Decisions, decisions. Where you choose to stay is one of biggest factors impacting the type of Disney World vacation experience you will have. It’s not always an easy decision, especially when you consider there are over 25 Disney Resorts Collection Hotels to welcome guests! So, how do you decide which one is right for you?
Choosing A Resort
Whether you’re a seasoned Disney pro or a first time visitor, MouseHouseNews.net has you covered. We’ll help you find the perfect resort hotel for your next Disney World vacation! To make your decision, you’ll want to consider a number of factors including:
- Budget – There are three tiers of Disney Resorts. These tiers have varying price points and corresponding perks. Budget is often one of the most important considerations in the vacation planning process.
- Special Offers – This point is related to budget. Disney frequently posts Special Offers on their website. The amount of discount is often based on which type of hotel you’re booking and your travel dates.
- Availability – You may find yourself narrowing down your choices based on room availability. This is especially true if you’re taking advantage of a Special Offer. Special Offers have limits on the number of discounted rooms available. If you really want that Special Offer, you may need to be flexible with your chosen dates and/or Resort choice. During busy times of the year, rooms may sell out completely (even if you’re not applying a special offer). Book as early as possible to increase the odds of getting what you want.
- Perks – Let’s circle back to the perks. There are definitely advantages to staying on site. Some perks are available to all guests. For example: Early Theme Park Entry, Lightning Lane selection priority, complimentary transportation, and resort activities are for everyone. On the other hand, there are differences in the number of perks each resort tier offers:
- Value Resorts, such as Disney’s All-Star Resorts, offer the least perks but have the lowest price tags.
- Moderates, such as Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, offer a mid-range prices and slightly more perks.
- Deluxe Resorts, such as Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, offer the most advantages (including Extended Evening Hours and more dining options). Keep in mind that you’ll be paying more for them though.
You Can Choose More Than One!
What if your “perfect” vacation means more than one Disney Resort? Well, you’re in luck! You don’t have to limit your vacation to just one resort if you plan a split stay. A split stay is one trip that’s split between two (or more) resorts. This means you have more than one hotel resort reservation during the same trip to Disney World. Split stays are not a new concept, but let’s go over the pros and cons for those who are unfamiliar.
Benefits of Split Stays
- Experience multiple Disney Resorts during the same vacation
- Save money by staying at a less expensive resort for part of your trip, then splurge on that bucket-list Deluxe resort for one (or more) additional nights.
- Stay in the parks longer… on select days in select parks. If you time it right, you can stay in a cheaper resort, then switch to a Deluxe resort for Extended Evening Hours. As long as you are checking in or checking out of a Deluxe Resort on an Extended Evening Hours day, you can attend.
- Split stays allow you to change up the vibe of your vacation. Do you want to be smacked in the face by over-the-top decor and Mickey everywhere for part of your trip before moving on to different theming at another resort? A split stay may be right for you.
- Transportation convenience is also a benefit. While every Disney Resort offers complimentary bus transportation to the theme parks and Disney Springs, perhaps you want to utilize different transportation depending on where you’re headed. The Disney Skyliner, Monorail, and boats are all potential options depending on your origination point.
Disadvantages of Split Stays
- Split stays require more planning. They are not recommended for first-time visitors. Consider the dates you’ll be at one resort versus another. As we discussed earlier, dates and room availability are often factors requiring attention during booking. Special Offers need to be applied to each segment separately, and availability can vary.
- Each leg of a split stay is considered a separate reservation. Therefore, if you want to purchase a vacation package (resort plus park tickets), you will purchase a package for one resort and book room-only reservations for any additional resorts. Subsequently, each will have different deposit and payment schedule requirements. It’s important to understand and keep track of the various deadlines!
- Park tickets can be impacted if you purchase a vacation package with date-based tickets.
- Having separate reservations impacts other planning timeline items as well. This includes when you can make Advanced Dining Reservations and purchase Lightning Lanes. Since each resort is separate, the 60-day mark for ADRs and 7-day date for Lightning Lanes will reset for the start of each new reservation.
- You have to pack up and move in the middle of your trip (sometimes multiple times, depending on how many resorts are part of your split stay plan).
- Your room at the new resort may not be ready until later in the day. If you need to rest or recharge midday, your room may not be an option.
How Bell Services Can Help Manage Split Stays
When it is time to change resorts, you have several options to make the move. If you have a car on site, you can pack up and move yourself. Alternatively, you can request a ride share to the new location. Either way, if you arrive before your room is ready, you can have your bags held securely with Bell Services.
You can also have your luggage transferred to your new resort. Disney Resorts offer a luggage transfer service from one resort to another. To use this complimentary service, simply stop by your resort’s Bell Services or Luggage Assistance desk. They’ll take note of how many bags you’re transferring, tag them, and give you a claim ticket. That’s all there is to it! You can be on your way to enjoy the theme parks or some resort hopping.
However, there’s a big caveat about choosing to use the luggage transfer service. There is no guarantee that your luggage will arrive at the new resort by check-in time. Since you might not have your luggage until later in the evening, it’s important to plan ahead. You can stash the essentials in your park bag if necessary. Again, the only way to ensure your bags are available when your room is ready is to drive or take a ride share and bring them with you. Per Disney policy, luggage is not allowed on Disney Transportation except Minnie Vans™.
Need Planning Assistance?
Whether you’re thinking vacation package, split stay, or something else, Marcus with Purely Luxe Vacations is your go-to. He’s a Travel Planner with the expertise and experience needed to help you navigate every step of your vacation planning process. Click the button below to get started with a free vacation quote.
I’ll leave you with this final thought: I definitely recommend split stays as a way to experience different Disney Resorts. If you do so, you may want to start at your least expensive resort and work your way up. In my experience, it’s much more enjoyable to end on a high note (like Deluxe Resort perks) than the reverse. Stay tuned to MouseHouseNews.net for more Disney World vacation planning tips, reviews, and magical fun. We’ll see you real soon!
