Bonnet Creek Resort

[spiceycat]

There is nothing wrong with it except that it offers more than the DVC resorts do within the boundaries of DW at far less cost than DVC. That seems to irritate those who pay twice as much to rent DVC for 30 years. In fact the units are better than most DVC units as they are full sized and brand new. The resort is themed and offers plenty to do on site besides the fact that you are within the Disney complex, even if technically not on Disney dirt. It is a great value for as close to on site as you can get in a timeshare without the premium costs. Have a great time if you decide to stay there (and can get in).

you are kidding right????

when I visited the fairfield in Destin and got the hard core sell it was horrible.

their starting price was $30,000 got it down to $7,000 before they realized at any price I wasn't buying it....

the price DVC gives is the only price that is quoted. None of this how far down to get this sucker..... which is how I feel dealing with Fairfield.

Fairfield sales force remind me too much of Westgate. I hate being sold to something - if I want to buy it I will - I hate being lied too..... and they lie alot....

are you selling for Fairfield?

Fairfield in the resale market sell for pennies for a point. DVC has increase in price on the resale market. DVC cares and tries to kept the resale prices up. they will buy back any they feel is below their prices. Fairfield once they sold to you don't care at all. If they did they would also be buying back to kept their resale prices high.....they have that option.

I brought for $62 a point I can now sell for $74 a point - OKW has not gone up as much as BCV or BWV in resale price...

Fairfield charges for everything. DVC only charges when you go out of the Disney network.... so I can stay at any of the DVC resorts just for the price of the points....no extra charges.... heck Fairfield told me they charged for housekeeping when you stay less than a week..... (which is normal for me)

I can stay at DVC for one night or an entire month and not be charged for housekeeping.

so tell what are the advantages of Fairfield - remember I went through one of those horrible sales pitches....

 

[Janet Hill]

Finally got to chime in here. I own with Fairfield (but not Bonnet Creek). I stay at least once a year at OKW, by trading for it through II. I have stayed twice at Bonnet Creek. Both are great resorts and I would never hesitate to stay at either. When we are doing a Disney focus vacation (Star Wars weekend) we stay at OKW. When we are in Orlando to do Universal we stay at Bonnet Creek, because we still like to go to DDD and this is convenient to there and we usually do a Disney water park too.

DVC is great for those who want to stay on Disney during peak times, because you certainly could never get a trade into DVC during peak. However, for those of us who only do Disney off season (can't stand crowds), and like OKW (resort that shows up the most in II for trades) DVC is way overpriced. I can trade through II and pay the II exchange fee and the DVC resort fee and my total cost for the week is about $400 less than if I owned DVC outright.


I've also stayed at DVC's Hilton Head and Vero Beach resorts -- both of these are wonderful too.

Please DVC keep on building, because I love staying at Disney for less!

 

[spiceycat]

I brought DVC in 93 - so my investment costs are long gone

I like studios (okay I am cheap) - 8 points for OKW * $4.24 = $33.92 for the 5 nights that I stay total is $169.60....

okay your return.

oh I forget I also traded in to DVC for a 1-bedroom - 2-bedroom are very, very far to find...
$350 for the maintence fees on my resort
$125 for the II exchange fee
$95 for the fee DVC charges you
$570

the only way your would work is $400-$125-$95 = $180 - so you have a Fairfield with only $180 in maintence fees. I didn't know such a thing existed.

can I ask the name of your resort.

 

[Janet Hill]

I own in Las Vegas. The MF is $3.30/1000 points. So here are the actual numbers:

2BR OKW May 20 to 27 Points required 263 x $4.24 = $1,115.12.

I got this for 77,000 FF points at $3.30 x 77 = 254.10

II fee $135
DVC Resort Fee $95

Grand Total $484.10

Savings = $631.02 for this trip

When I go in September I save $440 because I have to use the same number of Fairfield points to get a DVC that "costs" fewer points.

I'm with you - I love OKW. However, while I find FF salespeople despicable, I have never had a bad experience at a FF resort. The staff have always been topnotch. I just know to never set foot in the salesroom. They offer, I decline, and all is good.

 

[littlestar]

We have friends that own Fairfield points. Not at Bonnet Creek. But they have used their points at Bonnet Creek. They said Bonnet Creek was the nicest Fairfield they had ever stayed at anywhere (very nice rooms).

I heard that Bonnet Creek will have other resorts/stuff in that complex. Anyone know the scoop on what all is planned back in there? And what timeshare companies are building at Bonnet Creek eventually?

