The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread Part 3

[ibob52]

Are there in room safes at WBC?

Room safe is in the master bedroom closet.

 

[jrod511]

That makes me feel good about my choice to abandon our usual disney hotel commitment. Staying at wbc for 1st time sunday! So excited!

Last year at Disney I stayed at one of the All Star value resorts and it STILL cost more money than WBC ended up costing me (on a per night basis). I did three parks in three days and so I wasn't at All Stars for anything other than sleep. That was my Disney indoctrination and it was just too much for me. With less parks and more days this time I could actually enjoy some of the amenities at the resort and it was a bit more relaxing for me. To me a vacation needs to be balanced between running like crazy all day and then just taking it slow. All Stars there is nothing to do to relax other than the giant pool that is REALLY filled with kids.

Like I said, everyone is different and has different priorities of what they want out of their vacation; but this resort is super close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney. It's also a very easy location to get to and from in regards to going outside of the Disney bubble when you need to make a Wawa run.

I visited some of the Disney resorts to sightsee a bit (Key West, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Yacht Club, Contemporary, and the new Art of Animation) and didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. They are all free to visit and you can dine at any of them that you want. The Boardwalk by the Yacht Club was fun; but I STILL had a better view of the fireworks at Epcot from my room than I did from the Boardwalk at Disney. Go figure. I wouldn't be surprised if we had a better fireworks view than some vantage points INSIDE Epcot.

 

[jrod511]

Room safe is in the master bedroom closet.

Free of charge too (and my understanding is Housekeeping does not enter your rooms unless specifically requested to; you are kind of self-sufficient until you call for toiletry restocking).

That was another thing I liked about buying a slot off ebay. Maybe it was just the ebay seller; he was upfront stating no extra fees or taxes. One price. I like that. I can figure out the value and I hate getting nickle and dimed to death afterwards.

In fact, when I checked in they did not take a credit card from me and said I would only need one for incidental charges. I thought it would be common practice to hold the number for security purposes, but I wasn't going to argue.

 

[DianaPrince]

Last year at Disney I stayed at one of the All Star value resorts and it STILL cost more money than WBC ended up costing me (on a per night basis). I did three parks in three days and so I wasn't at All Stars for anything other than sleep. That was my Disney indoctrination and it was just too much for me. With less parks and more days this time I could actually enjoy some of the amenities at the resort and it was a bit more relaxing for me. To me a vacation needs to be balanced between running like crazy all day and then just taking it slow. All Stars there is nothing to do to relax other than the giant pool that is REALLY filled with kids.

Like I said, everyone is different and has different priorities of what they want out of their vacation; but this resort is super close to Epcot and Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney. It's also a very easy location to get to and from in regards to going outside of the Disney bubble when you need to make a Wawa run.

I visited some of the Disney resorts to sightsee a bit (Key West, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Yacht Club, Contemporary, and the new Art of Animation) and didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. They are all free to visit and you can dine at any of them that you want. The Boardwalk by the Yacht Club was fun; but I STILL had a better view of the fireworks at Epcot from my room than I did from the Boardwalk at Disney. Go figure. I wouldn't be surprised if we had a better fireworks view than some vantage points INSIDE Epcot.

I know what you mean. I had priced PoP for the same stay we had to do 2 rooms for our fam of 6 and ot was over $600 room only for 3 nights! Ive stayed at almost all the disney owned property and dont get me wrong we do love them, Im sure we will go back to 1 some day,but, since our family has grown its harder and harder and harder to justify the $. March we stayed AoA for just 2 nights,set us back over $800! And we get fl resident deal! So, when I saw this thread I said we oughta try it this time. So, heres hoping its a great experience.

 

[Cynt]

My 1st time off property and I'm so glad to hear these recent reviews of WBC. We had to do it because finding rooms for 9 people was crazy expensive on property. Space was another key factor for us - it's one thing to be on top of each other when there's two in a room but 3 or 4. We would have been killing each other by Monday.

Two more sleeps and we'll finally be at WBC!!

 

[ama223]

Considering booking at WBC (stayed here twice before, love it here!)

