Anyone ever stayed at Bonnet Creek Pres. suite?

[robynv]

My parents just called me and told me they (fairfield owners) were able to book the 4 bed pres suite at Bonnet Creetk. They know we like to stay on site and are trying to have us stay with them. What is this like? I have only ever stayed on site and am worried I will miss out. But I can't beat free!!!! We like to get out of the parks and rest in the afternoon, how hard would this be? And is there food at Bonnet Creek? What about transport to the parks? Swimming? What are the views like? Can anyone help me? Thanks and sorry for all the questions, but my mom really wants me to go and I just want to convince my husband that we will be happy off site.

Thanks,

Robyn

 

[lawgs]

Bonnet Creek is the closest thing to being ONSITE....OFFSITE....not part of but bordering Disney...you cannot go wrong there unless you are counting on the Disney Transportation.....


no one in our family is a president so we have only stayed in a two bedroom there......can only imagine how spacious and aristocratic the 4 bedroom suite is....

 

[evedoe]

Never stayed in the 4 BR presidential suite, but have seen it. It's huge! You enter into a large living area with a hallway on both sides that go back to 2 BR and 2Bathrooms and a laundry room. Yes that's right two laundry rooms. It's like having two separate living areas with a common area in the middle.

Nice pool with a small water park area and a lazy river. Last time we were there it looked like another pool was about to open and this one had a slide.

There is food on site, but I've never tried it. I don't think they have mid-day busses to the parks, so you would have to have a car for those afternoon breaks.

The only thing I miss when staying here is the EMH. But for the price, I think I could cope.

 

[HeatherC]

We are staying here in February and can't wait. It is located right next door to the Caribbean Beach Resort so as far as returning to your resort for a break, it is no further than any other Disney resort.

We will be renting a car since we don't like to rely on buses to take us places. For $9 a day, I don't mind paying for parking....with 3 kids we like to leave when we want and not have to wait for buses. In addition, I know the bus service to Bonnet Creek is not as frequent as the Disney resorts.

Hope this helps.
Heather C

 

[Niagara2]

The rooms are gorgeous!! We went for the tour and all they did was tell us how it cost $200 to stay at All Stars??? and that DVC was a lease and a rip off. Got past that and saw the Presidential Suite - and yes - I can say it was one of the nicest timeshare rooms I ever saw. The patio is probably 50 feet wide with comfy furniture. I would request the pool view. The other side of the hallway has rooms overlooking the parking lot and an unfinished golf course and you can see Disney after that. Fireworks probably could be seen from that side so that is a plus.
We didn't purchase because we like to stay at our DVC and experience all the Disney resorts have to offer. I would stay there once (especially for free) because those large units are to die for!

 

[Lisa P.]

Wow! Wow! WOW!

Robyn, I cannot imagine that you will not LOVE staying in that 4BR Presidential Suite! Whooooeeee! Take a look at the online photos. The very nicest photos shown are of that 4BR suite. Here's the website for Fairfield - if it doesn't come up at the resort, select Florida in the "Resort Search" and then Bonnet Creek. They have photos and video streams to show you what is there.

The only thing that feels like it's offsite to me is the infrequency of bus shuttles. However, if you plan to drive and only use that shuttle on occasion, it'll be a non-issue. BTW, it's no small number of Fairfield points to reserve that baby - your parents are quite generous in providing it!

Getting back to the resort midday is as easy (if you drive) as getting back to the Caribbean Beach Resort (follow the same signs), since it's right next door. Guests at these two resorts can actually see one another's rooftops above the trees - that's how close they are! (You cannot walk between them, though.)

There is currently limited food at Bonnet Creek - a poolside Bar & Grille is all, with fairly limited hours. But it's only a mile or less in either direction to drive to Downtown Disney's restaurants or the Epcot Resort's restaurants and another mile past DD to the Crossroads area of Lake Buena Vista. Since it's easier to drive between Disney resorts than to use Disney buses, you'll probably find that you are just as likely to sample Disney restaurants as if you stayed onsite. With a full gourmet kitchen, have a few goodies handy so you can get whatever you want, when you want.

There's a lovely, large, zero-entry pool, a small floating river and a kid's water spray play area. The views on the lakeside include the lake and pool/recreation area. On the outside, views may include parking lots and treetops but they mostly look beyond to the top of Epcot's ball and fireworks. Ask your parents to ask the front desk what their view will be - it's usually preassigned.

You didn't ask but the resort also offers a nice billiards room, a small fitness room, a computer for guest use, an activity room and inroom internet access for your laptop. Outside, they have a simple mini-putt-putt. The staff are super helpful and friendly, IMHO.

My, my - I can tell you that my DH and kids would clobber me if we didn't take the offer you've been given. LOL! You won't regret it - HAVE FUN!!!

