Split Stays 101

Staying at 2 or more resort hotels during your vacation, also known as a split stay, is one of the best ways to experience Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort (or both!) But what exactly does that mean? And why should you do it? If you're asking yourself those questions, get ready for Split Stays 101!

The Basics
A split stay requires at least 1 night's stay at each resort hotel that you plan to book. Split stays can be between 2 or even 3 resorts. If you choose to do a split stay at Walt Disney World, bell services will transfer your bags free of charge to your next Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. If you transfer from different Universal hotels, or split between Disney and Universal, you're on your own.

If you're looking for luggage for the kids (or kids at heart!), American Tourister has some adorable Disney luggage, including Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and BB-8! Not looking for character luggage? American Tourister also has this great 3-piece set!

Where to Split at Walt Disney World
The resorts you choose to split between are a completely personal choice. 99% of the split stays that I book are because of the following: 

1. Staying at a certain Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort is a bucket list item, but staying for more than 1-2 nights is too expensive.
2. Flights are significantly cheaper on the front or back end of your stay, so you want to add on a night at a Value Resort hotel to take advantage of the better airline rate.
3. You have family/friends joining you for only part of your vacation, and need a Deluxe Villa to accommodate a larger group for a couple days.
4. You want to explore even more of Walt Disney World!

Of course, if you'd like my recommendations, be sure to check out my recommendations for 2021 Disney resorts in every category!

Where to Split at Universal Orlando Resort
The best reason to do a split stay at Universal Orlando Resort is to take advantage of the Universal Express pass. Universal Express allows you to skip the lines at attractions at Universal's parks. You can add it on to any ticket, but a stay at Universal's Premier Hotels includes Universal Express with your stay! (Yes, that's on top of the early park admission, complimentary park transportation, etc.) For that reason, I encourage Universal split stay clients to book the Hard Rock Hotel, Loew's Portofino Bay, or Loew's Royal Pacific Hotels for at least part of their stay. If you choose to split between a Premier and a Value hotel, I recommend either of the Endless Summer Hotels in the value category. (Check out  my review of Endless Summer - Surfside Inn & Suites!)

Splitting Between Disney and Universal
The ultimate split stay! I actually did this on my last trip, and it truly was the best of both worlds. The best reason to do a split stay between 2 different areas (Disney and Universal aren't immediately close) is to take advantage of the on-site perks in each location. For example, at Disney, you might want to take advantage of Early Park Admission and a Skyliner resort. At Universal, you may also want to take advantage of early admission to ride Hagrid's and the Express pass on the Hogwart's Express. We'll talk over your family's wishes and I'll help you decide which resorts would best fit your family's vacation goals and budget.

Ready to Book Your Split Stay?
If you're ready to book a split stay on your next Orlando vacation, let's get started! Contact me today for a complimentary quote!