How to Book a Split Stay at Walt Disney World
Planning a vacation to Disney World is both exciting and overwhelming. Before you can worry about what rides to prioritize, you have to answer the most important question: where will you stay?
If you struggle to decide between multiple resorts and want to help balance your vacation budget, it’s worth considering a split stay.
Disney’s Contemporary Resort is a favorite for split stays
Booking a split stay at Walt Disney World might seem complicated at first, but with a bit of guidance, you'll be able to navigate the process.
To successfully execute a split stay, you'll need to create separate reservations for each chosen resort. In some instances, your vacation preferences may not match what the Disney reservation system will allow.
Don’t forget, a travel agent with experience in Disney destinations can help you navigate this process for free.
In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of booking a split stay at Disney World, ensuring a seamless transition between resorts. We’ll let you know where you may encounter hiccups and special considerations when planning a split stay!
What is a Split Stay at Walt Disney World?
A split stay at Disney World is when you stay at multiple resorts on a single vacation. For example, on a 5-day vacation, a split stay may entail 3 days at a Moderate Resort like Coronado Springs and the final 2 days at a Deluxe Resort like the Grand Floridian.
Types of Split Stays
You can create various split stay combinations based on your preferences:
Room-only reservations: The simplest method is to book two or more room-only reservations at different resorts and then link your tickets through My Disney Experience.
Booking packages: This option can be more complex as it may include tickets associated with specific dates that expire. In this case, you would need to book separate packages for each resort and link them to your My Disney Experience account.
It’s incredibly important to pay attention to the Terms and Conditions Disney provides for the package or reservation you book and specifically the expiration dates of your tickets. As a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations, I’ve seen families purchase tickets for the beginning of a 7-10 day vacation and fail to realize the tickets they purchase expire before the end of their vacation.
Whenever a family is considering booking a split stay or a more complicated Disney vacation, we highly recommend using a travel agent with experience and expertise in Disney vacations. Travel Agent services are free to you and can save you a significant amount of time and headache with complicated bookings.
Booking a Split Stay
Step 1: Check Resort Availability for your Vacation Date Range and Budget
When planning a split stay at Disney World, consider your priorities and budget. Look for resorts that offer the amenities and experiences you desire while fitting within your price range.
You might want to splurge on a Deluxe Resort for part of your stay and opt for a more budget-friendly option for the remainder. Keep in mind that each resort will have its own unique charms and attractions, so choose wisely to make the most of your Disney vacation.
Step 2: Making Reservations
Split stays must be reserved separately. Each stay is essentially it’s own vacation in the Disney system.
To book your split stay you can book either a “room-only” reservation or a “vacation package”.
Vacation Packages vs. Room-Only Reservations
“Vacation packages” bundle your room reservation with tickets, dining plans, and other add-ons, while “room-only” reservations are only a hotel room reservation. A room-only reservation allows you flexibility in buying tickets and other extras separately.
Savings can be used to stay at amazing Deluxe Resorts like the Polynesian Village Resort
The way you book your split stay can have significant cost implications. For example, if you split the stay across two packages (room + tickets) you have to split the tickets across the two packages.
For a 6 day vacation beginning September 21, 2023, 6 days of park tickets (one park per day, no park hopper) split evenly on two packages would cost $846.02 w/tax total.
6 days of park tickets purchased at one time (as part of a ticket only purchase) would cost $578.44
For a family of 4 over the age of 10, that would save $1,070.40 on JUST park tickets, simply based on HOW you book the split stay reservation!
For a split stay, booking room-only reservations is often the easiest option. This allows you to tailor your reservation dates specifically for each resort and to make any changes without affecting your entire vacation package. Additionally, with room-only reservations, you can still purchase all of your Disney World tickets and other extras separately, giving you more control and potential savings over your vacation experience.
Room-only reservations have some notable disadvantages:
Deposit for the room is one night stay (versus $200 for a vacation package)
Tickets must be paid in full at the time of purchase
Terms and Conditions/Cancellation are different. Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and must be used by the same person on all days (versus in a package, the entire package including tickets can be cancelled 31 days or more prior to arrive with a full refund of the deposit)
No access to “vacation package” promotional discounts
Walt Disney World often offers promotions for vacations that are only available to packages. Booking a room-only reservation can make your family miss out on big discount opportunities.
There are other creative options available when contacting Disney, including booking a room as a “ticketless package,” but given the complexities and time involved in setting these up, it’s best to work with a free Disney travel agent for these stays.
The best way to book your split stay will often depend on the specifics of your desired vacation and it’s important to think through the entire process before making a decision.
Step 3: Pay your Deposits
Because each part of the split stay requires it’s own reservation, each part will require its own deposit.
At present, for a package or ticketless package, Disney requires a $200 deposit that is refundable 31-days or more before your arrival date. Full payment is then required 30 days before arrival.
For a room-only reservation, the deposit is the equivalent of 1 night of the reservation and the remainder is due on arrival.
Step 4. Link each reservation to your My Disney Experience account.
Linking each reservation in to your My Disney Experience Account will allow you to manage your entire vacation in one place. It's important to know that each resort stay will be recognized as a separate reservation, so be prepared to check in and out accordingly.
