OK we did it! Split Reservation.....make me feel it was right

[MIKETFROMRI]

We have often thought of doing this but always backed off, but...... We had 10 day reservations at Riverside...annual pass rates came out and we have always wanted to try AKL, one of the few we have never stayed at.I wanted to either SAVE money or remain paying what we were already ready to pay BUT try get AKl in. REALLY wanted Wilderness Lodge but not available. Anyway....We changed it to first 4 nights at Pop( prefered) then last 6 nights at AKL(pool view) and saved $52...whew!! BUT I am still leary about the whole experience. The unpacking..then re packing..then un packing....Is the whole experience of switching worth the time alloted for the change??

 

[dreamfinder]

You saved $52 and end up spending over half your trip at AKL? Sounds like a win win situation to me. Easiest way to handle it? Don't unpack. Or if you must, then perhaps share suitcases, and pack the first half in one bag, and the second half in the other? That way you are just unpacking what you need. It's not all that bad. Now when my DW and I did a 4 night trip to DLR and had a different reservation each night, that was bad.....

 

[RedDad]

We have loved every split stay we've done! AKL is an awesome resort and it's totally worth packing up and moving to stay there. We actually spent an entire day there last trip doing nothing but swimming, eating, and exploring the resort. FYI - the Mara is my favorite resort "food court", and Boma breakfast was one of the best meals I've ever had on property. Oh, and bring a pair of binoculars.

We had no issues whatsoever changing resorts, even with little kids and all the stuff that entails...Just pack up the night before you change, call Bell Svcs before you head to the parks that morning, and keep anything that you really need before checking in to the new place with you - just to avoid any problems with delays in luggage transfer.

We're planning another split stay soon!

 

[jazznrachie]

We've switched resorts before. It's really no big deal. It's actually nice to have a change of scenery mid-trip. AKL is awesome! It's worth checking out. Enjoy!

 

[Violet]

We're doing one this time, I don't think it's going to be that bad and experiencing two resorts will be fun! Sounds like you got a good deal worked out, enjoy!

 

[coachwnh]

We split almost every trip and will be doing it again in July!! Its a great way to see other resorts. Have fun

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Please remind me. When are you going? We'll be doing a split stay in June. Our moving day will be a low key day anyway. Hey, it's a hotel room. It should be easy to pack everything back up, work with Bell Services and move everything. (1) I'm going to ask them beforehand when they think the transport will happen. (2) We'll have extra room in the suitcases planned for souvenirs, so packing should be easy. Clean clothes in one and dirty clothes in another. (3) We're only going to DTD that day. (4) Worst case scenario, we'll take a $13 cab ride to AKL from CSR with the luggage.

 

[ParentsOf4]

We have often thought of doing this but always backed off, but...... We had 10 day reservations at Riverside...annual pass rates came out and we have always wanted to try AKL, one of the few we have never stayed at.I wanted to either SAVE money or remain paying what we were already ready to pay BUT try get AKl in. REALLY wanted Wilderness Lodge but not available. Anyway....We changed it to first 4 nights at Pop( prefered) then last 6 nights at AKL(pool view) and saved $52...whew!! BUT I am still leary about the whole experience. The unpacking..then re packing..then un packing....Is the whole experience of switching worth the time alloted for the change??

You made a brilliant decision!

We've done split stays several times. It's a great way to experience 2 resorts on one trip. Yes, you'll need to take a couple of hours to pack and later unpack. But you'll also find yourself looking forward to your AKL stay even while you're at POP. We enjoy POP but AKL is on a completely different level.

And you're wise to stay at the better resort last. Once you've stayed in a Deluxe, it's hard to go to a Value Resort, especially on the same trip.

Enjoy!

 

[Stu bailey]

You will enjoy your split stay. Try and unpack "lightly' if you can, repack, move and then unpack at AKL. In a ten day period it does not take up a lot of time. It utilizes about the same amount of time as when you pack up to go home. But you have 10 overall days. It is a minimum pain, not a major pain.

 

[docdebbi]

another vote, yes you did the right thing. we LOVE AKL. switching is no big deal, unless you are like us. we did it last time with three kids aged 3 and under. yup..... toys, juice, milk,baby food, bottles, diapers, sippies, diaper bags, strollers, car seats, etc. still worth doing, just not so easy. and we'll do it again, so it must be worth it.
you did right by having the smaller segment first, don't unpack a lot. then unpack at the second, you feel like THIS one is really your home. and what a great home AKL is. you will love it!

 

[luv]

We have often thought of doing this but always backed off, but...... We had 10 day reservations at Riverside...annual pass rates came out and we have always wanted to try AKL, one of the few we have never stayed at.I wanted to either SAVE money or remain paying what we were already ready to pay BUT try get AKl in. REALLY wanted Wilderness Lodge but not available. Anyway....We changed it to first 4 nights at Pop( prefered) then last 6 nights at AKL(pool view) and saved $52...whew!! BUT I am still leary about the whole experience. The unpacking..then re packing..then un packing....Is the whole experience of switching worth the time alloted for the change??

IMO, no. No way, Jose. But some people like it! Maybe you'll be one of them!

If it's what you want to do, then you should do it. Good luck!

 

[bethymouse]

Good choice. I have never done a split stay though. I guess I should add another thing to my MUST DO list.

 

[Pooh Lover]

We've done it a few times and, while I'm not a big fan, I would do it again and not really dread it. Each time we've switched we had multiple families so it became a little more involved and all of us had several items from our refrigerators that needed "safe travel." Disney does make it about as easy as you'll find anywhere. Have a wonderful vacation, enjoy the AKL and don't forget to have dinner at Boma.