From Check-in to Fireworks: Our Spring Break Split Stay Recap Q & A!

Posted:  Parks Resorts Trip Reports

Hello! We’re Stacy and Allison, two members of the David’s Vacation Club Rentals Social Media team!

DVCR team members Allison and Stacy pose together with smiles at Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle can be seen under a sunny sky in the background.

We recently took a trip to Walt Disney World together and visited ALL the parks and ALL the DVC resorts, and we had an absolute BLAST! We did a split stay between Disney’s Beach Club Villas and the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, and though it was over spring break and the crowds were chaotic, we had SO MUCH FUN! 

DVCR team member Allison poses with her tongue stuck out as team member Stacy makes an excited face during a sunny day at EPCOT. In the background there are colorful gardens for the International Flower & Garden Festival, as well as Spaceship Earth.

Since we had such a magical time, we thought it would be fun to interview each other and share some of the highlights of our trip with you!

A little about us:

Stacy: Hi! I’m Stacy, and I’ve been with DVCR for nearly 9 years! My favorite resort is Disney’s Beach Club Villas, my favorite park is EPCOT, and my favorite ride is Haunted Mansion. I’m a VERY picky eater, love all things spooky, and took my first trip to Disney when I was 10.

DVCR team member Stacy poses for a smiling selfie in front of Cinderella Castle during a sunny day at Magic Kingdom.

Allison: Hey there! I am Allison, and I have been with DVCR for 7 years! My favorite resort is Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and I LOVE Magic Kingdom Park. Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind is a MUST for me, I LOVE Casey’s Corner’s corn dog nuggets, and I also love to buy my dog Disney bows for her collar. 

DVCR team member Allison poses with a smile and her arms up towards Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom at night. The castle in the background is illuminated with blue lighting.

Now, let’s get down to the Q&A!

 

What did you love most about staying at Beach Club?

Stacy: It has been my favorite since my very first WDW trip, but as an adult, I LOVE that you can walk to two parks, the BoardWalk, and the Skyliner station at EPCOT’s International Gateway! Also, Stormalong Bay is EPIC (though it is currently closed through June 2025 so we didn’t get to visit during this trip sadly).

Allison: Staying at Disney’s Beach Club Villas was a first for me, and I enjoyed it! The location is phenomenal, and the resort itself is gorgeous. I loved the colors of the buildings and the rooms with the light pastels and that we could walk over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, the Skyliner, and EPCOT. I am all for the location at Disney!  

The blue and white exterior and grey lighthouse of Disney’s Beach Club Villas are seen under a golden sunrise sky from across Cresent Lake. In the distance the ball of Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is visible.

The interior of a Deluxe Studio Resort View at Disney’s Beach Club Villas. The room is decorated with shades of pastel blue and green, and features artwork and accent pieces featuring Donald and Daisy Duck.

 

What did you love most about Boulder Ridge?

Stacy: I loved the laidback vibe at Wilderness Lodge. It’s quiet and pretty and feels like a pretty little retreat. I also loved taking the boat over to Magic Kingdom at sunset!

Allison: Disney’s Boulder Ridge Villas is truly an escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy day at Disney and for me, coming back to this resort felt like I was coming back “home”. I am a very outdoorsy person, and I love the wooded areas all around, along with the lanterns that glow at night. I also REALLY love the food options that are available such as Roaring Fork. It’s quick and has delicious food options! 

The interior of a Deluxe Studio Resort View at the Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The Studio is decorated with neutral colors, pops of red, orange, green, yellow, and blue, and features artwork inspired by the great outdoors.

Wooden walkways pass by the grey stone and dark wood exterior of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Along the walkways are wooded areas and the sun shines through the trees during golden hour.

 

What did you love/not love about doing a split stay?

Stacy: Split stays are something I enjoy and do on almost every trip as I love experiencing the different areas of WDW property, as well as the different themes and amenities of the DVC resorts. I have to pack very strategically for a split stay though, as I am a perpetual over-packer so packing things up to move between stays can sometimes be challenging. It’s worth it though, to me at least!

Allison: I loved doing a split-stay, and this was my first ever experience with it! I found it easy for us to check out of Beach Club and move over to Boulder Ridge. Bell Services moved our luggage between them, and I loved that we were able to go and enjoy the day while we waited for our next room to be ready. I was sad to leave Disney’s Beach Club Villas because I loved it, but the process was seamless!

The blue and white exterior building of Disney’s Beach Club Villas main entry is seen under a sunny, blue sky as cars pull up to drop off and pick up hotel guests.

 

What was your favorite meal?

Stacy: Two words: CAKE BAKE! Our breakfast at the Cake Bake Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rodgers at BoardWalk was not just my favorite meal of this trip but maybe ANY meal I’ve had at WDW! I will be dreaming of those Cinnamon Toast Brioche Bites I had for breakfast until I can get back there again! Honorable mention goes to the new Wailulu Bar & Grill at the Polynesian!

The white exterior of Cake Bake Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rodgers at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. There are large flowery bushes and white seats and tables. The eatery’s name is above the doorway in gold filigree writing.

Cinnamon Toast Brioche Bites with cream cheese frosting from Cake Bake Restaurant. Behind the plate is a grey stuffed dragon toy.

Allison: Yes! The Wayfinder Burger at the new Wailulu Bar & Grill is OUTSTANDING! I was blown away by how good this thing was. If you love burgers and are looking for a new spot to visit, check this place out. TIP: This restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, so you need to join a walk-up list to dine here. However, if you see a spot at the bar outside, you can pop right down! You can order from the same menu, and we ate with no wait!

The outdoor bar area of the Wailulu Bar & Grill at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Island Tower. The sign at the entry reads the restaurant name on a blue background with the operating hours listed, and tall wooden chairs are seen along the bar in the background.

