Another Vs: Bonnet Creek & Sheraton Vistana

[DisneyMissy318]

Would love to hear from anyone on this versus.

I booked what I thought was an AWESOME rate through Dreams Unlimited provided link for Sheraton Vistana... the reservation did not require a deposit - and no penalty if I cancel within 3 days of reservation.

While surfing around - I put in a request to have a quote from Vacation Strategy for Wyndam Bonnet Creek... received the quote and it's a little less than the Sheraton (by $75 or so). Quotes were for a 1-Bedroom at each location. (2 adults and 14 yo daughter.)

They both look like AWESOME properties - I know there are a bunch of Bonnet Creek on the DIS - wondering which we should choose!?!

If it makes a difference - this is, much to my dismay - NOT a Disney vacation persay! We will be going to Universal mostly (HHNs!), SeaWorld and BG Tampa - with only one Disney trip to MNSSHP.

Would love to hear what you think! I need help!

 

[Detailor]

I think that you'd not be disappointed with either of these timeshare resorts - both are pretty nice. They're both about two miles from I-4, for access to Universal, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, but Wyndham Bonnet Creek resort is about four miles closer to the Disney parks than the Vistana Resort. If it makes a difference to you, one consideration might be the types of buildings at the two resorts. Vistana was built out over a fairly lengthy period of time and there are a variety of different building styles and heights there. At WBC the buildings are high-rises. Both offer several pools and activities.

I think that the pairing of these two resorts is interesting as Vistana was the figurative WBC - large resort that's close to all the Orlando theme parks with lots of resort amenities and activities - of the period before WBC came into existence.

If it were me, I'd take the lower cost resort but then we've already stayed at Vistana a couple of times and haven't stayed at WBC so staying at a different resort would have some appeal even if the price weren't a little lower.

Dick Taylor

 

[Brian Noble]

Agreed. Both are great, and it would be hard to go wrong either way. All other things being equal, I prefer Bonnet slightly. Vistana's units are a little bit nicer, but Bonnet's other amenities are a bit newer and nicer. That said, as you are mostly doing "not Disney", Vistana is probably a little bit better situated, with easier access to I-4, and my favorite sneak route to Universal (Palm Parkway/Turkey Lake Road). Also, the Vistana's more generous cancellation policy might be useful unless this trip is carved in stone.

 

[haPevraftr]

You also want make sure you are getting comparable amenities. I have heard of people booking 1 bdrm villas at Vistana and getting a kitchenette rather than a full kitchen (and not realizing that is what they booked until they got there).

That having been said, we stayed at SVR last spring break in a 2 bdrm villa and enjoyed it. We are trying out WBC this winter. We were drawn to it by the additional pool amenities that my kids want to try (that they didn't have at SVR). I can't tell you which I prefer, as I have not yet been to WBC.

 

[kathy884]

We have never stayed an WBC. We have stayed at the Vistana resort on four different trips. It's lovely, and I can't imagine your not liking it. They did a great job on all the remodeling. There are three factors (may not be of any importance to you) that make the Vistana really stand out for our family.

1) They have lovely landscaping -- little lakes and fountains all over, and all unit have balconies or patios with nice views. We love sitting out and visiting with extended family, so this is a real positive for us. We've stayed at many lovely timeshare resorts, but been disappointed with our view. This is never the case here.

2) They have lots of lighted clay tennis courts. We are a tennis playing family, love playing on clay, and appreciate the great lighting. Also with all the courts we can get enough for our whole extended family group to play at the same time and switch around which is sometimes three courts.

3) I don't know about pool closing times at WBC. The Vistana pools, though, don't close until 1 a.m. Our teens LOVE this. They like to hit the pool after evening shows/firework. They prefer this over other lovely timeshares we've stayed at where pools close at 10 or 11 p.m.

 

[ttfn3]

We have stayed at both resorts several times. As others have said both resorts are very nice so you will enjoy either. I like WBC if it's more of a Disney trip since they have transportation to the park (we use it to stagger our start times - DS & I like to be @ rope drop, DH likes to sleep in). I also enjoy the view of the Disney fireworks. Plus we stayed @ WBC for one trip when we needed a 3 bedroom. VR largest unit is a 2 BR.

We enjoy the landscaping & amenities at the VR more than WBC. We also like the units that are smaller in height - 3 floor Fountains area - that overlook a lush pond. My favorite room in the VR units is the large screened patio. It's wonderful. WBC balconies are much smaller & are not screened in - plus the furniture on the balcony isn't as comfortable. DH also likes the better access to off site restaurants & stores. We also like the pool atmosphere better. We stayed @ the VR in March & the renovations are FABULOUS!!

Good luck with your decision! Check out Redweek.com for rentals at either place.

 

[DisneyMissy318]

Thank you all for your input! I appreciate you taking your time to respond - we haven't decided yet - but are glad to have two choices when we were worried about finding even one (wanted something other than regular hotel room). Thanks again!