The Logistics of Splitting a Stay

[Pooh'sBuddy]

Please help me think this through. We are hoping for a good room only discount, but I’m afraid it’s not going to happen. We’re currently booked for CSR. I’d like to upgrade to AKL. I’ve kind of got my heart set on it, but the additional expense for eight nights is too much.

One other option I’ve read about is splitting our stay. We’ve got three days in the Parks and a day off, picking up with three more days in the Parks.

What should we know about moving resorts? We will need to pack everything up, get our bags to bell services but keep what we need for the afternoon? How long does it usually take for CMs to move our luggage to the second resort?

We are thinking on our day off/moving day we could spend a few hours in DTD, eat lunch at the Earl, then go over to AKL for a swimming afternoon before dinner at Boma. Should we take our cameras and swimwear with us or could our bags be waiting for us by the time we get to AKL? I was thinking about sticking the laptop in one of the suitcases. Is that a bad idea?

The hubby thinks this may be too much trouble. I’d like to investigate the possibility first.

Thank you for any advice.

 

[Innkeeper's Club]

Each time I did a split stay I happen to have a car while at WDW and brought our luggage with us when we checked into our second resort. Plus we were also lucky that when we checked-in our room was ready so there was no extra waiting around.

Plus we did exactly what you thought of and that's going to Downtown Disney to kill some time and that included having lunch at Earl of Sandwich.

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

A car would be great, but I think we'll be doing ME.

 

[worldtraveler]

On this past stay, we did a split stay with POR and the Poly. We dropped our bags off about 9am with luggage services at POR, then went to a park. We went back to Poly about 2 or so, and the luggage had not arrived yet. So we rested, then went to go eat. Luggage finally arrived about 5, but we were eating at Via Napoli. It wasn't a huge hinderence to us, but we don't take much with us to the parks. If I were to need some items, ie camera, new clothes, jacket, this process wouldn't have been very good. I enjoyed the splitting of stays and would most certainly do it again, but it did seem the luggage delivery was a little slow. Just my experience, but I say go for it.

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

On this past stay, we did a split stay with POR and the Poly. We dropped our bags off about 9am with luggage services at POR, then went to a park. We went back to Poly about 2 or so, and the luggage had not arrived yet. So we rested, then went to go eat. Luggage finally arrived about 5, but we were eating at Via Napoli. It wasn't a huge hinderence to us, but we don't take much with us to the parks. If I were to need some items, ie camera, new clothes, jacket, this process wouldn't have been very good. I enjoyed the splitting of stays and would most certainly do it again, but it did seem the luggage delivery was a little slow. Just my experience, but I say go for it.

Each time I did a split stay I happen to have a car while at WDW and brought our luggage with us when we checked into our second resort. Plus we were also lucky that when we checked-in our room was ready so there was no extra waiting around.

Plus we did exactly what you thought of and that's going to Downtown Disney to kill some time and that included having lunch at Earl of Sandwich.

I love what having a good night sleep will do for a thought process. We'll take a cab and move our own luggage. We need to get there anyway. A fare finder website shows CSR to AKL should run us about $13. We could do that before going to DTD or afterwards. Thanks, guys!

 

[docdebbi]

certainly a taxi would work. but you might consider calling bell services at either hotel and asking what the schedule is for luggage. we split stays almost every trip. there is a set schedule of when luggage is picked up and dropped off at every hotel. you would know when your luggage would get there and if it is a good time for you, no need to schlep your own luggage around, or waste your valuble time accompanying the luggage and doing the check-in in the morning when you want to get somewhere.
we have always been satisfied with the time table, and the service. and we always have babies with us, so cold milk and juice and yogurt, etc. the bell service people will keep it all cold for you. the first time we transfered these foods, we got a gym bag, packed it all up with ice in plastic bags, etc, and the bell guy almost laughed at us when he asked why our luggage was cold. he nicely told us no need to do that, they will!!

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

certainly a taxi would work. but you might consider calling bell services at either hotel and asking what the schedule is for luggage. we split stays almost every trip. there is a set schedule of when luggage is picked up and dropped off at every hotel. you would know when your luggage would get there and if it is a good time for you, no need to schlep your own luggage around, or waste your valuble time accompanying the luggage and doing the check-in in the morning when you want to get somewhere.

Thanks! We'll try that and have the cab as a back up.

and we always have babies with us, so cold milk and juice and yogurt, etc. the bell service people will keep it all cold for you. the first time we transfered these foods, we got a gym bag, packed it all up with ice in plastic bags, etc, and the bell guy almost laughed at us when he asked why our luggage was cold. he nicely told us no need to do that, they will!!

That's funny!

 

[fredtom]

We've transferred between resorts many, many times. It's easy... Just call Bell Services to pick up your luggage and let them know you'll be changing resorts. Be sure to tip them. I believe all transfers happen between 1:00 & 3:00 PM each day. You can still check into your new resort even if your bags haven't yet arrived, or even if your room is not yet ready. You should keep any items with you that you'll need during the day.

My wife and I enjoy splitting our stay between resorts because each one is such a different experience and it feels like starting a new adventure and a new vacation... provided you're staying more than just a couple of nights, so you won't feel rushed and like you have to move just when you were getting settled in to begin with. I wouldn't recommend transferring if you're not staying at least three nights at each resort.

If you're on the Dining Plan, your DDP credits don't expire until midnight on the departure day from your first resort. So, you can carry them over through the arrival day of your second resort. Year before last we checked out of SSR and into Kidani Village with four table service entitlements left between the two us, which we planned to use at Jiko... and did. Just remember to use your previous KTTW card with the leftover credits-- and not your new resort card-- if you do this. DDP credits do not transfer from one resort stay to another. They are separate plans.

Have a wonderful time.


"An Adventurer's life is best!"