16 Night Quadruple Split - am I nuts??

[PollyannaMom]

I’ve built a weighted scoring criteria matrix.

You are my people!

Royal Pacific is great! We stayed there the first time we did Universal (as more than a day trip) and we loved it.

And I wouldn't give up AKL; it was just so cool!

With your new plan to end at RP, how about:

6 - Grand Floridian (close to MK and to lots of restaurants)
4 - AKL (restful in the middle of the trip, plus two more great restaurants)
4 - Royal Pacific (Universal portion)

 

[andie-j]

Well, shoot, now I’ve uncovered a whole new world in DVC Villas after reading one of the earlier posts on this thread. I started digging and realized that many 1BR Villas have either 2 bathrooms or some kind of split allowing 2 different people to get ready at the same time. All I can say is, “WOW!” DVC Villas seem like a huge value. I know they don’t have club (or at least most don’t) and we would forego Mousekeeping (or is there a plus-up option?), but those seem small sacrifices for some of the amenities trade-offs. How have I never discovered Bay Lake Tower?? Plus when I started listing out all of restaurant choices, activities, etc., it didn’t seem like we would ever come close to getting value from CL food. So, now I’m looking at even more options...lol. I’d totally give up GF for that BLT 1BR Villa (TP view)! Anyone stayed there? Are the pictures/videos overselling? What are the downsides? Of course, in my new villa/suite discovery, I had to look at UOR’s options as well. I landed on Cabana Bay Beach Resort 2BR Volcano Bay Suite - totally cheap compared to the WDW villas and looks like a super fun way to end our trip. So now, I’m back to a crazy split - but honestly, it doesn’t scare us as one of the other poster’s said, each transition is like a new mini-vacation. We’ve mapped out a sample itinerary to try and avoid feeling “homeless” or inconvenienced by too much packing/unpacking. I’m now looking at:

1st 3 Nights: AKL - Leaning towards Kidani 1BR Villa due to 2 bathrooms, but are there pros to Jambo?
2nd 5 Nights: BCV - 1 BR Villa
3rd 5 Nights: BLT 1 BR Villa TP View
Last 3 Nights: Cabana Bay Beach Resort (VB 2BR Suite)

Total: 16 Nights/4 Stays

Other than the obvious split-stay haters, poke away

 

[andie-j]

Thought I’d post a little snapshot of my scenario planning tool. This is what I use to spin up different ideas and check against my budget/timeline/etc. Hopefully this gives an idea of our ideas on activities/events/etc. Obviously I’m using current calendars/events to give ideas and we will have to monitor and adjust as things change. =)

 

[crazylady]

Don't hate me for saying this but, I fear your budget is not big enough for everything you want to do. But, if you ax the club level for DVC rental it might be possible.

As far as questions, we stayed at BLT (lake view) and loved it. It was so peaceful and relaxing. As far as cons: 1. the pools are pretty boring 2. Team Park view is very cool but don't look down or you're viewing cars and a parking lot. That is kind of a vacation buzz kill for me.

Also, I'd love to stay at Cabana Bay because it looks so fun. But, it does not get the Express Pass so that would be an extra expense for you.

If you are only planning AKL for 3 nights, I would not stay there first. My reason for this is because, for us, we are really excited at the beginning of the trip and we hit the parks hard without much resort time. This slows down as the trip goes on. I would want the AKL portion of the trip to be after we slowed down. So we would really enjoy it. I loved our stay at AKL but I wish we would have spent more time at the resort.

 

[crazylady]

PS. That is one beautiful planning tool!

 

[andie-j]

Don't hate me for saying this but, I fear your budget is not big enough for everything you want to do. But, if you ax the club level for DVC rental it might be possible.

As far as questions, we stayed at BLT (lake view) and loved it. It was so peaceful and relaxing. As far as cons: 1. the pools are pretty boring 2. Team Park view is very cool but don't look down or you're viewing cars and a parking lot. That is kind of a vacation buzz kill for me.