I wonder why they don't landscape the entrance better. It looks all concrete looking. When I first saw the entrance, I thought it was the entrance to a business complex. Or have they not got around to finishing the entrance yet?

One thing that worries me with Fairfield is the way they have dealt with the Equivest Vacation and Travel Club points owners. Those poor people have points that are worth pennies on the dollar. Fairfield took over the management of that club and doubled their fees. I heard that the membership has declined 25% since Fairfield took it over. I'm afraid of a company that does stuff like that. We were actually investigating buying a resort that was managed by Fairfield, but when I talked to some of the Equivest Vacation and Travel Club points owners and heard what happened to them, my husband and I decided it wouldn't be worth the risk.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I wonder why they don't landscape the entrance better. It looks all concrete looking. When I first saw the entrance, I thought it was the entrance to a business complex. Or have they not got around to finishing the entrance yet?

LOL!
I was thinking the same thing!

And that's the only negative thing I'll say about Bonnet Creek...

MG

 

[Lewisc]

There is nothing wrong with it except that it offers more than the DVC resorts do within the boundaries of DW at far less cost than DVC. That seems to irritate those who pay twice as much to rent DVC for 30 years. In fact the units are better than most DVC units as they are full sized and brand new. The resort is themed and offers plenty to do on site besides the fact that you are within the Disney complex, even if technically not on Disney dirt. It is a great value for as close to on site as you can get in a timeshare without the premium costs. Have a great time if you decide to stay there (and can get in).

The resort is not on Disney property and doesn't have access to any of the Disney perks for staying onsite. The shuttle bus service is poor and you can't safely walk to any Disney location. You have to pay to park in the theme parks.

The place may be a great place to stay, BUT it really isn't any different than dozens of other timshare/condo properties that are a short drive to Disney.

Now if the place wanted to be different they could run a continuous van/bus shuttle to the TTC BUT THEY DON'T.

Don't compare it with DTD hotels. Those hotels are on Disney property, are walking distance to DTD and have decent bus service to the theme parks.

 

[jackmac]

The Bonnet Creek resort seems very nice, but it's not a Disney property. That means no Magical Express (a $100 round trip savings), no extra magic hours or early entry to the parks, although one person claims that they were able to do this (Disney checks room keys for everyone in order to get a braclet that allows you to stay for the EMH) I'm not sure how that happened. The transportation is also different, very similar to what one person described as staying at a DTD hotel. Disney Transportation runs more frequently and parks closer to the parks. Additionally, you can't use the Disney Meal plan.

Now, I'm a DVC member at Boardwalk, possibly the closest resort to Bonnet Creek. I don't look at Bonnet Creek as competition in any way. I've stayed at the Marriott, which is almost as close, and choose to buy into DVC for the advantages of staying on site. I've never regretted that decision. I've benefited from my DVC membership in many ways (golf, discounts, other resorts, etc.). Other resorts want to emulate DVC and Disney. That's fine. I've never seen Disney advertise themselves as "almost as good as ???" If you own Fairfield points and want to stay there then it's a good deal for you. Personally, I'll keep my DVC points at Boardwalk where I can walk at night to many fine restaurants, walk into Epcot or MGM and go to JellyRolls or Pleasure Island without having to worry about driving.

 

[Ozymoe]

I have never run into a Fairfield salesperson giving me a "hard sell" in the WDW area...although I have felt that Westgate is over the top with "hard sell"...most Fairfield representatives, and again, I have to say that the ones I know are all located in the WDW area, pride themselves on being able to explain to people how the Fairfield point system works.

While we do use the lion's share of our points in the Disney area, Fairfield has over 30 resorts I can use my points for with no transaction fees. We have a trip to Las Vegas planned in May (Grand Desert, simply wonderful!) and we will also be staying in Sedona for two nights (again, beautiful, although when we went last time we stayed at a Fairfield in Flagstaff and I fell in love with the fireplace and huge walkout deck overlooking the forest)...I want to stay there in ski season!

The last two summers we stayed at Fairfields in Branson, Wisconsin, Colorado, Sedona, Flagstaff, Las Vegas and California (Disneyland/Dolphin's Cove) and of course Florida (Orlando area as well as Daytona Beach). I admit it, I am spoiled. Every one of these resorts is superior in accomodations and amenities...but the thing is...we only set out to spend what we would have spent on vacation anyway...and we always get to vacation where we want for a price that most people end up paying for a motel on a strip somewhere.

I'm not a salesperson for Fairfield, I'm just a very satisfied owner...and I thought these boards were all about letting people know their options in the Disney area.

