My First Split Stay: What I Enjoyed and Learned

Posted:  Resorts

Before becoming a part of the David’s team, the concept of a split stay never crossed my mind. I couldn’t understand the advantages, and I always believed it made more sense to stay at just one resort rather than two or more. However, after experiencing stays at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort in one trip for work, I now grasp why numerous guests choose split stays. I have personally experienced the appeal and intend to incorporate more split stays into my future plans.

A grand entrance to Disney's Riviera Resort, featuring a curved archway with a decorative light fixture and stone pavers leading up to the entrance.

Regardless of whether your visit to Walt Disney World is for just two nights or extends longer, opting for a split stay can enhance your trip with additional experiences and opportunities. This includes access to a diverse range of dining options just steps away, breathtaking resort views, the chance to use different amenities, and various transportation options to reach the different theme parks. I thoroughly enjoyed waking up each morning at both resorts where I stayed, experiencing different views from my window, and having a range of breakfast options to choose from.

A wide-angle shot of Disney's Riviera Resort, showcasing its grand facade with a central archway and multiple balconies. Palm trees line the sides of the resort, and a blue sky with white clouds is visible above.

Team member Kristen and I started our trip by staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort. When we first arrived at the resort, it almost didn’t feel real. We were early for check-in, so we dropped off our bags with Bell Services and made our way to Primo Piatto for lunch. On our way to the restaurant,  I relished absorbing the surroundings, finding the entire resort breathtaking. Disney’s Riviera Resort reminds me of an art gallery with all the stunning paintings and designs throughout the resort. I am drawn to windows, and I particularly admired the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby, which offer panoramic views of the lawn with seating areas and various outdoor activities.

The entrance to Primo Piatto. The restaurant has a brick facade, a large orange awning, and double glass doors.

The lobby of Disney's Riviera Resort. It features a circular seating area with comfortable armchairs and sofas, a patterned rug, and a large, unique light fixture hanging from the ceiling.

During our stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, we enjoyed dining at Primo Piatto for both breakfast and lunch, utilizing the convenient Mobile Ordering service. We also made a point to pick up morning coffee and pastries at Le Petit Café. Exploring the Eventi Room proved to be a delightful experience, as it serves as an excellent space to unwind, relax, and engage in various activities suitable for guests of all ages. While we didn’t take advantage of the pools during this trip, I am eagerly anticipating using them on future visits. One of my favorite spots at the Riviera is the tunnel walkway leading to the Disney Skyliner station, adorned with two enchanting mosaics illustrating Rapunzel’s floating lantern scene and Peter Pan soaring over the London sky made out of 1 million hand-cut tiles laid by hand to create this stunning work of art that rises 20 feet in the air. Having experienced staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, I can confidently declare it my favorite resort at Walt Disney World!

A person holds a small, clear bag of colorful macarons in their hand. In the background, the entrance to Le Petit Cafe at Disney's Riviera Resort is visible, with a bar and seating area in view.

A photo of the Skyliner station entrance at Disney's Riviera Resort. A large, colorful mosaic depicting Peter Pan covers the archway above the entrance.

During our time at the Riviera, we frequently utilized the Disney Skyliner, my preferred mode of transportation at Walt Disney World! The convenience of taking a short stroll to the Disney Skyliner station from the Riviera and then heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, my favorite parks, was truly enjoyable. The experience of floating in the air allowed us to take in the scenic views and spot various characters featured on the themed gondolas passing by.

A nighttime view of the Skyliner station entrance at Disney's Riviera Resort. The archway above the entrance is illuminated with a colorful mosaic featuring Tangled lanterns.

Exterior of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The building has a light-colored facade and a prominent entrance with a covered walkway.

After spending a couple of days at Disney’s Riviera Resort, we wrapped up our trip with a stay at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. During the check-out process at Disney’s Riviera Resort, we left our bags in the morning with Bell Services on our way to the parks. Once our room was ready at Bay Lake Tower, we utilized the “Hey Disney” Echo device in the room to have the front desk deliver our bags. “Hey Disney” proved to be a delightful and user-friendly feature. To activate it, you simply unmute the device and say, “Hey, Disney, start the magic!” The Disney Magical Companion is there to address park questions, provide extra towels, entertain with Disney fun, or assist with other vacation-related topics. We even had it set to wake us up each morning, with a different Disney character offering a unique morning greeting each time!

