Split Stay ... What would you do?

[amergren]

I called MS today to book a trip for the end of September for my husband's 40th birthday (with our 3 year old son). We originally planned to stay at BLT 1-bedroom standard view for 9 nights, but found out today that the 1bedroom isn't available for a few of the nights on the second half of our trip (being the bonehead that I am, I didn't call right at the 7month mark). We don't have enough points to stay in a Lake View all 9 nights.

MS suggested we split the stay at BLT, 4 nights in a std room and 5 nights in a lake view room.

I'm wondering if we're already going to switch rooms, should we switch to another resort we haven't been to yet? We've stayed at SSR and AKV, and eventually would like to try the others. BWV and OKW are appealing.

Is it worth it? My practical side says no -- stay at BLT with my three-year old for the convenience to MK. My adventurous side says do it, we have plenty of time to enjoy two resorts.

What would you do? I know it's totally a personal preference, but would love to hear others thoughts.

 

[Goosey515]

I personally would stay the whole time at BLT with a little one - since much of your time may well be spent at MK. I think that as your child gets older MK may not always be the park of choice, and then it will be fun to explore other DVC resorts.

 

[BDJazz]

We did a split stay last May between AKV and BLT. We had a blast and plan on doing this every trip until we've had a chance to experience all the DVC resorts. We called right at the 7 month mark to request an MK view for BLT but it was not available. They waitlisted us for it and a month later I got the letter saying we had an MK view. If the 1 BR standard is what you really want book something else and waitlist it. You may just get your wish!

Oh, and the resorts are really good about transferring baggage between resorts so packing up and moving is a breeze. Bell services takes care of it all!

 

[dianeschlicht]

A three year old will get burned out with the parks pretty quickly, so I'd say it would be no problem to switch resorts. Since you have to be "homeless" for a day anyway, it really doesn't matter if you go back to BLT or try another resort. Disney is good about transferring luggage, so no issues there either.

 

[DMKEDM]

A big part of the easy access issue is transportation...it's just so much easier if you're using a stroller to walk or to use the monorail or a boat rather than a bus...

Plus, while MK is "the" park of choice for many very young children, most are also enchanted w/Epcot (LOTS of characters at Epcot! And it's a visual feast!!!)...it was my son's favorite park (still is) his whole life--he took his first Disney trip at age 6 weeks and we've been going regularly ever since--he's now 23)...

So, given that your 3-year-old is likely to love Epcot (and the Studios, too) even if Magic Kingdom is his favorite, why not split your stay between BLT and BWV and/or BCV? You'll have easy transportation to 3 of the 4 parks (and you can't get to AK w/out driving or a bus so there's no stroller-easy way to get there) for your trip, albeit in two "chunks."

And as Diane pointed out, you'll have a day (or at least several hours) w/out a room whether you're at the same resort or a different one--and Disney will move your luggage for you, so the logistics of two resorts over two rooms in the same resort are pretty much the same...

Anyway, lots of luck in your decision-making (and w/your waitlist if you decide to try that)...

 

[amergren]

Thanks everyone! This is awesome feedback. The longer DH & I sit here talking about it, we're excited to switch resorts to either BWV or BCV for the reasons DMKEDM mentioned... easy access to EPCOT and DHS. Our 3yo loves all the parks so we can get easy access to all parks (except AK) by staying at two different resorts.

Now the question is which do I choose BWV or BCV? Stormalong Bay sounds appealing, but is it too much for a 3 year old? Any advantages to BWV? Of course availability might be an issue. I may not have a choice!

 

[cel_disney]

Just curious - but is there availability at either of those resorts the end of Sept? it is very close to the beginning of food/wine..

We stayed at BLT in december, adn while it is much more convenient to walk to the MK, its way LESS convenient to get to epcot because you have to take the monorail which is anything but reliable/consistant! I think a split stay would be a perfect balance of the MK convenience and TOTWL vs. trying something new!!!