We need a 3BR but we have 2 other families who might be joining us that each want a 2BR. Will we be able to be on the same floor or are they not laid out like that? We'd like our rooms to be as close as possible. Thanks!

 

[DCTooTall]

Considering booking at WBC (stayed here twice before, love it here!)

We need a 3BR but we have 2 other families who might be joining us that each want a 2BR. Will we be able to be on the same floor or are they not laid out like that? We'd like our rooms to be as close as possible. Thanks!

I think that GENERALLY the 3bdrm units are the ones at the end of each floor. (the end of the hallway). There may be exceptions to this, and there is always the question on whether or not you'll find a 3 bdrm and 2 2bdrms that are available on the same floor to be assigned like that..... but in theory they should be able to find a 3bdrm and 2 2bdrms on the same floor at the resort.

 

[ama223]

Thank you! It's definitely not a deal breaker that we are super close but it would be nice. I'll make sure we put it as a preference.

 

[carlbarry]

How does WBC compare to other Wyndham resorts in the area? What are the differences between Bonnet Creek and Star Island for example?

Star Island is my home resort. However, I have stayed there only once, before I was an owner. I stayed through the defunct Cendant/Wyndham program "Get Up and Go."
They put me in the inferior lock-out. It has only a partial kitchen, no washer and dryer, no balcony, and the 2 windows overlook the walkway and the internal staircase! A very disappointing experience for my first stay in Orlando, especially since I had been looking at pictures of the good lockout--with a washer/dryer, full kitchen, balcony, Jacuzzi, etc.
That being said, Star Island is a nice resort. It has a lake, the landscaping is nice, and there is a nice free form pool. It is a quiet resort, and there is a lot of convenience for its location off the Irlo Bronson.
However, since owning Wyndham, I have never stayed there (although I have visited), and have stayed at Bonnet Creek 3 times. The amenities and location of Bonnet Creek--and the fact that the cost for me would be the same--kind of knock Star Island out of the water.
The other Wyndham properties are (I might not have the names exactly correct): Cypress Palms (located behind Star Island, built by the same man, Hillel Meyers, who built Star Island, but slightly smaller and less nice), International Vacation Club (a converted motel inconveniently located; I have a friend who owns there), and that "new" Wyndham location south of Kissimmee, that looks very nice.

 

[jrod511]

Star Island is my home resort. However, I have stayed there only once, before I was an owner. I stayed through the defunct Cendant/Wyndham program "Get Up and Go."
They put me in the inferior lock-out. It has only a partial kitchen, no washer and dryer, no balcony, and the 2 windows overlook the walkway and the internal staircase! A very disappointing experience for my first stay in Orlando, especially since I had been looking at pictures of the good lockout--with a washer/dryer, full kitchen, balcony, Jacuzzi, etc.
That being said, Star Island is a nice resort. It has a lake, the landscaping is nice, and there is a nice free form pool. It is a quiet resort, and there is a lot of convenience for its location off the Irlo Bronson.
However, since owning Wyndham, I have never stayed there (although I have visited), and have stayed at Bonnet Creek 3 times. The amenities and location of Bonnet Creek--and the fact that the cost for me would be the same--kind of knock Star Island out of the water.
The other Wyndham properties are (I might not have the names exactly correct): Cypress Palms (located behind Star Island, built by the same man, Hillel Meyers, who built Star Island, but slightly smaller and less nice), International Vacation Club (a converted motel inconveniently located; I have a friend who owns there), and that "new" Wyndham location south of Kissimmee, that looks very nice.

Thank you for making head and tails of it for me. Does not sound like I am missing out on anything compared to Bonnet Creek.

I'm trying to figure out how these guys that rent out their timeshares on ebay for $100-$125 per night are making any money? I still see too many potential downsides to owning for my situation, but obviously more than a few have figured out how to benefit of trading and renting.

 

[Janet Hill]

I'm trying to figure out how these guys that rent out their timeshares on ebay for $100-$125 per night are making any money? I still see too many potential downsides to owning for my situation, but obviously more than a few have figured out how to benefit of trading and renting.

