Split stay advice

[angiejg]

We have never tried a split stay. Can you give me any advice or pros and cons? We are looking at a moderate (still undecided) then to Beach Club. Thanks for your help!

 

[Sammie]

Cons at worst scenario, you will be out of a room for most of the day you move yet you are paying for it. We had a young one that was not feeling well and desperately needed a room to nap and we did not get our second room until 6pm.

We also had ARs for the evening of the move and a piece of our luggage went missing on the move. We did not get it until very late that night.

I would not do it for less than 4 nights at each resort and honestly at this point would not do it unless it was due to every resort being sold out and no choice.

It is just not relaxing to us.

I am sure many that enjoy doing it will give you the pros.

 

[akl-fan]

We love to do split stays we usually stay for 14 days and change mid way. This year we went for AKV to BLT. As we had food and luggage we called bell service who came and collected all our belongings. We then went to MK for the day and when we got to BLT later in the day all our stuff was there. Cold food still cold, frozen food still frozen and all luggage accounted for. It could not have been easier and we wasted very little time.
It is like having two vacations. I would advise going from the mod to the deluxe, I don't know that I would want to go the other way. I also would not do it for trips of less that a week. We have in the past moved 4 times in a fortnight and regretted it.
Have fun after all it's Disney!!!!!

 

[mickeynut1]

We did a split stay last year and while it was nice staying at 2 resorts in the same trip, we were only there for a total of 6 nights (did a 2/4 split) and we never felt settled at either resort and before we knew it, it was time to pack up and go home. For us it wasn't worth it for such a short trip and we will only do another split if we stay for at least 10 nights. Disney does make it very easy to change resorts as they will transfer your luggage for you, but there is always the chance that your room at the 2nd resort won't be ready until later in the day, which leaves you without a place to get settled. But with that said, if you don't mind packing up and moving and possibly being without a room for awhile on the move day, then split stays are a great way to experience different resorts.

 

[Pakey]

We love split stays. We transfer our own luggage via a cab because the one time we used Disney's transfer, one piece didn't arrive and we wasted so much time waiting for it.

So we take a cab and store our luggage with bell services at our new resort, then head to the parks or pool for the day.

 

[Amy&Dan]

We used to do a lot of split stays back when we were DVC members. In those days, weekend points were so high that for our long trips that spanned two weekends we simply never had enough points to cover it! So we got a lot of practice.

It always worked best when we had a rental car.

We always packed a separate bag for that shorter stay, which for us was always on the front end. That way we didn't have to unpack everything.

We never planned any ADR's on "moving day" and in fact we often just enjoyed the "new" resort on the day we moved, hanging out at the pool etc. That way we weren't at a park wondering when our room would be ready.

We only did this when our kids were past napping age, frankly I would not want to do this with very young kids.

I think it can work and for sure do the moderate first. That way you aren't leaving a deluxe for a mod and feeling down about that!

If you don't have a car, I do suggest taking a cab. Disney will move your luggage for you, but snags happen. Once Boardwalk didn't move our luggage over to All Star Music and we checked in 8 or 9 hours after leaving BW to no luggage! BW found it but we never let Disney move our luggage again. We have cabbed our fair share around WDW and from any resort to any other resort have never paid more than $20 to cab between the two.

I also do think split stays are best for trips of a week or longer. In fact, ten night trips are my shortest limit for a split stay. If you are only going for say five nights, well to me it is not worth it. It does give you two different experiences, but it can chop up the trip and as Sammie said, your moving day can make you feel homeless for quite a few hours. And if the weather is bad or someone isn't feeling well, you will be missing your hotel room!

My favorite split stay was when we did three nights at the Poly followed by two weeks at OKW. Because we had such a long trip and a rental car it worked great. The time we did three resorts in 8 nights (shortage of points and adding another night on to save on airfare) was like Hell week and I wasn't sure I'd ever get dh to do a split stay again.

We no longer do split stays and its nice to check in and stay put. But under the right circumstances, I'd do a split stay again.

 

[Sue M]

We enjoy split stays for trips of 10+ days. So if you have a longish trip planned, it can be a great way to extend your Disney $, by either doing a value/mod split, or a mod/deluxe split.
We did 7 nights at POR last Aug and 5 nights BC. It was great.

