Brand New Fairfield Owner.....Bonnet Creek, Cypress Palms or Star Island

[Zoemakes5]

Hi everyone....we went to Wisconsin Dells this weekend and ended up buying into FF points as our anniversary present to each other! Yikes! One of the main reasons we did was a plan to go to WDW next spring break (likely the first week of April).
So, keeping in mind I have children who will be 5, 10, and 12, what are the benefits/drawbacks of each of the facilities?
Some I already know....BC doesn't do airport shuttles at all, but Cypress palms does return to airport shuttle. BC is closest to WDW and you can watch the fireworks, but it's also a lot more points. Talking to BC, I understand their shuttles to and from WDW are very limited. What about the other facilities? I'd like to avoid getting a rental vehicle. Do any of them have shuttles to OTHER places, like Sea World or Universal? Is there a charge? Atmosphere? Activities? BC seems like it might be a bit "upscale" which might be a bit uncomfortable with kids my kids age.
Anyway, thanks so much for you input for this newbie!

 

[spiceycat]

Bonnet Creek seems to have the best transportation to WDW than any of the offsite.

that say if you are staying offsite you will need a car. You can't get the best deals on groceries, restuarants, shopping without a car. some of the best reason to stay offsite also include you having your own car.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

We toured Bonnet Creek a year ago after staying at Cypress Palms (vacation w/inlaws who own FF).

Cypress Palms units were roomy. Our first stay ever in a Timeshare.They had a small,okay pool.
The best part was the location, for eating other than at WDW.Macaroni Grill was across the parking Lot and we ate there 3 times. Surrounded by other Restaurants.

Bonnet Creek had a mini mini waterpark for a pool but that looked like it would be too small for complex once all towers built and hotel added.They seemed upscale in decoration to me (but my most common hotel room is Marriott Courtyard).I looked at schedule but there weren't many trips back and forth at Bonnet Creek. Guess a Taxi would be cheap because it is so close.

 

[Lisa P.]

Hi everyone....we went to Wisconsin Dells this weekend and ended up buying into FF points as our anniversary present to each other! Yikes!

Wow! Congrats! It's a fun ownership. But, if you are still within your rescission period, and if you did not look into resales, consider rescinding. Resales at the same resorts for the same number of points cost considerably less than half of whatever you paid with almost no disadvantages. Once the rescission period is done though, it's done. No looking back then. Just learn how to get the most out of your ownership and enjoy it. Yahoo! groups has one for Fairfield_Timeshare with a few thousand owners. You'd learn plenty if you join. It's free.

WDW next spring break... children who will be 5, 10, and 12, what are the benefits/drawbacks of each of the facilities?

BC is closest to Disney with free shuttles to WDW only. If you'll be spending a lot of theme park time at WDW, that's the one to choose. Beautiful rooms, zero-entry pool, hot tubs, floating river, kiddie pool play area, billiards & game rooms, bar/grill, etc. This resort has the most fun atmosphere of the 3 resorts and it's nice to watch fireworks from the upper floors. It's also less than a 5 minute drive to DownTownDisney or the BoardWalk if you want to go for a little Disney visit. I'm not sure when the next pool area, mini-golf and clubhouse will be open. There will be 3 pool areas by build-out, a couple years off.

CP has shuttles to the most theme parks - WDW, SW & Univ. There's a modest fee each time and the schedules are very limited. If you have no other option for transport, it's a nice, quiet, comfortable resort. They have 2 regular pool areas with hot tubs, a rec building w/games & pool toys, 2 playgrounds, a TV/computer room, and a good location near restaurants, etc. We found plenty to do but it's not bustling.

SI has the most frequent, live, poolside entertainment as it is currently the largest of the 3 resorts in that area. Nice zero-entry pools, playground, small lake w/fishing, games room, large fitness room, plenty of tennis & a spa. This place may (?) offer the most activities for your kids if you plan to spend much time at the resort itself. BC would be second.

I would repeat the recommendation for having your own car if at all possible, when staying offsite. It's so much easier!!! It can really make your vacation, IMHO. HTH.

 

[Dreaming of Disney]

If it's possible to go during value season you can get a great deal at Bonnet Creek. We were booked to stay in a 2-bedroom week 40 which was 10/6 - 10/13 for 189,000 points. I checked to see about week 39, 9/30 - 10/7 and a 2 bedroom is only 112,000 points and there is still plenty of availability.

If you can swing value season it is worth it. We are taking our kids out of school for the week even though they are on fall break the next week. I just couldn't pass up that big of a point savings for 1 week difference. That's like a whole other vacation! Not to mention we will now be in the world for my birthday!

The VC put me on the top floor so I hope we will have a room to see the fireworks.

Have fun with whatever you decide!

 

[loveysbydesign]

Is CP for $59 a night for a 1 bedroom a good deal????

 

[mbb]

...Wow! Congrats! It's a fun ownership. But, if you are still within your rescission period, and if you did not look into resales, consider rescinding. Resales at the same resorts for the same number of points cost considerably less than half of whatever you paid with almost no disadvantages. Once the rescission period is done though, it's done. No looking back then. Just learn how to get the most out of your ownership and enjoy it. Yahoo! groups has one for Fairfield_Timeshare with a few thousand owners. You'd learn plenty if you join. It's free......

Ditto the Congrats!!

Great advice, Lisa

And rescinding is easier than it sounds...registered letter to the developer within the Florida 10 day timeframe, and all money is returned.

You may have to wait/search a little for the points you want, but in the end, saving thousands would be worth it to us..JMHO