A split stay is when you experience more than one Walt Disney World resort in the same vacation. You begin your vacation at one resort and end in another resort with a quick switch in the middle. Quite simply, it can be two Disney vacations in one.
Why would you want to pack up mid-trip? We like split stays for two main reasons. First, when we can’t decide between two Disney resorts, we book them both. Secondly, if we want to stay longer but the budget is getting pushed, we make two different price level resorts and back into our budget.
For most people, it’s the pack up and move mid-vacation that turns them off to a split stay. That is why we only suggest split stays if your vacation is more than 6 nights for Walt Disney World.
<Tips for a Disneyland split stay coming soon>
When you switch resorts, you’re the Disney bell services team will move your luggage. You don’t physically move it yourself.
With some simple suggestions, you will find a split stay an option for your next Walt Disney World vacation:
Lots of Bags!
The actual move between Disney resorts is why most guests don’t try for a split stay. Our family can back up in less than an hour. Only an hour? Yes! Even though it takes days our family days to pack, we can do the re-pack (and unpack) pretty fast. Examples:
The key is having extra bags (plastic or duffle) because for some reason we always have more “stuff” than we packed. If you have enough bags, you can quickly and easily pack back up.
With split stays, we tend to keep our room more organized and less messy with daily clean ups.
A pop-up laundry bag helps keep all of the dirty clothes in one spot. Plus the laundry bag can be moved as is. Here is the one from Amazon that we have been using for years.
Instead of a lot of little bags, try this foldable bag from IKEA. If you don't have an IKEA near you, also on Amazon.
Groceries
For those that plan longer visits, you may have packed or purchased food items. Save the delivery bags and/or boxes for easy repacking. Disney Bell Services will transfer all your food except the perishable items.
Magic Band Check In
You will have different reservation numbers for each of your Disney resorts. By using on-line check, you can by-pass the front desk and go directly to your room at both resorts. The Magic Band will be your key, of course. My Disney Experience will have your new room number. Easy…no stopping at the front desk.
Bell Services
At no extra fee, Bell Services will transfer your luggage. Check out is at 11 am. If you are going to a park that morning, you should get your items to Bell Services much earlier. Depending on your Disney resort, you may get a luggage cart yourself or one will be delivered to you. (Difference between a value and a deluxe resort). You don’t have to use a cart – you can simply take your own luggage to Bell Services. They will give you a tag/receipt for all your items.
Take what you need with you. Your luggage “should” arrive to your second Disney resort by 5 pm but there is NO guarantee of its exact delivery time.
Please learn from us – Once we stupidly packed my husband’s medication in a checked bag, our luggage arrived home while we got stuck in Florida for two extra days without medication.
If you need it or want it, pack it in a separate bag. Besides medications, you may want access to your swim suits and other necessities. If that bag is too big to carry through the park, there are lockers. Walt Disney World lockers range from $10 to $15 depending on size and park.
Resort Refillable Mug
Our family loves the Disney refillable mugs! When you purchase them at your first resort, they will still work for 14 days at any resort.
Dining Reservation
For Advanced Dining Reservations (ADR), you will have two dates to book from based on both your check in dates. Reminder – You can book ADR 60 days prior to your visit for the length of your stay which means you’ll have two booking dates.
Best for Last
When you are booking your split stay, book the best Disney resort for last. For example, start at Value then move up to a Moderate or Deluxe. Don’t do the reverse because you may be disappointed. Save your favorite and/or most expensive for last. Most guests are tired at the end of a long trip thus spend more time at the actual resort. The Moderate and Deluxe resort have more amenities that you can enjoy while relaxing towards the end of your vacation.
I’ve read that some guests have split stayed 3+ resorts. That’s too much hopping for our family.
We hope our simple tips will help you book your next split stay.
If you want additional suggestions or help booking your next Disney Park trip, email me at swordinthestonetravel@hotmail.com
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