Great to be back at Bonnet Creek - Live Trip Report with photos!

[Portugal1000]

Another long day. Went to premium outlets, my absolute least favourite place in Orlando but we had to buy son shoes so a quick stop at Vans, Converse and Disney. I couldn't get away quick enough, it's so hot there. Nice swim back at the pool then off to play mini golf which is included in 14 day ticket. We chose the fairways course which is like a mini pitch and putt. I actually got a hole in one and started jumping up and gown then realised the party behind could see me, but to be fair they did all start clapping which was nice. Anyway it was a nice 90 minutes.
Then did something bad and I know we are not meant to but parked at Caribbean Beach and got on the bus to MK. It was honestly nothing to do with saving $17 but it was a nightmare getting to and from transportation centre 2 days ago. I figured that the amount of money I have given Disney on my 11 visits that I could be allowed one illegal parking!! It worked out really well but I would only ever do it for MK and probably won't again on this trip as I felt too guilty.
MK was packed when we arrived at 6pm. We wandered around for an hour and had FP for the cars, space mountain (FP queue was nearly all the way back to the people mover for the second time, can only assume they are giving too many out) then seven dwarfs which has a great FP system, on straight away for second time. Its even better at night. A very smooth ride. By this time it was 9 and could pretty much go on what we liked. Were on splash mountain when the fireworks were on which was great, ( we have a MK and EPCOT fireworks view from our room so didn't feel the need to find a spot to watch) then finished the night with thunder mountain. The park really does look fantastic at night. I would have stayed till the bitter end but husband and son thought it would be a nightmare getting the bus so we left at 10.40.
So yet another great day. People always ask me why we come here every year and I always say that it really can't be beaten for a family holiday as so much to do and impossible to get bored.
Tomorrow we are going to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and then Blizzard Beach in the evening. Sure there will be a few other things also. I will definitely try and take some pictures of the resort on the I pad tomorrow so I can upload them.

 

[wayneg]

I also feel guilty if I don't do something as I should. Once parked in Beach Club for Epcot, even though we had AP's and Disney were not losing any money I still didn't feel it was right.
Enjoy Cheesecake Factory, definitely one of our best meals last month.

When doing the outlets we goto about 4 stores and out, no idea how people wander and browse, although same when shopping at home, I need to have a plan and out, never been a browser.

 

[disneyholic family]

Another long day. Went to premium outlets, my absolute least favourite place in Orlando but we had to buy son shoes so a quick stop at Vans, Converse and Disney. I couldn't get away quick enough, it's so hot there. Nice swim back at the pool then off to play mini golf which is included in 14 day ticket. We chose the fairways course which is like a mini pitch and putt. I actually got a hole in one and started jumping up and gown then realised the party behind could see me, but to be fair they did all start clapping which was nice. Anyway it was a nice 90 minutes.
Then did something bad and I know we are not meant to but parked at Caribbean Beach and got on the bus to MK. It was honestly nothing to do with saving $17 but it was a nightmare getting to and from transportation centre 2 days ago. I figured that the amount of money I have given Disney on my 11 visits that I could be allowed one illegal parking!! It worked out really well but I would only ever do it for MK and probably won't again on this trip as I felt too guilty.
MK was packed when we arrived at 6pm. We wandered around for an hour and had FP for the cars, space mountain (FP queue was nearly all the way back to the people mover for the second time, can only assume they are giving too many out) then seven dwarfs which has a great FP system, on straight away for second time. Its even better at night. A very smooth ride. By this time it was 9 and could pretty much go on what we liked. Were on splash mountain when the fireworks were on which was great, ( we have a MK and EPCOT fireworks view from our room so didn't feel the need to find a spot to watch) then finished the night with thunder mountain. The park really does look fantastic at night. I would have stayed till the bitter end but husband and son thought it would be a nightmare getting the bus so we left at 10.40.
So yet another great day. People always ask me why we come here every year and I always say that it really can't be beaten for a family holiday as so much to do and impossible to get bored.
Tomorrow we are going to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and then Blizzard Beach in the evening. Sure there will be a few other things also. I will definitely try and take some pictures of the resort on the I pad tomorrow so I can upload them.

don't feel guilty! we've all done it at one time or another..

on a few occasions we've tried to avoid the MK parking lot, not because of the money (we always stay on property), but because the handicapped parking is insanely far away from the ferry/monorail...
truly a very very very very very long walk, without even a tram to take you from the handicapped parking to the ferry/monorail...
so every now and then, we'll park at the contemporary resort - in the valet parking - and take the monorail over...but it's also a major trek doing it that way, so then we give it up and go back to the parking lot the next time..
(the bus is very unfriendly to the handicapped who aren't in a wheelchair or that other thing, whatever it's called..)

anyway, don't feel bad about it...we've all done it at some point...

