Split stay question

[MrsRoyale]

Good evening all!

I am working on budgeting for a trip in May 2018 and as I was dummy-booking WDW website told me that I could not do Magic My Way because of how many days I am staying. We'll be checking in 5/12, and checking out 5/27 for a total of 15 nights...So my question is, are you able to split your stay into two different hotels? I am assuming that would be cheaper than staying in just one since I can do Magic Your Way...or is the difference in price not worth switching hotels mid stay?

 

[Fire14]

I think max stay/booking is 10 days. I do split stays all the time. It can be PITB or easy street just takes planning on your part

 

[MrsRoyale]

Oh ok, I just wanted to make sure it was possible to do something like that Thanks!

 

[Marionnette]

Good evening all!

I am working on budgeting for a trip in May 2018 and as I was dummy-booking WDW website told me that I could not do Magic My Way because of how many days I am staying. We'll be checking in 5/12, and checking out 5/27 for a total of 15 nights...So my question is, are you able to split your stay into two different hotels? I am assuming that would be cheaper than staying in just one since I can do Magic Your Way...or is the difference in price not worth switching hotels mid stay?

I would not book MYW packages for split stays. You end up paying way more than you need to when it comes to tickets. You would be better off booking room-only reservations and purchasing APs for a visit that lasts longer than 10 days.

Split stays aren't all that difficult to deal with. Disney bell services will move your luggage to your next resort for you. Drop it off with them on the morning of check out and it will be waiting in at bell services in the afternoon at your next resort. They will even keep your cold items refrigerated for you.

 

[MrsRoyale]

I would not book MYW packages for split stays. You end up paying way more than you need to when it comes to tickets. You would be better off booking room-only reservations and purchasing APs for a visit that lasts longer than 10 days.

Split stays aren't all that difficult to deal with. Disney bell services will move your luggage to your next resort for you. Drop it off with them on the morning of check out and it will be waiting in at bell services in the afternoon at your next resort. They will even keep your cold items refrigerated for you.

But can you still buy the Dining Plans if you don't do MYW? Sorry...This is the first time I plan a trip of this caliber without my mom's help. I feel like such an adult, lol!

 

[Marionnette]

But can you still buy the Dining Plans if you don't do MYW? Sorry...This is the first time I plan a trip of this caliber without my mom's help. I feel like such an adult, lol!

Disney has a "ticketless dining package". It's meant for AP holders who have no need for tickets but still want the dining plan when they are staying onsite. Anyone can book one, even if they don't have an AP. You cannot book it online. You have to call and hope that you get a CM who understands what you're talking about. Of course, this could all change by 2018.

 

[MrsRoyale]

Disney has a "ticketless dining package". It's meant for AP holders who have no need for tickets but still want the dining plan when they are staying onsite. Anyone can book one, even if they don't have an AP. You cannot book it online. You have to call and hope that you get a CM who understands what you're talking about. Of course, this could all change by 2018.

Yeah...I figured it would be something like that. Thanks! You've been a great help!

 

[lanejudy]

The longest ticket available with a MYW package is 10 days of theme park entries; you can add-on the water parks, fun & more option which will give you another 10 entries (not necessarily days) of "minor" amusement entries. This ticket is valid for a total of 14 days from first use. Sounds like you have a 15-night trip planned, which would be 16 days counting arrival and departure days. Will you go to the parks on the first/last days? Consider your plans, then crunch the numbers of a 10-day MYW w/WPFM option vs an AP, and also consider that you may be able to get AP discounts. You'll have a lot of options to consider for various pricing. Tickets, MYW package for 1st half of stay and room-only/ticketless package for 2nd half, or all room-only/ticketless package with tickets purchased separately. Also look at your dining habits on vacation and decide if the Dining Plan is best for your group; it isn't economical for everyone especially if staying deluxe with a room-only discount. Crunch your numbers to see what works best for you. You can upgrade MYW tickets onsite to APs at any point if that's what works better, but don't use any WPFM options unless you plan to upgrade to the Platinum Plus AP.

Happy planning and enjoy your vacation!

 

[kymom99]

If you get an AP you could get room discounts too.

I'm wondering but I don't know. Can you buy a 10 day ticket and then add days?

 

[MrsRoyale]

Oh...my....dear sausages...So many options!!!!!

If anyone needs me I will be in the corner pulling my hair out and cackling maniacally.....

 

[ellie05]

I would get AP you will be eligible for other discounts with an AP as well. You can purchase TiW and save money vs getting the dinning plan.

