One of the most underrated ways to enjoy the most out of your Disney Vacation Club membership is by planning a split stay. If you’ve ever struggled to decide between two resorts for your vacation, or you’re simply looking to experience more Disney magic in one trip, a split stay might be your next great adventure.
But what is a split stay, and how can you use your DVC points effectively to make it happen?
What Is a Split Stay?
A split stay means you divide your vacation between two (or more) resorts during one trip. For example, you might spend the first half of your vacation at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows and the second half at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas. Each portion is booked separately, and you pack up and move mid-trip.
It might sound like a hassle at first, but it can actually add excitement, variety, and flexibility—especially when using DVC points strategically.
Why Consider a Split Stay with DVC?
Here are a few great reasons DVC members love split stays:
1. Experience More Resorts
Why limit yourself to one resort vibe when you can enjoy multiple? Start your trip immersed in the South Pacific vibes of the Polynesian, then move over to the serene savannas of Kidani Village. You get two totally different atmospheres and sets of amenities, all in one vacation.
2. Balance Points and Budget
Some resorts are more point-heavy than others. If you’ve been dreaming of staying at the Grand Floridian, but don’t want to use a huge chunk of your points for the whole week, consider just staying there for a night or two. Then move to a more budget-friendly (in points) resort like Saratoga Springs or Old Key West for the remainder of your stay.
This lets you splurge a little without burning through all your points too quickly.
3. Park Proximity Strategy
Plan your split stay around which parks you want to visit most. Start at Bay Lake Tower for quick access to Magic Kingdom, then hop over to BoardWalk Villas to be near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. You’ll save time and energy by being close to the action—and might even catch extra fireworks from your balcony.
4. Availability Flexibility
During busy seasons, it can be tough to find availability for a full week at a single resort, especially if you’re booking less than 7 months out. Split stays open up more options. Maybe you can only get three nights at your first-choice resort, but another nearby DVC property has availability for the rest of your trip.
Tips for a Smooth Split Stay
- Let Disney Move Your Luggage: Don’t stress about hauling your bags around. Bell Services can transfer your luggage to your next resort—just drop it off in the morning and it’ll be waiting for you later in the day.
- Pack Smart: Consider packing a separate bag for each resort, especially if you’ll be doing different activities (like a pool-heavy stay vs. a park-hopper adventure).
- Dining and Activities: Take advantage of different dining options and resort-specific activities. Some resorts have unique restaurants or offerings like campfires, movies under the stars, or animal viewing.
- Plan Mid-Day Park Time: On your transfer day, plan to hit a park while your luggage is being moved. You’ll check out in the morning, and your new room will usually be ready by 3–4 p.m.
Final Thoughts
A split stay isn’t just a way to stretch your DVC points—it’s a way to make your trip feel like two vacations in one. Whether you’re doing it to try new resorts, manage your points more efficiently, or just want a fresh view halfway through, split stays offer flexibility and fun that’s uniquely Disney.
So next time you’re planning a trip with your DVC points, don’t be afraid to mix it up. You might just find that a split stay becomes your favorite way to travel.