Non-DVC hotels for early arrival

[Disney On The Bayou]

Due to the threat of weather we arrived 2 days early for our 9 night OKW stay. Using loyalty points points from Sheraton and Hilton, we spent one night at the Dolphin and one at Bonnet Creek Hilton.

My recommendation if you want the closest feeling to a Disney resort, is definitely the Swan/Dolphin over the Bonnet Creek Hilton.

I was actually disappointed by the service at both of these hotels, but the transportation location of the Swan/Dolphin is on par or arguably better then many Disney resorts. As for the Bonnet Creek Hilton, it's a very nice hotel, rooms are nice and it as several good and convenient food and beverage options. However, I didn't find the transportIon very convenient. Its strongest amenity, was the free breakfast and kids 12 and under eat free.

Previous trips we stayed at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista , which I prefer over the Bonnet Creek location for just that, location.

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for the review.

 

[Judique]

Due to the threat of weather we arrived 2 days early for our 9 night OKW stay. Using loyalty points points from Sheraton and Hilton, we spent one night at the Dolphin and one at Bonnet Creek Hilton.

My recommendation if you want the closest feeling to a Disney resort, is definitely the Swan/Dolphin over the Bonnet Creek Hilton.

I was actually disappointed by the service at both of these hotels, but the transportation location of the Swan/Dolphin is on par or arguably better then many Disney resorts. As for the Bonnet Creek Hilton, it's a very nice hotel, rooms are nice and it as several good and convenient food and beverage options. However, I didn't find the transportIon very convenient. Its strongest amenity, was the free breakfast and kids 12 and under eat free.

Previous trips we stayed at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista , which I prefer over the Bonnet Creek location for just that, location.

Thanks for the review!

Two questions - what did the free breakfast include - hot items or just continental?

Do you know if they charge for parking and if so, how much?

I also have some (a lot) of loyalty points and this may be a convenient use for them.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

The Bonnet Creek Hilton offers a nice breakfast for Gold and Diamond members. In addition, to continental items it also includes bacon, eggs and potatoes. Nice setting as its in a restaurant.

I've stayed at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista and the lounge is continental only and small.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

Let me just say this about service. I was very unimpressed with the Hilton Bonnet Creek. Valet services were poor at best. Not very professional or friendly at all. I've seen others on here speak of the off-site property and the services as something of a luxury. I was beginning to buy into that theory until this trip. I think as frequent Disney Guest we get spoiled about how good and pleasant the overall level of service really is.

We're from the New Orleans area and the old line hotels in New Orleans have 30 year professionals at the service jobs and they earn great tips. These young ladies and gentlemen out here in Orlando seem untrained and not very professional, however, again I don't feel that way with Disney.

 

[Dean]

Due to the threat of weather we arrived 2 days early for our 9 night OKW stay. Using loyalty points points from Sheraton and Hilton, we spent one night at the Dolphin and one at Bonnet Creek Hilton.

My recommendation if you want the closest feeling to a Disney resort, is definitely the Swan/Dolphin over the Bonnet Creek Hilton.

I was actually disappointed by the service at both of these hotels, but the transportation location of the Swan/Dolphin is on par or arguably better then many Disney resorts. As for the Bonnet Creek Hilton, it's a very nice hotel, rooms are nice and it as several good and convenient food and beverage options. However, I didn't find the transportIon very convenient. Its strongest amenity, was the free breakfast and kids 12 and under eat free.

Previous trips we stayed at the Hilton Lake Buena Vista , which I prefer over the Bonnet Creek location for just that, location.

The options for Orlando in such a situation are staggering. One approach is to make it a time to try something else like Sea World or Universal or just get some down time. Personally I like some of the higher end timeshares for this situation such as the Hilton's, Marriott, Wyndham, Starwood and Bluegreen properties.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

The options for Orlando in such a situation are staggering. One approach is to make it a time to try something else like Sea World or Universal or just get some down time. Personally I like some of the higher end timeshares for this situation such as the Hilton's, Marriott, Wyndham, Starwood and Bluegreen properties.

Our best game plan is Swan / Dolphin, but this was last minute and I was unable to get both nights. We fly into Kissimmee airport, so we usually do taxis and car services, and prefer to be on or very near Disney.

When the kids get older we are going to do Universal.