split stay and front loading DxDDP?

[Lisa F]

Yes, maybe, but you seem to know what you can handle, and what may be fun for you. Staying different places can be part of the whole experience. We did a 2 place split stay last time, and are actually doing a 3 place, but that's because I was going to do 2, but my husband, bless his heart, said he wanted to add days to our vacation! He said he wanted down time in there and just relaxing. Plus, lucky us, our boys are teens now and can go off and do things while we relax or visit other lounges, etc., Actually, they want to, and I'm going to have to make them do things with us, lol.
But we are staying longer, so we are doing a 5-3-5 split, the last being the Dolphin, where I saved some money.

I know what I think I can handle, lol.

But in the late 90's/first half of the 2000's I used to go 3-4 times a year so was very familiar with the ins and outs. Then I took like a 6 or 7 year hiatus before taking my then 6 year old (just the two of us) in September 2014. We stayed at BLT, and we did great, but most of the time was at MK resorts, and less late night stuff because he could not stay up... so getting back to car was no biggie. Our visit was definitely park focused and our next one will be as well.. also dining focused. The character meals were a huge highlight and sit downs were a lot easier than counter service with him with just less variability on crowding (we never waited super long for an ADR.) But I am very familiar with moving around the property and the best ways for me... I rent I car because I can't stand the bus system and I know it would be difficult with my kiddo as well. I'm not sure about the packing up and dealing with luggage but it is probably not the worst thing in the world if I just stay a little organized about repacking. The more I talk about it, the more moving to CRT sounds easier than driving to MK/Ft. Wilderness for the day from BWV!

 

[DJFan88]

I like the idea of the last day at CR/BLT. With that pack by the day idea, it should really ease up on that so you virtually have nothing much to lug around. Sure, if you really felt like it, you could lug whatever to the laundry and back to your car when done, or not, and only take in the couple of bags you need for that day.

 

[KristiMc]

Question about refillable mug. We are doing a split stay and plan on getting the regular dining plan for the first stay (3 nights OKW and then 3 night at BWV). When I have searched I see that the mug will be good for 14 days so we should be able to use them for the whole stay, but in the wording for the Dining Plan it says that your credits and mug expire at midnight of your checkout date. Does anyone know if the mug does expire or if it is indeed good for 14 days.

 

[Lisa F]

Question about refillable mug. We are doing a split stay and plan on getting the regular dining plan for the first stay (3 nights OKW and then 3 night at BWV). When I have searched I see that the mug will be good for 14 days so we should be able to use them for the whole stay, but in the wording for the Dining Plan it says that your credits and mug expire at midnight of your checkout date. Does anyone know if the mug does expire or if it is indeed good for 14 days.

The mug is coded to be good for 14 days no matter how you obtain it (whether you buy it outright or get it as part of the dining plan). Kind of a cool side effect of the way the program works, you can use it for your entire stay even if you only have DDP first half!

 

[Lisa F]

I like the idea of the last day at CR/BLT. With that pack by the day idea, it should really ease up on that so you virtually have nothing much to lug around. Sure, if you really felt like it, you could lug whatever to the laundry and back to your car when done, or not, and only take in the couple of bags you need for that day.

yeah I could do that - have a third toiletry/overnight/important stuff bag and just leave the dirty clothes in the car and not try to come home with clean laundry. That works too!

 

[KristiMc]

The mug is coded to be good for 14 days no matter how you obtain it (whether you buy it outright or get it as part of the dining plan). Kind of a cool side effect of the way the program works, you can use it for your entire stay even if you only have DDP first half!

Thanks - that's what I was hoping. Will come in handy.

 

[ktate82]

I did a chat with Disney and someone here confirmed it. you need to physically check in at the resort in order to get your dining plan allotments available to you. It is possible to get a paid for OOP meal credited back to you but not sure if you can get drinks credited back to you.

How does this work if you check in online and select the direct to room option?