Hilton DTD or Bonnet Creek? DECISION MADE!

[luckylady131]

Our family will be visiting WDW for the first time this year. We plan on going the week after Thanksgiving for a week. We have enough Hilton points that we should be able to stay the entire week for free. Thus we are choosing to do this instead of a resort.

Can anyone tell the pros/cons of both of these hotels? We will be traveling with a 4.5 year old and a 9 month old. We plan on driving to Orlando, so we will have our own car. But if it's more convenient we can take the buses to the parks.

How convenient are these hotels to the parks? I understand Bonnet Creek is newer and located a little more centrally to the parks.

Being that we will be there in December, the pools aren't so much a big deal, but how are the other kid facilities? Are there playgrounds? Do they offer character meals? I've looked online, but the site seems to cater more toward the business traveler, and I couldn't find much in regards to children accomodations.

How's the dining for these hotels? I can see pics online of course, just wondering what people's actual experiences were.

Just trying to find the right hotel for us. If there are other Hilton suggestions as well, please send them my way!! Thanks!
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UPDATE: DECISION MADE!

Okay, spoke with the Hubby and here's what we decided:

Stay 4 nights at the DTD Hilton on Hilton points

Then

Stay the remaining 4 nights at Bonnet Creek!!! Woo-hoo! I think that's the best of both worlds!!

I have just emailed Ken about staying at Bonnet Creek. Any other advice??

 

[gatorchinsky]

We have stayed at both and they both are good, but we like Bonnet Creek better because it is newer and more to our liking. DTD has EMH which Bonnet Creek does not so that is definitely a plus, but the time of year you are going, that probably wouldn't make much of a difference. We have only used the bus from DTD and it wasn't too bad. It makes stops at 4 different hotels, but DTD is the first pick up (I believe) and the first drop off. We always drive (we live close) and we have APs so parking is free for us at the parks. Bonnet Creek's property is much bigger and definitely prettier. The pool is amazing. I can't comment on food, but if you did not eat at the hotels (which I prefer not to do), you can always walk to DTD (from Hilton DTD) for some meals. We have a 6 year old, but have not really done any children's activities. I believe both have activities, but can't help you on that one. We are actually staying at Bonnet Creek this weekend. I have heard that they do poolside movies so we will see about that.

I think either would be good. I guess it all depends on what you really want to do.

 

[dpndka]

We've only stayed at the Bonnet Creek and we absolutely love it. we're returning next weekend for a quick getaway to enjoy some of the kids activities they have planned for the long weekend and spend a day at sea world.

Here's what I like about the hotel.

• Its new so the rooms are in perfect shape and beds are super comfortable. A big plus after a tiring day at the parks. I think we initially picked this hotel over the DTD Hilton because this one has 2 queen beds instead of 2 doubles. The rooms are a good size.
• Kids eat free with paying adult for Breakfast & Dinner at the Harvest Bistro. Their breakfast buffet is definitely worth the $19pp because it is very good, but you can order a la carte also.
• The pool, kids love it. Zero entry pool, there is a lazy river, kiddie pool, and a water slide.
• You can use the facilities available at the Waldorf Astoria next door. WA kids club & restaurants as well as the Golf club. The kids club is for ages 5 and up only.
• The busses to parks are very comfortable and are always on time.

What I don't like.

• $13/day for self park or $20/day for valet.
• Other than the pool and pool activities planned by hotel, there isn't much for kids to do at the hotel.
• No microwaves in room. Refrigerator by request and only if available.

How convenient are these hotels to the parks? I understand Bonnet Creek is newer and located a little more centrally to the parks.
The hotel is conveniently located. HS & Epcot are about 5 mins drive. MK is maybe 10 and AK is about 12 mins. IMO driving was much faster than taking the bus. The bus is best for MK because it runs every 30 mins

Being that we will be there in December, the pools aren't so much a big deal, but how are the other kid facilities? Are there playgrounds? Do they offer character meals? We were there last December and it was warm enough to swim. There are no playgrounds, they have some kids activites like arts crafts, movies etc at the pool but that's about it. No character meals.

How's the dining for these hotels? We loved room service & Harvest Bistro for breakfast. HB has themed dinner buffet on some nights. we tried Italian one time and it was fairly good. Along with Italian choices they had some "American" kids choices like chicken fingers, fries etc. Planning to try La Luce next weekend.

 

[spiceycat]

both have free transportation to the parks.

dd has EMH at all the WDW parks - but it is a hotel. So you can only get a hotel room.

with BC you can get a 2-bedroom villa.

would rather have a 2-bedroom villa than a hotel room. just depends upon how much EMH means to you. with your kids ages it would come in handy.

