Hi Claire,
My family have done split-stays at the Walt Disney World Resort many times in the past and whilst one advantage of doing this is the fact that you get to experience more Disney Resort hotels, it also has its draw backs.
According to the terms and conditions of the current
2017 Free Dine Packages, everyone on your booking dines for free during their entire stay when you book a Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort Hotel
and Ticket package for a minimum of 5 nights.
In order to qualify for a FREE Disney Dining Plan, you need to book a package for 5 nights or more at a Disney Deluxe Hotel or Disney Deluxe Villa and similarly, to qualify for a FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan, you need to book a package for 5 nights or more at a Disney Moderate Hotel.
Here's the draw back, because technically your 2 stays would be classed as separate bookings and you will only be purchasing one set of Ultimate Tickets, if you did decide to stay at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter for 5-nights and then Disney's Beach Club Resort for 3-nights, you would only be entitled to a FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan for the first 5-nights of your stay.
Wishing you a magical holiday filled with memories which will last a lifetime!
Emma