i cannot imagine i could talk dh into dealing w/that twice (LOL?), not to mention, asking him to haul luggage from hotel to hotel, that just won't make him happy!

maybe i will just bite the price tag bullet and stay at akl the whole 8 days?! or split stay between pofq... decisions, decisions, decisions...

thanks for the akl room recommendation... bunk beds on zebra are just what i was thinking we'd enjoy!

 

[jenjersnap]

In February 2005, there was no luggage transfer between Disney resorts and S/D. However, the switch was super easy - we took a cab and it cost about $10. We went early in the morning and our room happened to be ready, we then continued onto Epcot in time for opening. Maybe you or DH can cab it, check in and drop off the luggage and meet up with the rest of the family?

Good luck. I love splitting stays and can't wait to incorporate Universal hotels when our kids are a bit older.