Hi Bill!
Split stays are a great way to experience the magic and amenities at different Walt Disney World Resorts during your vacation. We have done this in the past and we will be doing a split stay this October as well.
As with most aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation, they really do try to make things convenient. I recommend letting Disney move your luggage for you. When you check-out of Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, you’ll want to take your luggage to Bell Services, or call them from your room phone for assistance. Let them know you’ll want your luggage transferred to Disney’s Bay Lake Tower.
Luggage transfers take place in the late morning to early evening, so be sure to keep anything you’ll need for the day such as sunscreen, or park essentials with you. When we did this, we went off and spent the day in Epcot. Once you check-in at Disney’s Bay Lake Tower, you’ll be able to call Bell Services and have them bring your items to your room. If you have any refrigerated items, they will even keep these cold for you! The only other reasonable alternative is to move your luggage yourself using a taxi cab. Theme park busses are not designed for luggage, and if you try to board with luggage, the bus driver does have the right to decline to allow you to board.
You’ll be happy to know that The Express at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe is eligible for Quick Service entitlements on the Disney Dining Plan, and you may use Table Service Entitlements at Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe for both lunch and dinner. You can click on the right side of the
Disney Dining Plan page to see a brochure for each of the Disney Dining Plans, and it will list all the eligible dining locations for you.
Wishing You a Magical Disney Vacation!
- Kate