 

[scubamouse]

• $13/day for self park or $20/day for valet.
• Other than the pool and pool activities planned by hotel, there isn't much for kids to do at the hotel.
• No microwaves in room. Refrigerator by request and only if available.

Are you saying that Bonnet Creek doesn't have fridges or microwaves in what's advertised as full kitchen? Just wasn't sure if you were talking about BC or Hilton DTD

 

[grandmadebby]

Are you saying that Bonnet Creek doesn't have fridges or microwaves in what's advertised as full kitchen? Just wasn't sure if you were talking about BC or Hilton DTD

There are 2 Bonnet Creeks. 1 is a Wyndham Resort which is beautiful the other is a Hilton Hotel, which I have enver stayed at.

 

[luckylady131]

Hilton DTD had character breakfasts, and I think this is the one I will book. I like that it's located in DTD so there are more dining/shopping choices just for strolling.

 

[luckylady131]

There are 2 Bonnet Creeks. 1 is a Wyndham Resort which is beautiful the other is a Hilton Hotel, which I have enver stayed at.

From what I understand, there is a Wyndham Resort hotel adjacent to the Hiton Bonnet Creek hotel. But Bonnet Creek is a Hilton hotel. The other Hilton hotel is located in Downtown Disney.

 

[elfew]

We have stayed at both properties. Hate to add to your decision, but you may want to consider the DTD DoubleTree Resort. You will have a suite with refrigerator, sink, microwave and table to sit at. It is two rooms, so a bit more room for the little ones.

With respect to the Hiltons...we prefer the Bonnet Creek Hilton. But, we did not have a refrigerator, did not think to ask for one. The pool area is beautiful, but at the time you are going, it may be too cool.

We don't use transportation, we always rent a car, so I can't help you with that. If you do stay at the DoubleTree, request a room away from the bus stop...it can be a bit loud with the buses.

Good luck!

 

[luckylady131]

We have stayed at both properties. Hate to add to your decision, but you may want to consider the DTD DoubleTree Resort. You will have a suite with refrigerator, sink, microwave and table to sit at. It is two rooms, so a bit more room for the little ones.

With respect to the Hiltons...we prefer the Bonnet Creek Hilton. But, we did not have a refrigerator, did not think to ask for one. The pool area is beautiful, but at the time you are going, it may be too cool.

We don't use transportation, we always rent a car, so I can't help you with that. If you do stay at the DoubleTree, request a room away from the bus stop...it can be a bit loud with the buses.

Good luck!

Can you tell me why you prefered Bonnet Creek? It's preferences that I am looking for to help me make a decision.

Double Tree is part of the awards program, but I think the points were different. I will have to look at it again. We can upgrade to a suite or something like that with all our points.

 

[elfew]

We liked Bonnet Creek better because:
pool area is much nicer with more to do...
rooms slightly bigger and nicer
lobby area was elegant, and not as crowded as DTD Hilton
more centrally located to the parks
seemed like there were better food choices
great service

If you could use your points to upgrade to a larger room there, that would be great. We have stayed at the DTD DoubleTree several times and have been very happy there too. I think the points are a bit less for a stay there. We use our points to stay as well!

Anyway, you can't go wrong with any of the choices!! Plus, you're at Disney!!

Good luck!

 

[luckylady131]

We liked Bonnet Creek better because:
pool area is much nicer with more to do...
rooms slightly bigger and nicer
lobby area was elegant, and not as crowded as DTD Hilton
more centrally located to the parks
seemed like there were better food choices
great service

If you could use your points to upgrade to a larger room there, that would be great. We have stayed at the DTD DoubleTree several times and have been very happy there too. I think the points are a bit less for a stay there. We use our points to stay as well!

Anyway, you can't go wrong with any of the choices!! Plus, you're at Disney!!

Good luck!

Thanks for the specifics.

Is the pool heated? We will be going first week of December - will the pool be warm enough to use?

I know Bonnet Creek is closer to the parks, but do they have buses/transportation that runs more frequently than the DT location?

What all is there to do in DTD? I thought that the DT location might be better to be able to stroll around through there on a down day or something.

 

[wed100105]

From what I understand, there is a Wyndham Resort hotel adjacent to the Hiton Bonnet Creek hotel. But Bonnet Creek is a Hilton hotel. The other Hilton hotel is located in Downtown Disney.

Yes, there are two. One is a timeshare property owned by Wyndham Resorts. (That was the one I was referring to earlier.) The other is by the Hilton.

