Split Stay Pop/Contemporary Garden Wing or DVC GF - 7-8 Nights, Jan 2026

[atots]

I am having so much trouble (and fun) deciding where to stay. Planning a trip for late January 2026 for my 40th birthday. 2 adults, 2 kids (4.5 and 7.5). First time for the kids, the oldest is autistic. I plan to rent a double stroller. I'm thinking 7-8 nights, 5-6 park days, 1-2 rest days. 1 day at each park except 2 at the MK (not sure if we will do a 6th or not). I have been waiting YEARS for this trip. My husband never wanted to go, my kids were too young but now my kids will be old enough to make them slightly less needy and my husband is on board since I am paying and it's for my birthday. Not sure when I'll be able to convince him to come again so trying to find a good balance of budgeting but also enjoying a great birthday trip, my kids' first time and something I have been waiting to do forever.

My current thoughts are either:
-Split stay 4 nights Pop/4 nights Contemporary Garden Wing Water View
-Try to rent DVC points - VGF Studio or BWV Preferred Studio
-Maaaaybe Swan & Dolphin in a fireworks view room (I have stayed here for a work conference so I know it is nice and convenient, just kinda wanted to be on the MK loop as a bucket list item)

My worries about DVC Points
- getting scammed if I rent privately
- needing to cancel (I do NOT plan to cancel my dream trip but I work in insurance which makes me think about worst case scenario like one of us is in a terrible accident or something. I will probably buy trip insurance and confirm it can cover DVC rentals, private or through an agent like David's)
- Disney offering a crazy deal closer to the dates after I have already booked that would make me hate how much I paid for the DVC points (basically FOMO)

My questions:
-Where would you stay?
-Is a split stay worth it or too much of a pain?
-How likely is it to book one of these more reasonable studio rooms as a DVC renter at the 11 month mark?

Thanks in advance!

 

[CarolynFH]

Well, I hate split stays - DH and I like to settle in and stay in one place, not have to pack up, be homeless for a day, and then unpack again. We will consider split stays but require a minimum of 3 nights in each location. So your 4/4 split would be reasonable for us. OTOH, how much will having the two kids add to the work of moving? Disney will transfer your luggage, but you will be without it from at least 11 AM checkout time until 4 or 5 or later that day when it arrives at the second hotel. And you may not have a room in the second resort until after 3 (for a regular Disney resort such as the CR) or after 4 (for a DVC resort). Will your kids need a place to nap or rest in the middle of the day?

My worries about DVC Points
- getting scammed if I rent privately

Look at the Rent/Transfer forum here on DISboards. Click on the name of the person posting points for a resort you're interested in, and read some of their posts. I think you can get a pretty good idea of whether you can count on them not to scam you.

- needing to cancel (I do NOT plan to cancel my dream trip but I work in insurance which makes me think about worst case scenario like one of us is in a terrible accident or something. I will probably buy trip insurance and confirm it can cover DVC rentals, private or through an agent like David's)

This is a reasonable concern. During Covid there were a number of instances where people's rentals were canceled. I know I read some reports where trip insurance paid, as long as the renter had a written agreement showing they paid $xxxxx. But as you know, you need to verify that with the insurance company before you commit to a DVC rental.

- Disney offering a crazy deal closer to the dates after I have already booked that would make me hate how much I paid for the DVC points (basically FOMO)

Yes, again a reasonable concern, and there's not much that can be done about it when talking about a DVC rental!

 

[Dismom18]

I have always done split stays, but based on the options I would rent points at the Floridian from a DVC rental company ( you can purchase travel insurance if you’re sceptical to rent). Floridian has much to offer, great dining options, newly renovated rooms, in addition to being on the monorail, closer to Magic Kingdom etc. If however, you prefer a split stay I would recommend splitting Floridian and BWV, as each resort is in a primary location to their respective parks.

 

[atots]

Well, I hate split stays - DH and I like to settle in and stay in one place, not have to pack up, be homeless for a day, and then unpack again. We will consider split stays but require a minimum of 3 nights in each location. So your 4/4 split would be reasonable for us. OTOH, how much will having the two kids add to the work of moving? Disney will transfer your luggage, but you will be without it from at least 11 AM checkout time until 4 or 5 or later that day when it arrives at the second hotel. And you may not have a room in the second resort until after 3 (for a regular Disney resort such as the CR) or after 4 (for a DVC resort). Will your kids need a place to nap or rest in the middle of the day?

