Opinions of Regal Palms vs. Bonnet Creek

[FayeW]

I would really like to stay at Bonnet Creek when we visit in Dec. I have made contact with an owner, but I have not finalized the dates or reserved the condo yet. Today, I found amazing rates at Regal Palms for a 3 bdrm townhouse (BC condo was 2 bdrm). Both resorts have a lazy river. RP has a cool looking pool slide, but BC is more elegant looking, and right in the thick of things (not sure where RP is located). Has anyone, by some miracle, either stayed at or toured either or both of these properties? There is about $150. in the difference of the two, with BC being the most expensive. Any opinions are appreciated!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

We stayed at BC in December and absolutely loved it. The decor was quite nice, and we had an awesome view of the Epcot nightly fireworks right from our balcony. The kids loved the pool as did I. It was actually a very fast lazy river, (faster than others we have used) There is a nice game room for the kids, free pool and free internet. There is a nice little place to get something to eat by the pool with reasonable prices. Honestly we have also stayed at OKW and BC compares favorably. YOu really feel onsite. I nothing about the other place, but I would say go for the BC. $150.00 is really not a big difference if you factor in travel time.


Good Luck

 

[heatherbelle]

If you do a search under Regal palms, you will find posts from Heather C, and other DIS people who have stayed a regal palms. I think Heather C is there now.

You could send a PM to ask for advice.

I rented through a private owner, and am going in October.

Here is the address http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/floridaholidayhome/323.htm

 

[FayeW]

If you do a search under Regal palms, you will find posts from Heather C, and other DIS people who have stayed a regal palms. I think Heather C is there now.

You could send a PM to ask for advice.

I rented through a private owner, and am going in October.

Here is the address http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/floridaholidayhome/323.htm

Thanks, I had done a search and I did see some of HeatherC's reviews, the place sounds amazing! Thank you for the link, I have emailed the owners to see about rate/availability. We are planning a more relaxing visit this time, with a coupld of dedicated "relax by the pool" days. I think the kids would enjoy it.

Momtomootoo,
I love the luxurious look of Bonnet Creek also. The $150 difference is really immaterial, as we were planning a cruise, but after deciding to cancel, will splurge a little on the accomodations. It is a really tough decision!

 

[heatherbelle]

To confuse you even more. Have you had a look at Orange lake. That will have a lazy river around June time.

Oooooooo! They all look lovely. Where ever you go, you'll have a fab time.

 

[FayeW]

Heatherbelle, if I could get OLCC via skyauction I would take it in a heartbeat! We've been to Orlando twice, and stayed in a total of 3 hotel/resorts, but they have all been in the Lake Buena Vista area (CPGV, Sheraton Safari, Brian's Spanish Cove).We are very comfortable driving in that area, and I am a little nervous about Regal Palms, Windsor Hills, OLCC, etc. That was one of the main reasons for considering Bonnet Creek (aside from the gorgeous, luxurious accomodations!) Am I worrying about the locations for nothing? We will be going to US/IOA for the first 2-3 days of our trip, and have booked separate accomodations for those days, but ideally, I would like to stay in one resort for the full 9 days if I can, but I really have no idea how convenient RP or OLCC is to Universal (or disney, for that matter).

 

[heatherbelle]

Heatherbelle, if I could get OLCC via skyauction I would take it in a heartbeat! We've been to Orlando twice, and stayed in a total of 3 hotel/resorts, but they have all been in the Lake Buena Vista area (CPGV, Sheraton Safari, Brian's Spanish Cove).We are very comfortable driving in that area, and I am a little nervous about Regal Palms, Windsor Hills, OLCC, etc. That was one of the main reasons for considering Bonnet Creek (aside from the gorgeous, luxurious accomodations!) Am I worrying about the locations for nothing? We will be going to US/IOA for the first 2-3 days of our trip, and have booked separate accomodations for those days, but ideally, I would like to stay in one resort for the full 9 days if I can, but I really have no idea how convenient RP or OLCC is to Universal (or disney, for that matter).