Step 5: Managing Tickets, Dining Plans and Advanced Dining Reservations
When planning a split stay at Disney World, it's essential to manage your park tickets and dining plans effectively.
Park Tickets
For any Disney vacation, it’s more cost-effective to purchase all of your park tickets together for the full length of your stay. This is because the more days you book, the cheaper the tickets are per day. Be sure to keep in mind the expiration dates on the tickets, the Terms and Conditions, and your vacation schedule to make sure everything lines up.
For packages, a minimum of 2 days of park tickets is required. This can often come into play when part of a split stay is only 1 night.
Disney Dining Plan
The Disney Dining Plan is back and can save be added to room-only and vacation packages! Check out our Disney Dining Plan Calculator to see if it’s a good fit for your vacation.
If you book 2 vacation packages for your split stay, you can simply purchase separate dining plans for each of your resort reservations.
Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs)
Booking your dining experiences in advance is crucial, especially for a split stay. For each of your resort hotel reservations, you'll have a 60-day advance booking window for ADRs and other Enchanting Extras. This means starting 60 days before your arrival date, you’ll be able to book ADRs and Enchanting Extras for the duration of that reservation.
This applies to BOTH legs of the split stay. If you have a 2 reservations of 5 nights in length arriving September 1, you will have one ADR window to make reservations for September 1-6 and another to make them September 6-11. The first window will begin July 3 (60 days prior to September 1) and the second window will begin July 8 (60 days prior to September 6).
By managing your park tickets, dining plans, and ADRs effectively, you'll be able to maximize your enjoyment during your split stay at Disney World.
Luggage and Transportation
Bell Services and Luggage Transfer
When planning your split stay at Disney World, it's essential to know how to handle your luggage and transportation between resorts. To ensure a smooth transition, use Disney's Bell Services to assist you with your luggage. You can drop off your luggage at the bell services desk at your first resort, let them know you have a split stay and you are transferring to another resort, and they will transfer it to your second resort for you.
Luggage transfer times may vary, so it's best to pack essentials like medications, important documents, and valuables in a carry-on bag or backpack that you can keep with you during the day.
We recommend using your transfer day as a park day where you drop your luggage off at Bell Services before heading to the park and then head to your new resort after your room is ready and you can check-in (check-in is at 3pm, though resort rooms may be available earlier).
Resort Transportation Options
As for transportation between resorts, you have several options available to simplify your split stay experience. Here's a quick breakdown:
The Disney Skyliner from Hollywood Studios to the Resorts
Disney Skyliner: connects certain resorts, including Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century and Disney's Riviera Resort.
Bus Transportation: To travel between resorts, you can board a bus to a theme park or Disney Springs and then transfer to a bus heading to your destination resort.
Uber/Lyft/Taxi/Minnie Van Service: Use popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft or a traditional taxi to transport you between resorts. If you are not at a Skyliner Resort and need to head straight to your destination resort, these services are likely the most direct and efficient methods.
Remember to factor in transportation times, particularly as traveling between resorts can take longer than expected.
Benefits of Split Stays
There are several advantages to choosing a split stay:
Experience: You can explore and enjoy the unique amenities of each resort. You may consider one or two nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge with a view of the savannah animals from your room, but may not desire the high cost for that amenity for 7 day vacation.
Budget: It lets you save money by dividing your stay between a lower cost resort and a more expensive one.
Transportation and park access: Each resort might provide different transportation types and easier access to different parks, improving your overall Disney experience. For example, a Moderate Resort may only have bus transportation, while a Deluxe Resort may have Monorail or Skyliner access.
Disadvantages of Split Stays
While there are benefits to these stays, there are some potential downsides:
Packing and unpacking: No one likes to pack. To switch resorts you’ll need to repack and unpack an extra time!
Potential downtime: Moving between resorts may require some travel time, impacting your vacation schedule.
Possible booking challenges: Resort availability and package requirements from the Disney booking systems can make booking a split stay time consuming and complicated.
However, with a little foresight and planning, these downsides can be alleviated!
Best Disney World Resort Scenarios for a Split Stay
Split stays at Disney World are best used when your family wants to stay in a specialty room, an expensive room, or wants the experience of multiple resorts on a single vacation.
Often, specialty rooms are both exclusive and expensive. Great examples of specialty rooms are Savannah View at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Theme Park View at the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian, Club Level Rooms, or Villas/Bungalows.
Families will often find you want to experience views of the Fireworks, Theme Parks or Giraffes right outside your window, but may not need or want the experience for the cost on an entire 5-10 day vacation. In that instance, a split stay is a perfect option. You can book the specialty room for 1-3 nights and spend the reminder of the vacation in a “normal” room at the same or a different resort.
Coronado Springs Gran Destino Tower Entrance
In some instances, your family may know you want to spend 2-3 days at Magic Kingdom and want close access to that specific park. A great option would be to spend a bit more for 2 nights at the Contemporary with close access to Magic Kingdom and then save money by spending the remainder of the vacation at a more affordable Moderate Resort like Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs.
