Hi Jessica,
Thanks for stoppin' by with that great question! As the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Split-Stay," I am so happy to help you get this all straightened out.
First, it is fairly simple to make the move from your first Walt Disney World Resort Hotel. I normally pack up the night before the switch, then I use my room phone to call Bell Services to schedule a pickup at a specific time the next morning. This isn't a requirement. Just be sure to give the fine Cast Members at least 30-minutes notice before you plan to leave your hotel room. You must be present for them to collect your bags, and it is customary to tip them for their effort. Simply inform them that you are moving to your next Resort hotel, and your luggage will magically appear in the Bell Services desk at your second stop later in the afternoon. Once your luggage is in transit, head to the theme parks, swimming pools, or Disney Springs, and enjoy the day.
When you arrive at your second Resort hotel, it is a good idea to stop by the front desk to verify that your MagicBand is fully functioning, and able to unlock the second door, even if you completed Online Check-In and receive a Room Ready test notification. I have experienced a few hiccups at this stage.
If you have a
Magic Your Way Package including Disney Dining Plan for both "legs" of your vacation, then the Dining entitlements for your first reservation will expire on Midnight of your overlapping day. You will also have access to your entitlements from your second stay. So my recommendation is to try to use all of your entitlements from your first stay before moving day. That helps to keep your count much more simple.
I hope this clears up the process, Jessica. Please let us know how else we can help.
Wishing you many magical memories,
Sally