Hi there, Kristen! Welcome back to planDisney!
Oooooh, I love a split stay! Calling more than one
Walt Disney World Resort hotel “home” during your vacation is a fantastic way to enjoy double the
amenities: incredibly themed pools, resort dining, activities, and snacks. We actually have a framed Walt Disney World Resort map and mark off the resort hotels we stay at in our attempt to collect them all. So much fun!
I’m happy to confirm that Bell Services will indeed transfer your luggage and your groceries, including cold items. Be sure to have luggage tags on each piece of luggage (Bell Services will also provide their own tags), and I like to add an extra label that reads “refrigerated items” to the cold grocery bag. I pack a collapsible zipper-top cooler bag for the transfer so I can be sure my cold items are together and secure. When you drop the items at Bell Services, let them know which items should be refrigerated – a Cast Member told me that they have cold rooms where they store these items at each resort hotel.
Kristen, you will need to take the items to Bell Services when you check out from the first resort. Plan some time for this step, as there may be a line as Bell Services processes Guests checking in and out and transferring. I like to send my husband off with the kids to do some exploring (and coffee pickup) while I take care of this step. When you arrive at your next resort, you may either stop by Bell Services to pick up your luggage and groceries, or call to have them brought to your room. Note that you will need to be present in your room to have them brought to you. While not required, a tip is customary for the Bell Services Cast Members who handle your luggage.
I like to plan the resort transfer day as a “rest day,” where we don’t go into the theme parks, but instead swim, explore, or visit
Disney Springs. My kids love to swim in both resort pools on the transfer day – it makes them feel like the King and Queen of the world! Make sure you pack anything you’ll need for the day in a backpack, since you may not have access to your bags for several hours while they are transferred. Think about this carefully, and learn from my mistake: I will never forget walking through Disney Springs on a very hot day, loaded down with a backpack full of swimsuits, sunscreen, water bottles, and a bunch of other “essentials.” Think about what you’ll
really need – and if you have little ones who really do require a mountain of stuff, maybe you park yourselves by the pool with all their gear and have a chill day splashing and playing.
Have so much fun on your split stay, Kristen! As you plan and dream, be sure to keep an eye on the
Know Before You Go section of the Walt Disney World Resort website for the latest updates on health, safety, and operating protocol. I also recommend reading the
Disney Parks Blog so you can keep adding to your list of delicious, must-try treats, drinks, and eats, as well as experiences and must-do Disney fun!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn