Bonnet Creek or Summer Bay

[garnetandblack]

We can get a 1 bedroom at Bonnet Creek for $469 for a week or a 2 bedroom at Summer Bay for $279 (SkyAuction). I am looking at Summer Bay because of the pools and splash pad for DS4 - there are other resorts for $279 but the pools don't seem as great.

We are unsure if we are going to buy an annual pass or if we are just going to do 2 days at the parks and won't decide until the last minute so I want to choose a resort that's a lot of fun over one that is the closest to the parks.

I would prefer a 2 bedroom. If Bonnet Creek was a 2 bedroom I would gladly pay the extra $190 to stay there. A 1 bedroom means that my husband and I will be sleeping on the pullout and my DS4 will get the king size bed. He has to have his own bed if any of us want to get any sleep and I don't want him to have access to any of the exterior doors while we are sleeping.

Is it worth it to pay more for a smaller room at Bonnet Creek? Is BC a lot nicer than Summer Bay, Cypress Palms, etc?

We will be spending a lot of time at the resort and I will be cooking - so it won't just be a place for us to sleep.

TIA

 

[staceyrhood]

Bonnet Creek is much nicer and in a better location. Summer Bay used to be something else, and is not in the best location right now because of construction going on on 192 up by 27.

 

[JimMIA]

A 1 bedroom means that my husband and I will be sleeping on the pullout and my DS4 will get the king size bed. He has to have his own bed if any of us want to get any sleep...

Good Grief! Who runs your family...the kid or the parents???

The kid? Yeah, our's too!

I would prefer a 2 bedroom. If Bonnet Creek was a 2 bedroom I would gladly pay the extra $190 to stay there.and I don't want him to have access to any of the exterior doors while we are sleeping.

One bedroom is the smallest unit Wyndham Bonnet Creek has. They go up to 4 bedrooms.

I don't rent my points, so I'm not current on WBC rentals, but I think the normal 2 BR rental prices I've seen here on the DIS are in the $700-$800 range -- maybe higher during peak periods. (Those prices are for timeshare rentals either directly from an owner or through a broker -- not booking directly through Wyndham.)

Is it worth it to pay more for a smaller room at Bonnet Creek? Is BC a lot nicer than Summer Bay, Cypress Palms, etc?

We will be spending a lot of time at the resort and I will be cooking - so it won't just be a place for us to sleep.

We have not stayed at Summer Bay or Cypress Palms, so I can't comment on either of those.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a very nice resort, located VERY close to WDW -- actually closer to most of the parks and DTD than any Disney value resorts and most of the mods. The resort has six pools (including a couple of spash areas), two lazy rivers, free minigolf, free self-parking, and an activity center with many planned and on-your-own activities available.

Here on this forum, there is a "We LOVE Wyndham Bonnet Creek" thread and an "Official WBC Photo" thread that will give you a LOT of info on the resort.

Another source of info is www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com , click on the "Explore Our Resorts" button on the right, then on the map of Florida, and finally on the link to Wyndham Bonnet Creek. (You can also click on Cypress Palms) There, you will see photo galleries and videos, and a lot of other info on the resorts.

For cooking, ALL WBC units have a full kitchen (very nicely stocked with dishware, utensils, etc.) and an in-unit washer/dryer combo. Outside, there are several VERY nice BBQ areas with tables and very large FREE gas BBQ grills. You will see a lot of people grilling dinner at WBC.

 

[garnetandblack]

Good Grief! Who runs your family...the kid or the parents???

The kid? Yeah, our's too! One bedroom is the smallest unit Wyndham Bonnet Creek has. They go up to 4 bedrooms.

I don't rent my points, so I'm not current on WBC rentals, but I think the normal 2 BR rental prices I've seen here on the DIS are in the $700-$800 range -- maybe higher during peak periods. (Those prices are for timeshare rentals either directly from an owner or through a broker -- not booking directly through Wyndham.)

We have not stayed at Summer Bay or Cypress Palms, so I can't comment on either of those.

Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a very nice resort, located VERY close to WDW -- actually closer to most of the parks and DTD than any Disney value resorts and most of the mods. The resort has six pools (including a couple of spash areas), two lazy rivers, free minigolf, free self-parking, and an activity center with many planned and on-your-own activities available.

Here on this forum, there is a "We LOVE Wyndham Bonnet Creek" thread and an "Official WBC Photo" thread that will give you a LOT of info on the resort.

Another source of info is www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com , click on the "Explore Our Resorts" button on the right, then on the map of Florida, and finally on the link to Wyndham Bonnet Creek. (You can also click on Cypress Palms) There, you will see photo galleries and videos, and a lot of other info on the resorts.

For cooking, ALL WBC units have a full kitchen (very nicely stocked with dishware, utensils, etc.) and an in-unit washer/dryer combo. Outside, there are several VERY nice BBQ areas with tables and very large FREE gas BBQ grills. You will see a lot of people grilling dinner at WBC.

Haha - he doesn't run the family but we never co-slept so sharing a bed with him isn't an option. He would sleep on the pullout but I wouldn't get any sleep because I would be so paranoid about him going onto the balcony. Plus he goes to bed around 8:30 and DH and I would like to watch a movie or have a glass/bottle of wine after we put him down

I have put in a few inquires on renting a 2 bedroom at BC but I don't think I would pay more than $550 for a 2 bedroom when I can get something at another resort for so much cheaper through SkyAuction. We plan to go either October 11-18 or November 8-15 - so definitely during the off season.

