One of the best parts of being a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member is the flexibility it gives you. From choosing your travel dates to selecting your favorite resort, DVC puts you in the driver’s seat of your Disney vacation. But there’s one underused perk that many members don’t take full advantage of: the split stay.
A split stay means spending part of your trip at one Disney resort and the rest at another. It might sound like extra work, but for many DVC members, it can be the key to maximizing points, availability, and the overall Disney experience.
Why Do a Split Stay?
1. Try More Resorts
One of the biggest benefits of a split stay is being able to experience multiple Disney resorts in one trip. Maybe you’ve always wanted to see what it’s like waking up to a savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but can’t resist the charm of the BoardWalk. With a split stay, you don’t have to choose—you can do both!
Each Disney resort has its own vibe, dining options, and proximity to different parks. Staying at multiple resorts allows you to tailor your experience depending on your plans. For example, start your vacation at Bay Lake Tower for easy access to Magic Kingdom, and finish at Beach Club Villas for a walk to EPCOT.
2. Optimize Your Points
Let’s face it—some resorts and room types are more point-intensive than others. A great strategy is to book a more affordable resort at the beginning of your trip and splurge on something special for the final nights. Not only will this help you stretch your points further, but ending your vacation on a high note (like a Theme Park View room at the Grand Floridian) is a great way to make it extra memorable.
3. Get Around Booking Limitations
DVC availability can be tricky, especially during peak seasons. If your home resort isn’t available for your full stay, a split stay might be the solution. You might find two or three nights at one resort, and the remaining nights at another. While it requires a bit more planning, it can save a trip that might otherwise be unavailable.
Tips for a Smooth Split Stay
1. Pack Smart
When doing a split stay, you’ll be changing rooms mid-trip, which means packing up and moving. To make this easier, pack with this in mind. Use separate bags or packing cubes for different parts of your trip, and keep things organized so your transition is quick and painless.
2. Disney Helps with the Move
The good news is you don’t have to lug your luggage yourself! Disney will transfer your bags between resorts for free. Just drop your luggage off at Bell Services in the morning, and it’ll be waiting for you at your new resort later in the day. Keep essentials with you, though—your bags may not arrive until late afternoon.
3. Plan Your Park Days Accordingly
Split stays offer a great excuse to plan park days around resort locations. Staying at Polynesian Villas? Hit up Magic Kingdom or take a monorail crawl. Moving to Saratoga Springs? Spend time at Disney Springs. Aligning your itinerary with your resort location minimizes travel time and adds convenience.
Is a Split Stay Right for You?
Split stays aren’t for everyone. If you’re traveling with young kids or want a more relaxed pace, packing up mid-trip might be more hassle than it’s worth. But if you love exploring different resorts, want to make the most of your points, or are looking to solve availability issues, split stays can be a game-changer.
The bottom line? DVC is all about flexibility—and split stays are a perfect example of how you can customize your vacation to fit your Disney dreams. Whether it’s sipping coffee at Wilderness Lodge one morning and enjoying EPCOT fireworks from your Beach Club balcony the next, the magic of a split stay is worth discovering.