 

[MrsRoyale]

The longest ticket available with a MYW package is 10 days of theme park entries; you can add-on the water parks, fun & more option which will give you another 10 entries (not necessarily days) of "minor" amusement entries. This ticket is valid for a total of 14 days from first use. Sounds like you have a 15-night trip planned, which would be 16 days counting arrival and departure days. Will you go to the parks on the first/last days? Consider your plans, then crunch the numbers of a 10-day MYW w/WPFM option vs an AP, and also consider that you may be able to get AP discounts. You'll have a lot of options to consider for various pricing. Tickets, MYW package for 1st half of stay and room-only/ticketless package for 2nd half, or all room-only/ticketless package with tickets purchased separately. Also look at your dining habits on vacation and decide if the Dining Plan is best for your group; it isn't economical for everyone especially if staying deluxe with a room-only discount. Crunch your numbers to see what works best for you. You can upgrade MYW tickets onsite to APs at any point if that's what works better, but don't use any WPFM options unless you plan to upgrade to the Platinum Plus AP.

Happy planning and enjoy your vacation!

Well, yes...technically I have a 16 day/15 night stay BUT I will only be going to the parks twice per park, so I only need tickets for 8 days. I have days that we will be going to Universal and other parks outside Disney, plus some break days in between...does that make sense?

 

[MrsRoyale]

I would get AP you will be eligible for other discounts with and AP as well. You can purchase TiW and save money vs getting the dinning plan.

What's TiW?

 

[Marionnette]

If you get an AP you could get room discounts too.

I'm wondering but I don't know. Can you buy a 10 day ticket and then add days?

No. The maximum number of theme park days that can be on a ticket is 10 days. You cannot add more to a 10-day ticket, even if you
have used some of those days already.

 

[Marionnette]

What's TiW?

TiW = Tables in Wonderland. It's a discount dining program. Details here: http://tablesinwonderland.com/

 

[Marionnette]

Well, yes...technically I have a 16 day/15 night stay BUT I will only be going to the parks twice per park, so I only need tickets for 8 days. I have days that we will be going to Universal and other parks outside Disney, plus some break days in between...does that make sense?

If you intend to only go to the parks on 8 days, then it might make sense to do a MYW package for your first resort (with 8-day tickets) and then a room-only reservation for the second resort. You would be able to purchase the dining plan for each stay but I would discourage doing that if you intend to spend considerable time at Universal and other non-Disney parks. In fact, you might want to think about staying at a Universal resort for a few days in order to take advantage of the perks they have in the parks for onsite guests.

 

[MrsRoyale]

If you intend to only go to the parks on 8 days, then it might make sense to do a MYW package for your first resort (with 8-day tickets) and then a room-only reservation for the second resort. You would be able to purchase the dining plan for each stay but I would discourage doing that if you intend to spend considerable time at Universal and other non-Disney parks. In fact, you might want to think about staying at a Universal resort for a few days in order to take advantage of the perks they have in the parks for onsite guests.

That makes sense. You've given me lots to think about....Back to the planning board then

 

[lanejudy]

I agree with Marionette -- if you only intend to go to each major theme park twice, you really only need an 8-day MYW ticket. You can use those 8 days anytime within 2 weeks of first use, it does not have to be 8 consecutive days. And with off-site plans, the dining plan may not work well. If it's the "convenience" of having it all pre-paid, stock up on some gift cards to cover your meals while on property.

Lots of options! Happy planning!

 

[Eureka]

Well, yes...technically I have a 16 day/15 night stay BUT I will only be going to the parks twice per park, so I only need tickets for 8 days. I have days that we will be going to Universal and other parks outside Disney, plus some break days in between...does that make sense?

Might want to look into doing Universal at either end of your trip and staying there to get the early entry and/or express pass (depends on which of their hotels you stay at for the benefits).

 

[MermaidMommy]

No. The maximum number of theme park days that can be on a ticket is 10 days. You cannot add more to a 10-day ticket, even if you
have used some of those days already.

Someone posted on the boards recently that they were able to add days onto a 10-day ticket through their concierge at their Disney resort. They said they were told it was possible, just not something that was advertised. It was the first time I had ever seen anyone say they could do that.

If you intend to only go to the parks on 8 days, then it might make sense to do a MYW package for your first resort (with 8-day tickets) and then a room-only reservation for the second resort. You would be able to purchase the dining plan for each stay but I would discourage doing that if you intend to spend considerable time at Universal and other non-Disney parks. In fact, you might want to think about staying at a Universal resort for a few days in order to take advantage of the perks they have in the parks for onsite guests.

Also, if you get the dining plan for part of your trip, you can plan to eat your most expensive meals while you have the plan, to maximize the value.

And, I agree about staying onsite at Universal for your days there. In addition to the perks you get for staying onsite, their hotels are really great and cheaper than Disney's.