 

[crabbie1]

This place looks amazing and although I own DVC I agree that it is stunning. I have recommended this to my father in law to be and he has booked simply because there will be 7 of them and he did not want to pay for 2 x2 bedrooms on site and he is so grateful I recommended this just by reading these boards.
Regards requesting location what block/tower would you recommend? They are going easter for 11 nights.

 

[Portugal1000]

A couple more photos..

Sons bedroom, taken on first day, doesn't look like that now!


Kitchen


Fireworks view, not a ver good photo but just wanted to dhow the view we have.

 

[Portugal1000]

 

[Portugal1000]

So a few photos of the different pools. There are 2 jacuzzis at every pool and most of them have cabanas you can rent for $50 a day. Never have as no problem getting a sun bed. There are lot s of BBQ's around the resort which we have used a few times. Always smells. So nice when you walk round.

I think I already said we have a view of the fireworks from out balcony. Both Epcot and MK. a lot of people request these rooms, we didn't so just lucky I guess. Lots going on at the resort free of charge.. Great for kids especially as pool parties every day but always at least 3 quiet pools to go to as they rotate the entertainment. We love the,azt river. Not as big as the waterparks of course but the tubes are free.

Anyway, I probably sound boring now but such a great resort..highly recommend.

Pictures not great as using I pad and wanted to take the early before too many people around thinking "whose that strange woman taking photos with an I pad!"

 

[karentan]

That pool looks amazing

 

[disneyholic family]

do all the towers have lazy river pools?

the pools look amazing!!!

 

[wayneg]

do all the towers have lazy river pools?

the pools look amazing!!!

Lazy river looks to be by the main building, towers spread out around the lake in the middle of the resort. See if this link works to get a satellite view https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place...2!3m1!1s0x88dd7f73b69b11db:0xe85318a4fb0002e4

 

[dixonsontour]

Thanks for taking the time to post pics looks a lovely resort

 

[Portugal1000]

do all the towers have lazy river pools?

the pools look amazing!!!

There are 2 lazy rivers. One is at the main pool and completely separate. The other one starts in tower 5 pool and ends up back in it again. It goes through a fort like structure. Alot of families like the tower 6 pool as there is a big pirate ship. There's another pool over by tower 3 that I didn't take a photo of. It has another slide and there's also a bar and pizzeria there which is good. They will also deliver.
There's basically so much going on. You could come here and not go to any parks which is what a lot if people who own timeshares here do.

 

[Portugal1000]

Today we actually made it back to our room before dark for the first time! So we are going to stay in and get to bed early do we can be up and at Discovery Cove in time for breakfast tomorrow. I had a long walk around the resort while my son slept, then 20 lengths. Wanted to build up an appetite for Cheesecake Factory. Only our 3rd time there but once again I had exactly the same meal. Bang bang chicken and shrimp. I usually end up taking half home but my husband ate it before I had a chance. He had the sirloin steak and said its still the best in Orlando. My son had the chicken burger which looked great and was the same price as a quick service burger my husband had got in MK last night which he immediately regretted. It's a shame but every year I see the standard of food at Disney going down. Yesterday I actually cancelled all our remaining ADR's because the food we have had elsewhere is so good I can't bring my self to pay more than double for far less quality. Maybe I have just had bad experiences. I'm sure if I was on free DDP and ate at the signatures then I would feel very differently. We also had a slice of 30th anniversary cheesecake. My son said he couldn't eat a whole piece so ee shared and I hardly got a look in! The bill was $66 with drinks so very good.
We were stuck at Mall of Millenia longer than we wanted because for the first time since we have been here it rained. What a relief. I love the rain in Orlando but it was too heavy for us to be able to walk to the car. Eventually managed it and headed to DTD for a wander then on to Blizzard Beach which had emptied out nicely. First time I have seen no queue for that really scary slide at the top. Forgotten name. Son rode for first time and said easily the scariest thing in Disney ( but he doesn't think Disney is very scary now he is 14) so we went on every slide possible multiple times then came home. I treated myself to loads of lovely stuff from Basin in DTD so am off for my jacuzzi bath to test it all out.