We pack up the night before, and take a cab early morning with our luggage to new resort and check in. If our room isn't ready we just leave our luggage with Bell service. this way we know our luggage is at our resort when we want it. Then we head out to a park.
By the time we're ready for our mid day break, room is ready, and luggage is there.
I don't find any time is wasted doing a split stay.

 

[Cin]

I haven't done a split stay yet, it is coming up in 4 short weeks (YAY!!!!) but here is my experience so far: I booked both resorts as a separate transaction. I don't think htey had to be done that way necessarily, I had one already booked and when trying to add a night was told there was no availability so they booked me a room only for 1 night and linked the two reservations. WDW did properly link them together and my magical express transportation to and from the airport has been reserved for one resort incoming and the other outgoing. There is no direct transportation between the resorts so you will need to take a cab and schlepp your own gear and luggage for the do it yourself method. That is an additional $20 or so according to info I gathered on this board. It sounds easy enough to transfer and as we are only staying arrival at the 1 night resort, we will have plenty of time to settle in and feel "at home" in the second one.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I haven't done a split stay yet, it is coming up in 4 short weeks (YAY!!!!) but here is my experience so far: I booked both resorts as a separate transaction. I don't think htey had to be done that way necessarily, I had one already booked and when trying to add a night was told there was no availability so they booked me a room only for 1 night and linked the two reservations. WDW did properly link them together and my magical express transportation to and from the airport has been reserved for one resort incoming and the other outgoing. There is no direct transportation between the resorts so you will need to take a cab and schlepp your own gear and luggage for the do it yourself method. That is an additional $20 or so according to info I gathered on this board. It sounds easy enough to transfer and as we are only staying arrival at the 1 night resort, we will have plenty of time to settle in and feel "at home" in the second one.

Actually for split stays at separate resorts, they do always have to be done separately.

For that matter, if you do a room only night or nights before or after a package at the same resort, that too has to be a separate transaction/reservation. Those types of "separate" reservations can be linked but are booked separately.

 

[Sue M]

Split stays are booked as 2 seperate bookings, and you'll have 2 conf. #s. Disney doesn't recognize them as 1 vacay. You can have them linked. But they must be made as 2 seperate bookings, with 2 deposits.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

One possible down side - if you are interested in the Dining Plan, split stays are not cost effective. You need to book 2 seperate packages and each require at least a 1 day ticket for everyone in your party.

We did a split stay once - 2 nights at POFQ and 5 at AKL - we didn't love it. I just didn't feel *settled* until we unpacked everything. So our 2 days at POFQ felt off for me..then when we finally arrived at AKL unpacked and settled in, I felt our 5 days was too short. Weird, I know. - it just wasn't for us.

 

[Sue M]

One possible down side - if you are interested in the Dining Plan, split stays are not cost effective. You need to book 2 seperate packages and each require at least a 1 day ticket for everyone in your party.

We did a split stay once - 2 nights at POFQ and 5 at AKL - we didn't love it. I just didn't feel *settled* until we unpacked everything. So our 2 days at POFQ felt off for me..then when we finally arrived at AKL unpacked and settled in, I felt our 5 days was too short. Weird, I know. - it just wasn't for us.

That's why we'll only do split stays for long vacays. Won't do less then 4 or 5 nights at each resorts.

If doing the DDP, it's best to have it for the first stay, and buy lenght of stay park tickets for entire vacay.

 

[sdchickie]

One possible down side - if you are interested in the Dining Plan, split stays are not cost effective. You need to book 2 seperate packages and each require at least a 1 day ticket for everyone in your party.
.