 

[robynv]

Thanks so much for the replys!

wow I had no idea it was so nice! That does sound exciting. I just really wanted to stay at the Beach Club. But as I said can't beat free! My parents love Fairfield and keep buying points so I know they have bunches, but I have no idea of how that even works! We live in Co. , and they live in VA. (My husband is USAF)

So will it be big enough for all of us? My parents and 2 sisters ( who are 20 and 24) and my family My husband and I and our children 13, 11, 10 2 boys and a girl?

Thanks again everyone!!

Robyn

 

[Lisa P.]

Robyn, going by the floorplan on the website, the info in the Member's Directory, and what I remember when touring a few years ago, you'll be quite comfortable. It's over 2,500 square feet! Here's what you can expect in a 4BR/4bath Pres. Suite at Bonnet Creek:

Enter through double doors to the foyer which opens to a great room - kitchen & dining area to one side and living room to the other. The dining table seats 8, plus 3-4 more on low barstools at the counter. (MBRs each have an extra chair too.) At the back of the great room, there are french or atrium doors to the long balcony, with cushioned patio furniture and a table that seats 6.

On either side of the front foyer, there's a small hallway leading to the 2BRs and 2 baths on either end of the suite. Walking down a hallway, you'll pass a BR facing the back of the suite and a full bath across the hall from it. This BR has 2 full/double beds. Continuing, you'll enter a king MBR w/private bath. The suite sleeps 12.

It's a nearly identical set-up on both sides. Every BR has a window view out the back, TV in an armoire or on a dresser, ceiling fan and closet. Your parents and sisters could be in the king and 2 doubles on one side of the suite. You/DH and your children could be in the king and 2 doubles on the other end.

One of the hallway bathrooms has a regular shower/tub combo w/a laundry room on that hallway too. You may prefer this side. The other hallway bathroom has an oversized shower and no tub w/a 2nd entry door to the outer corridor. That side may be preferable for all the adults w/o children. Both Master baths have large jacuzzis, separate showers and double sinks - and usually, a safe in the closet.

HTH! Enjoy!

 

[robynv]

That sounds pretty amazing!

I guess I had no idea of they were really offering me! I mean that just sounds incredible! Are there any other little "perks" to staying there? I mean like will they treat my parents like VIP's or anything since they are staying there? I realize this may sound like a dumb question, but I'm really curious. Actually I think that they just told me they are now in some sort of VIP status, but I don't know what that means in Fairfield language! And will we have to go to any presentations? Thanks to everyone who has responded!

Also can anyone tell me what a week costs in this suite? I'm curious as to how much $ we are saving ( I'd like to treat my parents to something and want to know how much they are "spending" on us.)

Thanks,

Robyn

 

[Lisa P.]

Robyn, I don't know exactly what 4BR Presidential Suite rentals here would go for. I can assure you that they are not that common. The resort is not fully built out yet, so there are only perhaps a half dozen 4BRs open so far and I've never read of Fairfield renting out their Presidential Suites (high demand by owners). Occasionally, you'll find an owner who books one with their own points and rents it out.

A week here with check-in between Oct 1-21, 2006 would run 347,000 points. The few weeks before and after these dates would run 231,000 points/week. If they'll be there for fewer nights than a week, there's a chart. An owner renting additional points pays $10/thousand if it's more than 90 days ahead. If it's within 90 days of check-in, we pay $5/thousand points. Only owners may do this (up to an amount equal to their annual ownership). So for an owner, this week could be said to have a "rental" value somewhere between $1,155 (highly doubtful) at the very least, up to $3,470 (probably closer), depending on all these factors. Sorry, I can't be more specific.

As far as other benefits, I'm really not sure. VIP privileges are for folks who own at least 300,000 points per year (regular VIP) or 500,000+ (Gold VIP) or 1,000,000+ (Platinum VIP). To give you an idea, we're not VIP with only 154,000 but we do have enough points for 1 week prime season in 2BR at most Fairfields or nearly 2 weeks prime in 1BRs.

Most of the VIP privileges have to do with reservation matters. But they do get a few tangible ones during vacations, like daily USA Today newspaper delivery, early check-in (2 p.m.) when possible and a midweek light housekeeping services. Frankly, as a non-VIP, I've found the staff at most Fairfield resorts to be very accommodating anyway.

Sales pitch tours are NEVER required of owners while staying on points.

That said, resorts in active sales (like Bonnet Creek) will offer the OPTION of taking an "Owner Update" for anywhere from 30-120 minutes (depending on the resort), with a restaurant gift card or park admission ticket as an incentive. This is a sales pitch. It will most likely be offered by the Guest Services person who give you the parking tag to hang from your rear view mirror or you'll be left a phone message your first day there. If you clearly say "No thanks" and let them know you prefer not to be called again about it, they generally abide by that. If you want to wait 48 hours and see if they sweeten the offer, that's up to you.