The folks who do most of the renting are VIP Plat members of Wyndham. At the 60 day mark they get a 50% discount off the points required for a reservation and free unit upgrades. It's possible that they got a 4BR presidential for half the point value of a 1BR.

One of the mega renters freqeuntly referred to on this site uses other member's points as well as their own so that is why they can offer the lowest pricing. They are constantly checking and churning till the very end to get reservations for the fewest points possible.

 

[cruisinpan567]

We are staying in a 2br the end of August. This will be our first stay with in a non Disney resort. The ONLY concern is the transportation to and from the parks. I would love to hear some experiences both good and bad. We will only have access to a car the first two days of our stay.

Thanks

 

[tammyroo]

Arrived last night, late. It was quick and easy since it was around 11:30p No one in line. No sales pitch. There was a card in our door when we got back today stating that someone had tried to visit and for us to call. Not happening.

We are in room 1367. Lake view--beautiful. Can see MGM from our balcony too. Nice room. My adult kids (23 and 20) love it. My daughter was doubtful coming in since we have only stayed off property once in our 15 or so visits. She said she would have a hard time staying on property again.

Found a bag of trash in the kitchen when we arrived. Housekeeping must have left it behind. The microwave wasn't cleaned...some crusty bits on the plate. And the pad on the microwave isn't working properly...some of the buttons aren't functioning like 1, 7 and power level buttons. I can make do. Will report it when we leave.

Just wanted to let future Bin #1 people know a somewhat current list of contents:
small crockpot (about 1-2 quarts)
2 things of sunblock (50 and 30, I think) leftovers from others
1 bag of boil in bag rice
ethernet cord
sugar
large jar of peanut butter unopened
bag with packets of Splenda, jam, sweet n low, etc
small mesh bags
baggie with extra laundry detergent packets
small thing of olive oil
non dairy creamer
canola oil (about a cup left)

I will definitely be adding cone coffee filters. We bought a pack and about 4 come with the rental.
Will do an update of what we add later in the week.

 

[DCTooTall]

We are staying in a 2br the end of August. This will be our first stay with in a non Disney resort. The ONLY concern is the transportation to and from the parks. I would love to hear some experiences both good and bad. We will only have access to a car the first two days of our stay.

Thanks

Well the transportation at Bonnet Creek isn't anything like the onsite transportation. That being said, I haven't used it so I can't give you personal experience, but I can give you some basic information to help give you an idea of what you are looking at.

First.... the resort now charges $5 per person per Round Trip to use the park shuttles. This means that if you plan to come back to the resort during the day, It could cost you $10 in shuttle tickets for the day.


2nd. The Bonnet creek runs on a schedule. There are a few pictures of some of the past shuttle schedules which can give you an idea on what the schedule during your stay could look like. Generally, the shuttle will run pretty regularly in the morning, Take a break with only 1 or 2 runs during the afternoon.... and then regularly again in the evening to get you back. If you are trying to make Rope Drop at the MK, You might be better off driving or taking a cab since it could be a tight fit sometimes to make it via the first bus since you'll still have to take the monorail or ferry from the TTC to the MK. The schedule also means that if a bus is full, or you JUST miss the bus, You could easily be stuck waiting 1hr for the next scheduled bus.


Once you make it to a Disney park, You do have free access to the Disney transportation system however to get you from park to park or to visit some Disney Resorts during your day.



Depending on your stay, and what your schedule may look like, Sometimes it may actually be worth looking into renting a car for more of your trip. Disney parking is only $14/day, so it's cheaper to park your car than for 3 people to take the bus from the resort. (You also then won't be paying more to make mid-day trips back to the resort). If you don't need a rental the entire stay, The Bonnet Creek bus will drop you off at the TTC where you can catch a shuttle to the Disney Car Care center which has an onsite car rental desk.

There are also car rental desks at the Swalphin (behind EPCOT and a quick cab ride from Bonnet Creek), and across the street from DTD at one of the office Buildings/hotels along Hotel Blvd.

