"Split-Stays" Worth doing? Ever tried it? Any thoughts?

[Sammie]

we have done it and everything went smoothly and we have done it and it was the worst nightmare ever. It was so bad it erased the memory of the good ones and convinced us never to do it again.

I would not even consider it for less than 4 nights at each location, because basically you lose a day when you move.

 

[NMAmy]

I really dislike it but end up doing it just about every trip. We usually fly in a day early and stay at a value and then switch to a villa or a deluxe. It's easier when it's just DH and I but trying to wrangle my 19 yo out of bed to change resorts is a pain. I do dislike not having a "home" for part of the day since we tend to spend a lot of afternoon time at the resort.

And yet, here I am, doing it again this Friday! For some reason, when booking the trip, I always forget how much I dislike doing this.

 

[Red_Rider]

We did a split stay on our honeymoon, we did 4 nights at the YC and then 10 nights at POFQ -- we did it mostly because of cost. We had an annual pass but at the time didn't know they did discounts with the annual pass, so we paid full price for YC Club Level and for POFQ..... later that year when we got back I was fuming when I found out we could have spend the entire time at the YC using the AP discount..... lessons learned...

 

[winterman]

DH and I did a split stay last Sept. First 5 nights at ASMu with free dining, followed be 5 nights at POFQ. We did that because I didn't want 10 days of FD - too restrictive. And I had a pin for 40% room only.

For us, it was a great mix. But, I wouldn't want to stay fewer than 4 nights at each resort.

 

[ZebraDomeCrazy]

My last trip to disney was a split-stay at AKL for 3 days and CSR for 7. It was easy to get the luggage to the other hotel while wandering around the parks but what was a small hassle was the packing and unpacking of all the luggage. It was so difficult to get all the clothes, shoes, soaps, lotions, etc. back in the suitcase without getting frustrated. We don't usually over-pack but when you're traveling with 2 adults and 2 teenagers it gets a little hectic. Also since we were only at AKL for 3 days it was hard to really get comfortable in our room. Although the hotels were more than accomodating of our split-stay, it still took some of our disney time to check in the other hotel, unpack, and check out the hotel all over again.

 

[collcass]

we are another family that enjoys split stays. Our first trip we did POly(6ni)/House(7ni)/POR(6ni). Our Nov 09 trip was WH 6 bdrm house(8ni)/POR(5ni)

My Aug trip will be a combo of BC/Poly or BC/CR but I haven't decided yet

 

[MissionMouse]

Our family of four is planning for a July visit, our first time... we thought why not do a few days at two different ones. Any thoughts on whether it's worth the hassle or anything we should consider? Ever tried it? Just wondering - hugh

We have done spilt stays in the past...just realize Disney view each resort stay as a separate visit. This can complicate plans and increase cost depending on what you select (i.e. 2 deposits, Disney Dining Plan tickets expiring, packages/base tickets, etc).

I personally would not recommend a spilt stay for a first visit to WDW. Disney World is very large and there is a lot to see and experience.

We never had a bad experience in making the transition from one resort to another, but even if you pack light a spilt stay makes you realize how fast kids start to accumulate Disney stuff. We were always lucky and got a room when we checked in around 7am at the second resort. Checking in early does not guarantee a room and many guest get their room after 3pm. So your window of no room could go from 11am to 3pm or later. If someone is feeling this would become an issue.

We would recommend no stay of less than 3 nights (one day check-in another checking-out) and anyone resort and pack light. Deluxe resorts can store small cold goods for short period of time until your room is ready. We normally select a spilt stay when we were doing more than eight nights or more at Disney to refresh the trip and experience some of the other deluxe resorts. We now stay at one resort.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We've done it several times. You do 'lose' some time on the transfer day, no doubt about it, but there are several good reasons to do it.

It's nice to see two resorts. The change in dining, location, and pool themes are fun pluses.

It can be a money saver. Usually, I book the resort before my flight. Sometimes it's a bit less expensive to fly out a day early or stay an extra day, but maybe a room at our main resort isn't available. Perhaps you can get a room for one night at a value resort. Recently I something else happen - the airline called to suggest I go a day early to avoid a major storm. So an inexpensive option was in order.

You can also do the opposite, spend that last night at a higher end resort than the rest of the trip and spend the day relaxing.


Another time split stays are very worth doing is if you want to see the other Olrando. WDW is a bit of a drive from most of the other Orlando attractions. It makes sense to stay closer for less money, or to stay at one of Universal's resort for the benefit of FotLA.

One last thought - it pays to pack smartly. Don't unpack everything at the first resort. Pack a day bag - or a two day bag. Conversely, when switching resorts - put all your dirty stuff in one suitcase. If you'll have a car, you may be able to leave the dirty clothes in the trunk. Just don't leave any food stuffs, make-up, or perishables in the trunk of a HOT car! I usually put all toiletries in Ziplock bags. It makes things easy.

IF going between two Disney resorts - DIsney will transfer your luggage for free. However, if yo have a 'package deal' at the second resort - you will need to check-in there to get your park tickes and meal credits. IT may make sense to use a taxi ofr that. Also, if you have DIsney transfer your luggage, it won't arrive until after 3pm. The new room may not be ready until then anyhow. If you transfer luggage yourself, Disney can hold your luggage in bell services. That way it willbe kept in a secure area with AC, not a hot car.

 

[grace&philipsmom]

We did a split last fall, 8 days Poly, 3 days BC. I thought it was great but DH didn't like changing hotels. ( I think it is just because he loved the Poly so much he didn't want to leave!)

 

[kerri0616]

We're trying a split stay this July. We're doing 5 nights Poly with DDP and then 2 nights Dolphin. (8 day MYW non-hoppers.) 7 nights of Poly with DDP is really costly, so I like how I've got it planned.

Dolphin ($150 teacher rate) will allow us to walk/boat to Epcot/DS and is so much more affordable than the other Epcot resorts!

We have our car, so moving luggage is no big whoop for us.

Woo Hoo!

K

 

[canadian_hugh]

Wow - thanks for all the tips and advice!
We are going ahead with the 'split'. Thinking POR 6 nights and 3 POLY.
Here goes!
Hugh