I would suggest the timeshare property, but I'm an owner there so I'm very bias! I love, love, love having a living room, kitchen, washer/dryer, and large bedroom. My husband and I bought into Wyndham at Bonnet Creek on our honeymoon almost five years ago. We've stayed in maybe 10 hotels since then and always complain that we miss having the timeshare properties on those stays. We LOVE having the extra space.

Prices range from $80-120 on average for a two bedroom unit. You can find a lot of rentals at redweek.com. Other posters recommend Ken Price. You can check out the I loooove Bonnet Creek thread here on Disboards.

 

[polkadotminnie]

We have stayed at both. We prefer the Hilton Bonnet Creek over the DTD one. It has a much more upscale feel and is more relaxing. The pool area is gorgeous. I am not sure about swimming in December since we were there in June. The Hilton DTD feels chaotic to me. But the Hilton DTD is more convenient if you won't have a car since you can catch a Disney bus across the street. If you end up getting a junior suite on the club floor at DTD, request to be away from the club room as it is so noisy in the morning. Other guests can be very inconsiderate and noisy! We did not eat at either resort since we always go to Bahama Breeze and the Orlando Ale House while there. Have fun with whatever you choose!

 

[luckylady131]

We have stayed at both. We prefer the Hilton Bonnet Creek over the DTD one. It has a much more upscale feel and is more relaxing. The pool area is gorgeous. I am not sure about swimming in December since we were there in June. The Hilton DTD feels chaotic to me. But the Hilton DTD is more convenient if you won't have a car since you can catch a Disney bus across the street. If you end up getting a junior suite on the club floor at DTD, request to be away from the club room as it is so noisy in the morning. Other guests can be very inconsiderate and noisy! We did not eat at either resort since we always go to Bahama Breeze and the Orlando Ale House while there. Have fun with whatever you choose!

Thanks for the info. BC being more upscale is kind of what is throwing me. I am not sure I want to take a 4 year old and a 9 month old to a super upscale hotel like that. I see all the rave reviews about it though. I'm so torn.

I seem to keep coming back the Hilton DTD for some reason. I know that BC is newer (and I think that seems to draw a lot of people). But not having a car - Hilton DTD being so much closer to DTD is a plus, having a character breakfast for my 4 year old is a major plus (I plan to do some others in the parks as well).

I know the lazy river is awesome BC, but being that we will be there in December, will it be heated? Does DTD Hilton have a heated pool? Beds don't really matter. If we end up at BC, then we will probably do queen beds. If we end up in DTD, then we will do a king. The baby will be in a pack n play.

I will need a refigerator as I breastfeed, and will have to have a place to store breastmilk. Do both BC and DTD hiltons offer this? Or is it something I will have to specifically ask for?

Why does it seem chaotic to you? Just more people? More people in and out? Just loud in general?

I feel like if I can just decide this, then everything else will be a breeze!!! Part of me says it really doesn't matter which one, because they are both Hiltons and therefore they both will be decent. Since this is our first trip, what I don't know what hurt me (by knowing the differences in the hotels). But the other part of me is wanting to get everything right, and I don't want to be disappointed by my choice! Especially since my husband is making me plan this trip. I REALLY don't want to give him any ammo for arguments!!

 

[polkadotminnie]

Thanks for the info. BC being more upscale is kind of what is throwing me. I am not sure I want to take a 4 year old and a 9 month old to a super upscale hotel like that. I see all the rave reviews about it though. I'm so torn.

I seem to keep coming back the Hilton DTD for some reason. I know that BC is newer (and I think that seems to draw a lot of people). But not having a car - Hilton DTD being so much closer to DTD is a plus, having a character breakfast for my 4 year old is a major plus (I plan to do some others in the parks as well).

I know the lazy river is awesome BC, but being that we will be there in December, will it be heated? Does DTD Hilton have a heated pool? Beds don't really matter. If we end up at BC, then we will probably do queen beds. If we end up in DTD, then we will do a king. The baby will be in a pack n play.

I will need a refigerator as I breastfeed, and will have to have a place to store breastmilk. Do both BC and DTD hiltons offer this? Or is it something I will have to specifically ask for?

Why does it seem chaotic to you? Just more people? More people in and out? Just loud in general?

I feel like if I can just decide this, then everything else will be a breeze!!! Part of me says it really doesn't matter which one, because they are both Hiltons and therefore they both will be decent. Since this is our first trip, what I don't know what hurt me (by knowing the differences in the hotels). But the other part of me is wanting to get everything right, and I don't want to be disappointed by my choice! Especially since my husband is making me plan this trip. I REALLY don't want to give him any ammo for arguments!!