We own over a million points with Fairfield (land, deeded, is in a trust for our children). The initial cost for these points was about $80,000. the maintenance fees are a little less than $5,000 a year. For that $5,000 a year, because we are platinum owners, I can use my points in a way that gets me Bonnet Creek for six weeks (we're going for the Food and Wine festival at Epcot) for aproximately $1,800 of my maintenance fees. I really love the idea that our children will only ever have to pay the maintenance fees for their vacations (that initial outlay is a big expense). How we would have appreciated that in our "very young family" days! As soon as DH retires we'll use our points to stay all over the US for at least 4 months, if not six months out of the year...for us it's a win/win all the way around...in the past, for now, for our retirement...and for after we're gone.

We looked into buying DVC many times over the years, but since we stay for such a long time when we are at Disney it isn't suitable for us. I can stay "in the middle of the magic" for a fraction of what it costs to own DVC...and I can stay for several weeks.

I trade the Disney theming (which I get in abundance at the parks and resorts each day at Disney) for upscale elegant accomodations at Bonnet Creek. I trade Magical Express benefits for having a car. I would never stay at Disney without personal transportation even if I flew in...the Disney bus system is wonderful if you don't know your way around, but if you do...it is hit and miss as far as getting you to your destination quickly and efficiently. Staying at BC I cannot get Disney Dining, but I have an AP and wouldn't utilize DD anyway. I do get the DDE card and that saves me just as much or more for the way we choose to eat...i.e. we order only what we want/what we will eat for as hungry as we are at any given time. It's true, I cannot get early entrance or extra hours...this could be a big consideration for some families, especially during crowded summer hours and Christmas week...but we don't attempt the parks when conditions are such that they warrant using early entrance or extra magic hours.

Contrary to what one poster said, I have never observed BC giving out authorization for wristbands for EE or EMH, although many times I have remained in the parks after hours when I wished to walk around, shop, grab a bite to eat or soak up the ambiance on a nice night. I love people watching and many times have sat with a footsore member of someone's family and chatted. Lol...and many times I have been told that was the best part of their day!...not that they hadn't had a marvelous time during the day, but just that it was so nice to reflect on/share what they had done while other family members took children on rides or shopped.

Lol...I have the best time at Disney...and it is never the same twice!

 

[Janet Hill]

Ozymoe,

We too are very satisfied FF owners (platinum), but I will say we have run into a couple or those jerky salespeople. However, I don't let that ruin the enjoyment of any of my FF resort stays. One of the reasons we trade into DVC so much is that my children love riding Disney transportion to the parks. You would think it was a ride LOL.

BTW - Gotta love those point discounts

 

[Lisa P.]

the only way your would work is $400-$125-$95 = $180 - so you have a Fairfield with only $180 in maintence fees. I didn't know such a thing existed.

Spiceycat, we pay as little as $100 in maint fees for an offseason studio points week, which we have been able to use repeatedly for Orlando 2BR trades and bulk spacebanking trades. It takes no more effort than a South Africa trade week, with less hassle to pay maint fees and a LOT more flexibility from year to year.

We own a converted fixed week worth 154,000 points at FF Harbour in New Bern, NC. The maint fees there are about average for a FF resort.

 

[Lisa P.]

I heard that Bonnet Creek will have other resorts/stuff in that complex. Anyone know the scoop on what all is planned back in there? And what timeshare companies are building at Bonnet Creek eventually?

AFAIK, no other timeshares are planned, but four hotels and a golf course. Cendant owns Fairfield, TrendWest and Equivest timeshares and Wyndham hotels (among many others others). Cendant recently announced that they are renaming their hospitality (hotels) division "Wyndham Worldwide." There's a new rumor that they plan to put in a Wyndham hotel and a freestanding sit-down restaurant inside the Bonnet Creek development fairly soon. Will see.

I wonder why they don't landscape the entrance better.

The whole BC development is not owned by Fairfield, only the plot of land with the timeshare resort on it. So Fairfield has no choice about that. The entrance to the Fairfield resort, from the side street, is nicely landscaped.

One thing that worries me with Fairfield is the way they have dealt with the Equivest Vacation and Travel Club points owners. Those poor people have points that are worth pennies on the dollar. Fairfield took over the management of that club and doubled their fees.

That must be very frustrating for their owners. OTOH, have you visited any Equivest properties, prior to their refurbishments by Fairfield??? I have visited several. Most that I've seen have been terribly bland, looking rather like dated apartment buildings - not at all like "resorts." Fairfield has been pumping millions into the promising ones to bring them into the current decade and upgrade them to Gold Crown standards. These have been renamed with the Fairfield name and they've been given new clubhouses, pools and other resort amenities, in addition to interior/exterior renovations. Some Equivest properties opted out of going with Fairfield. Two had messy legal battles. It hasn't been pretty. I don't claim to know enough of all sides to understand it fully. But I have seen resorts which were overhauled at great cost, to the benefit of owners IMHO (despite the added costs).