Look at the Rent/Transfer forum here on DISboards. Click on the name of the person posting points for a resort you're interested in, and read some of their posts. I think you can get a pretty good idea of whether you can count on them not to scam you.

This is a reasonable concern. During Covid there were a number of instances where people's rentals were canceled. I know I read some reports where trip insurance paid, as long as the renter had a written agreement showing they paid $xxxxx. But as you know, you need to verify that with the insurance company before you commit to a DVC rental.

Yes, again a reasonable concern, and there's not much that can be done about it when talking about a DVC rental!

Thanks! I would probably rather avoid the split stay too but it will be the gamble on if I can get a DVC rental.

 

[atots]

I have always done split stays, but based on the options I would rent points at the Floridian from a DVC rental company ( you can purchase travel insurance if you’re sceptical to rent). Floridian has much to offer, great dining options, newly renovated rooms, in addition to being on the monorail, closer to Magic Kingdom etc. If however, you prefer a split stay I would recommend splitting Floridian and BWV, as each resort is in a primary location to their respective parks.

Thanks! BWV is a great location too. That was my original first thought but then was thinking I about being in the MK area. I am so indecisive with so many good choices I have too much time to think about it between now and when I can book it.

 

[CraigInPA]

I'd avoid the split stay with young children. Yes, it would be cool to have an AKL Savannah view and watch the animals go by, or the convenience of walking from Beach Club to Epcot, or the Contemporary right to MK, or the cool factor of the Skyliner or Monorail, but realistically, do you want to unpack for four days, only to have to re-pack, move, and the unpack for the rest of the trip?

With young children and a double stroller, you'll want to walk to MK. Contemporary or Bay Lake Tower would be the best choice for that, as the walk is rather short. From Grand Floridian, you can also walk, but it's at least twice as long. I wouldn't walk from the Poly to MK; walk to the ticket and transportation center and grab the monorail, or take the ferry. If you're staying at the Poly Island Tower, you could take the boat from the Poly marina, or the monorail.

If you're renting DVC points, you may want to consider a broker, who offers some limited form of protection against a rental gone bad.

 

[js]

I would not recommend a split stay. Remember the day you change resorts, you will be homeless for a while, or longer!

I would get to your resort, unpack and unwind and not have to worry again until you leave.

I own DVC and still never ever want to split stay. I did it once (from BLT to BWVs) and would never do it again and didn't have little kids with me LOL

 

[atots]

I'd avoid the split stay with young children. Yes, it would be cool to have an AKL Savannah view and watch the animals go by, or the convenience of walking from Beach Club to Epcot, or the Contemporary right to MK, or the cool factor of the Skyliner or Monorail, but realistically, do you want to unpack for four days, only to have to re-pack, move, and the unpack for the rest of the trip?

With young children and a double stroller, you'll want to walk to MK. Contemporary or Bay Lake Tower would be the best choice for that, as the walk is rather short. From Grand Floridian, you can also walk, but it's at least twice as long. I wouldn't walk from the Poly to MK; walk to the ticket and transportation center and grab the monorail, or take the ferry. If you're staying at the Poly Island Tower, you could take the boat from the Poly marina, or the monorail.

If you're renting DVC points, you may want to consider a broker, who offers some limited form of protection against a rental gone bad.

Thank you for your voice of sanity on the split stay. Great ideas and advice on the walking situation, I appreciate it. The Poly opens even another option to think about! Although availability of the Poly or GF via renting points could lead me right back to rack rates and my split stay option

 

[atots]

I would not recommend a split stay. Remember the day you change resorts, you will be homeless for a while, or longer!

I would get to your resort, unpack and unwind and not have to worry again until you leave.

I own DVC and still never ever want to split stay. I did it once (from BLT to BWVs) and would never do it again and didn't have little kids with me LOL

The homeless factor plus I was just reading about 2 booking windows for dining, etc.; not ideal. I have this fantasy that in a year+ my kids will be a bit easier to manage but 4 and 7 are still young and needy. Thanks!