Split stay help (animal kingdom & Ft. Wilderness

[Valentina8623]

I haven’t been to Disney world in a long time. Due to some issues we had with a resort last time, we have 3 free nights to stay at any deluxe resort. We will be going in April during spring break. The only deluxe available for our dates that I have always wanted to stay in is the Animal Kingdom lodge. It will only be a standard view though, but hey, it’s free so I’ll take it. We are also planning to then split up our stay and book for the cabin at Ft. Wilderness. My question is, would you recommend to do the animal kingdom stay before or after Ft. Wilderness? I’m not sure how it would work with getting our bags transferred and if it is easier one way or the other. I’m up for any info anyone can give me. It’s been tough deciding where to stay for us. I’ve even considered just doing our whole stay at animal kingdom, but Ft. Wilderness looks really nice with lots of things to do for the kids (12 & 10) Just fyi. Last time we stayed and had an issue leading us to getting these free nights was at the Poly. We did love that resort but it isn’t available for our dates this time. Thanks everyone for any help or suggestions.

 

[Miffy]

I would do AKL second and finish your trip on a high note. It's a deluxe resort and although the cabins at the fort are nice, they're not a deluxe hotel.

You can request a partial savanna view at AKL--some of the standard-view rooms have these views and they're wonderful.

I'm not sure what's going on at the fort right now, but, for me, I'd rather stay every night of a vacation in the same place, so I vote for staying at AKL the entire time. When you change resorts, you've got a day in there where you might not have a room in the early afternoon, but if that isn't an issue for you, then ignore my advice!

The resorts will transfer your luggage for you, however, I've never used this service. When I change resorts, I just get in a cab or rideshare and take all my stuff over to resort #2. It's easier (for me) that way. Others disagree!

Is there a QS place at the fort? I haven't been there in a while so I don't know. If not, that's an advantage AKL has, but perhaps you'd make use of the kitchen in the cabin and wouldn't mind.

 

[JenBush]

I’ve done many split stays over the years and I haven’t noticed bag transfers being easier or harder at different resorts. I think I would do animal kingdom lodge first then ft. Wilderness for the second part of your trip. I’d plan a resort day at Ft. wilderness towards the end of your trip when you are probably tired from park days, there’s a lot to do and see there. (And to the poster above, yes there are a few different Quick service options at Ft. wilderness)

 

[Dis Dragon]

We've never stayed at Ft. Wilderness but have used the bag transfer service from just about everywhere else several times. They have never given me a cause to worry and I'm particularly anxious when on vacation.

AKL is a great resort with lots to see and do, great pools too. Samawati Springs (Kidani pool) is going through a refurb that is supposed to be done in April - but it sounds like you'd be staying at Jambo anyway.

There's also something to be said to doing the split so you could make more efficient use of your time based on visits to MK vs AKL and AK.

 

[loves to dive]

Another vote for AKL last. I've stayed at both places, at the Fort in our RV and a 1 bedroom at AKV. They both have good points. As far as transferring your luggage, I always have my car with me when I do split stays so haven't had to do but I've read from others that it's not big deal. Just be prepared for the luggage not to arrive until late in the day and one person has to be in your room for them to deliver it.

 

[bambialways4ever]

Worth noting about Fort Wilderness, BIG pool closure happening. From Disney:

From January 9, 2023 through early April 2023, Meadow Swimmin' Pool and whirlpool spa will be closed for refurbishment. The water play area and Meadow Snack Bar along with the Wilderness Swimmin' Pool and its nearby whirlpool spa will remain open for your enjoyment. You may see and hear construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but you should not hear noise from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience.

 

[Valentina8623]

Worth noting about Fort Wilderness, BIG pool closure happening. From Disney:

From January 9, 2023 through early April 2023, Meadow Swimmin' Pool and whirlpool spa will be closed for refurbishment. The water play area and Meadow Snack Bar along with the Wilderness Swimmin' Pool and its nearby whirlpool spa will remain open for your enjoyment. You may see and hear construction noise while this refurbishment is underway, but you should not hear noise from Guest rooms between dusk and 9:00 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience.

That's not until 2023 though right? We are planning our trip for April 2022. Thanks.

 

[bambialways4ever]

That's not until 2023 though right? We are planning our trip for April 2022. Thanks.

Sorry, you didn't specify so I wasn't sure.

 

[gottalovepluto]

About 2-4 weeks out look at availability again if Disney will allow you to change from AKL. That’s when people have been seeing lots of rooms come available.

 

[PollyannaMom]

The one time we've done a split stay, we started at POFQ and ended at AKL. I liked the idea of moving up instead of down in luxury (but really, we adored both resorts!)

We didn't use luggage transfer, as we actually left in between to visit family for a couple of nights, but here's my old trip report, if you find anything useful in it:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/“the-ultimate-split-stay”-december-2018-trip-report.3738929/

 

[HopperFan]

I have stayed at both and would definitely finish my trip at AKL! If I started there I wouldn't want to leave and then once I did, I would wish I were still there.

If you can work it at all, I would stay there the whole trip. It is a unique and special resort.