bestillandwrite Did you know you can split your stay at Disney World between multiple resorts? Choosing to divide your days at Disney between a couple resorts can help save you money, give you a different experience, or grant you different access to the parks. Read more about How to Handle Split Stays at Disney World Resorts below!
But first, what is a Split Stay?
A split stay is when you stay at two (or more) different hotels as part of your visit to Walt Disney World. For example, we spent three days at the Contemporary and on our last day we transferred to stay at the Grand Floridian for three additional days. If you felt ambitious, you could stay at a new resort every single day of your stay.
Okay, now how do you best go about a split stay?
1. Decide How to Move Luggage
Bell services can transfer your luggage at Disney resorts. If you are planning on spending a long day in the parks, then this might be the option for you! However, if you plan to have a resort day, would like an early check in or need access to your luggage, then I would not have your luggage transferred. They often don’t finish the transfers until early evening, which is inconvenient when you want to get settled in your room.
I recommend moving your luggage to your next hotel yourself and then leaving it at bell services at the next hotel. That way you know its there waiting for you when your room is ready.
2. Schedule Transportation
Once you’ve decided how to move your bags, it’s important to decide how you want to get to the next resort. For example, on our most recent split stay we started at the Contemporary and ended at the Grand Floridian. We had a rental car with us for this trip, so we ended up using it. However, we could have taken the monorail to the next resort or called a Minnie Van. If your resorts are not close you could save money by finding a route through the bus system.
Regardless of the route you choose, it’s important to decide before your stay so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute.
3. Check in Early
My third tip for How to Handle Split Stays at Disney World Resorts is to check in early. We have a three-year-old who is still napping in the afternoon. We covet an early check in for this exact reason. I have found that when we go to the front desk and speak to a cast member face-to-face, we are far more likely to get an early check-in. Then we are able to get settled, take nap time and have more Disney fun!
4. Keep the Essentials
If your room isn’t ready upon arrival at the second resort, you can leave your luggage with bell services. However, it’s important to remember to keep the essentials with you. We keep a separate bag with swim gear, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Then we are able to enjoy the resort or swim in the pool while we wait for our room.
5. Plan a Resort Day
Speaking of swimming in the pool, I recommend planning to stay at the resort when you switch Disney resorts. You are more likely to get your room early if you stay on property. It’s also good to take a little break in between long park days in order to recharge. And you can really enjoy the resort with the extra time you will have between stays! Try booking a fun meal on property or enjoy the various amenities. Then you can check into your room and maybe catch the fireworks before bedtime or get to bed early to gear up for more park time tomorrow.
6. Coordinate Park Days
My final tip for handling split stays at Disney is to coordinate your park days. If you plan to stay a few days at the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, or Wilderness Lodge, then I recommend going to Magic Kingdom during your stay, because you will have easier access. If you stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge, then you might want to spend more time at Animal Kingdom. Check which parks are closest to your resort in order to take advantage of the perks.
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To learn more about split stays at Disney World, be sure to check out Bekah Hart or Pixie Dusted Mom on Youtube. They are pros! And as always, subscribe to Gentry Journeys for all the latest tips and tricks for Disney World and more.
Thank you for reading about How to Handle Split Stays at Disney World Resorts. I hope they will help you on your next family vacation. For more helpful tips, be sure to read the additional content below:
A Review of the Contemporary Resort at Disney World
How to Save Money Going to Disney World
Pros and Cons of Caribbean Beach Resort
If you have any questions feel free to send me an email or message on Instagram. Follow @gentryjourneys on Pinterest for more travel tips and tricks and don’t forget to subscribe below for new content every week!
Safe Travels,
