Walt Disney World’s official resorts – each with its own immersive theming and signature amenities – turn your home base into an attraction in its own right. With more than 25 properties to choose from, though, picking just one can be tough, especially when you want to experience the distinct worlds each resort creates.
On my last trip to Walt Disney World, I stayed at 7 different resorts over 2 weeks. I was traveling for work, specifically to create content about the different resorts and what they offer. I’ll be honest: making that many moves on a single trip is not something I’d recommend. Constantly packing up and relocating will leave you exhausted. But switching to a second (or even third) resort during your vacation can be a fantastic way to enjoy a richer, more varied experience. In this article, I’ll walk you through when a split stay makes sense and share my tips for making the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Is a split stay right for you?
Walt Disney World’s resort collection is organized into four categories: Value, Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas (Disney Vacation Club). Each resort has its own theme—and its own price point. Here are the three most common reasons guests choose to split their stay:
1. To make the most of your budget. If you’d love the Deluxe resort experience but don’t want to spend your entire lodging budget there, a split stay is a smart strategy: book a Value or Moderate resort for your busy park days, then move to a Deluxe resort to relax and recharge at the end of your trip.
2. For the theming and the experience. At Walt Disney World, you can spend a few nights inside the playful world of Radiator Springs from Cars, then move to a lodge inspired by the great national parks of the American West. You can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the African savanna, then unwind in the charming atmosphere of the Mississippi Riverfront. For anyone who loves Disney’s storytelling and its power to transport you, that’s one of the best reasons to stay on property – and there’s no rule that says you have to pick just one.
3. For the room or resort amenities. Maybe you’d like a room with a full kitchen so you can feel at home on your non-park days, or you’d prefer to be within walking distance of a park for part of your trip. In those cases, switching resorts can be well worth it.
Whatever your reason, changing resorts within Walt Disney World does come with a few logistical details to keep in mind. Here’s what to expect.
What happens on the day you switch resorts?
On moving day, you’ll need to leave your room by 11:00 a.m., the official check-out time. Disney offers automatic check-out, so you don’t have to stop by the front desk – but if you leave before 11:00 a.m., I recommend checking out through the My Disney Experience app to let the resort know your room is free.
Your room at the next resort will be ready by 3:00 p.m. at the latest, which means you’ll have roughly four hours without a room. The best way to use that window is to complete check-in at your new resort, which you can do remotely in the app – even weeks before your trip. That saves you time and a trip to the front desk.
Disney will notify you by text or through the app when your new room is ready. From there you can head straight to it and get in using the app’s Unlock Door feature, your MagicBand, or the plastic “Key to the World” card you’ll receive at the front desk if you check in person.
One tip from experience: on my last trip, with so many resort changes, the app didn’t always work to unlock my door. So I’d suggest stopping by the front desk – especially at the larger resorts – so you’re not surprised by an entry system that won’t cooperate when you reach your room.
Of course, while all of this is happening, you can head to the parks if you have a valid ticket. And if you visit Walt Disney World in summer (between May 26 and September 8), you’ll have complimentary access to one of Disney’s two water parks on your arrival day. Strolling through Disney Springs or enjoying your resort’s amenities – like the pool, at either the resort you’re leaving or the one you’re heading to – are great options as well.
What about my luggage?
Walt Disney World offers a very efficient luggage transfer service between its official resorts. If you use it, Bell Services will pick up your bags from your room and deliver them to your new resort. Once you’re settled in, simply call Bell Services from your room phone and they’ll bring your luggage right to your door.
Keep in mind that transfer times vary by resort – in some cases, the estimated delivery at the new resort is as late as 6:00 p.m. For that reason, I recommend keeping with you anything you might need during the day, along with your valuables.
If you’d rather not use the transfer service, you can bring your luggage yourself in an Uber, a Minnie Van, or your own car (if you’re driving or have a rental) and store it at the new resort until your room is ready. Just note that Disney’s complimentary transportation doesn’t allow large luggage, so an Uber, Minnie Van, or personal vehicle will be your options.
How do I get from one resort to another?
As with your luggage, getting directly from one resort to another means using private transportation: Uber, a Minnie Van, or your own or a rental car. Disney doesn’t offer direct transportation between its resorts, with one notable exception – the Disney Skyliner, which connects Disney’s Pop Century, Disney’s Art of Animation, Disney’s Caribbean Beach, and Disney’s Riviera Resort.
A few resorts are also located right next to each other – such as Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s Art of Animation, or Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club – so you can simply walk between them.
With so many lodging options, it’s always a good idea to talk with your Dreams Unlimited Travel agent about the best way to get around Walt Disney World and your options for a smoother transition – so you can make the most of everything Disney has to offer.