Exterior of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The entrance is illuminated by several circular lights, and there is a glass door leading inside.

A view of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort from the Disney Skyliner. The hotel tower is a curved, beige-colored building with balconies overlooking a lush green landscape.

Throughout our time at Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, we enjoyed leisurely walks across the Skyway Bridge connecting Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This offered us the opportunity to appreciate the backdrop of Magic Kingdom in the distance. I frequently utilized the Skyway Bridge during our stay to explore Bayview Gifts and Fantasia for pins and other merchandise, enjoyed meals at Contemporary Grounds and Contempo Café, and easily accessed the monorail.

Front of Bay View Gifts at Bay Lake Tower featuring a large display of Mickey Mouse pop art in neon colors. The store has a modern design with glass windows and a metal exterior.

Contempo Cafe sign at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The sign is illuminated in blue neon and hangs from the ceiling. Behind the sign is a large, colorful mosaic.

I found great pleasure in taking the water taxi and ferries between Bay Lake Tower and Magic Kingdom Park, both during the day and at night. This mode of transportation allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the resorts, including the enchanting views of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bay Lake Tower, and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian illuminated in the evening. The nighttime spectacle was truly mesmerizing, and there is something special about sailing at night. I also thoroughly enjoyed utilizing the monorail throughout the day to explore the Magic Kingdom resorts, and making use of the walking path to Magic Kingdom was a significant highlight for me. The convenience of the short walk to Magic Kingdom is a major attraction and a highlight of staying at Bay Lake Tower.

A panoramic view of Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. The hotel tower is a curved building with balconies overlooking a large lake and dock.

Disney's Contemporary Resort reflects in the calm water of a lake. The sky is blue with large, fluffy white clouds.

During our stay at Disney’s Riviera Resort, we opted for a Deluxe Studio – Preferred View room, affording us an incredible sight of the Skyliner, with Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the distance and Epcot nearby. At Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, we selected a Deluxe Studio – Lake View room, providing a delightful view of the Bay Cove Pool with Bay Lake in the background.

If you are interested in a specific view of the resort where you are secured, I highly recommend contacting our team. As long as your chosen room type and category allow for it, our team can liaise with the DVC Owner who booked your stay to note your preferences on your reservation. The DVC Owner can specify particular room numbers, floors, and the location within the resort. We can accommodate up to three requests. While Disney will try to fulfill these requests, there is no guarantee, as rooms are assigned by a Disney Cast Member at the resort on the day of your check-in. Disney is committed to guest satisfaction, and when feasible, they will make an effort to accommodate such requests. In our case, we requested specific room numbers and were fortunate to secure them.

A scenic view of Disney's Riviera Resort. The image shows a pool area with palm trees, lounge chairs, and umbrellas.

During the final day of our trip, as I headed to Disney’s Contemporary Resort to grab coffee, I noticed a “Caravanning ‘Round the World” RV parked outside the front entrance of Bay Lake Tower. On my return from getting coffee, I had the delightful opportunity to meet Chip, Dale, and Daisy on the lawn. I found myself participating in morning yoga with the chipmunks because it was impossible to resist when they eagerly grabbed my hand to join in the fun. It proved to be a wonderful experience to conclude my trip before heading to the airport for my return to Canada.

I appreciate how unique each DVC resort is. Taking part in research trips for work has deepened my understanding of each resort available for our guests and provided me with a newfound appreciation for each one. I aim to experience all the DVC resorts and check them off my Disney bucket list. I’m considering either a split stay between The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas at Kidani Village or a trip to Anaheim, California, for a split stay between The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and The Villas at Disneyland Hotel.

A nighttime view of Disney's Riviera Resort. The resort buildings are illuminated with warm lights, reflecting in the calm water of a lake.

I’m curious – where are you planning your next DVC split stay?

 

~Mya

 

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