Switching Resorts

[stellaxluna]

I will be at WDW 7/27-8/06, 7 nights at GF, and 3 at AKL. On the day that I switch over, should i have the resort move my luggage or should I do it myself? (I will have a car.) On switching day is it a good idea to get to AKL early in hopes of a room being available earlier than 3, or does anyone think I should just get there for the regular check in time, and hang out at park til then. I'm getting so stressed about the switching day that i may just end up staying at 1 resort the whole time. If anyone has any tips, opinions, comments, i would be so happy to hear from you.
Thank you all,
Francesca

 

[Scoootch]

Francesca -

Try not to worry

The easiest way to do it IMHO is to just call bell services the morning you check out of GF and have them transfer your luggage for you. Go to breakfast, have fun in the parks and around check-in time for AKL, go check-in and they'll have your luggage there and waiting for you ~ just let them know when you check-in that you just came from your stay at the GF and they'll retrieve your luggage from bell services. It's that easy!

Done this a few times and never had a problem.

 

[lazarru]

I havn't actaully done a switch myself but everyone seems to say just let Disney do it. Go out have fun and when you get to the AKL lodge in the afternoon everything will be there. I think just getting there at the normal time would be fine, I know I've seen people checking in even at 2pm and their rooms were not ready yet. Spend the time having fun rather than worring about your room, no matter the room you;ll have a great time at the AKL

 

[stellaxluna]

Thank you Scoootch!!!!
You just made that sound so easy, I actually feel better about the whole thing

Francesca

 

[Scoootch]

You are so welcome!!

Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[stellaxluna]

And thank you to you too lazarru!! youre right, It seems its the best way to go....I just love the quick responses on these boards, these boards are the best...

 

[hookedup]

I did a switch last summer to GF and I too suggest you let the bellmen handle it - I can not say how easy it was and I was really worried about it ahead of time. You are paying a lot to stay at DLX resorts so take advantage of the service and dont hassle with lugging your stuff around!
Since you have a car you can make your own way (at your own pace) over to AKL and check in - even if your room's not ready they may still give you a key and tell you to come back at a certain time and it will be!

 

[crusin'minnie]

I'm curious about tipping. Do you wait for the bellman to come get your bags or do you just leave them in the room??

And when you get to your second resort are they already in the room or do you call down to the bellman when you are in your room??

When do you tip??

 

[stellaxluna]

Originally posted by crusin'minnie
I'm curious about tipping. Do you wait for the bellman to come get your bags or do you just leave them in the room??

And when you get to your second resort are they already in the room or do you call down to the bellman when you are in your room??

When do you tip??

Well i'm curious to the answers to your Q's as well, hopefully some1 knows ....

Francesca

 

[DeeP]

I change Disney resorts all the time and have done so for years, so I will try to be of some help.
You do not leave your bags in the room if you are transferring luggage, you call luggage services and very quickly a CM will be up to take away and tag your luggage. Your luggage will be transferred to the new resort by the latest 2-3 PM. It is customary to tip the bellman for this service $1-2 per bag.
When you get to your new resort and in your room, your bags will not be automatically in your room (except at the value resorts) at all other Disney resorts you must call luggage services and your bags will be brought up to you. Tipping the bellman the same amount is customary.
I have found it is best to check into the new resort first thing in the AM, you will have a much better chance of getting any room requests. I know many others think this does not matter but I have had too much success, too many times with checking into the new resort first thing in the AM, to believe the rooms are firmly pre assigned.
I would recommend moving your own luggage since you will have a car. Many times when we arrive at the new resorts a room will be ready and it is nice to have your luggage right there to unpack vs waiting until 2-3 PM for it to arrive from the first resort. Don't get me wrong, Disney makes luggage transfer very easy but when I have a car I always take my own luggage. It is no harder to call bell services to load your luggage into your car than it is to call bell services to transfer your luggage.
Have a great trip!

 

[stellaxluna]

Great tips DeeP, thanku!!

Francesca

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by DeeP
I have found it is best to check into the new resort first thing in the AM, you will have a much better chance of getting any room requests.

I would recommend moving your own luggage since you will have a car. Many times when we arrive at the new resorts a room will be ready and it is nice to have your luggage right there to unpack vs waiting until 2-3 PM for it to arrive from the first resort.

We've switched resorts many times and agree with both points. Anytime we check-in to a resort we do it as early as possible. If we have to fly in later in the day we usually stay off-site the 1st night and check-in by 7am, then head to b'fast. We also have had rooms ready several times when checking in at 7am.

steve

 

[DeeP]

smfnj,
Hi neighbor! We are from Linwood, NJ.!! I am on my way to Somers Point very shortly, I have to go to Shoprite. Small world!

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by DeeP
smfnj,
Hi neighbor! We are from Linwood, NJ.!! I am on my way to Somers Point very shortly, I have to go to Shoprite. Small world!

Hello. Are you driving or taking the boat, hehehe.

steve

 

[stellaxluna]

Are you driving or taking the boat, hehehe.

steve [/B][/QUOTE]

Probably rowing like I did to Path Mark earlier...I dont want to hear any newsperson mention water shortage for the next few years!!!


Francesca

 

[*Fantasia*]

It sounds easy, but I think we're just going to call a cab and let them drive us there with our luggage. Just in case the room is ready when we check in, we can go ahead to our room with our luggages without having to wait for them.

I guess if I can afford this trip, I think I can afford about $25 for a cab and no hassle. Where we go, our bags go too.