Why are the reviews of Bonnet Creek not as good lately?

[disneycrazy01]

I have a trip planned for the month of July at Bonnet Creek. It will be our first ever family vacation with my mother, my aunt, my niece and her 2 sons who are my great nephews. I really though that Bonnet Creek would be a nice way to spend 2 weeks altogether. We have a 2-bedroom booked.

About two years ago I was with a friend who owns a timeshare and we went to Star Island. While I was there I ended up going to one of the timeshare presentations. Boy was I sorry that I did, but the $200 gift card was worth it. It helped pay for our theme park ticks to SeaWorld. They hounded me so much because I didn't want to buy and my credit wouldn't allow it. They kept bringing salesmen out, one after the other trying to find a way that I could buy. They did convince me to try the Wyndham Discover Program which is good for one year. I was able to book one week at Governor's Green in a 2-bedroom during the month of July.

I tried to cancel when I got home, but it was too late. In a way I'm sorry I did it, but we had a nice time at Governor's Green. I ended up complaining about the salesmen that lied to me that I could get 2 weeks at Bonnet Creek during the summer with the number of points that I got with the Discover Package. I guess to shut me up they gave me a free stay at Kingsgate from Sunday through Thursday.

I really wanted to go to Bonnet Creek. My older nephew who was 12 at the time saw the book about BC and really wanted to go there, so I found an owner and rented 2 weeks for this upcoming vacation. I was so hyped about it, until I started reading some negative reviews on Tripadviser lately. There is a current review about getting a room facing the dumpster area and having roaches in the room. They complained and at first they sprayed the room, but expected the people to still stay there. I guess they continued complaining so their room was changed.

I usually take the reviews with a grain of salt, but when I read about roaches in the rooms I wonder how many rooms actually have them. I notice that a lot of people on this site really like Bonnet Creek. You don't read too many postings where people complain that their room wasn't really clean or that the furniture wasn't in good condition.

Since it seems that most of the complaints are from people that rent, the parking lot views, the dumpster views -does BC give people who come there renting from an owner that type of room? I know it's the luck of the draw, but to get that type of view on my upcoming vacation will be a disaster. If we get a room with roaches or ripped or torn furniture, my 80 year old mother will spend 2 weeks crying and complaining about all the money that was spent on going to Bonnet Creek.

Which buildings haven't been renovated in years? Which buildings have very old furniture? What are my chances of getting a parking lot or dumpster view? I will be checking in on a Tuesday and arriving at the resort around 2:30 pm.

I rather have a parking lot view any day compared to the dumpster view. Sorry that my posting is a downer, but I'm getting a little worried.

 

[Silock]

I suspect it has to do with popularity. Once word started getting out about how nice it was, they didn't have to try as hard.

That being said, I've never had a bad stay there, and I've stayed there 6 times. Most people who do have a good experience don't write about it. I know I haven't.

RE: "very old furniture" -- I suppose that depends on your definition. The place isn't old enough, IMO, to have "very old furniture." Chances of getting a parking lot dumpster view? Slim to none.

 

[Upatnoon]

I have a trip planned for the month of July at Bonnet Creek. It will be our first ever family vacation with my mother, my aunt, my niece and her 2 sons who are my great nephews. I really though that Bonnet Creek would be a nice way to spend 2 weeks altogether. We have a 2-bedroom booked.

About two years ago I was with a friend who owns a timeshare and we went to Star Island. While I was there I ended up going to one of the timeshare presentations. Boy was I sorry that I did, but the $200 gift card was worth it. It helped pay for our theme park ticks to SeaWorld. They hounded me so much because I didn't want to buy and my credit wouldn't allow it. They kept bringing salesmen out, one after the other trying to find a way that I could buy. They did convince me to try the Wyndham Discover Program which is good for one year. I was able to book one week at Governor's Green in a 2-bedroom during the month of July.

I tried to cancel when I got home, but it was too late. In a way I'm sorry I did it, but we had a nice time at Governor's Green. I ended up complaining about the salesmen that lied to me that I could get 2 weeks at Bonnet Creek during the summer with the number of points that I got with the Discover Package. I guess to shut me up they gave me a free stay at Kingsgate from Sunday through Thursday.