 

[darrius1st]

Arrived last night, late. It was quick and easy since it was around 11:30p No one in line. No sales pitch. There was a card in our door when we got back today stating that someone had tried to visit and for us to call. Not happening.

We are in room 1367. Lake view--beautiful. Can see MGM from our balcony too. Nice room. My adult kids (23 and 20) love it. My daughter was doubtful coming in since we have only stayed off property once in our 15 or so visits. She said she would have a hard time staying on property again.

Found a bag of trash in the kitchen when we arrived. Housekeeping must have left it behind. The microwave wasn't cleaned...some crusty bits on the plate. And the pad on the microwave isn't working properly...some of the buttons aren't functioning like 1, 7 and power level buttons. I can make do. Will report it when we leave.

Just wanted to let future Bin #1 people know a somewhat current list of contents:
small crockpot (about 1-2 quarts)
2 things of sunblock (50 and 30, I think) leftovers from others
1 bag of boil in bag rice
ethernet cord
sugar
large jar of peanut butter unopened
bag with packets of Splenda, jam, sweet n low, etc
small mesh bags
baggie with extra laundry detergent packets
small thing of olive oil
non dairy creamer
canola oil (about a cup left)

I will definitely be adding cone coffee filters. We bought a pack and about 4 come with the rental.
Will do an update of what we add later in the week.

Report you problems now and the will fix them they are very good about fixing things.

 

[DianaPrince]

Checking in to wbc tomorrow, I dont know why Im nervous,guess because we always stay at disney. Dh is still reserving judgement,and doesnt think he will enjoy it.....here goes nothing....lol

 

[Rosebud123]

Checking in to wbc tomorrow, I dont know why Im nervous,guess because we always stay at disney. Dh is still reserving judgement,and doesnt think he will enjoy it.....here goes nothing....lol

You will love it and you'll never go back to staying on site, unless you're rich and like wasting money. LOL! It's so gorgeous.

 

[DianaPrince]

Thanks! I sure hope so, if only to shut dh up! Lol

 

[cruisinpan567]

Well the transportation at Bonnet Creek isn't anything like the onsite transportation. That being said, I haven't used it so I can't give you personal experience, but I can give you some basic information to help give you an idea of what you are looking at.

First.... the resort now charges $5 per person per Round Trip to use the park shuttles. This means that if you plan to come back to the resort during the day, It could cost you $10 in shuttle tickets for the day.

2nd. The Bonnet creek runs on a schedule. There are a few pictures of some of the past shuttle schedules which can give you an idea on what the schedule during your stay could look like. Generally, the shuttle will run pretty regularly in the morning, Take a break with only 1 or 2 runs during the afternoon.... and then regularly again in the evening to get you back. If you are trying to make Rope Drop at the MK, You might be better off driving or taking a cab since it could be a tight fit sometimes to make it via the first bus since you'll still have to take the monorail or ferry from the TTC to the MK. The schedule also means that if a bus is full, or you JUST miss the bus, You could easily be stuck waiting 1hr for the next scheduled bus.

Once you make it to a Disney park, You do have free access to the Disney transportation system however to get you from park to park or to visit some Disney Resorts during your day.

Depending on your stay, and what your schedule may look like, Sometimes it may actually be worth looking into renting a car for more of your trip. Disney parking is only $14/day, so it's cheaper to park your car than for 3 people to take the bus from the resort. (You also then won't be paying more to make mid-day trips back to the resort). If you don't need a rental the entire stay, The Bonnet Creek bus will drop you off at the TTC where you can catch a shuttle to the Disney Car Care center which has an onsite car rental desk.

There are also car rental desks at the Swalphin (behind EPCOT and a quick cab ride from Bonnet Creek), and across the street from DTD at one of the office Buildings/hotels along Hotel Blvd.

Thanks for the info. I can't wait for our 1st stay at WBC.

 

[DianaPrince]

Well just checked in. Tower 4. Sadly we have a bottom floor room and dh isnt too happy. And our view is of the parking garage. Guess I envisioned something grander....oh well hopefully we still have a good time.