How to split between two resorts

[Did Knee]

Hi Everybody!
My wife and I just went in mid-September and spent five nights at the WL. We had a really great time as usual. Since we have done that 3 years in a row though, we feel that next year we need to mix it up a bit. One of our biggest problems has been that most days we get an early start, but run out of gas early. For this reason we have never seen Fantasmic or Illuminations together. It's just too much effort for us old worn out people to get there from the WL in the evening. We love the WL, but in the interest of keeping it interesting, we were thinking of doing two days at the Swan or Dolphin, then 3 days at the WL (this would probably be next September). That way both nightime shows are an easy boat ride fom my resort. I did some research and I found that currently you can get a way better rate for the Swan or Dolphin by going to Westin's site and booking there, rather then by using the WDW website. Can anyone think of any problems that would be caused by booking the two parts of this vacation seperately? Is there any downside that anyone can think of to my plan? Ideas and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. :wave:

 

[JPVonDrake]

Regardless of how you book your split stay keep in mind the following:

Luggage transfer is not availiable from a non-Disney to a Disney Resort. You will need to move your own luggage between resorts.

Disney's Magic Express will not be availiable for your arrival from the airport to the Swan or Dolphin. You will however be able to use the Magical Express from the Wilderness Lodge back to the airport.

Also, keep in mind the Disney Reservation Center can book a stay at the Walt Disney World Swan/Dolphin or any of the other 7 Offical Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels, but only at rack rates. Any discount offers for these locations must be booked directly with the hotel.

Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[Did Knee]

Thanks Von Drake! as usual your replies are always exact and to the point....and much appreciated. I drive to WDW (from Georgia) so transportation from the airport is not an issue. Not a big deal either to drag my luggage to WL from Swan/Dolphin I guess, just adds a minute or two to load the car (I'd have to move the car to the WL lot anyway). But thanks for the confirmation that the rate on Westin's site might be cheaper than Disney can book online or by phone. I will keep that in mind as the time to book nears. But just to make sure I'm not totally brain dead :hammer: ....If I call 407-wdisney and book a six day MYW plus pass with only a 3 day stay at the WL, that should be no problem for them to do..right?

 

[JPVonDrake]

Thanks Von Drake! as usual your replies are always exact and to the point....and much appreciated. I drive to WDW (from Georgia) so transportation from the airport is not an issue. Not a big deal either to drag my luggage to WL from Swan/Dolphin I guess, just adds a minute or two to load the car (I'd have to move the car to the WL lot anyway). But thanks for the confirmation that the rate on Westin's site might be cheaper than Disney can book online or by phone. I will keep that in mind as the time to book nears. But just to make sure I'm not totally brain dead :hammer: ....If I call 407-wdisney and book a six day MYW plus pass with only a 3 day stay at the WL, that should be no problem for them to do..right?

Glad to help!

If you plan to stay at the Swan/Dolphin first, you don't want to book a package at Wilderness Lodge with your MYW ticket included.

When you book a vacation package your ticket will be encode on your room key. You will not be able to claim your ticket until you are scheduled to check-in. So if you start your vacation at the Swan or Dolphin, you want to include your ticket on that reservation or simply purchase the ticket separately from Disney and have it mailed to you.

Enjoy your stay! :sohappy:

 

[Did Knee]

Hmmm...this would mean no "Key to the world" then. Seems to me there would be some disadvantages there.

 

[amejr999]

Regardless of how you book your split stay keep in mind the following:

Luggage transfer is not availiable from a non-Disney to a Disney Resort. You will need to move your own luggage between resorts.

In June I was able to do this in both directions (All-Star to Dolphin, Dolphin to Pop). Did something change?