I really appreciated all that I learned from this board, and would like to pay it forward. So, without further ado, our trip report:
We stayed for the first two weeks in May. First, transportation: We rented a minivan, and checked the rates regularly for 3-4 months out from our trip. We ended up going with Alamo, which was $50 more than Dollar (about $476 total for two weeks--a rate we were really pleased with), but if you sign up for their frequent renter program (Alamo Insider), you get a second driver for free. The other great thing is you don't have to stand at the rental counter--you can check in online, then walk right to the type of car you rented, and pick out which one you want. We got a brand new Grand Caravan with leather interior. It was worth every penny to be able to not only drive to the parks, but also to Walmart, Target, etc. for groceries and supplies. In my opinion, the convenience and the money you save on groceries more than makes up for the cost of a rental car, and I highly recommend renting. It takes only 5-10 minutes to drive to the Disney parks, and it was awesome to come and go when we felt like it.
Now, the resort: We rented from Vacation Strategy. They had to string together 3 reservations to make it work, but they gave us a great rate, and we got a 2 bedroom Presidential for the about the same price as some others quoted us for a Deluxe. We ended up in Building 6, on the 17th floor. We LOVED the building. We were facing Downtown Disney/parking lot/woods. However, because we were so high, it was like we were really facing a forest, and we had a nice view of fireworks that seemed to come from Downtown Disney. We also had easy access to the 17th floor lounge and Epcot fireworks.
The suite itself was fantastic--immaculately clean, plenty of linens, plenty of laundry soap and shampoos, paper towels, coffee, trash bags, etc. We never saw a bug while we were there. Plus, when we got housekeeping halfway through, they brought fresh supplies of all of the above, which we really appreciated. There were plenty of dishes, silverware, etc.--maybe service for 10?--and a set of plastic cups, which we appreciated having for the kids. There was a nice coffee maker, and for our UK friends, it had a tea making function, as well. There's no kettle, but you can make do with the tea side of the coffee maker! There was a 4 slice toaster, all stainless appliances, a blender, fridge with ice maker, granite countertops, etc. We also had a huge balcony, although we didn't really use it, because we were traveling with little kids.
The furniture is nice enough, although not my taste. We had a comfy couch, a wicker loveseat, and a chair in the living room, with a large flat screen tv and a Bose DVD player and sound system. Both bedrooms had flat screens, as well. The bedrooms were also nicely furnished, with comfy beds. We had two queen beds in the guest room and one king in the master bedroom. There were large dressers in both bedrooms, and closets with plenty of hangers. Really, we didn't want for anything. These condo's are well stocked.
The bathrooms were both large. One of the nice features was that the guest bathroom had a vanity inside the bathroom, and a second one outside. Since we had two adult guests sharing that bathroom, it was helpful that one could use the bathroom while the other was getting ready using the second vanity outside the bathroom. The master bath featured the jacuzzi tub (which smelled weird when the jets were used--maybe our only complaint!), a separate shower, a toilet in its own compartment, and a double vanity. It was frankly enormous! One thing I didn't like was that the master bath is open to the master bedroom, but it's a minor complaint.
We had a full size washer and dryer in a closet outside the guest bedroom. We did approximately a million loads of laundry, and it was a godsend to have the machines. I can't imagine a two week vacation with kids in a couple of hotel rooms, with no laundry! It was so convenient. They left us with a huge stash of laundry detergent, too. Not by preferred brand, by helpful nonetheless.
So, that's a basic description of what we got. But what's it really like? I know a lot of people debate staying off property or on. We've stayed at Old Key West and Port Orleans in the past, and we worried about whether it would be as "magical" staying off property. My husband loves being on property, taking the shuttles, etc. We agreed that Bonnet Creek is AWESOME, and we'd stay at it again over a Disney resort.
