A split stay at Walt Disney World involves staying at two or more different hotels during your trip. Whether you’re planning to mix it up between on-site resorts, staying both on and off-site, or combining a Disney trip with visits to other Orlando theme parks, a split stay can offer both flexibility and a variety of experiences during your holiday.
Why Opt for a Split Stay at Walt Disney World?
Splitting your stay across multiple resorts can bring many benefits, from saving money to enjoying the unique offerings of different hotels. It’s a great way to experience different sides of Disney, particularly if you’re spending an extended time in Orlando.
Here’s a detailed look at why a split stay could be a smart move for your next Walt Disney World holiday.
1. Experience Different Disney Resorts
One of the main reasons guests opt for a split stay at Walt Disney World is to experience the distinct theming and amenities of multiple Disney resorts. Each hotel at Disney offers a unique experience, whether it’s the rustic, lodge-like feel of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the tropical vibes of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, or the budget-friendly fun at All-Star Movies.
A split stay allows you to sample different resorts, with each offering something special:
- Stay at a Value Resort first: If you plan to spend most of your time at the parks during the first half of your trip, consider starting at a Value Resort, like Pop Century or All-Star Sports. These resorts offer basic accommodations and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for park-centric days when you’ll be spending less time at the hotel.
- Switch to a Deluxe Resort later: Towards the end of your trip, when you’re more likely to relax and soak in the Disney atmosphere, you can move to a Deluxe Resort like Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, where you can enjoy more luxurious surroundings, better amenities, and premium dining options.
Key Tip: The Disney resorts themselves are a destination, with exclusive dining, pools, and entertainment. A split stay gives you a chance to experience the best of multiple worlds!
2. Save Money by Combining Value and Deluxe Resorts
A split stay is also a clever way to save money while still indulging in the luxury of a Deluxe Disney Resort. Since Value Resorts are significantly cheaper, you can plan to stay there for the portion of your trip where you’re spending long days in the parks. When you’re ready to relax more, you can switch to a Deluxe or Moderate Resort, enjoying their luxury without paying top rates for your entire holiday.
For example:
- Start at a Value Resort like Disney’s Art of Animation or All-Star Movies for the first few days of your trip. These hotels are budget-friendly and perfect when you’re spending most of your time in the parks.
- Finish at a Deluxe Resort like Disney’s Grand Floridian or BoardWalk Inn for a relaxing and upscale experience. You’ll get to enjoy the hotel’s amenities, such as luxurious pools and fine dining, when you plan to have more resort downtime.
Key Tip: By splitting your stay, you get to enjoy the luxury of a Deluxe Resort without paying the higher prices for your entire trip. It’s the best of both worlds!
3. Disney’s Internal Luggage Transfer Service
One of the biggest perks of a split stay at Walt Disney World is that Disney will transfer your luggage between Disney resorts. You can pack up your bags, head to the parks for the day, and let Disney take care of moving your luggage to your new hotel. When you return from your day of fun, your luggage will be waiting for you at your new resort.
This service makes a split stay incredibly convenient, as it removes the hassle of moving your belongings around, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time at the parks or by the pool.
Key Tip: Always make sure to notify the front desk in advance of your transfer and allow a few hours for the luggage to be moved. In the meantime, explore the parks or grab lunch without worrying about your belongings.
4. Splitting Between On-Site and Off-Site Hotels
If you’re looking to save even more or are planning to explore beyond Disney, consider combining your on-site stay with an off-site hotel. Many off-site hotels around Orlando offer great deals and proximity to other attractions like Universal Studios, SeaWorld, or ICON Park.
For example:
- Start your trip off-site at a hotel near Universal Studios, where you can visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Islands of Adventure.
- Finish your trip on-site at a Disney resort, where you can take advantage of perks like Extra Magic Hours, Early Theme Park Entry, and the convenience of Disney transportation to fully enjoy Walt Disney World.
This is a great way to mix up your Orlando experience, especially if you plan to explore beyond Disney.
5. Including Other Orlando Attractions
Orlando is home to much more than just Disney, and a split stay gives you the flexibility to enjoy all the city has to offer. You can book part of your stay near Universal Studios or SeaWorld before moving to a Disney resort for the second part of your trip.
Here’s how you could split your stay:
- Spend the first few days at a hotel near Universal Studios, where you can visit their parks and enjoy their attractions like Harry Potter and Jurassic World.
- Move to a Disney resort for the second half of your trip to fully immerse yourself in the Disney experience.
This option allows you to enjoy Orlando’s other attractions while still experiencing the perks of staying at a Disney hotel for part of your trip.
6. Split Stay Tips for Maximising Your Holiday
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your split stay goes smoothly and you make the most of your holiday:
- Pack Smart: Since you’ll be moving between resorts, pack your belongings in a way that makes it easy to unpack and repack. Consider keeping one bag for essentials that you’ll need regardless of where you’re staying.
- Plan Your Activities: Try to align your hotel stays with the parks you plan to visit. For example, if you’re staying at Disney’s Yacht Club, plan to visit EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, which are within walking distance. Then, when you switch to Disney’s Contemporary Resort, focus on Magic Kingdom, which is a quick monorail ride away.
- Make Dining Reservations in Advance: If you’re splitting your stay between hotels, it’s essential to book your dining reservations 60 days in advance for each part of your trip, especially for high-demand spots like Be Our Guest or California Grill.
Conclusion: Is a Split Stay Worth It?
A split stay at Walt Disney World offers flexibility, savings, and the chance to experience multiple resorts in one trip. Whether you want to save money by combining Value and Deluxe resorts, or split your stay between on-site and off-site hotels, it’s a great way to maximise your holiday.
With the convenience of Disney’s luggage transfer service and the ability to enjoy different atmospheres, restaurants, and amenities, a split stay lets you experience more of what Disney and Orlando have to offer.
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