So excited! Suprising family w/ split stay:)

[BeccaGrace]

We are going to WDW from 11/20-12/6 and originally had all six nights on a package with the meal plan at the WL.

I've been getting frustrated because none of the offered codes or e-mail pins could be added to our ressie because the WL is booked. I was also bummed because I was hoping we could manage some kind of discount to upgrade and I could surprise my family (the kids won't care where we stay but I wanted to do something special for dh and my mom)...so today I was playing around with dates on the WDW website and found out that the last two nights of our trip there was availability at the Poly. So I contacted our amazing, wonderful, patient DU agent (I love you Jason!) and...

We're doing a split stay! We are at the WL from 11/30-12/4 with 6 day tickets and 4 nights on the meal plan. Then we are in a garden view at the Poly from 12/4-12/6 I did a room only ressie so no dining plan the last two days but we leave early in the AM on 12/6 anyway, so it's not a big deal. AND--because we don't have the meal plan the last two days and I was able to use my e-mail pin code I actually saved $200 off the total cost of our trip!!!!!!!!

So...how should I do the surprise?
--Get something delivered to our room with a note (or just put it out myself) telling them to pack but not tell them where we are going...
--Get something delivered to the room with a note (or put it out myself) telling them we are moving to the Poly
--Pack in secret while they are sleeping (my family sleeps through everything ) and hope they don't notice the next morning...then tell them when we go to check in...
--Let my mom in on the secret the night before and have her keep dh & the kids occupied while I get the bags ready and check out...

Also...I told our DU agent we'd like a 3rd floor room in a renovated longhouse (I know it's not guaranteed but figured I'd try!)...should I try to check-in first thing in the morning to increase the odds of geting our room choice or would I be okay checking in around 4:00 when we are on our way to dinner at the GF?

I am just so excited--I never thought we'd get to stay at the Poly! Now I get to have Tonga Toast And we'll be on the monorail And we will still have 4 days at the WL with the amazing lobby and Christmas decorations It's like the best of both worlds!!! I never thought I would do a split stay with only a 6 day trip but this just seems to work out perfectly--I am SO happy right now.

Anyone have any advice to making a split stay move smoothly? Or any other suggestions on how to manage the surprise?

 

[Janet2k]

We're doing a split stay! We are at the WL from 11/30-12/4... Then we are in a garden view at the Poly from 12/4-12/6...

So...how should I do the surprise?
--Get something delivered to our room with a note (or just put it out myself) telling them to pack but not tell them where we are going...
--Get something delivered to the room with a note (or put it out myself) telling them we are moving to the Poly
--Pack in secret while they are sleeping (my family sleeps through everything ) and hope they don't notice the next morning...then tell them when we go to check in...
--Let my mom in on the secret the night before and have her keep dh & the kids occupied while I get the bags ready and check out...

It sounds like it will be a magical vacation, ~sigh.~ (By the way, I adore Dreams Unlimited Travel, too. I have used them many times over the years, most recently for my July/August vacation.)

I like your last suggestion: Let my mom in on the secret the night before and have her keep dh & the kids occupied while I get the bags ready and check out. I think that one is definitely sneaky. But how will you be able to keep your wonderful secret a, well, secret from the rest of your family?! (I wish you much luck because I know it will be hard!)

Have a wonderful vacation.