 

[Lisa P.]

The place may be a great place to stay, BUT it really isn't any different than dozens of other timshare/condo properties that are a short drive to Disney.

There are many very nice resorts in the immediate area, to be sure. I personally do think this is one of the very best, though. And I've seen nearly all of the awarded resorts. It is definitely more convenient and a shorter drive to the Disney attractions than any other offsite timeshare/condos... and it has a nicer fireworks view from many rooms.

Don't compare it with DTD hotels. Those hotels are on Disney property, are walking distance to DTD and have decent bus service to the theme parks.

But they are just hotels. No inroom jacuzzi, full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. No floating river, special pool amenities, (soon) free minigolf, billiards rooms, etc. We use our car when we stay onsite so for us... you're right, we wouldn't compare the DTD hotels... they aren't even in the same league as an upscale timeshare resort like FF BC.

 

[Lisa P.]

I've never seen Disney advertise themselves as "almost as good as ???"

Naturally. They have the theme parks and that's the draw. I'm certain that DVD has noticed the rapid sales activity at the BC resort and the competition for timeshare points buyers. Otherwise, they would not have posted their biggest billboard sign to attract potential buyers DIRECTLY outside the BC development entrance.

If you own Fairfield points and want to stay there then it's a good deal for you.

Actually, it's a good deal for us for a different reason. Our family loves to travel around and stay in spacious, nicely appointed condos and we don't like hotels much at all. We appreciate the points flexibility. And we bought our ownership resale at a terrific savings!

The best value is obtained with DVC points when using them for nightly stays at DVC resorts and perhaps when trading a week to another desirable resort. It's the same with FF points. By doing this, we have stayed in beautiful FF resorts in Washington DC, Flagstaff AZ, Myrtle Beach beachfront, FL beachfronts, NC mtns, TN Smoky Mtns, Williamsburg, ... the list goes on! We hope to get out to their Colorado & Hawaii locations someday.

It's GREAT to have over 70 Fairfield resorts from which to choose when we directly reserve our vacations with our points. We commonly trade from a studio week up to a 2BR through RCI at no added cost - saves a lot of points. Our individual RCI membership is paid by FF so we get other benefits from the exchange company. DVC doesn't offer any of these options in the same way or at a similar cost.

We sold our DVC membership because it cost more for studio accommodations than our FF cost for 2BR accommodations - in both purchase price and yearly maint. DVC resorts are truly lovely. But no program is perfect for everyone. Fairfield suits us much, MUCH better. I'm glad you enjoy yours too.

 

[shasess]

Why wont you stay there? Is something wrong with it? We are considering staying here.

Thanks,
Vicki

I've always heard wonderful things about Bonnet Creek. We visited a friend who was staying there last year and it was beautiful.

 

[jaysue]

Lisa P. thanks for all the information

We are trying to decide which area timeshare to buy into with DVC, Fairfield Bonnet Creek being our choices (we like being on OR near Disney property)

I sent you a PM and would appreciate your review and response

Thanks in advance
jaysue

 

[Lewisc]

My post was in context to those who were trying to give Bonnet Creek some type of on-site status just because you have to drive through Disney property to get there.

The Hilton in DTD participates with the extra hours program. All the DTD hotels have frequent shuttle bus service.

Bonnet Creek doesn't have any extra amenities because of its proximity to Disney. If they wanted to be different they could have considered offering a continuious shuttle to the TTC.

There are many very nice resorts in the immediate area, to be sure. I personally do think this is one of the very best, though. And I've seen nearly all of the awarded resorts. It is definitely more convenient and a shorter drive to the Disney attractions than any other offsite timeshare/condos... and it has a nicer fireworks view from many rooms.



But they are just hotels. No inroom jacuzzi, full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc. No floating river, special pool amenities, (soon) free minigolf, billiards rooms, etc. We use our car when we stay onsite so for us... you're right, we wouldn't compare the DTD hotels... they aren't even in the same league as an upscale timeshare resort like FF BC.

 

[Ozymoe]

My post was in context to those who were trying to give Bonnet Creek some type of on-site status just because you have to drive through Disney property to get there.

The Hilton in DTD participates with the extra hours program. All the DTD hotels have frequent shuttle bus service.

Bonnet Creek doesn't have any extra amenities because of its proximity to Disney. If they wanted to be different they could have considered offering a continuious shuttle to the TTC.

