Bonnet Creek Question

[Maistre Gracey]

My earlier post was simply to point out to the OP not to confuse this with an on site property with the Disney extras.
For some reason now I feel the need to defend myself..

The only difference is rather than taking the round about routes that the "genuine" Disney buses take from the resorts you get a direct route to Ticket/Transportation from the Wyndham bus.

Except the Wyndam bus to the T&T Center doesn't run nearly as often as the Disney resort busses. The Disney busses also bring you to the park without having to swap busses.

The fact that Wyndham got a location on what amounts to on site really does bother Disney and those who paid the big $$ to get in DVC.

It certainly doesn't bother me, and it likely doesn't bother many DVC Members. If it did, we would simply sell our DVC Membership (and possibly make money on the deal) then purchase Bonnet Creek.

They own nothing but a obligation to pay a high annual fee for XX more years while Wyndham builds a nicer resort right on the grounds.

Perhaps I'm missing something, but why do you continue to purposely give false information?? It's not "right on the grounds".

What more would I possibly want to own? I'm happy with the expiration dates of my various DVC contracts, and I honestly wouldn't want to saddle someone with an unwanted timeshare when I croak.

While I'm sure Bonnet Creek is a nice resort, "nicer" is a personal opinion.
I prefer the Disney Resorts... You may prefer Bonnet Creek.
Good thing they make both vanilla and chocolate.

I'm not trying to be arguementative. I'm simply pointing out a fact, and the possibility that someone may have a different viewpoint than you.

MG

 

[Brian Noble]

It's not "right on the grounds".

Of course it's not. But, the only way to tell is to get out a map with the political boundary of RCID marked. Any casual visitor, having to cross Disney-owned land to get to it, would assume that it is, much in the same way the seven DTD area resorts actually are.

At least, that's the only way to tell until Disney puts up the "See You Real Soon!" sign at the BC entrance.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Of course it's not. But, the only way to tell is to get out a map with the political boundary of RCID marked. Any casual visitor, having to cross Disney-owned land to get to it, would assume that it is, much in the same way the seven DTD area resorts actually are.

At least, that's the only way to tell until Disney puts up the "See You Real Soon!" sign at the BC entrance.

I agree with you, but I disagree with TotoToo actually telling people it's on the grounds.

You are correct about the DtD hotels being on property, as are the Sheraton properties. They have a prime location since you can walk to Epcot or Disney/MGM Studios.
I'm not sure what on site Disney benefits you get though. I do think some are included, especially at the Swan & Dolphin.

MG

 

[TotoToo]

I agree with you, but I disagree with TotoToo actually telling people it's on the grounds.

MG

Reply #2 "While the property it sits on is not owned by Disney all three sides of it border Disney, you use Disney roads to get in & out so for all intents it is on property."

Reply # 17 "The fact that Wyndham got a location on what amounts to on site really does bother Disney and those who paid the big $$ to get in DVC. They own nothing but a obligation to pay a high annual fee for XX more years while Wyndham builds a nicer resort right on the grounds. The cost to buy and OWN, not rent RTU as DVC does, the property is 1/4 of DVC on resale and fees are 2/3 of DVC or less. I can see why they would be upset but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy being within the gates (note - spelling corrected) at a very low cost."

Those are the only two times I mentioned "where" BC sits. Both times say it's not technically on property (it isn't) but, as others also mentioned, it sure seems to be on property. Perception is usually more important than lines on a map or reality. If it wasn't the "magic" of Disney would fail miserably.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

"While the property it sits on is not owned by Disney all three sides of it border Disney, you use Disney roads to get in & out so for all intents it is on property."

"The fact that Wyndham got a location on what amounts to on site really does bother Disney and those who paid the big $$ to get in DVC. They own nothing but a obligation to pay a high annual fee for XX more years while Wyndham builds a nicer resort right on the grounds. The cost to buy and OWN, not rent RTU as DVC does, the property is 1/4 of DVC on resale and fees are 2/3 of DVC or less. I can see why they would be upset but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy being within the gates (note - spelling corrected) at a very low cost."

Those are the only two times I mentioned "where" BC sits. Both times say it's not technically on property

I count three times in your second example alone (my bold emphasis) where you say it's on property, with no reference that it's technically not.