 

[missnic07]

Sounds like your having an amazing time! Can't wait to hear how Discovery Cove is. We're not doing that this year, but are planning to next year

 

[Portugal1000]

Long day at Discovery Cove. My husband declared at the end of the day that it's his favourite park. We arrive at 8.30 although check in starts at 7.15. No way I could get my son out of bed that early! Check in was very quick and we went straight to the grand reef and got a perfect spot in the shade with an umbrella. My son loves snorkelling so we figured we would spend a lot of time there, it was a good decision. We then went to breakfast which was ok. I stuck to the fresh fruit and yogurt but husband had the cooked breakfast and son just went on a sugar rush. Then we grabbed all our snorkelling gear, towels etc and we headed of to a couple of laps if the lazy river. It's such a lovely relaxed park. We then spent a lot of time snorkelling, that pool is lovely and cold. Had lunch about 12.30 which was nicer than last year, lots of choice but I tried to stick to healthy stuff again and had grilled fish with vegetables and a side salad then some really delicious strawberries.
For those that haven't been there is drink and snacks available all day including alcohol. My son must have had 10 slushies. It really is great value. Rest of the day was spent alternating between the lazy river and grand reef. The weather was glorious and no rain. It's only rained once since we have been here. There was a rumble of thunder at 5.20 and everyone had to get our of the water but the park closed at 5.30 anyway so no problem.
On the way out I bought my parking pass for $40 which gets you into BG, SW and AQ for 2 weeks.
We really did have a great say and will definitely go back next year.

 

[Mummycat]

Hi just to say thanks for all the lovely pictures and updates great to follow along and get a Florida fix
Can I just ask why you book through the agents you've mentioned for Bonnet Creek? Are they slightly cheaper or does it just make the process a lot smoother? We've got 2 weeks booked next August at Disneys old key west but are going out a week earlier so that we can do trips like universal, sea world and Kennedy then onto 3 nights at longboat key. So basically we're looking at options of where to stay for the first 4 nights-do we stay in 1 place such as Bonnet creek or move around a bit and do a night at universal for the front of the line pass.
We've only ever been in September October before so great to hear your experience of August. Any more tips on booking Bonnet creek very welcome Thanks you

 

[disneyholic family]

Lazy river looks to be by the main building, towers spread out around the lake in the middle of the resort. See if this link works to get a satellite view https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place...2!3m1!1s0x88dd7f73b69b11db:0xe85318a4fb0002e4

amazing view!!!! thanks Wayne!!!

There are 2 lazy rivers. One is at the main pool and completely separate. The other one starts in tower 5 pool and ends up back in it again. It goes through a fort like structure. Alot of families like the tower 6 pool as there is a big pirate ship. There's another pool over by tower 3 that I didn't take a photo of. It has another slide and there's also a bar and pizzeria there which is good. They will also deliver.
There's basically so much going on. You could come here and not go to any parks which is what a lot if people who own timeshares here do.

it looks like a fabulous place to stay and for such a reasonable price compared to WDW....and it's located right inside WDW, right?

i'm definitely going to consider it for our next trip!!

 

[wayneg]

Can I just ask why you book through the agents you've mentioned for Bonnet Creek? Are they slightly cheaper or does it just make the process a lot smoother?

If you use an agent you get the rooms far cheaper than direct with the resort, I paid about a third of the price, under £500 compared to around £1,500 direct.

If you read the main forums there are threads specialising in BC. Vacationupgrades are the most popular site to book thru, they are consistently the cheapest way to book and many people like their service.
Personally I found a slightly better deal thru Bookings.com with cashback thru Quidco but I would have used VU if I hadn't.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2114303
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2701195
http://www.dis.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44937611

There are many more, its a very popular resort.

 

[Mummycat]

Brilliant thanks for the help Wayne I strangely assumed that it would work out more expensive going through an agent!

 

[wayneg]

Brilliant thanks for the help Wayne I strangely assumed that it would work out more expensive going through an agent!

Done around 37 trips to the US, 50+ hotels, almost every one of them thru an agent (Royal Pacific @ Universal & Disney, I have booked those direct)
Agents offer discounts you don't often get direct, strange system but that's how hotel reservations work.