Split stays question

[bebelle]

Can someone please tell me how it works and is it worth the effort? We are planning a 10 day trip for May 2013. We want to stay at BC and either Poly or WL.

 

[Cameo]

We always do a split stay. 4-5 days in one place is enough for us. We do not do dining plan, or any Magic Your Way packages as my hubby is military and we get resort discounts and discounted tickets through SOG. So, I'm sure those things make it a lot easier. For us, we just get up on the morning we are switiching, load up all the luggage, check-in to the new resort, leave our luggage with bell services and head out to the park. When we get back in the evening, we just call for our luggage. They give you a phone number to call to find out when your room is ready.

 

[LeslieLou]

We did a triple split stay (decided to add on 2 nights to our dvc vacation at a mod). We didn't have a car and had minimal problems. We loved getting 2 different resorts, pools, parks in close proximity, etc. in fact, we're doing another split in June. We'd drop out bags at bell services before heading to a park for the day. We checked in around 2pm each time and our rooms were ready. We had an issue with bcv labeling our bags to go to FQ instead of POR, but the delay was minimal. Bcv also gave us an uncleared room, but that had nothing to do with split stay.

 

[PHLtoMCO]

When doing a split stay, you make two separate reservations. Some people would say they're worth it, others feel the opposite. We have given it a try once before and didn't love it. We prefer to stay put and settle into our resort while and on vacation. Others like having the opportunity to stay in 2 resorts during their trips. Just depends on what you prefer

 

[bebelle]

Do you mean you pack your luggage and YOU have to transport it to the new resort? We never have a car so this would be a problem.

 

[Mamato3Princes]

We split our 11 day Feb trip between CR and BWV and it went smoothly. We would def do it again. We just checked out of CR and told them we were transferring to BWV and they brought our bags over to BWV. The dining plan overlapped, I believe, so we had no problems with that.

 

[mickeynut1]

Do you mean you pack your luggage and YOU have to transport it to the new resort? We never have a car so this would be a problem.

Not having a car will not be a problem as Disney will transfer your luggage for you . On your check out day from the first resort, take your luggage to bell services and tell them what resort you're moving to and they will take care of everything. You can then go about your day and check into the 2nd resort when you're ready. They usually give a time frame of between 1-3 pm that your luggage will be available at the next resort. You can also take a cab with your luggage if you want to check in right away at the next resort. If you don't mind moving mid way through your trip, split stays are a great way to try different resorts in one trip .

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

We just booked a split-stay yesterday. The CM I spoke to confirmed bell services will transfer your luggage for you. So you leave one hotel, go enjoy your day and turn in for the night at a different hotel. I'm looking forward to it.

 

[maryj11]

I think it would be fun to try 2 different resorts if your staying longer than 6 days. Especially if you have been to Disney several times and want to try something new. I would choose Poly over WL. I have stayed at both , the WL is nice but the Poly is my favorite .

 

[Sammie]

The only problem we encountered was Disney lost one of our suitcases in the transfer.

Also we really missed that day when we had no room for afternoon naps.

 

[herb102211]

We love doing split stays. Our home resort is BWV so we usually book at either BWV or BCV for a few days to go to Epcot and HS. We also book a few days at BLT to go to MK and the monorail resort restaurants. We don't find doing a split stay a hassle because it ends up saving us a lot of time in the long run by being able to walk to the parks instead of waiting around for the buses.

Bell services will also transfer your luggage from one resort to the next. You can either pick it up or have bell services deliver it to your new room in the afternoon.

 

[goofy4tink]

Do you mean you pack your luggage and YOU have to transport it to the new resort? We never have a car so this would be a problem.

Well, yeah, you have to pack up your bags yourselves!!! But Disney will move them for you. I do split stays all the time. In fact, my dd is headed to BWV for her high school graduation trip next month..with two friends. And she told me that she is thrilled to be staying in one place for the first time in years..no moving to another resort!!! Poor baby!!

So, this is how it works. Book your two stays. I recommend staying at the more upscale resort last. Then, on your last morning at your first resort, pack up and call Bell Services. They will come to your room, tag your bags and get them to the next resort. I tend to do this very early...about 7am-ish. IF there is anything you will need for your day, before 5pm-ish, take it in a smaller bag that you can bring to the parks with you. You won't have access to your other bags until late afternoon!!!
Then, I head to a park for a few hours..usually leave around lunchtime. I then head to the 'new' resort. I get checked in, and if my room isn't ready yet, I can head off to lunch...or another park.
When I return later that day, my bags are ready to be called for. They will not take them directly to your room though. You will have to call to have them delivered.
Or, you can just take a cab over to the new resort, with your bags, and leave the bags with Bell Services. At least that way you'll have access to the bags during the day..which is especially nice if your room is ready early.