Bonnet Creek Resort

[Heather Smith]

Winnie,

FF is not like DVC. FF points (indcludng Bonnet Creek) are UDI deeds in the actual piece of property.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

It is surrounded by Disney property. The story I heard both times was Walt made the man who owned it an offer, he refused and wanted to keep it. When he died it was passed on to his kids who sold it to Fairfield. I'm sure they are living well now!!

Just to be accurate, it is not "surrounded" by Disney property. Please see me earlier post, which contains a link for a good map of the area.

I'm not sure, but I believe Fairfield does not own that property. At least I'm sure they don't own the whole property. I believe they lease that portion from a company called Bonnet Creek Development (or something like that).

MG

 

[olbear]

Just to be accurate, it is not "surrounded" by Disney property. Please see me earlier post, which contains a link for a good map of the area.MG

This is what I meant by much ado about nothing over a simple question. I'm sorry if I seem rude, I'm really and truely not trying to be. I was trying to give a simple answer to what I felt was simple questions.

For all intents and purposes, this property IS surrounded by DISNEY. C'mon, must we be so precise and picky. Geez!!! As for the points, I know each timeshare does them differently to an extent. Again I was just trying to simplfy an answer so the OP could understand without all the fuss. I have toured both Bonnet Creek and resorts for DVC. They both sell you points. They just differ in cost per points and such. Sunterra is much more cost effective then either. And you cannot pass theirs on to your family when you die. Mine you can. Simple enough.

Again sorry if I have seemed rude. This is one of my pet peeves with actions on the boards. Someone asks pefectly simply questions, and then arguments ensue. And someone just has to be right. I just don't get it. I'll be unsubscribing to this post, as I don't want to get anymore aggravated.

Blessings just the same,
Winnie

 

[Lewisc]

The debate is over a few posters and time-share salesman that try to give Bonnet Creek some type of on-site status just because they are adjacent to Disney property.

The property is not within the borders of Disney property, although you have to pass through Disney property to enter. I'm not sure why people say it's "handy" being that close to Disney. You can't walk to any place in Disney, the resort doesn't provide decent shuttle service and you still have to pay for theme park parking. I guess you may have a slightly shorter drive than some of the other timeshare resorts but isn't Orange Lake almost adjacent to the AK?

Wow guys, what a heated debate over a simply question.

No it has no Disney "perks" other than the fact that it is within the borders of Disney, so that is handy.

 

[spiceycat]

No, OL is not that close to the ENTRANCE of AK.... but silver lake definitely is.

Until the sales people at Fairfield treat their clients better forget it....

I don't care how many great places or easy to access points (of course some on the tug would disagreed with easy to access points). they were complaining about not being able to access their points except during working hours. and not being able to use RCI directly. Now DVC does the same thing - but they also have one day, Thursday, where they are open several hours later for these people.

Fairfield people treated me as badly as Westgate. Westgate was a big mistake - and I don't feel like doing it again....

Fairfield does a HARD sell.....

DVC is a deeded property - you can will it to your beneificaries..... It just quits in 2042 or 2054 depending upon the property.

Since I will be 92 in 2042 (if I am still alive) - I don't see this as a great problem.....no kids...just a niece and nephew.

Lisa what happened to the other stuff that was begining built on that site????

I didn't think the land beyonded to Fairfield so I though it was leased property as well.

I didn't know you brought DVC - I though you decided not to because you couldn't get a fair price on your Fairfield.

 

[TotoToo]

The real point is that most of the onsite "perks" don't mean much to most visitors. It is simply being surrounded by everything Disney that adds to the experience. Well BC is more surrounded than many of the DVC properties thus that part is covered. As for shuttles anyone who has actually used the buses knows that is a terrible way to get around. Yes, its included but the time wasted waiting and changing buses to get where you want to go is painful. And more importantly it is included with any ticket - even expired ones - if you are at a onsite property or not. It is not an exclusive feature of being onsite. Once you take a FF shuttle (or better your car) to any area where there is Disney transportation you can use it all you want no charge. Just because you stay at an official onsite resort doesn't mean you don't need a car as they are also remote to the attractions themselves.

As for the rest I don't need my purchases delivered to my unit (if I made any) as anyone can have them sent to the park gates & pick them up as you leave. The extra hours can be nice but, as already noted, any ticket source can obtain them if they are willing to pay for the wrist bands. We have got them both from FF as part of a tour package and AAA as part of a ticket purchase in addition to our stays at DVC. So that isn't all that eclusive either.

