Booking a Split Stay… With a Family
Split stays can be a hot topic of conversation, or even debate, for Walt Disney World freshmen and regulars alike. Add a baby to the mix, and your laundry list of questions gets even longer.
If you’re new to staying on-property, “split stay” means you’ll be dividing your trip between two or more hotels. Breaking up your reservations can be a clever way to explore multiple resorts in one trip, satisfying the wants of everyone in your party. You can experience different theming, proximity to multiple parks, try multiple signature dining options and test out the various ways to get around property via Disney transportation.
Split stays can also be a gateway to treat yourself to a higher-end resort. You may not normally splurge for a full week at the Grand Floridian, but with a split stay, the deluxe experience is far more within reach.
As a Disney veteran, split stays may be nothing new to your repertoire. You know all the tricks of the trade – start at a value and work your way up to deluxe for extra dose of magic waiting at the end of your trip. Book your stay around your park tickets, so when you’re at Pop Century, you can easily hop on the Skyliner to make your breakfast reservation at Topolino’s Terrace before zipping to the latest festival at Epcot. And of course, plan your “park-free” days for when you’ll be at the resort with your favorite amenities, like a pool day at Stormalong Bay with a midday ice cream break at Beaches & Cream.
Split stays are a creative way to get the most out of your Disney World vacation… but what if you add a family, let alone an infant, to the mix?
Parents are no strangers to carting around endless amounts of “stuff” that come along with children. Diaper bags, toys, snacks, first aid kits and spare clothes for any occasion. The idea of getting settled at your hotel just to turn around and reload the rental car can seem daunting.
That’s where the Disney experience comes into play.
Whether you rented a car or are using Disney transportation, we recommend bringing your luggage to Bell Services on the day you’re swapping resorts. You can safely drop your bags on your way out in the morning, knowing when you arrive at next room, your bags will be waiting for you. This saves the hassle of carting around luggage, strollers, high chairs and car seats while at the parks and through the parking lots.
Remember that it’s customary to tip Bell Services $1-2 per bag, and that your luggage will be typically be delivered by the same evening.
On the flipside, Disney is already a step ahead of the game when it comes to accommodating your little bundle of joy. Split stay or not, you can request a crib or playpen be delivered to your room. They come fully-assembled, and include a complimentary crib sheet to use during your stay. If you have toddlers or small children, you can also call to request bed rails, so you both can sleep soundly at night.
Some resorts even offer high chairs for your convenience, though these are typically reserved for those with eat-in kitchens or dining areas.
The beauty of a split stay with kids is actually very similar to why adults may want to take advantage. The glow of beginning your trip at a moderate or deluxe resort with the stellar pool and splash pad can wear off after a few days. Transferring to another space can give you a taste of new theming and different amenities.
Have the kids met their quota of the savannah views at Animal Kingdom Lodge? Looking for a new stroller route for your morning walks with the baby? Split your stay for the Art of Animation arcade or the hula lessons at the Polynesian. Disney resorts lean into their theming not just for guest rooms, but for activities as well. Use your split stay to roast marshmallows next to the Seven Seas Lagoon and hit the playground at Fort Wilderness before dinner at Trail’s End.
To the untrained eye, split stays can seem like more work for a vacation you’ve spent too many hours planning. In reality, a split stay done right can feel like two vacations (or more!) all wrapped into one trip.
Take even more guesswork out of the equation by letting Magical Vacations Travel do the heavy lifting for you. Get your free quote now by telling us what you want out of your vacation. Then, all that’s left is to sit back and watch the fireworks.