I really wanted to go to Bonnet Creek. My older nephew who was 12 at the time saw the book about BC and really wanted to go there, so I found an owner and rented 2 weeks for this upcoming vacation. I was so hyped about it, until I started reading some negative reviews on Tripadviser lately. There is a current review about getting a room facing the dumpster area and having roaches in the room. They complained and at first they sprayed the room, but expected the people to still stay there. I guess they continued complaining so their room was changed.

I usually take the reviews with a grain of salt, but when I read about roaches in the rooms I wonder how many rooms actually have them. I notice that a lot of people on this site really like Bonnet Creek. You don't read too many postings where people complain that their room wasn't really clean or that the furniture wasn't in good condition.

Since it seems that most of the complaints are from people that rent, the parking lot views, the dumpster views -does BC give people who come there renting from an owner that type of room? I know it's the luck of the draw, but to get that type of view on my upcoming vacation will be a disaster. If we get a room with roaches or ripped or torn furniture, my 80 year old mother will spend 2 weeks crying and complaining about all the money that was spent on going to Bonnet Creek.

Which buildings haven't been renovated in years? Which buildings have very old furniture? What are my chances of getting a parking lot or dumpster view? I will be checking in on a Tuesday and arriving at the resort around 2:30 pm.

I rather have a parking lot view any day compared to the dumpster view. Sorry that my posting is a downer, but I'm getting a little worried.

TripAdvisor --- don't let it ruin your vacation. It's highly negative.

 

[aubriee]

We stayed there ten nights last month (May 10th-20th). We rented from Vacation Strategy. When we checked in, we requested to be near a lazy river in the main building, Tower 5 or Tower 4. We got a nice lake view on the second floor in Tower 4. The condo was very clean and we did not see a single bug all week. The furnishings were fine (clean, no tears, comfortable). At check in, I simply followed the advice someone here on the DIS recommended and checked the lowest income. We were handed our parking pass and nothing was ever mentioned about attending a timeshare presentation. We then just unhooked the phone in our room and never heard a word from them all week.

We loved Bonnet Creek so much, we came straight back and started getting quotes for a Sept and also a Dec trip. In Sept I am renting from Shelby Resorts and in Dec we are renting from Aaron Washburn. I found both renters on myresortnetwork.com. I also got quotes from Vacation Strategy, Vacation Upgrades, Farrell Vacations, and a seller on ebay. I was really surprised at the price difference different renters had for the same week. Shelby Resorts was cheapest for my Sept dates, but Aaron Washburn was by far cheaper for our Dec dates.

 

[Momma2PrinceNPrinces]

We're here now in tower 4, 10th floor. The furniture isn't "old" but is dated if that makes sense. There are some stains on the dining tables, drapes and scratches on the furniture. The counter tops are laminate, not granite, and one of the toilets is stained. The carpet and furniture itself is incredibly ugly. Does this ruin our vacation or even effect it all all? Nope not one bit. We've enjoyed being here and LOVE the location. We are above the pool and barely hear any noise from outside. Honestly I have yet to even hear a door slam. The place is clean, no bed bugs (lol) and that's good enough for me!

 

[DCTooTall]

I definately say that the Trip-Advisor reviews can be HIGHLY skewed. You need to remember that this is a timeshare resort, and so operates and offers services MUCH different than a typical hotel room. TripAdvisor tends to have a lot more people expecting a hotel-like experience who end up being shocked and disappointed with the timeshare condo type experience the resort offers. That shock can come across as extra nastiness in the reviews.


Roaches.... Haven't really seen them. Ground floor rooms however are going to be much more likely to have issues with Palmetto bugs and other outside-pest which can be hard to keep out. Since they live outside and only come inside to eat, It makes it much more difficult to protect against. You'll even see these bugs "onsite" at a Disney resort.

Dumpster views... Well, It's a fact there are going to be a few rooms around the resort that are going to see a dumpster. It's a given. The odds of getting this room however are going to be pretty slim, and you can always improve your odds of avoiding these rooms if you are nice to the person checking you in with a request. The resort doesn't intentionally stick "guests" into these rooms to keep the 'good rooms" available for the owners.