Um, Lewis...

I don't know what you mean by stating Bonnet Creek doesn't have any extra amenities because of its proximity to Disney. I feel the facts that every Bonnet Creek room has a jacuzzi, a full kitchen, a balcony (or patio) and a washer/dryer ARE extra amenities not provided by most DTD hotels, to say nothing of the complimentary high-speed internet computers available in the billiards room...a small lazy river...complimentary miniature golf course...wine and cheese welcome party...

In addition to this, there are some complimentary shuttle buses available at this time. Bonnet Creek is just beginning with three buildings open for occupancy this spring. Perhaps when the complex is at full capacity a continuous shuttle will be available, but for now that is what they offer. For our family, the perks and the price for Bonnet Creek far outweigh the drawback of having to use their shuttle, especially since I prefer to drive to the parks so I can arrive/leave without having to wait for any shuttle, Bonnet Creek's or Disney's.

I am not saying it isn't fun to stay "on property"...just that BC is surrounded by Disney property...and staying there is luxurious, gosh darn close to everything...and a real bargain, especially for people who come to WDW a lot. I enjoy Disney theming...and I get it at the Disney parks and restaurants. I also enjoy the luxury theming of Fairfield resorts.

BTW...my teen daughters and I spent 2006 New Year's Eve out on our balcony at BC in our robes and slippers with mock champagne (and later some hot chocolate) surrounded by 45 minutes of the most amazing fireworks spectacle I've ever seen! MGM on the left, Epcot directly in front of us, MK behind Epcot and DTD's Pleasure island pyrotechnics on our right. It was unexpected and overwhelming. We are all going back for this year's display!

 

[Lewisc]

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.....

Um, Lewis...

I don't know what you mean by stating Bonnet Creek doesn't have any extra amenities because of its proximity to Disney. I feel the facts that every Bonnet Creek room has a jacuzzi, a full kitchen, a balcony (or patio) and a washer/dryer ARE extra amenities not provided by most DTD hotels, to say nothing of the complimentary high-speed internet computers available in the billiards room...a small lazy river...complimentary miniature golf course...wine and cheese welcome party...

In addition to this, there are some complimentary shuttle buses available at this time. Bonnet Creek is just beginning with three buildings open for occupancy this spring. Perhaps when the complex is at full capacity a continuous shuttle will be available, but for now that is what they offer. For our family, the perks and the price for Bonnet Creek far outweigh the drawback of having to use their shuttle, especially since I prefer to drive to the parks so I can arrive/leave without having to wait for any shuttle, Bonnet Creek's or Disney's.

I am not saying it isn't fun to stay "on property"...just that BC is surrounded by Disney property...and staying there is luxurious, gosh darn close to everything...and a real bargain, especially for people who come to WDW a lot. I enjoy Disney theming...and I get it at the Disney parks and restaurants. I also enjoy the luxury theming of Fairfield resorts.

BTW...my teen daughters and I spent 2006 New Year's Eve out on our balcony at BC in our robes and slippers with mock champagne (and later some hot chocolate) surrounded by 45 minutes of the most amazing fireworks spectacle I've ever seen! MGM on the left, Epcot directly in front of us, MK behind Epcot and DTD's Pleasure island pyrotechnics on our right. It was unexpected and overwhelming. We are all going back for this year's display!

 

[olbear]

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

Ok I have toured this property twice. The first being when it first opened 2 and a half years ago and then just 2 weeks ago. They have 3 buildings now, with another being built. They have a great pool area w'lazy river and are planninig a beautiful golf course and four hotels to go up right next to this property all owned by the same company.

The rooms are wonderful, and they offer 1, 2, and 3 bedroom and a suite that is to die for. Of course it's takes MEGA points to stay in. I do mean MEGA!! But it is so gorgeous!!All the comforts of home. 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!!

No it has no Disney "perks" other than the fact that it is within the borders of Disney, so that is handy. It is a timeshare of course and you buy "points'. the number of points determines how much you can use it. I am a timeshare owner with Sunterra, my home timeshare being Cypress Point on Palm Parkway just down the street from DTD entrance. It's handy enough for me.
We bought points as well, and can add more. We already have once. Our is a lifetime deed however and we can pass it down to our family. Fairfield does not do this same as DVC. That is why we didn't buy at either. Plus points are alot more expensive with those 2. Ours was much more, "cost effective".

Bonnet creek is what I would call a luxury resort. Too hoity toity for my taste. I am very happy with the resorts that Sunterra offers and the fact I can leave it to my family after I am gone.

Blessings,
Winnie