Hilton Bonnet Creek or OKW

[SwanVT2]

Looking at Feb. 2022. We want to spend a week with a few days at Universal. Hilton Bonnet Creek looks really fun for 8 year old DD with lazy river and slide. But we like SSR/OKW because we can easily go to DS for more dining options. Question, how is the dining at Hilton and I know you can go to Waldorf, too? We won't have a car. Is there a quiet pool at Hilton or only go to Waldorf for quiet pool? Also, we do like having kitchenette and balcony at OKW/SSR to get fresh air. Opinions welcome!

 

[buzz1fan]

We were at Bonnet creek around Christmas- at that time not much dining was open. We ate pool side which my boys loved for lunch and we went to dos ey springs for dinner. We did get danishes there at their coffee place in the am.

we didn’t go over to Waldorf pool but we really enjoyed the lazy river. We did not have a patio/ balcony.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Feb 2022 might not offer many pool days but this pool is incredible.
Love the design because the lazy river winds under many bridges and the walking path with the bridges over the water creates many areas for lounge chairs to actually be close to the water with another central area for seating. So premium seating in abundance . The slide is near the Bar with lifeguards. This bar has 2 outdoor seating fireplace areas and attentive staff actually filling orders frequently for loungers poolside. They were always walking around keeping an eye on refill needs, etc.
Also when you enter the lobby their is a bar that overlooks the entire pool with 2 fireplace glass enclosed modern looking seating. I have enjoyed watching many storms roll in along with the view of golf course, etc. The walk from Hilton to Waldorf is very relaxing and views from room amazing. The restaurant on lower level is great for breakfast and dinner. The lobby has a quick service with fresh bakery items and coffee and ice cream and sandwiches chips water, etc. I love the Hilton Bonnet Creek!
p.s. I am DVC member but have never stayed at OKW ...

 

[SwanVT2]

Feb 2022 might not offer many pool days but this pool is incredible.
Love the design because the lazy river winds under many bridges and the walking path with the bridges over the water creates many areas for lounge chairs to actually be close to the water with another central area for seating. So premium seating in abundance . The slide is near the Bar with lifeguards. This bar has 2 outdoor seating fireplace areas and attentive staff actually filling orders frequently for loungers poolside. They were always walking around keeping an eye on refill needs, etc.
Also when you enter the lobby their is a bar that overlooks the entire pool with 2 fireplace glass enclosed modern looking seating. I have enjoyed watching many storms roll in along with the view of golf course, etc. The walk from Hilton to Waldorf is very relaxing and views from room amazing. The restaurant on lower level is great for breakfast and dinner. The lobby has a quick service with fresh bakery items and coffee and ice cream and sandwiches chips water, etc. I love the Hilton Bonnet Creek!

We come down from VT so as long as it is in the 70s we get on the pool! Sounds really nice. Wonder when they will release Feb. 2022 rates.

 

[SwanVT2]

Feb 2022 might not offer many pool days but this pool is incredible.
Love the design because the lazy river winds under many bridges and the walking path with the bridges over the water creates many areas for lounge chairs to actually be close to the water with another central area for seating. So premium seating in abundance . The slide is near the Bar with lifeguards. This bar has 2 outdoor seating fireplace areas and attentive staff actually filling orders frequently for loungers poolside. They were always walking around keeping an eye on refill needs, etc.
Also when you enter the lobby their is a bar that overlooks the entire pool with 2 fireplace glass enclosed modern looking seating. I have enjoyed watching many storms roll in along with the view of golf course, etc. The walk from Hilton to Waldorf is very relaxing and views from room amazing. The restaurant on lower level is great for breakfast and dinner. The lobby has a quick service with fresh bakery items and coffee and ice cream and sandwiches chips water, etc. I love the Hilton Bonnet Creek!
p.s. I am DVC member but have never stayed at OKW ...

Also do they have a shuttle to DS?

 

[A Mickeyfan]

We were at Bonnet creek around Christmas- at that time not much dining was open. We ate pool side which my boys loved for lunch and we went to dos ey springs for dinner. We did get danishes there at their coffee place in the am.

we didn’t go over to Waldorf pool but we really enjoyed the lazy river. We did not have a patio/ balcony.

Just a note in event you were to go, you pay parking at the Waldorf. We went to Bonnet Creek Thanksgiving weekend. My son in law drove to the Waldorf to use the gym and was charged $16 to park. He was there one hour.

 

[SwanVT2]

Just a note in event you were to go, you pay parking at the Waldorf. We went to Bonnet Creek Thanksgiving weekend. My son in law drove to the Waldorf to use the gym and was charged $16 to park. He was there one hour.

I just looked and saw their resort fee, which is definitely not helping with the cost comparison to OKW.

 

[AlexGreen91]

I just looked and saw their resort fee, which is definitely not helping with the cost comparison to OKW.

What is OKW and SSR short for? Mind blank

 

[SwanVT2]

What is OKW and SSR short for? Mind blank

Old key west and Saratoga Springs resort

 

[MrKnight]

Also do they have a shuttle to DS?

Yes, the resort offers a shuttle to DS and all four parks, see shuttle schedule here.

Regarding dining options, Hilton Bonnet Creek has literally has EIGHT restaurants on-site and they are all good, my personal favorite is the signature Italian restaurant La Luce in the Hilton lobby.

 

[Upatnoon]

Looking at Feb. 2022. We want to spend a week with a few days at Universal. Hilton Bonnet Creek looks really fun for 8 year old DD with lazy river and slide. But we like SSR/OKW because we can easily go to DS for more dining options. Question, how is the dining at Hilton and I know you can go to Waldorf, too? We won't have a car. Is there a quiet pool at Hilton or only go to Waldorf for quiet pool? Also, we do like having kitchenette and balcony at OKW/SSR to get fresh air. Opinions welcome!

I would suggest staying at a Universal resort for a few days while visiting those parks. They have excellent resorts, some with free Express passes.

With no car, I would stay at Saratoga. You just have so many more options there to can walk to.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Should Swan or Dolphin be considered also?
And the Grand Destino Tower rooms are incredible...

 

[DL1WDW2]

I just looked and saw their resort fee, which is definitely not helping with the cost comparison to OKW.

Are you DVC? or just renting at SSR or OKW? Cash stay would have hidden fees, I guess. It can be sticker shock.

 

[SwanVT2]

Should Swan or Dolphin be considered also?
And the Grand Destino Tower rooms are incredible...

We decided to rent points at SSR. We love the proximity to DS.

 

[SwanVT2]

Are you DVC? I am starting to consider the dues a “Perk” since we are seriously questioning definition online right now...

with all the extra hidden fees and price surge I expect the yearly maintenance dues will be a perk since I love not getting a checkout bill surprise shock. So it is a perk to me!
I posted this already but City of Lights (LasVegas)has added electric surcharge because we plug in too much... this was attempted at just one small location and made the news recently...now that would be a checkout shock.!.

We are not DVC.

 

[SwanVT2]

I would suggest staying at a Universal resort for a few days while visiting those parks. They have excellent resorts, some with free Express passes.

With no car, I would stay at Saratoga. You just have so many more options there to can walk to.

We have decided to hold off on going to Universal. We will do Disney and discovery cove/Sea world this year. Dd really wants to swim with the dolphins!