Switching resorts during trip?-thoughts(also OKW vs. BCV?)

[The Griswolds]

We are planning for 8 nights next yr at Disney thru our sister in laws DVC. Right now considering 3 nights to start the trip at OKW and 5 nights at Wilderness Lodge Villas....the other option is to stay at WLV the whole time....been to both resorts and like both (kids like WLV more) but each resort has something diff to offer. Is this process a hassle in terms of getting bags to the new resort?....do you think it will make it more exciting or a bigger hassle?...will it feel like a longer trip or shorter trip by doing it this way?...really want to get thoughts from those that have done this before. Also considering Beach Club Villas over OKW but not sure it has the charm that OKW has (I know it has the convenience)--but looking at online pics, I see lots of concrete and buildings vs. the lush tropical foliage of OKW and it quaintness?(Thoughts from those who have been to OKW and BCV)???? thnx!!!

 

[WDW_Emily]

We've never done this but my Aunt Always does. She loves it and thinks it makes the trip seem longer. her last trip, she stayed at Corondo for 4 nights then AKL for 3 nights. She drove so transporting bags wasn't an issue. Are you driving or renting a car? If not I don't know if Disney does anything to bring your bags from one resort to another. If not you could always get a taxi.

 

[The Griswolds]

reply

we will be flying there so no rental car, wondering if they have a service to pick up bags and put in new room--just streamlined so I dont have to hassle on my vacation---glad to hear your Aunt does it and enjoys it! thnx

 

[wdwwdeagle]

we will be flying there so no rental car, wondering if they have a service to pick up bags and put in new room--just streamlined so I dont have to hassle on my vacation---glad to hear your Aunt does it and enjoys it! thnx

Yes, the baggage service folks will transport your bags for you. You just need to tell them what you're doing, and they'll take care of it for you.

 

[Rob562]

Yes, the baggage service folks will transport your bags for you. You just need to tell them what you're doing, and they'll take care of it for you.

Yup. But two things to note about these luggage transfers:

1) Unlike DME luggage delivery on your arrival, I believe you have to be in your room to receive the luggage.

2) While a tip is not necessary for bell services delivering DME baggage (because the baggage people get automatic tips from Disney/DME when delivering those bags), they do NOT get tips when delivering any other luggage.
I'd suggest tipping them when they deliver your bags at your second resort. (Plus the person who takes your bags at the first hotel if they actually come to the room to pick up your bags)

-Rob

 

[docdebbi]

we just did this two weeks ago. i called luggage service when i was ready to go. they came, took our bags, gave us a receipt, and we were off for the day. they told us that a shuttle takes luggage between resorts on a set schedule, that it would leave grand floridian at 1 pm, and arrive at animal kingdom lodge between 2 and 3 pm. so it won't be exactly the same for you, but that's a ballpark figure of when it runs.
when we arrived at animal kingdom, we called luggage service, they delivered it to our room. no muss, no fuss. couldn't have been easier.
it did cost us a tip on both ends, but that's really minimal compared to cost of your trip and for the convenience.

 

[peters]

We split stays almost every time we visit as we're luck enough to usually go for 7 or more days.

I love changing-up hotels, although we don't bring kids with, which may make switching a bit of hassle. Not sure. We also don't go to a park from opening to closing. If that's the case, switching hotels may be too time-consuming for you(usually takes at least an hour or two to wrap things up at one, transfer and check-in to the other).

I've never had a problem with getting bell services to move the bags to the new resort and we always give them a couple bucks when dropping & picking them up.

As far as resorts, we didn't care for OKW as it was very bland and really spread out(for us). I know there are lots of people who like it. We love BC and your kids(& you!) will adore the mini-waterpark pool area. As you said, the walk to Epcot can't be beat.

Hope you have fun planning!