The Wayfinder Burger and sweet potato fries with ketchup from Wailulu Bar & Grill at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Island Tower.

 

What was your favorite attraction/show of this trip?

Stacy: Always Haunted Mansion, but also, jamming to Disco Inferno on Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind on our last night was amazing! I can’t leave out watching Luminous: The Symphony of Us at EPCOT, which always gets me right in the feels, and seeing the fireflies twinkle on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!

The brown and red brick exterior of Haunted Mansion is seen under a sunny blue sky at Magic Kingdom

Allison: I love Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, and it always gets me smiling and laughing, but this trip I got to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and I will say these two rides are completely different vibes and I love them BOTH so much! Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was breathtaking at night, and it will be a core memory of mine riding that for the first time! 

The exterior of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the magical bayou water guests glide through on the ride are seen at night. The lighting makes the mountain appear purple as the large water tower featuring Princess Tiana’s tiara is seen in the background amidst the trees.

 

What’s something new you tried on this trip?

Stacy: I had never been to Blizzard Beach before! The complimentary check-in day water park perk for Disney resort guests (including those who have rented DVC points) is pretty awesome, and if you do a split stay, you get 2 chances to visit for FREE! I swear, knowing it was free made floating around the lazy river feel even more relaxing!

The Melt-Away Bay pool and slides at the peak of Mount Gushmore are seen under a sunny, blue sky at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

DVCR team member Stacy poses for a selfie in a blue inner tube while floating along the Cross Country Creek lazy river at Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park.

Allison: I had never done any of the walking trails at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, and it was right up my alley. I have a passion for all types of animals, and it was such a delight to see so many different species. My favorite was the fruit bats and hippos! We also got to draw Valentino from the movie Wish at the Animation Experience at Conservation Station, which I had never done before, and I think we did great!

A hippopotamus glides along the bottom of the water as blue and yellow tropical fish follow it at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.

DVCR team member holds up her drawing of Valentino from the Disney’s animated film Wish at the Animation Experience at Conservation Station at Animal Kingdom Park.

 

What tip would you give someone traveling over spring break?

Stacy: Be prepared! If you’re traveling in mid-March, expect crowds. It WILL be busy, but if you plan strategically and pack lots of patience in your luggage, you can still have a FABULOUS time! Definitely make a plan, but stay flexible too! For example, if you’re heading to the Tomorrowland Speedway and the wait for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure suddenly drops, don’t be afraid to change course!

Allison: I recommend utilizing the Early Morning Entry and Extended Evening Hours (exclusive to Disney’s Deluxe resort guests) in the parks. It was busy during the day, and some of the rides had LONG waits, however during these time frames the crowd levels can be lower, and you can experience a lot in a little amount of time! We got on a few of our favorite rides and did some late-night shopping on Main Street with a bit more ease! 

Cinderella Castle is seen from the side across the water surrounding it at Magic Kingdom during a sunny morning.

 

What was your favorite snack/drink?

Stacy: The S’mores Bar from the Beach Grub Outdoor Kitchen during this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival was SO DELISH! It was sweet and marshmallowy, but not overwhelmingly so, and being on a stick, my hands didn’t get messy with melty chocolate! I highly recommend this if you’re traveling before June 2, 2025!

The S’mores Bar, a menu item from the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is seen on a white plate. The chocolate on the bar is topped with toasted marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs.

Allison: My favorite drink during the trip would have to be the Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Frozen Slush from The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas, Jambo House. This slush was packed with flavor and was so refreshing. Just thinking about it makes me want another one! 

The Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Frozen Slush is seen on the tray along with the Tamarind Barbecue Pork Sandwich with Kool Slaii (Coleslaw) and French Fries at The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House.

 

What was your top favorite experience overall?

Stacy: It might sound cheesy, but I love my teammates, and sharing in your (Allison’s) first Social Media team trip was so special! We made so many magical memories together, from hugging with tears in our eyes after the fireworks to laughing as we got caught in the rain while visiting Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Sharing that unique Disney bond with my friends, family, and teammates is always my favorite part of a trip!

DVCR team members Allison and Stacy pose pretending to be scared in front of the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios.

Allison: I loved our first night there at EPCOT and watching the fireworks with a warm pretzel in hand. I think this started our trip off right! I also loved learning how to maneuver Disney on my own at times. I have never had that type of experience and was a bit nervous thinking about getting around, but I think it made for a great growing experience!

DVCR team member Allison poses with a smile and a peace sign aboard the Disney Skyliner.

 

What is at the top of your wish list for your next trip?

Stacy: After having the chance to check it out on this trip, the new Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows shot right up to the top of my wish list! It’s BEAUTIFUL and you’ve got to love being on the monorail route!

The lobby interior of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Island Tower. There are large glass windows looking out to the Seven Seas Lagoon, a large wooden table, seating areas, island-inspired art pieces, and large moss pillars hanging from the ceiling.

Allison: Staying at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I have been lucky enough to experience a few different DVC Resorts now, and I love them all for their characteristics, but every trip I take to Disney makes me feel like I am that much closer to making my dream come true!

A bronze fountain sits in front of the iconic white and red exterior of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa under a sunny, blue sky. Red flowers are seen by the lawn as guests play games in the background.

 

This trip was one for the books, with so many memorable moments that we were able to share. We took LOTS of photos and videos, had tons of laughs, a few cries during fireworks, sang lots of Disney songs, walked steps on steps on steps, and most of all experienced all types of Disney magic!

DVCR team members Allison and Stacy pose with big smiles in front of the entrance to Magic Kingdom Park on a sunny day.

~Stacy & Allison

 

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