Have you ever been so overwhelmed trying to choose between all of the amazing resorts that Walt Disney World and Universal Studios have to offer?
Have you ever wanted to stay in a Deluxe/Premier resort, but didn’t want to completely overextend your budget?
Or, maybe you just love Disney or Universal so much that you want to experience all of the resorts at least once?
If you’ve answered yes to any of the above questions, read on to find out why split-stays are a great option for your future vacation!
Why would you want to do a split-stay in the first place? Here are some of the top reasons to consider a split-stay for your next trip to Orlando.
Walt Disney World
Location and Transportation
Walt Disney World’s resorts are located in various areas within the Walt Disney World confines. This means that certain resorts are closer to certain parks. Likewise, some resorts are closer to different transportation options.
● Magic Kingdom Area Resorts – close to Magic Kingdom and offer quick and efficient Monorail or Water Taxi transportation to the park. Magic Kingdom fireworks can also be seen from several of these resorts.
● Epcot Area Resorts – most are either walking distance or close to / on the Disney Skyliner route and offer quick and efficient Skyliner transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
● Animal Kingdom Area Resorts – these resorts are just a quick bus ride away from Animal Kingdom. These resorts feel more secluded and are away from the “hustle and bustle” of Walt Disney World.
● Disney Springs Area Resorts - located close to all of the entertainment, dining and shopping that Disney Springs has to offer.
● Wide World of Sports Area Resorts - close to the action for any and all sporting events, as well as access to the Disney Skyliner for quick and efficient transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Theming
Let’s face it – a lot of people think Disney is “just for kids”. Those of us adults who have fallen in love with Disney will tell you that’s just not true. Doing a split-stay will make sure your vacation is enjoyable for your entire travel party.
● By starting your vacation at, let’s say, Art of Animation, your kids can indulge in all of the Disney theming from some of their favorite movies. From the impeccably themed Finding Nemo, Cars and The Lion King Family Suites and The Little Mermaid Rooms, to the largest resort pool in WDW, Nemo’s Big Blue Pool, to being able to get up close and personal with their favorite Cars vehicles, there is so much fun to be had.
● You could then pack up and spend a few days in Polynesian luxury, making you feel as though you’ve just stepped foot into another part of the world completely. Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows offer a tropical, relaxing island ambiance, and even provides the option of staying in one of their beautiful over-the-water bungalows. Adults will love the Oasis Pool and Patios and the Hawaiian-inspired drinks and appetizers at the Tambu Lounge.
Extra Perks
Currently, through 2023, Deluxe Resort and Deluxe Villa Resort guests can enjoy Extended Evening Hours on select evenings at various parks (typically Epcot on Mondays and Magic Kingdom on Wednesdays). With some strategic planning, guests could stay at a Deluxe Resort on those days to take advantage of two extra hours in the parks in addition to the 30-minute Early Entry available to all Disney World Resort guests. Deluxe guests are eligible for Extended Evening Hours on check-in and check-out days as well as all of the days in between.
*Valid theme park admission required.
Universal Orlando Resort
Location and Transportation
Universal’s Premier hotels are located as close as possible to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure and CityWalk. All are within walking distance and/or a short water taxi ride to the parks and offer an additional perk of being able to walk through shorter security lines located at each hotel.
Theming
Universal’s theming is top notch, and the on-site hotels are no different. Each hotel has a completely different “vibe” and there is truly something for everyone.
● Your Universal Studios vacation could begin at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, modeled after the beautiful seaside village of Portofino, Italy. Enjoy the “La Dolce Vita” with shops, cafes and three refreshing pools. On these days, utilize the convenient water taxi transportation and FREE Universal Express Unlimited access to enjoy shorter wait times to your heart’s content.
● End your Universal Studios vacation at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort, which is located right next door to Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park. At Cabana Bay, enjoy all of the retro fun the hotel has to offer, including a bowling alley, a lazy river and two pools. Walk next door to experience the thrills and ultimate relaxation that Volcano Bay has to offer.
Extra Perks
Guests of Universal’s Premier hotels can also take advantage of several great perks:
● FREE Universal Express Unlimited - this allows guests to skip the regular lines an unlimited amount of times for the entire park day. For park-to-park tickets, this includes both parks. Universal Express Unlimited is available to Premier guests on check-in and check-out days as well as all of the days in between.
● Priority Seating at select restaurants - visit the Concierge desk for priority access to select dining venues throughout Universal Orlando Resort. Note that Priority Seating means you will skip ahead of the “walk-up” list, NOT the previously booked reservations.
*Valid theme park admission required.
You may be thinking – this all sounds great, but the thought of logistically putting it all together makes it seem daunting or unachievable. Thankfully, Disney and Universal (most resorts) both make it extremely easy to accomplish this task. Simply drop your bags with Bell Services, head to the parks, and after a long day enjoying time with your family, take the complimentary transportation over to your new resort. Your bags will be waiting for you at the front desk, ready for your next adventure.
Contact your favorite Diserella Travel Agent TODAY. We can help you come up with the best plan for your family.