Your first example does say Disney doesn't own the land, but then continues on to say for all intents it's on property.
My point is that since they don't get the on site benefits, than for all intents it's NOT on property. Someone who is lurking, reading, and possibly planning a trip to WDW has the right to know that in my opinion.

MG

 

[littlestar]

The closest offsite timeshares to Disney's Boardwalk area/MGM studios are Bonnet Creek and Mystic Dunes. Bonnet Creek will take about 5 minutes once you turn left out of the resort to get to the Boardwalk area. Mystic Dunes only took us about 8 minutes to get to Boardwalk when we timed it. So those are the closest off site timeshares that I know of to Disney property.

We have friends that own Fairfield/Wyndham and they loved the Bonnet Creek resort when they stayed there. But they knew ahead of time it wasn't a Disney run resort and that they would need to rent a car or schedule shuttles ahead of time.

I look at it this way - if you find a resort you fall in love with enough to buy into it, go for it. Whether it's Wyndham/Fairfield or DVC. We would have never bought into DVC if it hadn't of been for the Villas at Wilderness Lodge (my most favorite resort in the whole wide world). I could care less that it expires. It's my happy place. I know people that feel that way about Bonnet Creek, too.

It's important that newbies that read these threads know the difference, though, that Bonnet Creek is not a Disney resort. They need to know that it is Wyndham/Fairfield.

Wyndham/Fairfield will probably more than likely try to get you to take a tour. As long as you're not there on a timeshare tour with an obligation to take a tour, just tell them NO. If they call the room frequently, unplug the phone.

 

[Brian Noble]

Which brings me back to one of my earlier observations:

Nothing gets DVC owners riled up quite like calling BC an "on site timeshare".

Moving on:

My point is that since they don't get the on site benefits, than for all intents it's NOT on property.

On property is not equivalent to "on site benefits". Really, "on site benefits" would more properly be called "Disney-owned Resort benefits." The DTD Resorts technically *are* "on property", if by "on property" you mean "on Disney owned land." Yet, with the sole exception of the Hilton's EMH participation, those resorts get all of the perks that Bonnet Creek owners get, which is to say "none". The Westin/Sheraton properties are even murkier; they are on Disney-owned land, but are not operated by Disney, yet have some of the benefits (EMH, Disney transportation to the parks, such as it is), but not others (DDP, ME).

The problem is that the world is not simply divided into black and white, offsite vs. on. Measured only by location and driving distance, Bonnet Creek is closer to the theme parks than many Disney-owned-and-operated resorts, including SSR. Measured only by "disney perks", Bonnet Creek may as well be the Motel 6 in Kalkaska, AK. Measured by service quality, neither Bonnet Creek nor any Disney resort is in the same league as, say the Ritz Carlton---when you've got cabana boys bringing me drinks poolside, you are eligible to compete for "best service", and not until then.

At the end of the day, though, if you sat in the pool area of Bonnet Creek and asked guests there if they were "on Disney property", 9 out of 10 would answer "yes", because they have to cross Disney property to get there. And, while Wyndham is careful to never actually say that they are "on property" in their marketing material---after all, one can be sued for misrepresentation selling real estate---they certainly do not work hard to disabuse that notion, either.

And that, my friends, is why one of the most expensive Disney billboards on property---ignoring the moving sign for Tower of Terror, and a few others---sits right at the exit of this resort.

 

[5boyz]

Is that the sign with the red bus and goofy and others on it? Maybe it is not a bus...lol but that is what I see in my head....we were just there 2 weeks ago and I do remember Bonnet Creek and I remember a BIG sign at corner but do not know if it is the same one......If the price is good I can live without all the Disney perks, we have been last 3 yrs and stayed on property but only used the ME and bus system to the parks. So that square milage that the BC is on after you turn into it from the road we were driving down on Disney is not disney? Wow well they got a great location.

 

[cnids00]

The transportation I would miss would be the on-site perk transportation where you can go anywhere at any time during Disney's operational hours. At BC the shuttles don't go as often and therefor the "hopping" back and forth or where ever you want to go is not the same. That is the perk we will miss the most staying off-site for the first time during our trip to WDW.

The schedule for shuttles from BC go once an hour? to the parks and none until between 4-5PM back to BC, so going back for a quick break won't be the same on this trip.