Also, I'd love to stay at Cabana Bay because it looks so fun. But, it does not get the Express Pass so that would be an extra expense for you.

If you are only planning AKL for 3 nights, I would not stay there first. My reason for this is because, for us, we are really excited at the beginning of the trip and we hit the parks hard without much resort time. This slows down as the trip goes on. I would want the AKL portion of the trip to be after we slowed down. So we would really enjoy it. I loved our stay at AKL but I wish we would have spent more time at the resort.

Great advice - thanks for weighing in! I will def re-look at Cabana Bay as I just assumed it included UEX - so that will force an alternative option...bummer. As for the DVC rooms, I’m working with a sort of ballpark budget overall and I kind of adjust dining/activities to align with the resort and other costs. I actually already gave up CL for all 3 WDW stays after realizing we couldn’t do the food justice. I can also look at AKL timing but tbh, I would love to align the timing of each stay with the various After Hours and Early AM hard ticket events along with other safari/tours/packages for the nearest park(s). So basically, the sequencing will all be kind of up in the air until the events/tours/hard ticket stuff is confirmed for that time frame if that makes sense? Anyway, more digging to do now on UOR....

 

[andie-j]

Also, I'd love to stay at Cabana Bay because it looks so fun. But, it does not get the Express Pass so that would be an extra expense for you.

Good news/bad news...confirmed no UEX for Cabana Bay but good news is that Royal Pacific Club Level is in the same ballpark. Of course, no dual bedroom/bathroom, just a standard 2 queen room, but I think for our last 3 nights, that should suffice. I also threw their Luau into the mix after watching a vlog so it should be convenient there as well. Good catch - thanks!

 

[crazylady]

Good news/bad news...confirmed no UEX for Cabana Bay but good news is that Royal Pacific Club Level is in the same ballpark. Of course, no dual bedroom/bathroom, just a standard 2 queen room, but I think for our last 3 nights, that should suffice. I also threw their Luau into the mix after watching a vlog so it should be convenient there as well. Good catch - thanks!

CL at Royal Pacific worked great for our family. We actually used it for dinner and had table service lunches instead of dinners.

As far as the order of the hotels, if you're busing someplace, it doesn't really matter as the timing isn't that much different on the bus (IMO). Location really comes in to play when you can walk, boat or monorail from a resort to a park. Leaving MK at close and heading to BLT, you can be showered and in bed in like 20 minutes and it's really only a 10-15 minute walk from HS to the Epcot resorts.

 

[andie-j]

Well, we have been doing a lot more research/budgeting/planning/negotiating, and I think we are nearing a final(ish) plan. After watching endless YT videos, reading boards, etc., we have decided on a triple split for 17 nights. The first 4 nights will be CL/TP at GF, the middle 9 nights will be at a Disney View Suite at the Waldorf Astoria, and the last 4 nights will be at a Future Rockstar Suite at the Hard Rock. I moved toward the Waldorf mainly due to price. We can get a corner Disney view suite with 2 bathrooms for way less than most (comparable) DVC/Deluxe Resorts. I know we will be outside the bubble, which is why we opted to kick off with the GF, but then we will retreat to luxury while still being close enough to enjoy the parks, and then we can rally to end like rockstars at Hard Rock/Universal. We will plan on 10 days at WDW parks, and then venture to Universal, SeaWorld, and maybe even to Busch Gardens. Of course, there will be resort days/breaks scattered throughout. Thoughts/feedback on this plan?

