Split Stay tips?

[MS_Warrior]

Considering doing a split stay, starting out at Pop or Art of Animation for a couple of nights then headed over to Poly for 4 nights. For those that have done a split stay, do you typically go to a park on the day you switch over, or do a resort day?

We’ve done a split stay a couple of times. The day we changed resorts, we went to Disney Springs instead. They told us not to put any electronics in the suitcase, but to keep them with us. I stuffed them in the backpack, but didn’t want to cart them around the parks all day.

 

[gorkt]

I generally just check out early then go to a park that day, then move to the new resort in the evening. I have never had an issue with luggage or anything.

 

[MMSM]

Where do you find the packing cubes? Amazon?

Also Marshalls and TJ Max. I am addicted to them!

 

[MMSM]

Is there an advantage or will my luggage arrive earlier if I do bell services the day before I leave? For example we arrive at BW at 11, just for one night. Should I drop my luggage and just have one weekender for my family that I can transport the next day? Or will it arrive the same time at poly if I do in the morning?

 

[CarolynFH]

Is there an advantage or will my luggage arrive earlier if I do bell services the day before I leave? For example we arrive at BW at 11, just for one night. Should I drop my luggage and just have one weekender for my family that I can transport the next day? Or will it arrive the same time at poly if I do in the morning?

There’s only one luggage transfer each day. As guests check out, luggage to be transferred is held until after 11:00 and then loaded onto a truck. So leaving it with Bell Services the night before won’t get it to the next resort any faster. It would be one less thing to worry about doing in the morning, though!

 

[NobodyNew]

We drive in from NJ, and when we have done split stays, we pack for it.

we drive from NJ to Deltona fl, about and hour north of Wdw. One suitcase for that night -small

first half of trip- one suitcase shared

second half - one suitcase shared

so, there’s only two of us, shared suitcases are easy.

we always drop off at bell services and head to parks

when we switch hotels, we do the same

 

[Tia Jones]

We drive in from NJ, and when we have done split stays, we pack for it.

we drive from NJ to Deltona fl, about and hour north of Wdw. One suitcase for that night -small

first half of trip- one suitcase shared

second half - one suitcase shared

so, there’s only two of us, shared suitcases are easy.

we always drop off at bell services and head to parks

when we switch hotels, we do the same

That's a great idea! Thank you!

 

[RoseGold]

I split stay constantly. I've done it all. Park warrior, just get your stuff when you get back. Pool hop between the resorts, there's not a wrong answer.

I have had bags arrive late, like 7PM once. Usually they're in the afternoon, no big deal. I do tip on both ends when they handle the luggage. An option if this will be a problem is just to take a Lyft and leave the stuff at the new hotel. This might work particularly well with Poly, because you'll also be taking a Lyft to the TTC, which takes you right to MK. Hop on the ferry for early park hours, yay!

Luggage is ready when your room is ready. Take an afternoon nap/pool break, all good.

 

[MickeyChildress]

I had heard there are issues with restaurant reservations on split stays? Any insight?

 

[tiana1989]

The website/app won’t recognize your entire stay, but you can call the dining number and they’ll make the reservations for you. That, or you can get up early twice when both of your 60 day windows open to book online.

 

[XoxoAmy]

The website/app won’t recognize your entire stay, but you can call the dining number and they’ll make the reservations for you. That, or you can get up early twice when both of your 60 day windows open to book online.

This is correct. I had good luck when I called to book the last 4 nights of our split stay, I even got Space 220. But the other thing you can do if you don't want to call and wait 2-3 hours on hold is to book a room, if one is available (at any resort), for all of the nights of your stay, book your ADRs for the whole trip, and then cancel the room a week or so later. You will have to put down a deposit but you get it back when you cancel (just be sure to cancel before the 30 day window!)