Split Stay...decisions, decisions

[HeyGirlHey]

We are planning a trip next Spring (yay!) and doing our first split stay. I’m not sure how I feel about it (like being settled), but it allows a couple extra days in the happiest place on earth so we’re giving it a whirl! We’re staying at Dolphin using Starwood rewards and want to round out the week with a few days at another resort. Yacht & Beach Club is our favorite (the pool, the theme, the location) but since we’ll be in the Epcot area for the Dolphin portion we want to switch it up. It may come down to seasonal discounts/AP rates but right now we’re looking at Poly vs POR - haven’t stayed at either before. 2 kiddos - ages 10 & 8. We are hardcore park people but we definitely make use of the pools. They pretty much survive on chicken nuggets so food selection is a bit of consideration.

We keep flopping back and forth! Tell me your thoughts/experiences!

 

[disny_luvr]

We really enjoy split stays - it’s like two trips in one. I totally understand the packing/unpacking thing. I hate to pack and unpack, but it really isn’t bad. Usually when we move to our second resort our stays are shorter - typically three or four nights. When packing up at the first resort, I find there is a lot I can pack that doesn’t get unpacked until we get home. At the second resort, we unpack everything we need because I don’t like the feeling of living out of a suitcase, but, as I mentioned above, I don’t have as much stuff to unpack at the second resort because lots of clothing and what not has already been worn and only gets unpacked when we get home.

As far as hotels, I think a few nights at Poly would be great! Our favorite split is Poly/BC. You really get the best of both worlds with that split. On our upcoming trip, we are doing a POR/YC split because we wanted to save money staying at POR. I haven’t stayed at POR for many years, but it is loved on these boards and the resort itself looks gorgeous. Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with either Poly or POR.

As far as moving between resorts, Disney will handle that for you. We take our luggage with us, but you can have bell services transfer it for you. When we are ready to move, we head to the lobby where we get a taxi or Uber and then when we get to the new resort we give bell service our luggage. There has been times when our room has been ready, but if not, we head to the pool or to a park until we get the room ready text. It really is easy.

One more thing - I’d only recommend a split stay if you will be there for a longer trip. For our upcoming trip we will be at POR for seven nights and the YC for three nights; if we are not in Disney for at least eight nights, we don’t do split stays; it just isn’t worth it to us.

Enjoy!

 

[Babsy]

We also love split stays and have done them happily with as few as 5 - 6 nights. If you organize yourself with a plan before you go, you will find it very easy to do. There are lots of threads on this board with the two main strategies for moving.

Our favourite split of all is between and MK and an Epcot deluxe. SO, I would recommend the Poly as your second choice. There will be a price difference between the Poly and POR, but the extra $$$ are worth it if is is easily doable, IMO. The Poly has easy access to both the MK and Epcot, is a very relaxing atmosphere, has good pools, has great dining options has a view of the castle and fireworks, huge rooms and is on the monorail. I expect that you will love it there!!

 

[Sue M]

Both are great resorts. POR is my fav moderate. Poly is great too and there’s something special about watching the fireworks from the beach. Go with whatever is in your budget!

 

[bumbershoot]

If you organize yourself with a plan before you go, you will find it very easy to do.

Agreed. And the OP’s kids are old enough to help.

 

[epcotobsessed]

We usually do a split stay at AKL and BC/YC. AKL is our favorite hotel but I don't like having to take a bus everywhere, so we often do two nights at AKL and then the rest at BC/YC since Epcot is our favorite park. I do love Stormalong Bay, but since you will already be at an Epcot area resort, spending a night or two at AKL might be a nice change. Also, AKL rooms are the cheapest of any Deluxe, I think accounting for the fact that you have to take a bus everywhere, so that also makes it an attractive option.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would pick Poly. I think EP/MK resort splits are ideal for hard-core park touring! Just think, except for AK, you'll never have to get on a bus! Plus, you'll have a bigger room and a really fun pool.