Bonnet Creek vs. DVC

[Sammy]

We are traveling with extended family, 8 people in all, and need lots of beds! We're DVC members with only a small contract so would need to rent quite a few points to even stay at OKW with this many people.

I've been looking at Bonnet Creek and have read a lot of threads here, but I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on how it compares to a DVC resort. My biggest concern is transportation. We will be renting a van, but I really love the convenience of just hopping that Disney bus and going anywhere...especially for the older teenagers with us (4 of them).

It's almost a no-brainer because BC will be SO much cheaper, but I'll admit: I'm a Disney snob and there's that little nagging voice telling me it just won't be the same!

I'd love to hear from those who can compare the two. Thanks for your opinions.

 

[TotoToo]

Remember that once you are at any Disney location - away from BC - the transportation system is free to all guests with any ticket (even expired) & takes you anywhere you wish to go, just as though you are staying at DVC. The only section different is the trip to and from BC where you would need your van or the more limited BC transportation. If you handle the small trip from BC to whatever launching point(s) you choose the rest of your travel within the complex can be the same as a DVC stay.

 

[Brian Noble]

Here is my comparison between OKW and Wyndham Bonnet Creek:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34552380&postcount=4

The short answer: it's Not Disney. But, it's pretty darn nice. I normally visit during times that are Magic season for DVC, and Prime season for Bonnet Creek. A 2BR at OKW is about $3000 for the week. A 2BR at Bonnet Creek will be less than half that---and probably closer to 1/3.

If you really need it to "be Disney", it's not going to be. If you just want to have some extra transportation flexibility from time to time, use a small fraction of the money you are saving on taxis.

Edited to add: I've noticed that several DVCers I know have been buying Wyndham points resale lately---three or four in just the past six months. They are doing so for access to Bonnet Creek when their DVC points run short, rather than adding on at DVC.

 

[Purseval]

An extra $1500 or so for a couple of extra hours in the parks doesn't cut it in this economy.

 

[Sammy]

Thanks for the replies so far everyone!

TotoToo: Good point...I was only really thinking of getting to/from the parks; travel around property would be the same either way.

Brian: I read your comparison reviews and it sounds like your situation is almost exactly like ours: need kitchen, laundry, and everyone needs a bed...no air mattresses on the floor! We own at OKW and love it there, but for this trip we need both a 2-BR and a studio, and have to rent points. For the same thing at BC (except a 1-BR instead of the studio) it is $1400 less. Which building did you stay in that you had the Epcot view?

Purseval: You are exactly right. Even when I add in the cost of renting a vehicle (or two, because there's 8 of us), it still comes out $940 less to stay at BC.

 

[littlestar]

Here is my comparison between OKW and Wyndham Bonnet Creek:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34552380&postcount=4

Edited to add: I've noticed that several DVCers I know have been buying Wyndham points resale lately---three or four in just the past six months. They are doing so for access to Bonnet Creek when their DVC points run short, rather than adding on at DVC.

We're one of those that have bought Wyndham points resale rather than spend the money for more DVC points. In this economy, it just made more sense. Bonnet Creek has a wonderful location.

 

[spiceycat]

wyndham while nice is not Disney.

the furniture, kitchen, tub, just about everything is interior to disney.
so was disappointment in my stay. Now that is me - you might love it.

the things I did love is all the walkways were around the lake. love walking around and next to lakes.

a few times the key did not work to open the outside door.

it was pleasant - their employees were very nice.

of course one of my complaints might just be to near the darn bar. loud music until the early morning hours is just not relaxing to me. also over the miniuture golf course. again during the day LOUD

could not see the fireworks (other building in the way)

 

[dsanner106]

Definately Bonnett Creek is the next best thing to onsite at disney. The 2 BR has all leather sofas, marble countertops, etc etc. The whirlpool is great. It stacks up with Disney in everyway but the convenience of stepping right on the bus. It is much quieter than any of the value resorts ,(we have stayed at all), and many of the others as well. You will enjoy your trip either way.

Drew

 

[siobhan1997]

Will let you know in April we are spending one week at Kidani Village in a 1 bedroom and then next week in a 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek

 

[Sammy]

Will let you know in April we are spending one week at Kidani Village in a 1 bedroom and then next week in a 2 bedroom at Bonnet Creek

Have fun! I'll look forward to hearing about your trip!

 

[katallo]

We were lucky enough to have a fireworks view at BC and it was wonderful. We watched MK and Epcot fireworks from our balcony. Our living room has a really nice leather sofa and we loved the large master bath. We have stayed onsite many times and really enjoyed it, but for the cost BC is perfect.

 

[magicinwaiting]

It`s nice at Bonnet Creek but you will have to rent a van.....

 

[siobhan1997]

We were lucky enough to have a fireworks view at BC and it was wonderful. We watched MK and Epcot fireworks from our balcony. Our living room has a really nice leather sofa and we loved the large master bath. We have stayed onsite many times and really enjoyed it, but for the cost BC is perfect.