As for Parking lot views.... honestly, Because of the way the buildings are layed out, If you get a parking lot view on a higher floor, The odds are pretty good you'll be able to see SOME sort of Disney landmark. It could be Typhoon Lagoon and DTD.... EPCOT... MGM with the Tower of terror... The SWAN/DOLPHIN... or even just the POP and Art of Animation resort.

 

[CinderellaDream]

We stayed at WBC from June 3-9 in a 2 BR deluxe. We absolutely loved it! We stayed at Disney's CR two weeks later and found ourselves disappointed when we compared it to WBC. We are planning another trip for next year and will be renting WBC again.

 

[tndisneyfan]

We just got back from Bonnet Creek a few weeks ago. We loved it. Our furniture didn't really look like it went together, but it wasn't ripped or wore out. There was a stain in the chair in one of the bedrooms, but that stuff is going to happen. I also thought our carpet could stand to be replaced, it wsn't torn or threadbare but it was a little stained and wore down in high traffic areas. But to me this is just normal hotel/condo wear and tear. I didn't see any roaches (not saying they aren't there) and no bedbugs.

Realistically I would say you have a good chance of getting a parking lot view. Both times we have been has been a parking lot view. I wouldn't let a less than spectacular view ruin my vacation

 

[DCTooTall]

Realistically I would say you have a good chance of getting a parking lot view. Both times we have been has been a parking lot view. I wouldn't let a less than spectacular view ruin my vacation

Here's another way to look at it.....

1/2 of the units are the resort are going to face the parking lot since the buildings are in a ring around the lake, with the parking lots on the other side of the buildings.

The thing is that the towers are tall enough that only on the bottom couple of floors are you not going to be able to see over the trees at the edge of the property to see Disney, or a golf course, on the other side of the parking lot.

 

[tndisneyfan]

Here's another way to look at it.....

1/2 of the units are the resort are going to face the parking lot since the buildings are in a ring around the lake, with the parking lots on the other side of the buildings.

The thing is that the towers are tall enough that only on the bottom couple of floors are you not going to be able to see over the trees at the edge of the property to see Disney, or a golf course, on the other side of the parking lot.

I have to agree with this . We had a view of the parking lot but we could also see a little of one of the golf courses. We could also see the other hotels. I didn't mind the view at all.

 

[Spanky]

I have had the parking lot view twice - once even on the first floor. However, they have plants surrounding the patio area so you can still sit outside and only see the cars if you are looking for them. The plants were pretty thick.
The second time we were on the 3rd floor. Guess what? If you sit down on the balcony you look past the parking lot at the trees, etc. - you really only notice the parking lot when you stand at the balcony railing.
I was very happy with both rooms. Great kitchens, nice bathrooms - and the trip is about the people you are with and the chance to spend quality time with them.

 

[infopurposesonly]

We've stayed twice, each time renting four units for our family reunion. On both stays, one unit was lake view and all of the others were parking lot view. Nobody really minded. Our units were all very clean and in good condition. No bugs. On our most recent visit last month, we stayed in Tower 4. Some of the furniture was a little scratched, and we didn't have the granite counters, but it didn't affect our vacation in the least. The carpets were clean, beds were comfortable, linens in good condition. Also found the grounds to be well-kept, and the pools were very clean.

 

[NurseKim]

I stayed there 2 yrs ago on exchange and it wasn't wonderful...but not horrible either.

I was in a 1 BR with my 2 boys. The shower stall was so small. There was 1 teeny shelf to put all of our shower things on...it was enough for 1 bar of soap...that's it.

I do not like public pools and waterparks...they skeeve me out. I thought the lazy river and attached pool was disgusting. It was cloudy and super-crowded. There were hardly any tubes for the river and I ended up chasing my boys in the river without a float (quite the sight, let me tell ya). Of course, this might not be the usual situation, but it was my experience.

I had to call for linen for the pull out sofa...no biggie.

We didn't use any on-site dining.

The front desk guy was super nice. I know it's his job to get me into a timeshare pitch but I was up front and told him that I was getting divorced with a short sale and he sympathized and gave me my parking ticket.

