Split stay on resorts? How does this work?

[disneyfan2007]

We are looking at a July 2008 vacation, and really would like to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge with the savannah view, mainly because I think my kids will love it. However, 10 days at the Animal Kingdom Lodge would be very costly, so I am thinking of splitting our stay there - half at one of the All Stars resort, and half at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. My husband, on the other hand suggested stayed the first few days at All Star, and then move to Animal Kingdom Lodge for in the middle of our vacation and then back to All Star for one night before we leave. Does this mean that I will have to book 2 different packages so I am entitled for the dining plan? The last night at All Star would just be room only since we plan on leaving early the next morning. Also, would I have to purchase 2 trip insurance?

Also, if I were to book a standard room at Animal Kingdom Lodge for half of our stay, and a savannah view room for half of our stay..would that require 2 reservations as well?

Anyone knows if you get your $200 deposit back if you cancel your reservation if you have more than 45 days before your arrival? I understand that 5 or less days of arrival - $200 penalty, 6-44 days - $100...so I guess if it is more than 45 days, you should be ok and get the deposit refunded then?

Any suggestions on how to cut cost but still be able to enjoy Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah view for at least part of our trip? Thanks!

Kell

 

[Princess Amy]

We are doing a split stay in December. We are staying AKL savanna bunk bed room Dec 1-5 and then switching to CSR Dec 5-9. Our AKL reservation has an 8 day MYW base ticket plus park hopping with dining plan. And our CSR reservation has a 1 day base ticket with dining plan. You do have to at least buy a 1 day MYW base ticket in order to get the dining plan.

If I had my choice I would have stayed at CSR than at AKL, but due to the fact that we were using the Visa discount we had to book AKL first than CSR.

Staying at AS then switching to AKL would require two separate reservations. Also, if you booked standard view than switch to savanna view at AKL would also require two reservations. Is there a reason your husband insist son doing AS, AKL, than AS again for the last night? Why not try AKL first than switch to AS? Or how about even trying 5 nights AS than the other 4 nights at AKL to cut costs? Just trying to throw out some options.

Yes, you are correct about the deposit. If you cancel before the 45 day mark you do get all of your $200 deposit refunded. If you book two separate reservations, then can be linked together, and no you do not have to purchase two insurances. The insurance is for your whole stay whether you are switching resorts or not.

Hope this helps a little bit. Any more questions, feel free to ask!

 

[bellelinus]

We split stay almost every time we go to WDW -- sometimes to save money, sometimes to experience two different resort areas. I would strongly suggest that you only move once, though, and make the better hotel the last. Although it is not that difficult to switch, it does require packing up and I don't see any reason to do that more than you have to. Also, from experience I can say that it is always better to end with the nicer hotel -- it can be a let down otherwise, while when you first get to WDW you are so excited you don't care as much about the resort.

 

[Mr. Pig]

We split stay almost every time we go to WDW -- sometimes to save money, sometimes to experience two different resort areas. I would strongly suggest that you only move once, though, and make the better hotel the last. Although it is not that difficult to switch, it does require packing up and I don't see any reason to do that more than you have to. Also, from experience I can say that it is always better to end with the nicer hotel -- it can be a let down otherwise, while when you first get to WDW you are so excited you don't care as much about the resort.

Agree totally with this. We always do split stay to make it more interesting. Each stay requires at least one day pass if you want to make it a package and do dining plan. We have been just doing the dining plan on the first part of our stay then doing fewer TS in the second half and going offsite the second part. Disney considers each stay as separate even if it is at the same resort. The second resort doesn't really even know where you have been before other than receiving your luggage if they transport it.

I wouldn't stay at any one resort for less than 3 nights. There just isn't enough time to settle in otherwise.

 

[lake queen]

We are doing a split stay between Dolphin/Pop.

This is our first time not to do Disney with a package. We bought our tickets from Undercover Tourist.

I have 2 questions

How do they know that we are Disney guest when we get to the parks? How will they know to let us in for the EMH?

I know we cannot charge to our room at the Dolphin, but when we get to Pop will we be able to charge things to our room?

We have never split stay before, so I am confused about how it all works!!

 

[bellelinus]

We are doing a split stay between Dolphin/Pop.

This is our first time not to do Disney with a package. We bought our tickets from Undercover Tourist.

I have 2 questions

How do they know that we are Disney guest when we get to the parks? How will they know to let us in for the EMH?

I know we cannot charge to our room at the Dolphin, but when we get to Pop will we be able to charge things to our room?

We have never split stay before, so I am confused about how it all works!!

You will show your room key -- from either Pop or Dolphin -- to use EMH.

Yes, when you are at Pop if you put down a credit card when you check in you will be able to charge things to your room. Very convenient!

I actually love the Swan and Dolphin (great location, lovely rooms) but the two disadvantages for me have always been that you can't use Magical Express and you can't charge to your room there.

 

[lake queen]

THanks Julie!

 

[BC1836]

Split stays are interesting and enjoyable (two different WDW resorts during one stay!) but as others have suggested:

1) three days minimum at each resort hotel because there is a bit of a hassle about packing and moving.

2) make your final stay at the "better" (based on your preferences) resort hotel.

As you can see, we've done it several times.

In any event, enjoy the magic no matter where you stay on site!