Split stay transfer (12 nights vacation)

[rewok_new]

We're doing 8 nigths at the AllStar music, then 4 at Animal Kingdom lodge. (I posted for advice last year)

We'll have lots of stuff: 2 medium suitcases, 6 various carry on/personal items. 2 kids, 1 still needing a booster (6 years old).

We wont be doing a park that day (or maybe only the evening). What's the best way to move? Minnie Van? Uber XL? Private car service? Will Uber take all of our luggage?

I understand Disney can move our luggage so maybe we should do that with most pieces and use Minnie Van.

 

[clarker99]

We're doing 8 nigths at the AllStar music, then 4 at Animal Kingdom lodge. (I posted for advice last year)

We'll have lots of stuff: 2 medium suitcases, 6 various carry on/personal items. 2 kids, 1 still needing a booster (6 years old).

We wont be doing a park that day (or maybe only the evening). What's the best way to move? Minnie Van? Uber XL? Private car service? Will Uber take all of our luggage?

I understand Disney can move our luggage so maybe we should do that with most pieces and use Minnie Van.

Yes, Disney will transfer your luggage for you at no extra charge. Just take all your luggage to bell services at All-Star Music and have Disney transfer your luggage to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Keep a backpack or 2 with some necessities as you will not have access to your bags and you cannot check-in to Animal Kingdom Lodge until 4pm-ish.

If your plan is to just go and hang out a Animal Kingdom Lodge then you could save some money and just hop on a bus to Animal Kingdom park at All-Star Music then transfer to Animal Kingdom Lodge from there.

If you decide to use a ride share, they will take all your luggage. Just need to order one big enough for everyone and everything. 2 medium suitcases and 4 people should fit into a Mini-van or Uber XL pretty easily. Personal items can sit on laps or floor of vehicle. Once at Animal Kingdom Lodge you would take your luggage to bell services and they would store it for you until your room is ready.

 

[scrappinginontario]

If it were me I would allow Disney to transfer your luggage. So much easier than doing it yourself if you don’t need to. Also, since there is no guarantee your new room will be ready you don’t have to go to luggage services and can just go the oool or wherever you intend to go while waiting for your new room to be ready. There is potential to be without a room for a number of hours.

 

[Genie+]

If you’re getting the Minivan, I say bring your luggage with you. It should fit, just let them know it is 2 adults, 2 kids and all your luggage to move resort. Minivans can take up to 7-9 people so pretty sure they have something to move your gang and belongings.

WDW moving your luggage comes in handy for certain situations but there is a bit of compromise there. There will be time gap between dropping it off and receiving it in your room. Supposed to arrive by 4pm but I’ve had later than 7pm. I’ve also gotten early check-in at the 2nd resort, then regretted not choosing to bring the luggage over with us.

Take advantage of the Minivan being able to make this whole process easier. With any luck you might be able to get your family and luggage into the 2nd room on arrival. Worst case is checking the luggage at resort 2 bell services, where at least it’s easy to get once your room is ready.

For what it’s worth, I’ve had better luck with early check-in on the 2nd part of a split stay. Whether that’s purely chance or something else… who knows? No guarantee but our record is such that we now keep in mind as a decent possibility.

 

[lanejudy]

If you’re getting the Minivan, I say bring your luggage with you. It should fit, just let them know it is 2 adults, 2 kids and all your luggage to move resort. Minivans can take up to 7-9 people so pretty sure they have something to move your gang and belongings.

I think you are talking about a style of vehicle — like a Dodge Caravan or Toyota Sienna, etc. The OP mentioned “Minnie Van” which is a WDW ride share. I believe it maxes out at 6 guests (if both car seats are used) and for the OP’s situation there would be 1 car seat in the cargo space which limits the amount of luggage.

OP - I would leave your luggage with Bell (Luggage) Services and allow WDW to transfer everything. Keep 1-2 day bags with you with meds, change of clothes, swim suits, etc. What are your plans for the day? If this will be in 2025 do the free waterpark and take WDW transportation or a ride share.

 

[Genie+]

I think you are talking about a style of vehicle — like a Dodge Caravan or Toyota Sienna, etc. The OP mentioned “Minnie Van” which is a WDW ride share. I believe it maxes out at 6 guests (if both car seats are used) and for the OP’s situation there would be 1 car seat in the cargo space which limits the amount of luggage

Yeah somehow my quick search for WDW minivan (oops i mean minnie van) occupancy mentioning up to 7 or even 9. Made me wonder if a few were bigger models? WDW mentions 5, 6 or 7.

Looks promising for family of 4 with luggage and needing 1 car seat.

Personally I’d prefer to bring luggage with us, and if 4 passengers fit upfront then plenty of room for luggage (they were only bringing their stroller, from video above) -


Some look very large.



FROM - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/minnie-van-service/

How It Works
Our Minnie Van service works with the Lyft app. Simply open the Lyft app from select locations within Walt Disney World Resort to access Minnie Van service and request a ride.

To request a ride:

1. Open the Lyft app within Walt Disney World Resort and enter your destination.
2. Confirm your pickup location. Lyft will provide a fare estimate, and your payment will be processed directly through the app.
3. Tap “Select Minnie Van”; if Minnie Van service is not the default vehicle type displayed, you will need to scroll through your vehicle options until Minnie Van service is displayed.
4. The app will display a map tracking the vehicle en route—along with an identifying vehicle number to help you spot your car.

Accessible Minnie Van Service

Any Guest can order an Accessible Minnie Van. Guests do not need to use the vehicle’s accessibility functions in order to book a ride in an Accessible Minnie Van.

Here’s How to Order:

1. Open the Lyft app within Walt Disney World Resort and enter your destination.
2. Confirm your pickup location. Lyft will provide a fare estimate, and your payment will be processed directly through the app.
3. Tap “Select Access. Minnie Van” (short for “Accessible Minnie Van”). If the option for Accessible Minnie Van service doesn’t immediately display, scroll through vehicle type options until it appears.
4. Track your vehicle’s progress on a map provided by the app. You’ll also see the vehicle number to help you spot your car.

Accessible Minnie Vans include the following:

• Seating for 5 people
• One complimentary car seat (which can be used by one of the 5 passengers)
• 2 spaces for mobility devices (Guests may remain in their mobility devices for the duration of the ride)

There is a maximum capacity of 7 Guests per Accessible Minnie Van.

What to Expect – The Vehicle
Minnie Van vehicles are roomy, comfortable and playfully themed with a style inspired by Minnie Mouse. Each vehicle accommodates up to 6 Guests.

What to Expect – The Experience
Minnie Van drivers are friendly Disney Cast Members who are trained to whisk you off to where you need to be—with a smile. Each vehicle is equipped with 2 child safety seats that our Disney Cast Members can install for you. Lyft will also provide a fare estimate once you select a destination, so you know what to expect. Your payment will be processed directly through the app.

Pricing
Prices vary based on distance traveled from pick-up location to requested destination within Walt Disney World Resort.

Hours of Operation
Times may vary. Please check the Lyft app for availability.

 

[rewok_new]

Wow, plenty of opinions woth good pros and cons! For sure we're going to hand carry the kids precious plush and treasures (all stuffed inside their carry ons), plus electronics and swimsuits. We can easily store those at the pool lockers.

I guess we'll decide the day before about the larger bags, it's appealing to have quick access to them, since we like to nest as soon as we have a room, and I'll ask for an early room.

A Minnie Van sounds the best transnport option (I checked around noon today it was around 28$).

I sure hope we like this split stay and AKL! We've only ever been to AsMu (12 times), it's homey, has plenty of activities for the kids,....