To split or not?

[cadale]

We have a 9 day trip planned for Nov/Dec 2013. Right now we are booked at BLT (home resort) but have been wondering about switching the first two nights to AK. We are all interested in staying there and thought this would make a good time to try.

Question concerns switching between the two. We would have luggage, owners lockers, and cold food. How does it work? Would they be able to keep the cold stuff cold? Is it something I need to pre-arrange or can I just ask when we get there?

We would most likely go to park after checking out of AK and check into BLT later in the day. I am interested to hear what others have thought of splitting their stays. Also would you recommend Jambo or Kidani at AK?

Thanks for the help!

 

[taaren]

They will transfer your luggage, including owner's locker and freezer/fridge stuff, to your new resort for you during the day while you are at the park. They make it really convenient. You do not need to arrange this in advance. We did a split stay last year, including 3 intervening days when we went on the Dream. (We did 1 night OKW studios just to crash after a late flight, then 5 nights BLT 2 bedroom, then 6 nights BWV. All of our stuff followed us flawlessly using Bell Services.)

Personally, for a stay that long I would go for it to check out a new resort! I'd probably split 3 nights then 6 nights, because 2 nights seems a little short but it depends on what you have planned for your parks, etc.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

We love split stays because it makes it seem like two vacations. When you're ready to check out, simply call bell services at Animal Kingdom and tell them you have luggage to be transferred to Bay Lake Tower. They'll send someone to your room to pick it up. Point out the things that need to be refrigerated. There are refrigerators and freezers in all the DVC luggage rooms. (When you arrive at Animal Kingdom and unpack your groceries, be sure to keep the sacks so you have something to pack them in when you transfer.)

The luggage transfer will take place in the late afternoon, and you'll get a call from the Contemporary bell services when it arrives. (Or you can ask when you're checking in.)

Unlike Disney's Magical Express, you need to be in your room when the luggage is delivered.

We usually tip the bellman at both resorts the traditional $2 - $3 per bag.

 

[MichiganDVC]

I am doing this exact split stay in July. I will be staying at Kidani for four nights and Bay Lake for 2. I chose Kidani because even though it doesn't have the wow factor of the Jambo house lobby and no quick service, I found it to be more relaxing...more peaceful. Besides, since we're staying DVC, we plan to utilize the kitchenette for breakfast and that's really all we would probably go to quick service for. Plus I am very interested in the Bento box lunches that you can get at the pool at Kidani including the tandoori chicken. Mmmm. Finally, I am trying to do a room request at Kidani to have the area that is closest to Jambo house. That way if we do want to go to the spacious lobby or to the Mara it would not be that long of a walk.

 

[mousefan1972]

My vote would be to not split. We like to unpack and settle in. I also don't care for being "homeless" while waiting for the 2nd villa to be ready.

 

[nolanboys]

We love split stays and do them on trips 7 days or longer. We just did a split stay over Thanksgiving - 5 nights VWL and 4 night AKV. I would suggest also doing 3 nights at AKV as pp mentioned. You will have. Ore time to really enjy the resort and still have plenty of time to enjoy BLT.

 

[thepops]

As for Jambo vs. Kidani, one thing to remember is that with Kidani, anything other than a studio has an extra bathroom. With 3 daughters, that pushes me over the edge!

 

[Disney Princess]

It also depends on the ages of your group. Any babies that will need a nap? Do your adults need a mid-afternoon break and will be "lost" that day of transition?

We have split before because we wanted to try out BLT. It was "fine" and Disney does do a wonderful job of making things pretty easy. However, after doing the split, I am now a "settle in, unpack, and relax" kind of person. I personally think it is more relaxing to feel at home.

Saying that however, a split stay is a good way to get a taste for a resort without committing to an entire vacation if you aren't sure you'll love it.

If your party is agreeable, and you don't have super young ones who will need a quiet, dark place for a nap, then go for it!

Helpful, wasn't I?

 

[conandrob240]

We like split stays also. Never feel homeless because we always go to a park on transfer day, stay there until early afternoon and then take the us to new resort. By 2 or 3pm, new room is usually ready and everything arrived.

 

[El&Asmom]

We always do split stays for trips 7 days or longer. We have a hard time deciding on one resort, and we like to split between an EPCOT resort and somewhere else to be closer to different parks.
We too go to a park on transfer day, and never mind being homeless. Especially now that are kids no longer nap. Disney makes it very easy moving our stuff. Only bummer is tipping bell services so many times.

In Sept we are splitting between BCV and BLT. Can't wait to be at both resorts.

 

[cadale]

Thanks everyone for answering. I guess I should have specified that we are a party of 5 adults so no need to worry about little ones. I know four of us would have no problem spending the day in the park waiting for BLT to be ready. My only concern is my husband that due to illness that is under control really needs to rest during the day. I know he would have no problem finding a couch at BLT or the contemporary and just hanging out with his laptop.

Just wondering does it make the move any easier if we were to use a taxi and transfer ourselves? I am figuring the only downfall would be the room probably wouldn't be ready at BLT.

Oh and the extra bathroom at Kidani might just be the winner. I know my daughter pulled the short straw and got the living room for sleeping so her own bathroom might just make up for it!