Split Lodging Trips

[whoever]

So we are considering our first split trip. Looking at maybe October 13th-19th right now. We will mainly be staying at the Grand Californian, but would like to do a night at the DLH (I'm thinking for the last day because the parks will be packed on that Sunday, wife is saying first day so we just need an overnight bag vs. unpacking). At any rate, our motivations are to NOT do the DLH day as a park day, but just relax, use the pools, do Trader Sam's / DTD, etc.

Couple questions... will that time in October be warm enough for the pools? We tend to do October or May, and have only used the pools in May, never October. The primary reason for doing this is to get the full experience of the DLH, and use the pools over there. We've only ever stayed at the Grand, so looking to see if this is something we'd enjoy doing on our trips. We definitely don't like the walk to the parks from DLH though, so would likely keep it as a relaxation day whenever we'd do it.

Will the hotels transfer your luggage between them, or do you have to load it in the vehicle and lug it over?

Are the check in/ check out times the same at each Hotel?

Besides the pools/Sam's/SH55/GK what else does the hotel offer activity-wise?

How does parking work at the DLH? We normally just valet at the Grand, same setup at DLH?

 

[Malcon10t]

So we are considering our first split trip. Looking at maybe October 13th-19th right now. We will mainly be staying at the Grand Californian, but would like to do a night at the DLH (I'm thinking for the last day because the parks will be packed on that Sunday, wife is saying first day so we just need an overnight bag vs. unpacking). At any rate, our motivations are to NOT do the DLH day as a park day, but just relax, use the pools, do Trader Sam's / DTD, etc.

Couple questions... will that time in October be warm enough for the pools? We tend to do October or May, and have only used the pools in May, never October. The primary reason for doing this is to get the full experience of the DLH, and use the pools over there. We've only ever stayed at the Grand, so looking to see if this is something we'd enjoy doing on our trips. We definitely don't like the walk to the parks from DLH though, so would likely keep it as a relaxation day whenever we'd do it.

Will the hotels transfer your luggage between them, or do you have to load it in the vehicle and lug it over?

Are the check in/ check out times the same at each Hotel?

Besides the pools/Sam's/SH55/GK what else does the hotel offer activity-wise?

How does parking work at the DLH? We normally just valet at the Grand, same setup at DLH?

Check in/out are the same at all 3 hotels.

Parking works the same at DLH. You pull up to the gate, they will point you to valet.

As far as activities, they vary by day. I will try and get an example tonight, I think I kept the card. They usually have pool games in the afternoon, some nights are movie nights by the rose garden, they sometimes have scavenger hunts for the kids, similar to activities at the Grand. They do a history tour a few days a week, similar to the Craft tour at the Grand.

 

[DarthMole]

Reports are mixed on them moving your bags for you, with more recent examples being that they will do it. However, at some point on your transfer day, you'll need to get your vehicle over to the new hotel. I'd probably still have them do the luggage transfer rather than load/unload the car. Especially if doing this on the tail end of the trip.

When to do this is easy. By the end of your trip, you'll be more in need of a relaxing day. Who wants to just hang at the hotel on day one of their trip? Sure it's more of a pain to pack and move toward the end, but it will be worth it compared to doing it on the front end.

You should be able to swim that late in the season. You've gone in Oct before. Maybe check your trip reports and see what you've been wearing to gauge. Coming from Phoenix though, slight dips in temp may affect you more. Sort of the reverse of someone from snow coming out and thinking the low 60's is great pool weather.

I know you hate the walk but I'd really consider spending more than just one night at the DLH. The logistics of the transfer for a down day don't make sense to me. If you can't get in your room (and to your stuff easily) for multiple hours during the transfer, you'll be preoccupied with logistics and not relaxing as you planned. I'd want to keep myself occupied in the park on the day of the transfer.

Last but not least, one day would just feel so rushed. I'd just stay at the GCH before going through the trouble for only one night. Seriously consider doing a longer stay.

 

[rentayenta]

We've done two DLH/GCV splits and they've always moved our luggage.


I like this split, it's the best of both worlds.