I am hoping for a fireworks view as well, can I ask what building and floor you were on?

 

[jesschris]

If you want to try Bonnet Creek out...I have a 2 bedroom deluxe available checking in 2/6 for 7 nights. Bonnet Creek is renting it for $250 per night, but I am willing to do $580 for the entire week just to get it rented.

Bonnet Creek is awesome, near Caribbean Beach, with a free shuttle to tickets and transportation. The pools have a lazy river. The condos are all super nice. The 2 bedroom sleeps 8.

Feel free to send me a PM. I check it often.

 

[vettechick99]

I was always a Disney snob. I have stayed at many of the values, moderates, and deluxes. The two trips I took with DH before we had DD was to BCV. I love renting points and being so close to the parks. You know this, you have DVC yourself! There is nothing like being on property.

However, now that we have a DD who needs naps, we need the extra space. We just can't justify the cost of a 1-bedroom at any of the DVCs. I mean we could stay for 3 days at a 1-bed DVC for what one week costs at BC. So we switched to BC and will go again in April. This is why I love it:

*It's close. It's basically on property. I would not stay here if I have to travel off-site to get to it.

*It's spacious. Two bedrooms are perfect for us! We also love the master suite and balcony.

*We don't miss the EMH because DD is too young to stay out late. She decides our schedule. If she doesn't wake up til 8 or 9, it's ok. We sleep in. But this may not fit your needs if your group is older.

*We have a car so we don't need WDW transportation.

Fortunately, BC has a shuttle so not everyone has to go to the same park at the same times. You could really drive everyone together, separate and then when people are ready to go home, they hop a shuttle. Last one left takes the van home.

I would decide what is most important for your group. EMH? The Disney feel? Transportation? Money? Space?

Ultimately you will have to give something up. Probably either money or perks.

Hope you have a great time regardless. Staying at BC has not ruined any of our WDW experiences. In fact, I think our trips are just as fun! Maybe it's that cute 2YO who enjoys going.

 

[forthe4]

I have had this debate with many friends who swear that DVC is the only way to do Disney. We love BC because we are not park-a-day folks and have 4 little kids. (Disclaimer, we are Wyndham owners, but we opt to use this for Disney.) This year we plan on only doing MK one day and Seaworld. The resort has lots to do and since all my kids want to do is swim, the pools are great. The rooms are spacious and having the kitchen and more importantly the laundry makes the trip a lot easier.
If you are they type of person who gets off the plane and goes to a park, then maybe DVC is for you, but we like to relax and basically lounge and play with the kids in shorts and t-shirts instead of snow gear in Feb.!

 

[jamstew]

I've noticed that several DVCers I know have been buying Wyndham points resale lately---three or four in just the past six months. They are doing so for access to Bonnet Creek when their DVC points run short, rather than adding on at DVC.

One of those would be me I'm looking forward to my first stay at BC in May, when I'll spend 6 nights at BCV with a long weekend at WBC in between.

 

[queensara]

We have been to Disney numerous times. One of those times we have stayed at BC. We loved it. We had a car so we drove to the parks, which we would do any way even if on site. I don't like depending on someone else's schedule to leave a park. If I'm ready to go, I don't want to wait on a bus. We didn't miss the EMH even with older kids. We loved the fact that we could do our laundry in the room. We would throw a load in before bed and put it in the dryer in the morning while we were getting ready. It was very spacious, so when you needed a minute alone, there was somewhere to go. We are planning a two week stay at BC in November, def. looking forward to it.

I would be interested to hear what building you were in that you could see the fireworks. That would def. be icing on the cake.

 

[disneydad78]

We have bought into BC and up graded to get the presidents suite. We have not stayed in suite yet. We have been using the 2 bedroom ,we had to ask for the 4th floor or above,and you have to ask to be on the side EPCOT is to see the fireworks from your room. We love BC ,it is beautiful!!! we toured DVC ,but it cost alot ALOT more.Dont see spending the extra $$. BC has a trans system for guest to and from parks,just like onsite guest get with disney. We just drove and paid the money for parking cause we like to go and come as we please and not wait for buses. Now ,with that said ,we are staying on-site at port orleans riverside this time.just to see and compare. BC 2bedroom,we had 2 bathrooms,and full kitchen,with living area,pull out bed,,was REALLY nice. We are worried cause rooms look so small at port orleans. Only thing we are looking forward to is extra magic hrs,but we will see how that goes. Last time we went to WDW we where always back at our room before park closed anyway, but we did stay for 12 days. so we will see.
right now BC 1 ,,DVC -0

 

[snowbunny]

Even when I add in the cost of renting a vehicle (or two, because there's 8 of us)

Toyota Sienna (from National/Alamo) holds 8 including the driver (I've rented it for that many). You can reserve that specific vehicle. All other minivans hold 7 including the driver.