Why do you split stay?

[curiouser]

I notice on these boards quite a few people split their WDW stay between two or more hotels. Why is this? It would never have crossed my mind to stay in more than one place had I not seen people on this board do it.

The obvious disadvantage is having to repack in the middle of your stay and have Disney move your luggage and then recheck in-- but what's the benefit of doing a split stay? C'mon you Split Stayers.. why do you do it?

 

[scoutsmom99]

I'm going to do my second split stay this fall and for me doing a split stay is kind of like two seperate vacations. This time around I'm spending 5 nights at CB and 7 nights at AKL. I know if I spent all 12 nights at one resort I would most likley get bored with the resort. Another bonus to doing a split stay is that Disney makes it so easy in that they transfer the luggage. I'm fine without having a room for part of the day (although last time the room was ready when we checked in at 10am!). I do have a mini guideline for myself though I have to spend at least 4 nights at a resosrt before I change resorts otherwise it is not worth packing up.

 

[Danadisney]

I have personally done a split stay two times and find it to be a hassle. I know I have read that most people would disagree with that and find it to be enjoyable. I always unpack at the resort on day 1....Having to repack after organizing everything takes time. Also, there is the refillable mug issue. Two resorts= 2 refillable mugs.

So in answer to your question IMHO, I think people split stay for several reasons. Change of atmosphere to experience more magic, can't afford to stay at a deluxe the entire stay, or no availability at the the resort for entire vacation etc... I hope that helps!!!

 

[johnsonet]

I love splitting my stay. I remember not understanding why people did it as well But back then my trips were only 5 nights long....
I've split my last 4 stays (not including one 3-night stay at GF):
AKL and WL
GF and BWI CL
Poly and BWI CL
AKL CL, BC and GF

Splitting my stay works for me because I can focus on different parks and restaurants It's more luxurious to walk over to the GF Spa while staying at the GF, for example... or hop the monorail over to California Grill from the Poly or GF than drive over from BWI or AKL. In addition, it's more relaxing to have a 3-minute bus ride to AK or BB from AKL than take a bus from the GF... I don't switch resorts to economize moneywise, but to economize on time and try out resorts which are new to me.

The most important thing, IMO, is that you allow yourself enough time at each resort you stay in. One night at any resort is not something I'm interested in... There is no way I can get a feel for a place in one night~

Also, I pack separate bags for each resort, as well as one catch-all for toiletries and items I'll use throughout my stay. I don't consider it a hassle at all.

It's fun to Resort Hop!!

 

[montblanc]

In theory a split stay makes your vacation longer as the scenary changes. I didn't feel that way though and won't do it again, I didn't like leaving the first resort, no time to really settle in.

 

[Michael623]

I split stays to save DVC points since they double on the weekends. I don't mind a split stay because I never unpack. I don't really see the difference between taking your clothes out of a drawer or out of a suitcase.

 

[Tinkaroo]

Our November/December trip will be the first time we do a true split stay (I don't count our 1 night at Pop that began at 2 a.m. - we had such a late flight, I didn't want to pay AKL prices, and Pop was cheaper than a place by the airport with my AP discount).

The main reason we're doing it - WL wasn't available for our whole trip with the AP Best Rate program. We had our hearts set on trying out the WL during the holidays, and didn't want to give that up. We initially planned our last two nights for POFQ, but then switched to BWI. One of our goals is to also "try out" all those resorts that interest us, and I thought it was better to try out the BWI during value season with an AP rate, versus waiting until a more expensive time. Plus, the pictures of BWI look beautiful at Xmas!

Also, as others had mentioned, these resort's locations will fit perfectly with our touring plans at that time. We'll be staying at the WL during our MVMCP and primarily MK days, but then will move away from the MK over the weekend that the Christmas parade is rumored to be shot, and will spend more of our time enjoying Epcot and MGM.

I can't say I'm looking forward to unpacking/packing twice, though...

 

[gigi1313]

i've never done a split stay before but am planning to do it this trip... our reason is simple... ds has been drooling over the AKL website and planning video for months and given he's had a rough year (surgery, anaplyactic shock, recently dx'd allergies, and more) we decided to add on two nights at the end of our vacation to stay there as a surprise... mainly for him and dd (who he has convinced that the AKL is the best resort on earth! LOL!) but also for dh! (shhh! LOL!)

that being said... since i do laundry mid-trip and use our suitcases to lug it back from the laundry room, we'll already be "half-packed" plus we just had a little taste of "split stay" when we went to seattle for six days, spending three in one hotel (in the city) and the other three in another hotel (in the mtns) and it was not a pita at all