Be careful!!! Sales can be quite convincing. The resale market is active and saves you more than half the purchase price. However, resale points are not eligible toward VIP status. So it can be tempting. If you are not in a financial position to do something like this, avoid the presentation altogether!!! HTH!

 

[mbb]

....Also can anyone tell me what a week costs in this suite? I'm curious as to how much $ we are saving ( I'd like to treat my parents to something and want to know how much they are "spending" on us.)

Thanks,

Robyn

You know, I have a feeling that the look on your faces when you walk in the door will be more than enough

If this is a big family reunion type trip, why not book a Disney Photographer to follow your family around the Magic Kingdom for the morning...have some candid, and fun (your parents unsuspecting!) photos taken of all of you enjoying the day...put the shots together in one of the WDW Memory Albums, and present it to them at the end of your vacation supper together, signed by everyone.

That would be a wonderful surprise gift

For me anyway...DH, are you listening??

LOL! Have fun!

 

[bayoutinksmom]

We stayed in the presidential suite in Branson last year and it was absolutely amazing. Words cannot describe how beautiful it was and really , really spacious. Have the camera out when you walk through the door because you will be amazed. I am sure that the one at Bonnet Creek will be as nice if not nicer!!!! Please share your experience at Bonnet Creek when you get back because we are really considering buying into Fairfield and would love any feedback to help our decision. Have a great vacation!!!!!

 

[Gillian]

That sounds lovely! I hope you have a wonderful trip.

It sounds like you will want/need to have a car for your own family. We personally find having a car (even when staying onsite) gives you a lot of freedom. PLaces seem much closer together when you drive yourself vs taking the busses. Although the Beach Club is in a great location, we still liked having our car for evenings.

 

[spiceycat]

take their bus to the MK.

now you will still have to take the monrail or ferry to the MK.

but it does say you from taking the trans.

only Disney buses go directly to the MK.

 

[robynv]

So. Just wondering if anyone has stayed here since I first posted this? I'm still wondering how it looks and what it will be like. I hear that there may be a new pool? What about food? What kind of food does the place serve?

 

[vettechick99]

So did you stay at the PS? Would love to hear a report or see pics!

 

[Baloobus]

We're checking into the PS at Bonnet Creek on 10/5. Would love to hear more updates from anyone - status of construction? a request/suggestion for a tower? the shuttle experience? traffic getting around?

TIA.

 

[Lucky'sMom]

I stayed in a 2 bedroom in June...hoping to stay in the Pres. Suite next trip in late 2009. I would ask for the Main bldg, Bldg 1 or Bldg 2. Bldg 3 is okay if you're not on the construction end. Request lake view. I made these requests and was initially given a room on the far end of bldg 3...horrible view! We were looking right out all windows on cranes and construction equipment and DIRT! I immediately called the front desk and received a ground floor room right by the pool/mini-golf in bldg 2. We really enjoyed that location. All Pres. Suites are top-floor (to my knowledge) so you should have a nice view no matter what, but lake view w/o construction is better. You will love Bonnet Creek!

 

[Nancee74]

I have stayed at Bonnet Creek in the 2-bedroom unit for Thanksgiving week 2006 and again for Thanksgiving week 2007. My son and daughter-n-law bought into the timeshare and we were able to go for two years in a row. We only have had great experiences. We were in Bldg 3 both years once on the 4th floor and one on the 7th floor. We did not hear any noise from any other units and no bad smells that some people have reported.

We did have our own cars and drove to the parks and most nights over to Downtown Disney and everything was so convenient.

Last year, 2007, we found a flyer in our unit about having Thanksgiving dinner catered by the condo association and we tried it. It was great and everything came in disposable cookware. We had 12 people with us on that trip and we had one, 2-bedroom unit and one, 3-bedroom unit and no one felt crowded. The twelve included three children under 2 years of age.

I am greatly saddened by the fact that son and daughter-n-law have decided to sell this timeshare and I truly wish I could afford to buy in on my own. I guess our next trip to Disney will be either in a value-onsite or maybe in a Downtown Disney hotel.

 

[bookwormde]

Nancee74

OT

Have they checked the market price on the timeshare. Bonnet Creek is selling at about 5% of the original purchase price or about 4/10-1 cent per point. That is like $600-1000 for 150k points. When they realize this they may be happy to sell it to you since they would not have to pay the sales commission out of that. You may be able to even pay them a premium since only family members can maintain some of the direct purchase perks (resale purchasers can not). You would still have the settlement cost and transfer fee on top of that also ($400-500). Of coarse then there is the yearly maintenance also.

bookwormde