No bugs that I can remember and it was fairly clean.

I'm not a resort snob by any means. I've stayed deluxe, moderate, and value onsite and plenty off, including renting a house. And I own Bluegreen points. We are taking a surprise trip this July and we are staying at The Golden Link Motel for peanuts. It fits our needs for this trip.

I probably wouldn't stay at Bonnet Creek again, unless I got a super great deal. Can't beat the location though!

 

[LadyBeBop]

1/2 of the units are the resort are going to face the parking lot since the buildings are in a ring around the lake, with the parking lots on the other side of the buildings.

The thing is that the towers are tall enough that only on the bottom couple of floors are you not going to be able to see over the trees at the edge of the property to see Disney, or a golf course, on the other side of the parking lot.

Aren't most of upper-floor, parking-lot views also firework views?

 

[DCTooTall]

Aren't most of upper-floor, parking-lot views also firework views?

No. But that's because of the fact the "firework views" of Epcot Fireworks are in one direction, yet the buildings and parking lots are in a circle around the lake.

So while some towers the fireworks are Parking lot Views, in others the fireworks would be on the other side of the lake.

But some of the "best" firework views are going to be parking lot views because the lake-firework views could be partially obstructed by the buildings on the other side of the lake.

 

[katie111]

TripAdvisor --- don't let it ruin your vacation. It's highly negative.

I don't get this. We travel a lot and I find Tripadvisor to be invaluable. Honestly, I think people on the Disboard see Disney through rose colored glasses. Disney can seem to do no wrong and if someone posts a negative review about a Disney hotel, everyone gets up in arms. The same seems to be true on this board about Bonnet Creek. If anyone says anything negative about it everyone jumps in & says what a great time they had there. I think the Tripadvisor reviews are much more accurate as people are comparing the Disney hotels to what they would expect to find in any other major city. I had a horrible experience at Port Orleans & posted it on the Disney Hotel forum. It seemed like nobody wanted to believe these things could happen at a Disney hotel (room keys that didn't work every single day, pack n play that we requested 3 different days & never received, 2 days of no house keeping, broken air conditioner, etc, etc). It certainly didn't ruin our vacation, but it did put a damper on it.

I just think if Tripadvisor reviews were "highly negative" then wouldn't every hotel be poorly rated? Of course some people have unrealistic expectations but that's true of any hotel.

We are actually staying at the WBC Hotel starting tomorrow so when I get back I will post a review here as well as on TA. I'm hoping its fantastic. I plan to go in with a positive outlook and I'm sure we will have a great time.

 

[sb682]

I don't get this. We travel a lot and I find Tripadvisor to be invaluable. Honestly, I think people on the Disboard see Disney through rose colored glasses. Disney can seem to do no wrong and if someone posts a negative review about a Disney hotel, everyone gets up in arms. The same seems to be true on this board about Bonnet Creek. If anyone says anything negative about it everyone jumps in & says what a great time they had there. I think the Tripadvisor reviews are much more accurate as people are comparing the Disney hotels to what they would expect to find in any other major city. I had a horrible experience at Port Orleans & posted it on the Disney Hotel forum. It seemed like nobody wanted to believe these things could happen at a Disney hotel (room keys that didn't work every single day, pack n play that we requested 3 different days & never received, 2 days of no house keeping, broken air conditioner, etc, etc). It certainly didn't ruin our vacation, but it did put a damper on it.

I just think if Tripadvisor reviews were "highly negative" then wouldn't every hotel be poorly rated? Of course some people have unrealistic expectations but that's true of any hotel.

We are actually staying at the WBC Hotel starting tomorrow so when I get back I will post a review here as well as on TA. I'm hoping its fantastic. I plan to go in with a positive outlook and I'm sure we will have a great time.

I think it's more accurate to say that Tripadvisor reviews are very nitpicky. People complain about the smallest things and you have to take the reviews there with a grain of salt. You also have to read several reviews to get an accurate picture of the hotel. If most people are satisfied with their stays and a few reviews are negative, I'd feel good about staying there.

