Bonnet Creek

[Crazy Kanga]

Ok I a have to admit I am a Disney Resort snob and have stayed at many from value up to deluxe.We just love the ease of using Disney transportation and being emersed in the Disney Magic. We have recently taken in two kids from my school and are now a family of 6 instead of 4 and can barely afford to go at all, but we had already planned a family trip for this summer sad1:to Beach Club) which is now way out of the question. Thankfully my dear sweet MIL has given us free use of her Condo at Bonnet Creek so we can still go on our trip. So I guess what I need is some advice, especially from those who were big Disney Resort lovers like me.
TIA
Laura

 

[Brian Noble]

The biggest difference: you're really going to want a car. WBC has a complimentary shuttle to Disney locations, but it is scheduled, shared-destination, and not nearly as convenient as being on-property.

Naturally, you'll want to avoid EMH parks.

If you've never been in a unit onsite with a full kitchen, it's surprisingly useful. We normally only use ours for breakfast---we might have one other meal in-unit, but rarely. We don't cook so much as assemble, but it's nice to be able to get breakfast in the morning while some people are still getting ready, etc. You can either shop for yourself, or use a grocery delivery service.

If you've never had in-unit laundry, this is fantastically useful too---it allows you to really pack light! Just throw a load in on your way out to the parks, without worrying about someone moving it.

I've done both offsite and on---for me, the difference is surprisingly modest. Your mileage may vary.

 

[bookwormde]

Bonnet Creek is about as close to Disney as you can be in a condo, without being in a DVC villa. If you want at least a little if the on site feel why not do a split stay at FW cabins for a few days (if you do this on the weekend it will save MIL a lot of points) and then Bonnet Creek.

I agree a car is almost a “must”.

And if you have not stayed in a villa or condo having a full kitchen is very convenient and a big $ save.

bookwormde

 

[*disgal*]

Yes, my only advice would be to make sure you have a car and ..........

ENJOY YOURSELF!! I've wanted to stay there since it opened...maybe someday. I've seen all of the deluxe Disney resorts (outside of them) and I've only seen pictures of BC, but to me, BC looks nicer than the WDW resorts. The pools look fantastic and I love the area it is in.....very central to a lot of Disney stuff.

Have fun. I'm totally jealous!!

 

[mzlee]

Naturally, you'll want to avoid EMH parks.

I've rented a unit at BC this summer also and we always rent a car because we just like to be able to get around when we want to. What are the EMH parks?

 

[Brian Noble]

Extra Magic Hours:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/earlyentry.htm

 

[diz_princess]

We are staying at BC in a few weeks. We are driving down. I am taking things along to make us "feel" like we're at a Disney resort.
Everyday Mickey will be leaving gifts for my boys, complete with a confetti trail to find them. Just small things from the dollar store.
We'll be using Mickey towels for the pool. I have mickey washclothes I will be taking with us for bathtime.
I am hoping to to buy some snacks and candy at the parks for us to enjoy back at our condo.
Balloons from the parks.
Small stuffed characters that we have bought on previous trips will be coming with us to "decorate" our condo.

I know sounds like a lot but it's not much when all packed up.

We have always used a car even when on property so that is no difference for us.

For us, having a kitchen will be key since my husband and I eat organic, low carb diets. We wouldn't be able to stay on property and still continue our healthy eating. We can eat some regular meals but we can't go overboard or else we will be sick. This way we can eat some meals in and some meals out.

Plus, having the ablity to do laundry is great since I can pack lightly when it comes to the clothes and instead I can take along some other "fun" things.

 

[Lisa P.]

Diz_princess, don't forget to bring a Disney music CD or soundtrack for the car ride to/from the parks and some Mickey bubble bath (just a capful will suffice) for the whirlpool inroom jacuzzi tub!!!

 

[spiceycat]

staying offsite is fine - that say prefer onsite - but offsite is nice too.

would try for one night at FW cabins either Sunday night (mk emh) or friday night (epcot emh) okay those are my favorites.

your might be different.

will be at Wbc in Sept so will stay then how I liked it.

stayed offsite in many condo/timeshares - some are nicer than Disney - some are not.

the kitchen is great - use it alot. also love the washer/dryer & whirlpool tub. Of course if staying with DVC - don't get a 1-bedroom but a studio - just because it is the points are about twice as much. so can stay twice as long in a studio than 1-bedroom with DVC.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Thanks everyone. We will have a car because we always drive down anyway. I also love the idea of having a full kitchen so we can eat in a few meals a day. I'm sure we'll have a great time.
Thanks again everyone.
Laura

 

[DisneyDazed]

I was a resort snob as well and I can say that Bonnet creek blows any moderate away. Tons of pools and free activties to keep the kids busy on non park days or days you just want to relax. I LOVE having the washer dryer and the kitchen. You will save so much money this way. I used to think people were nuts for cooking on vacation but really my husband would BBQ while I watched the kids at the pool. I have to tell you, I do not miss the disney busses at all. Its so nice to hop in your car and go where you want to go. It is perhaps a bit less magical but i dont think its so much so that you wouldnt have as much fun. You will love the extra space that for sure I can tell you. I like the idea of a previous poster who said to pack along some disney themed items. Thats an adorable idea. HAVE FUN. It will be very easy to do.