Does anyone recommend any other resorts? We want great pools and onsite activities?

 

[wesbw]

I've stayed at both resorts (Summer Bay twice and WBC once). While WBC is a better resort overall, I think the difference between the two is minimal. I actually prefer the 2-bedroom units at Summer Bay over the 2-bedrooms at WBC. However, WBC is a more refined property overall. Summer Bay doesn't seem to rate as high with regard to amenities and service. As far as pools are concerned, WBC is tops!

Although Summer Bay is much further from the parks, it is much closer to grocery stores and restaurants. In fact, there is a grocery store (Publix) right next to the property. Walmart and Target aren't far away either.

If I were in your situation, I would choose Summer Bay. Just don't let them talk you into a timeshare presentation. I've heard bad reports about this.

WBC is a nicer resort, but is it a lot nicer? I would say that it's not. I would rate WBC at 4 stars, and Summer Bay at 3.5.

 

[wesbw]

Oh - I have also stayed at Cypress Palms twice. It's a decent place, but the amenities (pools, kids activities) don't come close to Summer Bay or Bonnet Creek. I wouldn't recommend placing it in the mix.

 

[staceyeileen]

Are there no 2 bedrooms available at BC? Your DS would love the pools at BC... pirate pool!

Also, I have a 4 yo and it would never occur to me to give him the king-size bed. maybe the sliding glass doors at BC have those locking pins you can stick in them at the top? I am pretty sure the front door to the unit has one of those security locks at the top. It's worth a call to ask.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Does anyone recommend any other resorts? We want great pools and onsite activities?

Have you checked out the Sheraton Vistana Resort? Its a great resort for families, and there's tons to do onsite. Their FUN team runs daily scheduled events for all ages, from pool parties to Gatorland visits to an onsite Farmers Market. There are 7 awesome pools, multiple great playgrounds, baskeball courts, volleyball cours, tennis courts, mini golf, surrey bike rentals, and all sorts of other things to do. I know some folks have been able to find Vistana units for a very reasonable cost on SkyAuction as well.

 

[garnetandblack]

I've stayed at both resorts (Summer Bay twice and WBC once). While WBC is a better resort overall, I think the difference between the two is minimal. I actually prefer the 2-bedroom units at Summer Bay over the 2-bedrooms at WBC. However, WBC is a more refined property overall. Summer Bay doesn't seem to rate as high with regard to amenities and service. As far as pools are concerned, WBC is tops!

Although Summer Bay is much further from the parks, it is much closer to grocery stores and restaurants. In fact, there is a grocery store (Publix) right next to the property. Walmart and Target aren't far away either.

If I were in your situation, I would choose Summer Bay. Just don't let them talk you into a timeshare presentation. I've heard bad reports about this.

WBC is a nicer resort, but is it a lot nicer? I would say that it's not. I would rate WBC at 4 stars, and Summer Bay at 3.5.

This is exactly what I wanted to know - thank you! When we looked at video tours of units we wanted Summer Bay, when looking at pictures of the properties we wanted Bonnet Creek

Are there no 2 bedrooms available at BC? Your DS would love the pools at BC... pirate pool!

Also, I have a 4 yo and it would never occur to me to give him the king-size bed. maybe the sliding glass doors at BC have those locking pins you can stick in them at the top? I am pretty sure the front door to the unit has one of those security locks at the top. It's worth a call to ask.

I have put in requests for quotes on a 2 bedroom but I am not willing to pay more than $550 for it when I can get a decent 2 bedroom for $279 somewhere else.

From what I have read BC does not have a higher lock on the sliding glass doors, just the regular lock. DS was opening the sliding doors in hotel rooms when he was 2 year old. Putting a bar or stick in the door won't deter him either, lol! I feel like every newer resort should have the locking pins on their sliding doors

Have you checked out the Sheraton Vistana Resort? Its a great resort for families, and there's tons to do onsite. Their FUN team runs daily scheduled events for all ages, from pool parties to Gatorland visits to an onsite Farmers Market. There are 7 awesome pools, multiple great playgrounds, baskeball courts, volleyball cours, tennis courts, mini golf, surrey bike rentals, and all sorts of other things to do. I know some folks have been able to find Vistana units for a very reasonable cost on SkyAuction as well.

I would love to stay at Sheraton Vistana as well but I haven't seen a deal. We want to go ahead an book our room now so we can start planning.

 

[staceyeileen]

I agree, balcony doors should have locking pins!

 

[jaykorf001]

Just my two cents fwiw. We stayed in a 1br presidential at WBC in March. I was very comfortable with my 5 year old son sleeping on the pullout. And I was also very comfortable watching tv in the huge mammoth bedroom. Having said this, I would not want to sleep on the pullout -- period. A lot more comfortable for a small child. We actually opted for the 1br presidential over a 2br deluxe because the finishings were more important to me than the extra bedroom.

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[jaykorf001]

This probably won't matter if you're concerned about your child escaping onto the patio, but we had a patio door and not a slider at WBC. I cannot remember if there was an extra locking mechanism.

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