Hi Andrea!
Thanks for visiting the Disney Parks Moms Panel with your question.
I love your idea of treating your little ones to a surprise night in one of Walt Disney World Resort's deluxe hotels on your upcoming vacation. My family loves doing a "split stay", where we get to experience two different resorts during one magical vacation. There isn't a minimum number of nights you'll need to book at the deluxe resort. You can easily add one night at the resort of your choice, if there is availability.
When we book a split stay, we use Bell Services to make our move smooth and seamless. On the last morning in our first resort hotel, we call Bell Servies to arrange a luggage transfer to our new resort. Our bags are picked up in our room and transferred to our second resort, and are usually available by around 3:00PM. We head out to explore Walt Disney World's four theme parks, and return to our new hotel later that day. Once we're all checked in to the second resort, we contact Bell Services to bring our luggage to the room - easy peasy!
To make the surprise even more magical, you may want to consider contacting
Disney Floral and Gifts to order an In-Room Celebration or gift basket. They have lots of choices that add a little touch of pixie dust to any Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
I hope this helps with your planning. Have a magical day! - Diane W.