 

[khmiller]

We stayed at BLT in december, adn while it is much more convenient to walk to the MK, its way LESS convenient to get to epcot because you have to take the monorail which is anything but reliable/consistant!

How is the monorail not reliable/consistent?

 

[CarolMN]

Now the question is which do I choose BWV or BCV? Stormalong Bay sounds appealing, but is it too much for a 3 year old? Any advantages to BWV? Of course availability might be an issue. I may not have a choice!

Many parents think it is easier to supervise younger children at the BWV pool than it is at SAB. Truthfully, you can't go wrong no matter which you choose. You little guy will be happy just being with you and his Dad.

 

[amergren]

Just curious - but is there availability at either of those resorts the end of Sept? it is very close to the beginning of food/wine..

I'll find out tomorrow! My dates for the second half of the trip is 9/22-9/27. So far the availability thread shows no dates, but who knows.

 

[sweetdana]

I would put 3 days in at AK, value or standard if available and 6 BLT LV I think you would have enough points. maybe I am wrong. I almost would leave AK for last to enjoy the view a little more and BLT near parks up front.

2nd choice would be BC 1st 4 days and BLT last 5.

3rd choice would be BWV 1st few nights depend on available room type, then BLT.

I would for sure split 2 different resorts best of both worlds. I love splitting though.. I do it on purpose.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Personally, I'd all all nine nights at one resort in one category room. Since the standard BLT villa isn't available for the entire time, I'd book a different resort where I could get all nine nights.

Have you borrowed all your points from next year already? What about getting the one time use points (up to 24) for $15 per point from MS? Would either of those two methods get you all nine nights at BTL lake view?

 

[amergren]

We decided to do the split stay, and pretty excited about experiencing two different resorts within walking distance of parks. We'll be staying at BLT 1-bedroom standard view for 4 nights (9/18-9/21)... and I was able to book BCV 1-bedroom for 5 nights (9/22-9/27) this morning.

Thanks everyone for your recommendations and thoughts!

 

[kimpossible]

Sounds like a plan. There is a smaller pool at BC with a little slide that would be great for a 3 year old. Also, they serve lunches at Hurricane Hannah's in a sand bucket for the kids



Almost forgot...take some time to stroll the boardwalk at night. There are magicians and jugglers.

 

[amergren]

Oh, thanks so much Kim! I figured there was bound to be a smaller pool or area for little ones. And being September I don't expect there to be huge crowds.

We'll definitely take advantage of the boardwalk at night! DH and I remember being there years ago in September... it was dead, and the entertainers loved seeing us! One of the reasons we want to go back that time of year. Now crowds

 

[mellvswdw1]

I have to say go with being adventerous and switch. My DH is the type that likes to stay at one place, but we were forced on our last trip to move halfway through. I never felt drawn to OKW, but that was the only 1 BR available, and low and behold, OKW is now our personal favorite. We would have never known that if we hadn't had a split stay. Have fun planning!

 

[alldiz]

Personally....I would change resorts.

I love the feel of staying at 2 resorts....feels like 2 vacations.

Since you have to pack anyway.....just go to a park....they will transfer your luggage....and go back to new resort at end of day to checkin.
Unless you are a control freak like me and just take a cab with your stuff
Happy planning
Kerri

BTW...I would chose BWV over BCV if possible. Much easier to watch young children. BCV pool very spread out....with deep areas.

 

[dismedvc]

We don't have enough points to stay in a Lake View all 9 nights.

What would you do? I know it's totally a personal preference, but would love to hear others thoughts.

I saw on a later post you now have reservations at both BLT and BCV. That sounds great. However, one thing I am not sure you considered:

Although points at BWV and BCV are almost identical for most rooms, BWV does have a standard view category. If you could get that, on a 1BR (per night) it would save you either 7 points vs. BCV or 8 points vs. BWV preferred view (on Fri - Sat) and 4 points vs. either BCV or BWV preferred view (other nights)

BCV and BWV preferred views are about the same points as BLT Standard views, so you may have already saved enough points, but if points are really a concern you might want to look into BWV standard view.