Split stay / Club level / Logistical - August Trip

[pregnantw4thprincess]

A small challenge when moving is how to keep things cold. I speak from doing this many times. Sometimes the room fridge is more of a drink cooler, and there is no way to freeze cold packs.

Also, some meds and toiletries don't do well when they get too hot.

Cars heat up quickly in FL, esp in summer.

One tip trick I have learned is that soda cans stay pretty cool for quite a while, and they are somewhat easy to find. the hotels bell services will - or used to - be willing to keep some stuff in a fridge, but I would check. It was getting overrun by grocery deliveries. It also takes time: returning to bell services, waiting in line, etc)


Eating at Universal, IME, is a little more reasonably priced that WDW, at least if you want to eat on the cheap. I also feel like...they make it easier than WDW to have what we need. Like, for some reason finding plan rice at WDW is nearly impossible. Universal has Panda Express. and way more variety of beverages.

Love 2.5 gallon bags. I also often pack sandwich bags, a few 1 gal bags. You can buy reusable grocery bags themed to WDW or US (or bring one). Those can also be handy when trying to move between rooms in a hurry.

With small children, I'd likely also try to recruit their help and cooperation. We used to go to WDW with extended family all the time and having them make a thank you drawing/note for housekeeping was a great way to keep them busy every morning and they had fun.

Good advice - thank you!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

You also mentioned Whole Foods. Last time I traveled I happened upon a brand of bottled water that comes in rectangular bottles. I only bought it because it was on sale, but the flat sides really helped them stay put in the hotel mini fridge. The brand was Waiakea, but multiple brands have similar flat sides.

It was a little funny though: I bought them to drink, but since they were so great in the fridge/square cooler, we were reluctant to drink them, and saved them for last.

 

[pregnantw4thprincess]

You also mentioned Whole Foods. Last time I traveled I happened upon a brand of bottled water that comes in rectangular bottles. I only bought it because it was on sale, but the flat sides really helped them stay put in the hotel mini fridge. The brand was Waiakea, but multiple brands have similar flat sides.

It was a little funny though: I bought them to drink, but since they were so great in the fridge/square cooler, we were reluctant to drink them, and saved them for last.

I love a good sale! I would say I prioritize high quality food/drink and vacations over other variably priced items in the budget - but I don’t want to overpay for anything!

We have excellent water at our home (in NH, on a well, filtered), but when I drink bottled water I am a sucker for Fiji. Amazon has a great deal with their subscribe and save. Always feel bad for the UPS guy though!

 

[aboveH20]

The deluxe CL rooms at the Wilderness Lounge are located at the end of the building, closest to the boat dock. You will be able to hear the boats blow their whistles when they come at go at the dock. You can also hear the geyser when it goes off and the loud music from the pool party if your room faces the main pool. These rooms are not on the same floor as the club lounge. It takes a few minutes to walk to the lounge and you need to use an elevator or staircase to reach it.

Thank for posting that tidbit. I've been reading this thread because I'm planning a triple split stay to finish the last three resorts I need to complete the "stayed at 'em all" list. Although I'm trying to decide if I have to add Riviera and Gran Destino -- not to mention Swan, Dolphin, and Reserve to the list. My rules, my choice. But I digress

Anywhoo . . . I stayed TPV (not CL) at Grand Floridian and HATED the sound of the horn from "too early in the morning for me" until midnight. I wrote a letter after the trip because I was too lazy to want to move during the trip. I can only assume they have a stack of letters with similar complaint$$$.

I had planned to end my triple with CL at WL, but now I'm not sure.

 

[pregnantw4thprincess]

Just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for the advice! Wound up settling on doing the two nights at WL CL in a deluxe room followed by a week at RR in a 1 bedroom.

Thanks again!