I still don't "get" Bonnet Creek - please enlighten me!

[tentaguasu]

OK, I'm not quite understanding what Bonnet Creek IS.

I understand timeshares (I think).

I understand hotels.

I sort of understand people reselling unused timeshare space.

I'm not getting Bonnet Creek which seems to be a hybrid (maybe I just don't really get timeshares after all.)

If reserve a room like a hotel at Bonnet Creek, am I getting "unpurchased" timeshare space? What about if I get it through one of resellers recommended on this forum?

Are the rooms cleaned prior to my arrival by housekeeping staff or by the timeshare owner?

I guess I'm trying to figure out the difference between Bonnet Creek as a "timeshare resort" and the local hotel. (for me, as a person who's not going to buy a timeshare...)

Recommendations of Ebay vs. one of the resellers mentioned here?

 

[Senator Tressel]

It's the same thing as staying in a hotel except you do not get daily maid service (though you can pay extra for this). Every room is cleaned by the resort prior to new guests arriving. You rent from a Wyndham owner.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

We've stayed there twice as guests of owners, and it's mostly a timeshare with the option of room rentals. This time around, our 2BR condo (not deluxe - booked on short notice) had a rental rate of $299 per night per the hotel sheet in the closet.

Our kids LOVE staying there, and would camp out in the lazy river by building 5 if they could...

 

[JimMIA]

If reserve a room like a hotel at Bonnet Creek, am I getting "unpurchased" timeshare space?

If you rent directly from Wyndham, you could be getting inventory from one of a variety of sources: unsold timeshares, sold inventory which is not being used by an owner, or sold inventory which has been exchanged through RCI. As a practical matter, it doesn't make any difference to you. You are paying a fairly high price and dealing directly with Wyndham.

Dealing directly with Wyndham, you may get daily housekeeping (I'm not sure how WBC does that; check with the resort directly.)

To further confuse matters, there is the Wyndham Grand Hotel at Bonnet Creek. Same property, different building, shares all of the amenities of the timeshare property. That is a typical hotel rental with some extra benefits.

What about if I get it through one of resellers recommended on this forum?

If you rent from anyone other than Wyndham directly, you are renting sold inventory from a Wyndham points owner -- either directly, or indirectly through one of the brokers. You will pay a far lower price, but your transaction is directly with the owner and you are subject to that particular owner's policies for things like booking and cancellation, etc.

That owner, incidentally, may not own at Bonnet Creek. Wyndham's timeshare division has roughly 80 resorts and owners at any resort could rent you a room at WBC. I own at Wyndham Great Smoky Mountains and I've both stayed at WBC and gotten rooms for friends and family there.

Are the rooms cleaned prior to my arrival by housekeeping staff or by the timeshare owner?

By the resort housekeeping staff.

 

[tentaguasu]

Thanks to all - the responses helped a lot.

Now I just have to figure out who to try and buy from!

 

[AndyFL]

Thanks to all - the responses helped a lot.

Now I just have to figure out who to try and buy from!

I've bought a couple times off Ebay and had no issues. My Wife and kids actually prefer Bonnet Creek to a Disney property.

 

[horseshowmom]

I've bought a couple times off Ebay and had no issues. My Wife and kids actually prefer Bonnet Creek to a Disney property.

I have friends who just got back from a trip to Disney. Several months ago, she called me to ask about rental houses because she knew we have done that a lot. I gave her some information but told her that I would really recommend WBC above the house due to location. I told her to contact Ken Price to check on pricing.

She wound up with a 3BR Memorial Day week for $120 a night and was absolutely thrilled. She texted me the day after they got there and said it was even better than they had imagined. Talked to her after the trip, and she said they couldn't wait to go back. She was amazed that they could stay in lodging like that, that close to Disney, compared to what Disney lodging costs.

 

[labdogs42]

So, how do I get a price for a room at Bonnett Creek? And who is ken Price?

 

[horseshowmom]

So, how do I get a price for a room at Bonnett Creek? And who is ken Price?

http://www.vacationupgrades.com will get you to Ken's website. While I haven't used him personally, lots of folks on the Dis have (I actually went through ebay). My understanding is that he will automatically recheck your reservation for you at the 90 day (I think that's right) point where the prices drop and adjust your reservation for you if he's able. There's a long thread about Bonnet Creek on this board where you can get additional information about both BC and Ken.