Bottom line is there is no real difference between an "official" on site and BC except the cost. There is a BIG difference there. If the perks are so important that you are willing to pay about twice as much go for DVC. But we find the same experience - in fact better - for less using Fairfield. It may not be true for everyone but no one should overlook it as a very viable option. The magic is what you make it and ours is better when we pay less and get better accomodations as well as the expected park experience. Thats Disney Magic for us.

 

[Ozymoe]

Those amenities have nothing to do with the location of Bonnet Creek. There are several timeshare resorts near WDW that have similar amenities. It's certainly fair to compare Bonnet Creek to those properities. Bonnet Creek is new and I suspect is better than most similar properties.

There are some posters not you and I understand even some time share salesmen who imply or state that Bonnet Creek has the same perks as guests who stay on-site. Even though you have to pass through WDW property to get to Bonnet Creek the resort isn't on WDW property and provides none of the perks. No extra hours, no decent transportation.....

Lewis, to be fair...there ARE several timeshare resorts near WDW that have similar amenities. None of them are located in the middle of Disney property and none of them provide the Fairfield touch.

I have toured and stayed at the lion's share of these resorts over the years and there is no comparison in location, luxury or price...well maybe price, but dollar for dollar, staying at BC is not comparable to staying at any other non-Disney resort with the same perks in the entire WDW area. Heck, it's so nice, I'd put it right up there with most Disney resorts!

It does have decent shuttles, at the moment, not as extensive as Disney's, but very workable. BC does not have access to the three Extra Hours of Magic passes (although, as stated earlier, one can stay in the parks doing everything EXCEPT riding the rides on those evenings). BC does not have access to the parks one hour earlier either, although I go somewhat earlier than park opening and am in place to access the parks at rope drop and have found that first hour in the park even AFTER Early Entry to be more than adequate to get a huge jump on the day.

Fairfield is located next to Disney's Caribbean Beach resort and the far end of Fairfield's future golf course is largely bounded by Disney's Pop Century property.

 

[Ozymoe]

Also, before we go any further I want to clear up one item...when one buys into Fairfield one DOES buy physical property, one DOES receive deeded land...and all property is completely transferable to one's children. This was only one of the reasons we chose to go with Fairfield. All our Fairfield properties are in a trust which will be passed to our children someday. Our children will only be responsible for the yearly maintenance fees in order to vacation at Disney or any of the 70 plus vacation destinations all over the US and the world.

DVC is a rental contract which carries no such provision. Granted, the DVC rental period is a lengthy one...at one time it was a 50 year contract (is it still the same?)...and granted, if that is sufficient to meet your needs and wishes, 50 years would certainly cover most of one's family for many years. We just chose to go with a company that allows us to provide for several more generations. Lol...we figure if Disney is still in business 100 years from now, so will a Fairfield location in the heart of Disney property be, so it's as solid as that...plus, Fairfield is huge and worldwide so can "swing" with the ups and downs of many many other popular vacation destinations.

 

[Lewisc]

Lewis, to be fair...there ARE several timeshare resorts near WDW that have similar amenities. None of them are located in the middle of Disney property and none of them provide the Fairfield touch.

To be accurate BC is not in the middle of Disney property. It is adjacent to Disney property. Silver Lake is close to AK and Orange Lake isn't very far either.

 

[littlestar]

One of the best kid's timeshares in Orlando that reminds me of Disney's great theming/pools/slides is Marriott's Horizons resort. They have multiple themed pool areas/slides/water works play area. And the staff are really nice like at Disney. It reminds me quite a bit of Disney's Old Key West resort with the Key West theme. But, just like Bonnet Creek, you really have to have a car if you stay there.

I had thought about buying an EOY (every other year) at Marriott's Horizons resort. But I haven't made up my mind if I want to own any timeshare for life. A 50 to 75 year old resort might not be too attractive for my heirs. It might be more like an anvil tied around their neck.

 

[jaysue]

Maybe someone on this thread can help me out - I spoke with someone at Fairfield regarding BC and while the property sounds nice the costs seem higher than I expected

At DVC, I can buy 316 points at SSR for a weekly Magic Season stay at $87 per point (inclusive of current discounts), get 2005 points and 4 free AP vouchers - all this works out to by my math

$87 purchase - $10 notional value for 05 points + $3 pro rata for 05 mtce fees - $(1400) for 4 AP's or about $4.43 per point based on 316 purchase - figure price of about $75.57 per point or US$24,000 - mtce fees about $1250 so close to BC mtce and prop tax versus a higher price for FF BC

I would have thought Fairfield BC would be less expensive???