The last and sometimes critical consideration is Extended Evening Hours. Walt Disney World occasionally offers Extended Evening Hours at select parks on select dates, exclusively for Deluxe Resort Guests. These events offer opportunities for lower crowds and wait times. If you are considering a split stay, coordinating to ensure the Deluxe Resort portion of your vacation is booked with Extended Evening Hours in mind can provide a big benefit to your vacation.
Maximizing Your Split Stay Experience
Use the My Disney Experience App
To make the most of your split stay at Disney World, download and use the My Disney Experience App. This app helps you manage your reservations, Genie+, and dining plans and more. It provides real-time updates on Disney bus schedules, wait times, show times, and other essential park information. You can also view your hotel information, check-in online, and even use the app as a digital key for your hotel room.
Benefits of On-Site vs. Off-Site Stays
When planning a split stay, it's crucial to consider the benefits of staying on-site at a Disney resort versus off-site at other hotels or rentals. On-site hotels offer a range of exclusive perks, including:
Access to Extra Magic Hours
Free theme park transportation
Early access to Disney Advanced Dining Reservations
Bell Services
Amenities associated with the Resort
Off-site stays, on the other hand, often provide lower-cost accommodations and may provide more space and privacy. Additionally, off-site stays may offer different amenities like full kitchens and private pools. Consider your budget, priorities, and travel preferences when deciding where to stay during your split stay experience.
Theme Park Planning
Optimize your split stay by carefully planning your theme park days. Decide which parks you want to visit and allocate time to each based on your proximity, transportation, interests and priorities. Remember to factor in travel time between your Resort and the parks.
To maximize your time at Disney World, consider the following tips:
Plan your park days around Early Theme Park Entry and Extra Magic Hours
Consider purchasing Genie+ to avoid lines for popular attractions
Schedule your dining reservations at off-peak times to avoid crowds
Use the My Disney Experience App to help navigate the parks and find attractions with shorter wait times
Incorporating these strategies into your split stay planning will help you make the most of your Disney World vacation, ensuring you have a magical experience.
Budget and Pricing Considerations
When booking a split stay at Disney World, it's essential to consider your budget and look for ways to save money. Here’s how to estimate the cost of split stays and find discounts and deals:
Estimating the Cost of Split Stays
To accurately estimate the cost of your split stay, you'll need to factor in the room rates for each resort, taxes, and any additional fees. Here are some steps to help you calculate your budget:
Research room rates: Look up the room rates for each resort where you plan to stay during your split stay. Keep in mind that rates may vary depending on the time of year and availability, but you can generally gauge the price range per night for specific room types and resorts. This is often referred to as the “rack rate”.
Taxes and Park Tickets: Make sure to include taxes and park tickets in your budget calculations. Park Tickets are use date based pricing, so you can check them directly on the Walt Disney World website.
Food and transportation: Consider the costs of dining and transportation (particularly to and from the airport) during your stay. Think about whether you'll need a rental car or if you can take advantage of Disney's free transportation options.
Add up all costs: Combine all your estimated expenses to get a total cost for your split stay. This will help you determine if it fits within your overall vacation budget or whether you should explore cost saving options.
Finding Discounts and Deals
There are several ways to save money on your split stay at Disney World. Here are some tips for finding the best offers:
Look for discounts: Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts offered by Disney World, such as package or room-only discounts or other special offers.
Book early: Booking your stay well in advance can help you secure lower rates, as prices usually increase closer to your travel dates. If you book early and a discount late becomes available, you or your travel agent can typically contact Disney to have the discount applied to your reservation.
Consider a travel agent: Working with a travel agent experienced in Disney vacations can save you time and money. Travel agents are used to the complications that can arise with complex vacations and can also monitor the latest offers and discounts from Disney, giving you peace of mind.
By carefully estimating the cost of your split stay and actively searching for discounts and deals, you can plan a memorable Disney World vacation while staying within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for transferring luggage during a split stay at Walt Disney World?
To transfer your luggage between Walt Disney World Resorts during a split stay, simply bring your luggage to Bell Services and let them know you are transferring to another Resort. They will coordinate the transfer of your belongings to your next Disney resort. When you arrive at the second resort, head to Bell Services again to collect your luggage. Make sure you have any essential items needed during the day with you, as luggage can take several hours to be transferred between resorts.
Is it possible to have a split stay between Disney World and Universal Studios?
Yes, it's possible to have a split stay between Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. You simply book separate reservations at each property and when it's time to transfer between the two resorts, you will need to arrange your own transportation and transfer your own luggage between resorts.
Which Disney hotels are most recommended for a split stay?
There are various opinions on which Disney hotels are best for a split stay. Some visitors opt for a combination of value, moderate, and deluxe resorts, allowing for a more budget-friendly experience and a taste of luxury. For example, you could start at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort before ending your vacation at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Another popular option is choosing resorts with different specialty rooms, such as a Savannah View room at Animal Kingdom Lodge or a Theme Park View room at the Contemporary. Ultimately, the choice of hotels for a split stay will depend on your preferences, budget, and vacation goals.
