What Is A Split Stay & Why Would You Do It?
One of the most important and impactful decisions that you can make when planning your Walt Disney World vacation is deciding where you’re going to stay. It’s a decision that could be fueled by any number of factors from budget to location. Whatever the reason though, your resort hotel can play a major role in the experience you have. But what if you’re wanting to stay in more than one place during your vacation? What are your options? Is that even a thing!?
Yes, my fellow mortals, it most certainly is!
It’s called a split stay and today we’re going to chat all about it!
The term “split stay” is used to describe when guests book reservations at 2 or more hotels during their Disney vacation. In other words, they start off their vacation staying at one hotel and move to another to finish things off. More often than not, when people are talking about doing a split stay they are talking about staying on property at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels.
Now, if you think that the idea of packing your bags mid-vacation and moving to a different resort sounds like an unnecessary dose of stress. . . . . you’re not alone. In fact, I’m right there with you. When I take a vacation, especially a Disney vacation, I like to set up shop in one place and stay there until it’s time for me to go home. However, there are some reasons that you may want to consider a split stay.
Experience More Resorts - It probably goes without saying, but doing a split stay is a great way to experience more than one resort hotel during your Walt Disney World vacation. This could be a particularly useful option to consider if you’ve got your heart set on more than one resort hotel. Rather than having to choose, you can do a split stay and enjoy both.
Accommodate Your Budget - Walt Disney World has a wide range of resort hotels to choose from, all of which have different price points. With some of these hotels coming in at $600.00 per night, it can be difficult to manage paying that price for the duration of your Disney vacation. That doesn’t mean those resorts are out of the question though! With a split stay you can cut costs by staying at a more affordable room, such as one of the All Stars that come in at under $200.00 per night, and move to that deluxe that you’re wanting to experience.
Stay Closer To The Parks You’re Visiting - No matter where you stay in the Walt Disney World Resort, you’re close to the parks. With the various transportation options and the proximity of the resort hotels, it doesn’t take too long to get anywhere. Some resorts are closer to the magic than others though. . . . . like walking distance. Being walking distance to the park you’re planning on spending a significant amount of time is a major plus. In fact, it’s so great that I’d say this is one of my top reasons to consider doing a split stay. Personally, I’d recommend this to visitors who are planning on enjoying one of EPCOT’s many festivals. Being at one of the EPCOT area resorts, where you’re only a short walk from the International Gateway, can be quite the magical experience.
Necessity - Look, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Whether you like the idea of changing your resort hotel or not, there are times when it’s either do a split stay or cut your vacation short. Personally, I’d opt for the split stay.
With the question of what and why taken care of, it’s time to address everyone’s burning question about split stays: what about the luggage? It’s a good question! Like all other guests, if you’re doing a split stay you’ll need to check-out of your first hotel and then check-in to your second within the established window. This leaves a few hours in-between where you’ll be without a hotel room, but it doesn’t mean you’ve got to lug your bags around with you. Guests can bring their luggage to Guest Services and have it transferred to their next Walt Disney World Resort hotel for them. The service is free [though you should tip] and available to resort hotel guests. While you wait for your check-in window, enjoy everything Walt Disney World has to offer and then contact Guest Services when you arrive at your next resort hotel room. They’ll bring the bags to your room for you.