Actually I did a split stay so I could use the dining plan to my best advantage, we booked the delux dining on our 2 night stay and had 7 day park tickets put on it so I would have all our park tickets from day 1. We booked all our TS meals for the first 3 days and then ate off property for the remainder of the trip. It's the best of both worlds since we have a few "must eats" at the world but we still love us some Steak and Shake. I too agree with the pp about starting out at the lower level resort and moving up to the nicer resort, it gives you something else to look forward to. We really like being able to swim at the different pools and see the grounds of different resorts so we always do split stays. Plus we're trying to stay at every resort (we only have 4 left). We always have our own car so it's no big deal to throw our stuff in the trunk and go. I also pack a small suitcase for the shorter stay and then that just stays in the trunk when we do the 2nd stay. I never unpack into the drawers, we always kinda live out of our suitcases so I guess it might be a pain if you are the type that completely moves in. I don't think I would want to do it with food that needed to be refrigerated. Good luck and what ever you decide to do I'm sure you will enjoy your trip!
We've stayed at all the moderates and we really like the feel of Port Orleans, we like both sides but FQ has some really great river view rooms. Plus there's a boat to DTD so you can go there easily, just don't try and go at dinner time the boats get packed!

 

[cjnix29]

We love split stays. I am not sure we will go back to a single resort stay. But I really think you have to evaluate yourselves and your travel style to see if it will work for you. We are not commando people, we aren't bothered by having to check in and out. We don't generally make ADRs anyway. We have been enough times, that we enjoy the resort experience too, and we only have one child. For us, it works. We are doing one in January, with 2 nights at BWV, and 6 at BLT. Well, actually 7, but we have two rooms booked for one night. Long story. It really depends on you. If you are prepared in how it will work logistically, that will make it a much better experience for you.

 

[rentayenta]

We have never tried a split stay. Can you give me any advice or pros and cons? We are looking at a moderate (still undecided) then to Beach Club. Thanks for your help!

Great idea to move up to the Deluxe.

Know your room might not be ready until check in time. We always pack a little bag with our bathing suits, sunscreen, and cover ups so in case we want a break we can chill by the pool without having to sift through all of our luggage to find what we need.

Splits can be headache depending on your touring style and personality. I have faith in myself that this time, I won't be a total packing and unpacking spazz.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We got forced into one once......cured us......can't see no rhyme or reason in them.....we couldn't get all the nights at the resort we wanted and took 3 nights one resort and then switched to our prime resort for 9 night....total waste of a day, our time, being resortless for most of the day and the hassle of packing up and moving (thru Disney, they don't deliver to the second resort till after 3pm) and trying to get all our supplies out of the fridge to be carted to the second resort.....

We like to unpack, and just move in to our resort....pack up then just go home.....bopping around from resort to resort for what, 3 or 4 days then another resort for 3 or 4 days.....too much work from a relaxing vacation we like......if it's your bag...go for it but we find the switch, senseless and a waste of time and a day...

You know, if we went to the ocean, we never stay at one hotel for a few days and move to another hotel for a few days more...so why at Disney...

 

[elaw]

We love split stays. I am not sure we will go back to a single resort stay. But I really think you have to evaluate yourselves and your travel style to see if it will work for you. We are not commando people, we aren't bothered by having to check in and out. We don't generally make ADRs anyway. We have been enough times, that we enjoy the resort experience too...

 

[angiejg]

Thank you for all the advice everyone!

This is our tentative plan: June 4-10 at a still undecided moderate, then June 10-14 at Beach Club. We would be at HS for SWW on June 10th, so we would be gone most of the day. I'm hoping that would mean we could just boat or walk to Beach Club from HS and our room and luggage would be ready around 5:00. Thoughts?

As for booking, do you book resort one with a deposit then book resort two with a deposit? Then can I purchase a 9 day ticket when we check in to the first place?

I would LOVE to try to stay at every resort. That's why we are thinking about the split stay. We have stayed at All Star Movies, Port Orleans Riverside (twice- our very favorite!), Port Orleans French Quarter (also twice), Coronado Springs (only one night), Caribbean Beach, and the Poly. I have heard great things about Beach Club and would like to try it if we can swing the money. Still having a very hard time choosing the moderate. We are leaning towards Caribbean Beach again, but it is so easy for us to go back to POR! I really would like each visit to be a new experience though. Maybe even Pop Century? We consider ourseles "moderate" people because I just can't justify the cost for the deluxes when we are never there, but I'm looking for a slower pace this time and maybe more resort time. I'll take any and all advice!

Thank you again!