This was not a complaint to start with, just an adjustment to our trip as 3 of us have been to the WDW before and 6 of the others have not so they don't know about the perks staying on-site! Anywho..it will still be a great trip and we'll no doubt get spoiled staying in the suite

 

[RachaelRol]

Basically the same as all Wyndham timeshares in the Fairshare Plus points system. Retail (bought form the developer on site) you would pay about $.15 per point deeded at BC and you'd want at least 208,000 to 300,000 points - could be as high as $45,000 (but they WILL negotiate the price even at retail). You'll also pay about $750-$850 annual fees depending on the amount of points purchased. Buying retail is NOT a recommended approach.

Conversely you can buy resale Wyndham Fairshare Points, deeded at BC or any other Wyndham resort, for $.03 or less per point. Fees will vary depending on the exact home resort the points are based at. Even with the full 300,000 points at the higher end of $.03 per point (and plenty are out there at $.02 or less although they might not have BC as the home resort) $9000. Sound better? Unless you want the home resort priority (13 months to make your reservation request vs 10 months for all non-home resorts) you don't need to buy FSP based at BC - buy the most of the most inexpensive points you can find and "spend" them at BC along with the 100+ other Wyndham resorts. It is a great system and purchased resale a great value. Purchased retail it is close to a consumer ripoff so don't even consider a retail purchase at any Wyndham resort - not even Bonnet Creek.

DH and I are going to a Whyndam time share presentation on 7/7 at Atlantic City with my sister and her husband. They sat through already and got this weekend if they brought a couple for "free." DH and I will sit through the presentation but will not buy right now. We are cosnidering using my work bonus, received in May to but something.

I am interested in learnign more about it though. Online BC is gorgeous. We were at POR three weeks ago and sure enough drove past BC every day. I'd like to have more space on vacation and we always have a car so not a big deal about being onsite, especially with the dining plan changes.

So you would recommend listening but not buying at this presentation. .15 per point is way too much. If we went by way of Whyndam, we should by resale which is not at a site tour, right?

Thanks

 

[Lisa P.]

Online BC is gorgeous... we always have a car... .15 per point is way too much. If we went by way of Whyndam, we should by resale which is not at a site tour, right?

That's right. Since you want more space, are able to drive to the parks and plan to visit/tour a Wyndham property, you may find that you like the system. We love it and we bought our points on resale. No chance of getting VIP benefits with them but that's okay with us.

IF you want to buy resale, try going with a resale broker or private owner who want to sell for ~$0.03/point. 224,000 annual points would be ~$7000.00 including closing costs and that's enough to stay for 7 consecutive nights in a 2BR/2bath Deluxe at BC in prime season.

Here are a couple of good resale brokers, with whom I've dealt:

Angel England or Jeff Fudge at RPMI

Trish Grossi at TSing 2000

Private owners (who want to sell) often list at:

TUG Classifieds

Redweek

eBay - Be careful and know your stuff when dealing privately with individuals or through eBay. I've done it, with much study, phone-calling and other due diligence on my part. Learn first.

If you want to learn more about timeshare from other owners, visit TUG at my link below. If you want to learn how to make the most of a Wyndham/Fairfield ownership, join the Yahoo! Group online, for owners (& wannabes).

 

[Brian Noble]

One more reseller to consider is Tom Cornelius. I've used him, very pleased.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldResales/

 

[celerystalker]

DH and I are going to a Whyndam time share presentation on 7/7 at Atlantic City with my sister and her husband. They sat through already and got this weekend if they brought a couple for "free." DH and I will sit through the presentation but will not buy right now. We are cosnidering using my work bonus, received in May to but something.

I am interested in learnign more about it though. Online BC is gorgeous. We were at POR three weeks ago and sure enough drove past BC every day. I'd like to have more space on vacation and we always have a car so not a big deal about being onsite, especially with the dining plan changes.

So you would recommend listening but not buying at this presentation. .15 per point is way too much. If we went by way of Whyndam, we should by resale which is not at a site tour, right?