Since you are going in December and will not have a car then DTD might be a better fit for you. Transportation will be much easier from there. We were there last summer on our way to Sanibel Island. We went to Aquatica so we did not swim at that resort. It just seemed chaotic since it was much busier. The only loud part that I noticed was coming from the club level lounge. There was a lot of clanging plates and loud guests that started waaayyy earlier than I was wanting. If you get a room away from there, you should be fine. It is a nice hotel. It is right across the street from DTD so there are lots of dining options there. The Earl of Sandwich is very good and reasonable. Have fun and don't second guess yourself too much. Go with what is easiest since your kids are young. My youngest is now 8 and it is so much easier to travel! except they argue now.

 

[elfew]

I know I'm going to sound like a broken record, but I would really look at the DTD DoubleTree. You can use Hilton Honors points there and you get a two room suite, with refrigerator and microwave at no extra cost. You can get two double beds or a king bed in the bedroom.

You can walk to DTD from the DoubleTree - it takes about 5 minutes. The breakfast is very nice in the morning and it is a very comfortable hotel.

If we are going for longer than 3 days, we stay at the DoubleTree.

The pool is heated at BC Hilton, but when we went down in January it was still too cold to swim in the water... Also, the BC Hilton may feel a bit more upscale, but it is NOT family UN-friendly in any way. We always rent a car, so I can't tell you about the bus transportation from any of the locations.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

We stayed at both in March.

IMO DTD Hilton is more of a business hotel and as previously mentioned it can be very busy. Especially in the "club" room

BC Hilton is new and it is just lovely!

DTD Hilton was "tired" when we were there and in need of an upgrade.

My DH is a top level Hilton member and as such is somewhat picky on his hotel experiences because he travels a lot. Hands down the BC Hilton was much better. It was just more relaxing, as the grounds are beautiful.

I wouldn't describe the BC Hilton as "super upscale". The difference it BC is newer and thus nicer. DTD is much louder because the public areas are all in the opened. You walk in and checkin is right in front of you. The rest is like a massive long hall (think airline terminal) with all the restaurants, bars, elevators, waiting areas, shops off that hall. This is why is seemed busy. We had to pass by the opened bar area each night to get to our set of elevators. A couple of nights the conventioneers with really "whooping" it up. Doesn't bother me at all, but to some it might. The BC Hilton just seemed to be better set up in public areas (because it is new)

Now, if you want "super upscale" try the Waldorf next door to the BC Hilton. We've stayed there too and it's wonderful!!!!!

 

[jtopicz1]

Have stayed at both and there is no comparison. Bonnet Creek Hilton is, IMO, far better than the Hilton DTD.

BC Hilton is new, has larger rooms, a very upscale lobby, good restaurants, a nice pool / lazy river. It also shares the grounds, as well as all ammenities with the Waldorf Astoria. Free Shuttle to Disney, yet far enough away to escape the crowds at the end of the day.

Hilton DTD is simply not on the same level. In my opinion, it is a 2.5 Star property at best. The common areas are old, and although well maintained, they seem dark and dreary. Definately caters to business people. Also, do NOT assume that because it is called the Hilton DTD that it is "IN" DTD. The hotel is in the DTD Resort area along with 5 or so other hotels. It is definately waling distance to DTD, but it is a walk.

Jim

 

[luckylady131]

I have to say - you aren't really helping me decide!!

I have gone ahead and reserved a room at the DTD Hilton. But now am having second thoughts. I will have to see if Hilton BC would require more points to stay there, and what the rate of the rooms are once the points are used up (about half the trip will be covered via points, the other half will be OOP). And now I will have to look into the Double Tree.

3 main reasons I went ahead with the DTD Hilton, is:

1. They offer EMH to guests. I was going to take advantage of some of the EMH park hours, but not necessary.

2. They have a character breakfast on Sunday mornings. I have 3 other character breakfasts planned throughout the trip, just thought we would get the trip started off with a character breakfast at the hotel the first morning we are there (we will arrive Saturday afternoon) for my 4 year old.

3. We will NOT have a car, and I liked the idea of being in walking distance of DTD.

Neither of these things is necessary of course. If you all feel that the BC Hilton or the Double Tree are better enough to make up for those 3 things, then I will definitely look into rebooking.

I will have to ask the Hubby what he thinks. We are strictly going off of what the HIlton website tells us, and this forum's opinions.