Split stays

[KatieCharlotte]

I've done some research, but I'm looking for up-to-date info and opinions.

My main questions: (1) Is bell service still available to ship luggage from one resort to another? What kind of tip is appropriate? (2) Can I use my pin for two room only reservations in my name?
(3) Is a split stay worth it?

I like the idea of a split stay, because I want to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and also on the monorail. This would be our first stay in each of these particular hotels, and it's tempting to sample two resorts and locate near each of the parks we're visiting on this trip (MK and AK). But, we're starting our vacation elsewhere, so this would be a second and third hotel for the trip, and the main focus of this trip is relaxation with a little Disney. We would be able to transfer on a day that we would not be going to the parks, but maybe we want that to be a lazy day instead. Do most people find it worth it, or is it best to focus on one resort? We're interested in pools and other family activities. We do not really care about sampling different restaurants -- we've always been a counter service family. In an ideal world, we would be able to return to our hotel for a park break without a car or an hour bus ride.

 

[cluvsdisney]

Yes, bell services will move your bags. They arrive at the second resort late afternoon so you should keep things you’ll need accessible. I believe the customary tip is $1 per bag.

I don’t know anything about pin codes.

Whether or not it’s worth it is subjective. I don’t mind moving but it has to be for at least 3 nights. I don’t like feeling unsettled all the time. But I definitely see the appeal of staying near 2 different parks like that.

 

[fairygagamother]

I am a huge fan of split stays! I also don't know about using a pin for both, but I do know you'll need to be in your room in order for your luggage to be delivered. We've always packed up, called for bell services, & then gone about our park days. Then call when you're back in your new room for luggage delivery.

 

[AngiTN]

I've done some research, but I'm looking for up-to-date info and opinions.

My main questions: (1) Is bell service still available to ship luggage from one resort to another? What kind of tip is appropriate? (2) Can I use my pin for two room only reservations in my name?
(3) Is a split stay worth it?

I like the idea of a split stay, because I want to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and also on the monorail. This would be our first stay in each of these particular hotels, and it's tempting to sample two resorts and locate near each of the parks we're visiting on this trip (MK and AK). But, we're starting our vacation elsewhere, so this would be a second and third hotel for the trip, and the main focus of this trip is relaxation with a little Disney. We would be able to transfer on a day that we would not be going to the parks, but maybe we want that to be a lazy day instead. Do most people find it worth it, or is it best to focus on one resort? We're interested in pools and other family activities. We do not really care about sampling different restaurants -- we've always been a counter service family. In an ideal world, we would be able to return to our hotel for a park break without a car or an hour bus ride.

1 - yes. $1-$2 per bag
2 - yes
3 - yes

 

[Shanti]

3. I've done a few split stays, but much prefer continuous stays at one resort. There is something to be said for unpacking & making the resort a home away from home.

 

[Sue M]

Hard to say if a split stay is worth it because you haven’t mentioned how long your trip is or who is on your trip.
So I’d say if your trip is a week or under no I don’t think it’s worth splitting stay or if you have young kids.

I have done several split stays but personally I don’t split unless my trip is 10+ days. I like to get a feel for a resort and feel like I’ve stayed there, so I like at least 4 - 5 days at a resort. It’s a personal pref.

Yes, Bell Service is still transferring luggage, I tip $1 per bag.

 

[KatieCharlotte]

Hard to say if a split stay is worth it because you haven’t mentioned how long your trip is or who is on your trip.
So I’d say if your trip is a week or under no I don’t think it’s worth splitting stay or if you have young kids.

I have done several split stays but personally I don’t split unless my trip is 10+ days. I like to get a feel for a resort and feel like I’ve stayed there, so I like at least 4 - 5 days at a resort. It’s a personal pref.

Yes, Bell Service is still transferring luggage, I tip $1 per bag.

Our stay will only be 4 or 5 nights. We're only doing two park days. I don't have young kids, but I have kids who can't push all day at the parks. One reason a split stay is appealing is that we could be staying at the Contemporary when we're at MK and take a mid-day break much easier as soon as everyone has hit their limit. But the hassle may not be worth it.