Thanks

Actually, I bought through Wyndham and paid $.06 a point - plus got a bonus of 216,000 points for the second year to show me what being a "VIP" is like.
And so far, I like it!
I've reserved a 1 bedroom for 11 nights at bonnet creek in September - I've upgraded 9 of those nights so far for a 2 bedroom and come Thursday, I'll be trying to upgrade the last two nights.
All for 141,000 points.
I DID NOT BUY AT BONNET CREEK! Just to make this clear.
I bought the Myrtle Beach property through the Nashville office.
The bonnet creek property has too many taxes.
I visited it in person in May and it is beautiful.
The only drawback is the transportation is not like Disney - the buses are nicer, but they do not run as often.
So we'll be taking our own car.

Any suggestions from someone who has stayed there?

 

[swilphil]

The transportation I would miss would be the on-site perk transportation where you can go anywhere at any time during Disney's operational hours. At BC the shuttles don't go as often and therefor the "hopping" back and forth or where ever you want to go is not the same. That is the perk we will miss the most staying off-site for the first time during our trip to WDW.

The schedule for shuttles from BC go once an hour? to the parks and none until between 4-5PM back to BC, so going back for a quick break won't be the same on this trip.

This was not a complaint to start with, just an adjustment to our trip as 3 of us have been to the WDW before and 6 of the others have not so they don't know about the perks staying on-site! Anywho..it will still be a great trip and we'll no doubt get spoiled staying in the suite

When we were there at Christmas, we reserved a return shuttle from either MK or MGM at 3 p.m. so they do have shuttles before 4 p.m. We ended up taking a cab back to BC though because we had hopped to another park. Once you are at a WDW park, you can use their transportation to hop to another park.

Definitely rent a car, even if you won't always use it. It's nice to have for quick trips. We just had one rental car though for 7 adults and 5 kids and we shared.

If you have a good deal on your room, the cost of cabs is a drop in the bucket considering the location and the accomodations. If you are staying in the Presidential Suite, it is absolutely amazing.

P.S. We are not owners. They called us once to ask if we wanted a presentation, we quickly said no, and never heard from them again. They don't bug you at all.

 

[katyjeka]

Hi. I know this is a little off subject, but we will be staying at Bonnet Creek this December, in a 3 bedroom. We are treating my in-laws and BIL, and needed a place for eight. As much as we enjoy staying "on" property, the price was well over $4000, if we rent points, which just isn't in our budget. We have decided to save the money and enjoy dinner shows, and some great meals. We have annual passes, so parking is free regardless, and we've always found it easier with a double stroller to drive. Other than extra hours, which we've usually avoided, I see little that we're missing out on. We have yet to see pictures of a 3 bedroom, and I've searched everywhere. I've also recently read some negative reviews concerning odor from garbage, and very thin walls. Any opinions on the above from those who have recently returned? Planning this trip has been a ton of work, but, I've enjoyed every minute. My inlaws are the parents of 10, with my DH being the youngest, and have never been on vacation. Noone is more deserving so we're really hoping to give them a fantastic trip. Janice

 

[justanotherprincess]

we stayed at Bonnet Creek in June and had a great time there. We didn't smell any garbage and I don't think the walls were too thin. We went with my parents (who can snore pretty loudly sometimes) and my brother and sil and their 2 year old dd and with the door to our bedroom shut didn't hear them at all and I'm a fairly light sleeper. I'll try to look and see if we have any pictures of the 3 bedroom unit we stayed in.

 

[katyjeka]

Pictures would be great. We're surprising them and I'm making a pre-trip scrapbook to give them when we tell them of the trip. My MIL has always dreamed of a trip to Disney, so this should really bring on the tears. Thanks. Janice

 

[CPM]

we stayed at Bonnet Creek in June and had a great time there. We didn't smell any garbage and I don't think the walls were too thin. We went with my parents (who can snore pretty loudly sometimes) and my brother and sil and their 2 year old dd and with the door to our bedroom shut didn't hear them at all and I'm a fairly light sleeper. I'll try to look and see if we have any pictures of the 3 bedroom unit we stayed in.

I have also stayed there. It's beautiful and convenient. We never received any sales pitch. There was an advertisement in the room that told you where to call for sales, that was it.
No garbage odor and no noise. I also have pix on Kodak Gallery. If anyone wants to see them, PM me or email me at Cheryl1106@aol.com I will send you an invite to view them. Ours was a 2 bedroom until.