Am I missing something here?

Thanks in advance
jaysue

 

[HappyCamperToo]

The extra hours can be nice but, as already noted, any ticket source can obtain them if they are willing to pay for the wrist bands. We have got them both from FF as part of a tour package and AAA as part of a ticket purchase in addition to our stays at DVC.

Off topic, I apologize, but would you please explain getting wristbands from "any ticket source?" I searched this thread, but couldn't find where you mentioned it was already noted. Thanks.

 

[spiceycat]

The real point is that most of the onsite "perks" don't mean much to most visitors. It is simply being surrounded by everything Disney that adds to the experience. Well BC is more surrounded than many of the DVC properties thus that part is covered. As for shuttles anyone who has actually used the buses knows that is a terrible way to get around. Yes, its included but the time wasted waiting and changing buses to get where you want to go is painful. And more importantly it is included with any ticket - even expired ones - if you are at a onsite property or not. It is not an exclusive feature of being onsite. Once you take a FF shuttle (or better your car) to any area where there is Disney transportation you can use it all you want no charge. Just because you stay at an official onsite resort doesn't mean you don't need a car as they are also remote to the attractions themselves.

As for the rest I don't need my purchases delivered to my unit (if I made any) as anyone can have them sent to the park gates & pick them up as you leave. The extra hours can be nice but, as already noted, any ticket source can obtain them if they are willing to pay for the wrist bands. We have got them both from FF as part of a tour package and AAA as part of a ticket purchase in addition to our stays at DVC. So that isn't all that eclusive either.

Bottom line is there is no real difference between an "official" on site and BC except the cost. There is a BIG difference there. If the perks are so important that you are willing to pay about twice as much go for DVC. But we find the same experience - in fact better - for less using Fairfield. It may not be true for everyone but no one should overlook it as a very viable option. The magic is what you make it and ours is better when we pay less and get better accomodations as well as the expected park experience. Thats Disney Magic for us.

okay where are you finding the wrist bands.....I have looked - the only places I have send the wrist bands in onsite at WDW property.

I am staying offsite in May and Sept - so please tell me where you got the wrist bands offsite?????

AAA only offers this perk when you stay onsite at a WDW property.

again where are you getting these wrist band.... Also since I got the impression that even Disney employees don't know what the color will be for that night - how do outsiders?????

Everyone likes their resort - I happen to Love DVC - I would be willing to try Fairfield - but because of my bad experience with their sales people - that is not going to happen again for a long while.....

 

[spiceycat]

I say again this property is not owned by Fairfield.... so no matter what they have done in the past. this can not be yours forever.....

simply because it is not owned by fairfield....

It is owned by the developer of the entire complex. (at at least I think it is) - that was surpose to be putting up grand hotels....

but since the area already has a Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Loews - there aren't many 4 or 5 stars not already in the area????

 

[spiceycat]

Maybe someone on this thread can help me out - I spoke with someone at Fairfield regarding BC and while the property sounds nice the costs seem higher than I expected

224,000 points quoted at about US$26,000 (this is enough for 1 week prime in a 2BR) - mtce of $960 and taxes of $200 (appx)

Does Prime = DVC Magic and Premier?

At DVC, I can buy 316 points at SSR for a weekly Magic Season stay at $87 per point (inclusive of current discounts), get 2005 points and 4 free AP vouchers - all this works out to by my math

$87 purchase - $10 notional value for 05 points + $3 pro rata for 05 mtce fees - $(1400) for 4 AP's or about $4.43 per point based on 316 purchase - figure price of about $75.57 per point or US$24,000 - mtce fees about $1250 so close to BC mtce and prop tax

I would have thought Fairfield BC would be less expensive???

Am I missing something here?

Thanks in advance
jaysue

DVC does not play games. the price you were quoted is the price you will pay.

Fairfield on the other hand - completely depends upon the sales people - first they will offer you the price you got quoted - then well that was just an 'opening' price - it gets lower, and lower and lower.....