 

[DrunkJam]

I would find it stressful. (All the moving, but, you have a less busy schedule now so...)
BUT I read lots of people loving split stays, and AKL is somewhere I would like to stay, but don't want to be too far from the stuff we actually do.
I guess, I would split AKL with YC, to get two very different experiences, and not have too much travelling and homelessness.
My favourite resort is WL, and I would always pick that over any other availability, but, I am not a 15yo. And, I think YC is the most different from AKL.
Oops, I see I should have read all the way to the end. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[Nancyg56]

Well, we have been doing a lot more research/budgeting/planning/negotiating, and I think we are nearing a final(ish) plan. After watching endless YT videos, reading boards, etc., we have decided on a triple split for 17 nights. The first 4 nights will be CL/TP at GF, the middle 9 nights will be at a Disney View Suite at the Waldorf Astoria, and the last 4 nights will be at a Future Rockstar Suite at the Hard Rock. I moved toward the Waldorf mainly due to price. We can get a corner Disney view suite with 2 bathrooms for way less than most (comparable) DVC/Deluxe Resorts. I know we will be outside the bubble, which is why we opted to kick off with the GF, but then we will retreat to luxury while still being close enough to enjoy the parks, and then we can rally to end like rockstars at Hard Rock/Universal. We will plan on 10 days at WDW parks, and then venture to Universal, SeaWorld, and maybe even to Busch Gardens. Of course, there will be resort days/breaks scattered throughout. Thoughts/feedback on this plan?

I think it looks good. the break in the middle will be nice, with plenty of room and a savings. KIcking it off at the Grand is a good idea I think.

 

[Miffy]

Well, we have been doing a lot more research/budgeting/planning/negotiating, and I think we are nearing a final(ish) plan. After watching endless YT videos, reading boards, etc., we have decided on a triple split for 17 nights. The first 4 nights will be CL/TP at GF, the middle 9 nights will be at a Disney View Suite at the Waldorf Astoria, and the last 4 nights will be at a Future Rockstar Suite at the Hard Rock. I moved toward the Waldorf mainly due to price. We can get a corner Disney view suite with 2 bathrooms for way less than most (comparable) DVC/Deluxe Resorts. I know we will be outside the bubble, which is why we opted to kick off with the GF, but then we will retreat to luxury while still being close enough to enjoy the parks, and then we can rally to end like rockstars at Hard Rock/Universal. We will plan on 10 days at WDW parks, and then venture to Universal, SeaWorld, and maybe even to Busch Gardens. Of course, there will be resort days/breaks scattered throughout. Thoughts/feedback on this plan?

@andie-j--Are you going to be okay with having GF first? I'd save that for last, myself. But perhaps you're a huge Universal fan and that's the most-anticipated part of your vacation.

 

[tguz]

I personally do not like all the moving and wouldn't do it but some people love a split stay. I would never split a stay and stay offsite last. If I were doing as many days as you are, I'd be at a Disney resort for the last week.

 

[snappy]

We have done many split stays, even when the kids were young. It feels to us like 2 vacations as resirt theming varies so much. Especially when occasionally booking last minute, it’s the only way to go. My favorite was a split this July between 5 days in a POLY studio and 4 at the Dolphin. The best of both worlds, MK area resort followed up with a relaxing stay at an Epcot area resort. Next up we are splitting with a UO deluxe resort, and trying out Gran Destino club level. I love trying something new!!

OP, I love reading your ideas and the spreadsheet is inspiring. We also love all the Bonnet Creek resorts, have stayed at the Waldorf, Hilton and Wyndham in villas especially tons of times. The location is so close to the Boardwalk especially that it’s crazy. We always have a vehicle when staying there but the bus from the Waldorf and Hilton is luxurious and uncrowded compared to WDW busses. I think they run every 30 minutes from the resorts on a schedule. So you can plan accordingly. Uber back to the resort works well.

 

[Eastern]

I've done a few split stays with 2 resorts. I did one with Universal (CL at Portofino Bay and it was very nice and cheaper than CL at Disney) but put it first: I planned on arrival day, then two more park days before transferring to Disney. On that third day, my (then teen) kids didn't want to go back to the parks, they just wanted to get over to Disney. So I would do Universal first.

Split stays can be fun but I would only do max of 3 resorts just because of the changeover process. If you are organized it's ok.

