Gaylord Palms, Yea or Nay?

[keishashadow]

Not satisfied with number of points that i'll be expending for upcoming SSR portion of my vacation (4 nights), so i'm still looking at alternatives.

Couldn't get the FDP dates to work out, was considering LMT for DTD Hilton ($330 plus parking) or Bonnet Creek (approx $500 plus parking).

Found what seems to be a good deal for Gaylord Palms thru mousesavers @ $560 inclusive (tax, parking, all fees) upgraded atrium room, nearly 1/2 off rack rate. TA reviews it well, not much info here. It'll just be myself & DH & we'll have a car.

Any thoughts as to how GP compares to BC? I've never stayed @ any of the above-mentioned properties, but after reading the BC thread was leaning toward it until I saw the pics of the atriums @ GP.

 

[JimMIA]

Gaylord Palms is very nice. It's a little farther offsite, but we're talking about 2-3 minutes farther, not 30. Very easy to get to and from.

Obviously, the Hilton at Bonnet Creek is pretty new. I haven't stayed there, but folks who have love it. That Hilton shares amenities with the Waldorf Astoria right next door.

Another option would be to rent from an owner at Wyndham BC. That would give you a full-sized villa with kitchen and washer/dryer, just like DVC and should be in the same ballpark on price. We own Wyndham and stayed at WBC this May and really enjoyed the resort. The only downside at WBC is the lack of sit-down dining venues until the new hotel opens.

Not sure of your dates, but if you want to post or PM them, I can check for you. That would at least let you know if WBC is an option.

For any of the Bonnet Creek resorts, your drive times would be about the same as from OKW, a little quicker than from SSR.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have stayed at all of these ...

Hilton Bonnet Creek is smaller then Gaylord which can be good. They do charge for parking. It is a new hotel which is nice and it has a great pool set up shared with the Waldorf. Probably a little more romantic feeling then the others on the list.

Gaylord is a a convention hotel so it's HUGE. Parking can be a LONG LONG way from your room. However, it's also fun to be at. The atrium is a draw, they feed Alligators there for example. Also a very fun pool area. The "convention" hotel can mean it's busy and a little crazy at times.

Hilton DTD is a nice hotel. Older, but in good shape. No fancy pool there and they also charge for parking (which I think is a rip off, but) Of the three it's the only one that gives you the ability to use the Extra Magic Hours at the parks. It's also directly across the street from DTD which I like. However, because it is older IMHO the rooms at your other two options are probably nicer.

 

[keishashadow]

thanx JimI know i've driven past Gaylord Palms, just couldn't remember how close it was to the parks

I haven't thought about renting thru an owner @ BC as we only need 4 days, will check that avenue out though.

When considering the DTD Hilton I was trying to remember if there was a light in front of the hotel or it'd be a bear trying to cross traffic to get the parks...funny how you don't pay attention to those things even though you drive past them so many times i guess.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

thanx JimI know i've driven past Gaylord Palms, just couldn't remember how close it was to the parks

I haven't thought about renting thru an owner @ BC as we only need 4 days, will check that avenue out though.

When considering the DTD Hilton I was trying to remember if there was a light in front of the hotel or it'd be a bear trying to cross traffic to get the parks...funny how you don't pay attention to those things even though you drive past them so many times i guess.

I have driven out of the DTD Hilton. I don't recall any issues. I can't recall if there was light or if I just turned right and made a U turn at the next light, but it wasn't a problem. Traffic can be tough there. It was lighter at the Hilton BC!

 

[DSquare]

The Gaylord is a wonderful hotel with great service. In our opinion their is not another hotel that comes close to Gaylord in terms of atmosphere. We have stayed there probably over 20 times and have stayed at the one in Texas and in Nashville. The deal posted on Mousesavers is an awesome deal and we too took advantage of it ourselves too. Atrium view rooms typically go for $240-$260 + tax, resort fee, and parking.

 

[JimMIA]

I haven't thought about renting thru an owner @ BC as we only need 4 days, will check that avenue out though.

The 4-day thing doesn't matter at WBC, and just so you know, there are no resort fees, parking fees, taxes (on points) or any other charges there.

The only thing you might have to pay for is a "guest confirmation," if the owner doesn't have any free ones left. I believe that fee is $99, although it would probably be rolled into the rental price and you wouldn't see it..

 

[keishashadow]

thanks all for the info

I missed that the earlier mention was (vs HBC) WBC, haven't checked into it yet, will go find the thread here

 

[bentleygirl22]

when we went to disney in May, after we checked out of CBR we wanted to stay a few more nights so we found a great deal for gaylord palms for 3 nights & it was OMG wonderful! it was only 2 mins from pop and my kids loved the family pool and water slide here's some photos we took
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150221030726150.308499.512116149&l=f03e2c5332&type=1