Split stay questions

[Kerpgh]

Hi everyone!!

I had this posted on the attractions board but was unsure how to move it...so sorry for the double post...

Hopefully someone can help me as I am contemplating a split stay at two different resorts during our trip in April and I had a few questions

1. Do you have to book each resort separately as two different packages??
- we also want park hopper and deluxe dining plan...so would I need to book each of these for each resort?

2. Luggage transfer - how hard is it?? Does Disney help or would I be responsible for moving my luggage?

3. Suggestions and stories welcome!

Thanks bunches

 

[Sue M]

Hi everyone!!

I had this posted on the attractions board but was unsure how to move it...so sorry for the double post...

Hopefully someone can help me as I am contemplating a split stay at two different resorts during our trip in April and I had a few questions

1. Do you have to book each resort separately as two different packages??
- we also want park hopper and deluxe dining plan...so would I need to book each of these for each resort?

2. Luggage transfer - how hard is it?? Does Disney help or would I be responsible for moving my luggage?

3. Suggestions and stories welcome!

Thanks bunches

Split stays are viewed by WDW as 2 different reservations, so you would have to book them separately.

Here's where it gets difficult with dining plans! I believe to book DDP, your res has to incl park tickets unless you are Annual pass holders. I am, so not sure about how you book not being a pass holder. But.... You could book length of stay tickets on first package, to cover entire length of trip, then on second res. just book a 1 day base ticket with DDP. Keep the 1 day ticket for upgrading for future trip.

Disney will transfer your luggage. On moving day, just phone Bell Service, they will come to your room to pick up your luggage, and transfer it to your next resort.
We prefer to take a cab in the morning with our luggage to new resort, and check in. Leave bags with Bell Service if room isn't ready. Then head off to a park for rope drop.

 

[nkereina]

Hi everyone!!

I had this posted on the attractions board but was unsure how to move it...so sorry for the double post...

Hopefully someone can help me as I am contemplating a split stay at two different resorts during our trip in April and I had a few questions

1. Do you have to book each resort separately as two different packages??
- we also want park hopper and deluxe dining plan...so would I need to book each of these for each resort?

2. Luggage transfer - how hard is it?? Does Disney help or would I be responsible for moving my luggage?

3. Suggestions and stories welcome!

Thanks bunches

I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but to have a dining plan on a package, you need at least one day of tickets as well. And during the free dining, you would need two days of tickets typically to book that promotion.

I believe the cheapest way to do it would be to book all the tickets you need on the first reservation and then just purchase one day tickets for the dining plan on the second reservation. You can get as many day tickets as you want - it doesnt have to coincide with how many nights your staying. For instance if you are staying 4 nights at the first hotel, you can still buy all 7 days of tickets on that reservation.

For the one day ticket on the other reservation, you can use it on a next trip or maybe sell it to someone or something. You may even be able to upgrade it for a future trip but I'm not sure of the rules and time frames around that.

As for the dining plan, you would just have to put that on both reservations.

 

[mrstomrice]

We did a split a few years ago. We were surprised how long the luggage swap took. We were moving from WL to CR. The CM in charge of moving our bags wasn't due to get to work until 1 pm, so we had nothing with us. Be sure to bring at least 1 bag of things you may need with you. We were surprised that we had our room as soon as we checked in at 9 am.

 

[Kerpgh]

Thank you so very much for all of your responses...

For those that did do a split stay..was it easier to book directly through Disney or use a TA that specializes in Disney vacations??
My children really want to stay at AKL and I know that we couldnt afford it for a full 8 days...so I was hoping for 6 nights at a mod and 2 nights at AKL...

Not sure if its worth the hassle of not ....

 

[Sue M]

I've done both TA specializing in Disney, and done it myself. Both ways to me are easy, but if your new to WDW booking, a TA may be a good way to go. They can advise you on how to book, and will automatically apply any discounts that come out.

Personally, I'd do a split with 4 days at each resort, or just pick one. I don't think 2 days would be worth it. But that's me.

 

[elaw]

We did a split a few years ago. We were surprised how long the luggage swap took. We were moving from WL to CR. The CM in charge of moving our bags wasn't due to get to work until 1 pm, so we had nothing with us. Be sure to bring at least 1 bag of things you may need with you. We were surprised that we had our room as soon as we checked in at 9 am.

We've been taking a cab over to the next resort recently. It's been worth the $10-$15 to us to not have to worrry about late luggage and sometimes you get the surprise of having your room ready.