I would actually do GF last. Use Waldorf mid trip when you are doing all the parks, running around, etc. By the time you get to GF you are ready to enjoy the resort and do a few last minute park things you may have missed. Kids may not understand the resort time/park time thing as well as an adult. If you do GF CL first, they are going to be super excited about getting out to the parks. You may not see the value in CL because of that. If you save it for last, they will enjoy relaxing at the resort and using the lounge more, which I think you should do when spending that kind of money.

 

[SnowChaser]

I would actually do GF last. Use Waldorf mid trip when you are doing all the parks, running around, etc. By the time you get to GF you are ready to enjoy the resort and do a few last minute park things you may have missed. Kids may not understand the resort time/park time thing as well as an adult. If you do GF CL first, they are going to be super excited about getting out to the parks. You may not see the value in CL because of that. If you save it for last, they will enjoy relaxing at the resort and using the lounge more, which I think you should do when spending that kind of money.

I second this. We've done many trips, including split stays. A unifying theme from all of them is that we are blazing to go to the parks at the beginning of the trip, then towards then end, ready to take a more relaxed approach and enjoy the resort. GF/CL would be a great way to end a long week, and you could putter over to MK easily at your leisure, or monorail to explore the other resorts as well.

Have fun with your trip and your planning!

 

[crazylady]

Sounds great to me!

 

[Babsy]

Well, we have been doing a lot more research/budgeting/planning/negotiating, and I think we are nearing a final(ish) plan. After watching endless YT videos, reading boards, etc., we have decided on a triple split for 17 nights. The first 4 nights will be CL/TP at GF, the middle 9 nights will be at a Disney View Suite at the Waldorf Astoria, and the last 4 nights will be at a Future Rockstar Suite at the Hard Rock. I moved toward the Waldorf mainly due to price. We can get a corner Disney view suite with 2 bathrooms for way less than most (comparable) DVC/Deluxe Resorts. I know we will be outside the bubble, which is why we opted to kick off with the GF, but then we will retreat to luxury while still being close enough to enjoy the parks, and then we can rally to end like rockstars at Hard Rock/Universal. We will plan on 10 days at WDW parks, and then venture to Universal, SeaWorld, and maybe even to Busch Gardens. Of course, there will be resort days/breaks scattered throughout. Thoughts/feedback on this plan?

This plan looks good, but do you have the best saved for last? Consider that you always feel betgtger leaving when you are moving up.

I've done a few split stays with 2 resorts. I did one with Universal (CL at Portofino Bay and it was very nice and cheaper than CL at Disney) but put it first: I planned on arrival day, then two more park days before transferring to Disney. On that third day, my (then teen) kids didn't want to go back to the parks, they just wanted to get over to Disney. So I would do Universal first.

Split stays can be fun but I would only do max of 3 resorts just because of the changeover process. If you are organized it's ok.

I would actually do GF last. Use Waldorf mid trip when you are doing all the parks, running around, etc. By the time you get to GF you are ready to enjoy the resort and do a few last minute park things you may have missed. Kids may not understand the resort time/park time thing as well as an adult. If you do GF CL first, they are going to be super excited about getting out to the parks. You may not see the value in CL because of that. If you save it for last, they will enjoy relaxing at the resort and using the lounge more, which I think you should do when spending that kind of money.

I agree with this! CL at RPC in GF would definitely be ending on a resort high note!

 

[paradesintherain]

I just wouldn't give up AKL! It's hands down my favorite resort.

Sounds like you've got a lot to think about and plan, and planning is half of the fun! You might consider writing a Pre-Trip Report over in the Trip Report forum since you also seem to really enjoy the planning process.

 

[Shellyred8]

I am a fan of split stays, but I would recommend limiting it to 3 resorts for your length of time. Disney makes it quite easy to move to your next resort, but as others have said, you have to be out of your room by 11 am and your new room won't be ready until at least 3pm, probably later.

One tip I have for move days is this: make these days park days. We usually get a late start on move day, so we leave our room between 10 - 11am. Then we go to a park for the day. By the time we are ready to leave the park it's late enough that our new room is usually ready.

It sounds like a fantastic trip! Have a great time!