First, let me say that one of the things you DON'T get is Disney hospitality. The person that checked us in was incredibly helpful and friendly, but he was the last person to be nice our entire stay. We found the WBC staff to be unfriendly at best and surly at worst. That, we didn't like. If I was an owner, I would have been furious at how they behaved. But, we aren't, and it was something we were willing to sacrifice. Because, we had SO much space. The pools are AWESOME. There are a million activities. There's a pretty good playground, with a rubberized surface, a nice walking path around the lake (I think it's about 1/2 mile around), a basic mini-golf course, a really great sprayground/splashground for little kids with a rubberized surface (really fantastic for the toddler set), two lazy rivers, and various zero entry pools. Each day there were arts and crafts and make your own sundaes for minimal cost. One day a week there was a bouncy house and bouncy sports (inflatable thingy with ability to play basketball, soccer, baseball, etc., is the only way I can describe it). They had an alligator show one night, which we never made it to, trivia nights, etc. In other words, plenty to keep you and your kids busy. All of these things, in our minds, more than made up for the fact we were off property, and the fact that the staff as a whole stinks.
The pools: We think the better lazy river is by building 5. It has nicer landscaping. We preferred the pirate pool by building 6 to all of the others, even though our kids were too small to be able to use the slide. It's nice and big and has two zero entry areas. But, your mileage may vary. Try them all if you go! It's part of the fun. If you have really little kids, you might prefer to be in building 1, near the splash ground. It's a bit of a hike from Building 6, but was our youngest's favorite spot (she's 2). Plus, I could relax a bit there, since it's fenced in, rubber surfaced, and designed for the little ones.
There are hot tubs by every building, and they were the perfect temperature while we were there--not too hot, despite the warm weather. There are gas grills near each building, too, and it was easy to find space to grill. Plus, it was a nice way to meet people, while you were cooking.
For those who want to check in with groceries or check out early and do the pool/grill thing on check out day, note that they have refrigerated storage. You just have to ask at the desk. On our last day, they kept our lunch cold for us, which was so convenient. There are also shower facilities available in some of the buildings (definitely in building 1--I checked), although I couldn't find them in Building 6. So, if you want to shower on your last day post swim and post checkout, that's an option.
We received maybe 3 phone calls while we were there, but never answered the phone. No one mentioned the parking pass, and we never picked it up--no problems. No one ever mentioned a time share presentation to us.
Because we had 3 reservations, we were told we would have to rekey twice, but we only had to do it once. There was no line to do it, and it took like 2 seconds. It was no big deal.
I had some things mailed to me at the resort from Amazon. I had to walk to Building 1 to pick them up, but it was not a big deal. They had them waiting for me. The address is the main one on the little brochure they give you with your keys.
As for parking, we found that if we returned in the afternoon for nap/swim, or early evening, there was no problem finding a spot outside the building. If we got home around 8, we'd have to park in the garage which is by buildings 4/5, but honestly, it was no big deal--it's like a two minute walk from building 6. If you are super out of shape and don't ever get any exercise, maybe it will bother you, but then, if that's the case, Disney is going to kick your butt anyway!!!
There is a Disney cast member in building 1, if you don't come with tickets. We didn't use that person, as we'd bought tickets before we came. We also got the Magic Bands and booked our fast passes in advance. We rode every ride and did every experience (including the Anna and Elsa meet and greet, which had daily waits of 300 minutes!!!) with no wait at all, by taking advantage of fast pass + and by being in the park at opening in the mornings. Then, we came home for lunch/nap/swim most days, and headed back to the parks late afternoon. The bottom line for us is that it couldn't have been a more magical stay, even though we were off property. In fact, it was special because we were off property at Bonnet Creek. It really is that good, and I can highly recommend it.
And in case you are wondering about my family and I and trying to put this review into perspective. . .we are Americans who live outside the U.S., and regularly travel the world for work and play. We have traveled extensively, and we have pretty high standards. While the decor wasn't quite to our taste, and the staff leaves much to be desired, Bonnet Creek is otherwise a very high quality resort. You won't be disappointed.
If you have other questions, I'm happy to answer them.
My family is checking in on Saturday and this is exactly the trip report I wanted to see when I logged on today. Thank you so much for your feedback and I am so glad you enjoyed your trip.