I think they don't seem to realize that gets people mad....it does not sound like the deal is getting better - but that anyone who agreed before was an idolt....

they want as much money as they can get out of you....

so if you go to a Fairfield don't ever agreed to their price - even while you are leaving another person somes in (the closer) and offers you an even lower price....

problem is I compared prices to the friend who recommend me - I was not offer her price....I might have brought if I was....

when you play games like this - it is best if your prey is unaware of what you have offers others...

before the internet it was great. After the internet these you better be prepared to offer everyone your best price.... DVC is - Fairfield is not.

you can do much, much better on the resale market.

for fairfield - go on yahoo - groups - then sign up for this group
Fairfield-Deals-AngelEngland

there are more....

www.atimeshare.com
www.dvc-resales.com
www.******************.com
www.thetimesharewarehouse.com
www.reid4florida.com
www.bidshares.com
www.myresortnetwork.com
www.monstertimeshares.com
www.redweek.com

disney does not discrimate - just as long as you have a dvc resort they don't care where you brought it.

Marriott onlys allows you to participate in their points program (for their hotels) if you only pay through them either developer or resale.

I don't know if Fairfield discriminates - I haven't heard of them doing that...

 

[TotoToo]

Off topic, I apologize, but would you please explain getting wristbands from "any ticket source?" I searched this thread, but couldn't find where you mentioned it was already noted. Thanks.

Over the past two seasons - not in 2006 that I've seen so far - we have been able to get tickest w/wristbands for our visits. Both times we were offsite - once at BC and then at another timeshare outside the gates. The FF band came from FF as part of our sales tour in 2005 and was good for one day. The second one came from AAA at the end of 2003 and was available at extra cost (I believe it was $10/ticket but I might be wrong) when we bought a three day pass from them - again good for only one day. In both cases it may have been a special offer we simply lucked into but I find that hard to believe. We were simply looking for the best ticket prices once and the best gift for a tour the second time and both times got the extra hours. They were vouchers we had to redeem for bands when we entered for the day. It seems to be something they are offering to make the package more valuable. As I said we have not seen any such offer from any source this year so it may have been tied to the push to get people into the parks during the slowdown of 2003-2005. Try a search for extra hours & Disney and see if anything pops up.

 

[spiceycat]

No I can just call AAA.

 

[spiceycat]

what AAA did you use????

Alabama AAA does not have them.

 

[TotoToo]

Maybe someone on this thread can help me out - I spoke with someone at Fairfield regarding BC and while the property sounds nice the costs seem higher than I expected

224,000 points quoted at about US$26,000 (this is enough for 1 week prime in a 2BR) - mtce of $960 and taxes of $200 (appx)

Does Prime = DVC Magic and Premier?

At DVC, I can buy 316 points at SSR for a weekly Magic Season stay at $87 per point (inclusive of current discounts), get 2005 points and 4 free AP vouchers - all this works out to by my math

$87 purchase - $10 notional value for 05 points + $3 pro rata for 05 mtce fees - $(1400) for 4 AP's or about $4.43 per point based on 316 purchase - figure price of about $75.57 per point or US$24,000 - mtce fees about $1250 so close to BC mtce and prop tax

I would have thought Fairfield BC would be less expensive???

Am I missing something here?

Thanks in advance
jaysue

OK - here's the secret to FF. You look at the best resorts they have such as BC BUT, very important, you NEVER buy from them. Ever. In the Fairshare system, which is what the FF points system is called, a point is a point. You can use what you own at any FF resort - you do not have to be an owner at that specific resort. The only advantage to ownership at a specific FF resort is a longer annual period to make your reservation requests- 13 months vs 10 months ahead for non-owners. That has never been a problem for us and we have been in every new FF resort in the accomodations we desired making reservations 8-10 months ahead using our "old" FF points. On resale you can buy FF points at $.02-.05 per point depending on the home resort vs $.10 to $.15 from FF direct. They will try to tell you, much like the DVC owners / sales people do for DVC, that there is a difference and thus the extra cost is worth it. Don't buy it. The important thing is having enough points to travel within the FF system as you want to and with a reasonable annual fee structure. We found that 250,000 to 500,000 annual points is plenty to do what we want. We actually own 254,000 with an annual fee of about $900 which gets us 2-5 weeks at FF resorts depending on how big a unit and time of year we decide to use. It has been the best bargain and best system we have found. In ten years the resorts and the trips just keep getting better. But never, never, buy at retail until the price spread between resale points and retail points is narrow. That may or may not ever happen. For now FF points at resale pricing are a tremendous bargain.

 

[jaysue]

Thanks Spiceycat, I can always rely on you for the straight goods (see you on TUG)

cheers
jaysue