Your complaints about Port Orleans are legit. I'd be annoyed if I paid all that money and had all those inconveniences, especially the Pack and Play. I agree that a lot of people on DIS have a very sunny view of Disney resorts and overlook things that they might not put up with on other vacations. But there are some people (not saying you are one) who gripe about every little thing. Like the people who complain about laminate vs. granite counters at WBC. Who cares? It's not your kitchen, it's one you're using for a week or two. And the old TVs. It's not a big deal to me, but some people like to complain about everything.

 

[Portugal1000]

Sometimes I read the reviews if BC on trip advisor and wonder if its the same resort I have stayed at four times. We stayed for 21 nights last July/August and loved every minute. We were in tower 4 but before that have always stayed in the main building. We have requested tower 4 again this year and even though it didn't have the new sofas or the granite work tops we loved the location as our favourite pool is right outside. Our friends came last year and I was so nervous that I had recommended somewhere but they loved it and even cancelled a couple of nights at the hard rock as they didn't want to leave. In just over 3 weeks we will be going to BC for 22 nights and my brothers family will also be renting there at the same time. It will be their first trip and I know they will love it.
I have seen bugs in our room at SSR which were quickly dealt with and didn't for one minute think it was disneys fault. In fact I am always surprised there aren't more bugs in Florida.
You are going to have a great time.

 

[mikehn]

Naturally, as a property ages, everything else about it ages. You might not find everything in pristine condition, as might have been described a year or two ago. So reviews now are not likely to be as good as they were back then. Yes, there will probably be a few more loose threads in the furniture now then there were a year ago.

 

[DCTooTall]

I don't get this. We travel a lot and I find Tripadvisor to be invaluable. Honestly, I think people on the Disboard see Disney through rose colored glasses. Disney can seem to do no wrong and if someone posts a negative review about a Disney hotel, everyone gets up in arms. The same seems to be true on this board about Bonnet Creek. If anyone says anything negative about it everyone jumps in & says what a great time they had there. I think the Tripadvisor reviews are much more accurate as people are comparing the Disney hotels to what they would expect to find in any other major city. I had a horrible experience at Port Orleans & posted it on the Disney Hotel forum. It seemed like nobody wanted to believe these things could happen at a Disney hotel (room keys that didn't work every single day, pack n play that we requested 3 different days & never received, 2 days of no house keeping, broken air conditioner, etc, etc). It certainly didn't ruin our vacation, but it did put a damper on it.

I just think if Tripadvisor reviews were "highly negative" then wouldn't every hotel be poorly rated? Of course some people have unrealistic expectations but that's true of any hotel.

We are actually staying at the WBC Hotel starting tomorrow so when I get back I will post a review here as well as on TA. I'm hoping its fantastic. I plan to go in with a positive outlook and I'm sure we will have a great time.

I also think that Trip-advisor reviews of Time-share properties need to be viewed differently than a trip-advisor review of a hotel.

Most people booking or using a site like Trip-Advisor are used to and often even expecting a hotel-like experience, complete with daily housekeeping and a staff that can "make it right" since you are paying them for the room. They are not expecting a Timeshare-condo type experience where there is no daily housekeeping, and the person they are paying for their reservation has no direct relationship with the resort staff or resort, so there isn't the same ability to "make it right" that a hotel might have. I've seen a lot of reviews and comments that are negative towards Bonnet Creek which have obviously been flavored by the person not properly setting their expectations.
(Even if they may have had some legit complaints within their review)

Naturally, as a property ages, everything else about it ages. You might not find everything in pristine condition, as might have been described a year or two ago. So reviews now are not likely to be as good as they were back then. Yes, there will probably be a few more loose threads in the furniture now then there were a year ago.

I've also found that the resort has been used "Much harder" over the past several years as it's rental popularity has grown. Personally, I tend to see this as a result of more non-timeshare-owner guests who are rough on the property thinking of it as a hotel which has upkeep and repairs paid for via corporate dollars and their nightly rate, versus time-share owners (either exchangers or home resort owners) who understand that the resort maintenance is paid for by other individuals like themselves and accordingly will treat the place with a bit more respect (like if they were staying in a friends house).