Faye

I've been told by other people who have stayed at Regal Palms, that it takes around 15 to 20 mins to Disney. It is suppose to be quicker to go down to the i4 and then up to Disney and down world drive rather than use the 192. It is suppose to have lots of traffic lights on it. You may know better than me.

Have you looked at trip advisor. I would also PM Heather C and onlyone and ask them. Driving doesn't bother us either, last year we stayed next door to the safari, but wanted something a little bit fancy. Hence Regal palms won because everyone liked the lazy river. Can't wait. When are you planning to go.

 

[FayeW]

We will be in Orlando from Nov 30-Dec 9th. I can stay the whole time at Regal Palms for $99. per night. I think that is what we are going to do, because the total for 9 nights is less than Bonnet Creek for 7, and we won't have the trouble of changing resorts (and transporting food, etc.).

 

[onlyoneforme]

You will LOVE the Regal Palms! We did...
(Or at least I hope you love it)

 

[HeatherC]

FayeW - Saw your post and had to respond. We just got back two days ago from Regal Palms and had an awesome time. I don't know anything about Bonnet Creek, but the location can't be beat. I think I may actually recommend staying there because it is practically "onsite".

We actually rented through the owner on the link that Heatherbelle listed. This was our second time renting from him and our trip was as great as the first.

The drive is definitely further from other resorts, but it doesn't bother us. The quickest way to Disney for us is actually left out of the Resort onto 27 north. Then about 2 miles down get on 192 and take this to Black Lake Road. Make a left and at the end of this road - about a mile? - make another left. This is the back way in to Disney and brings you right near the Animal Kingdom.

Any other questions, I would be happy to answer. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip no matter where you stay.

HeatherC

 

[Scotfan]

I.m just back from Regal Palms and Vistana - a week in each - much prefered vistana for location. RP was full of brits and I was one of them. I dont expect to go to florida to be surrounded by Londoners. lol.
Our toilet roll ( is that what you call it?) ran out at RP and we had to buy our own - couldnt believe it.
Bar and restaurant prices were expensive too.
It didnt take long into WDW the back way but it could eat into your day.

 

[FayeW]

Thanks Heather C and Scotfan!

Looks like we are all renting from the same owner - that speaks volumes about the accomodations and service! I have enjoyed my dealings with him so far. We have decided on Regal Palms, and the distance from the parks is actually considered a plus, for us. We have a habit of trying to do too much, so we are hoping that if it is not as convenient to "run over to Universal because we still have 2 days left on our 5 day pass" we might actually relax around the resort! We want to have at least a couple of days or half days where we just hang around the pool.

Scotfan, I'm fond of Brits, I think Canadians have more in common with folks from the UK, we don't take ourselves very seriously.

Thanks for the directions!

 

[BANNISTER]

Can anyone help with information on how one goes about booking at Bonnett Creek - I remember passing by it while on Disney bus transportation and it seems 'on property' and wondering how the rates are, size of rooms, etc.

 

[FayeW]

I have a membership with redweek.com, so I made contact with the owner directly from an ad she had placed there. It costs about $10. for a 6 month membership, I just renewed mine for a full year for $14.95. You can review the ads, read reviews, etc without a membership, but I think you need a membership to respond to a posting. They have "for rent" and "for sale" listings.

Be careful about refering to Bonnet Creek as "on property"...I know what you mean, but although it is right in the middle of Disney property it isn't classified as "on property" because it is owned by Fairfield, not WDW, and therefore it does not have any of the Disney amenities (bus service, dining plan, EMH, etc.) I'm sure you know this but on another thread they were getting pretty worked up about it in case somebody read "on property" and didn't know it wasn't Disney owned.

 

[BANNISTER]

Help! What is redweek.com? I will look it up. Thanks for your help. Anyone know room size or rates? Will our family of 5 fit in one room. Thanks for your help.

 

[FayeW]

They have 1,2 & 3 bdrm suites. I had a quote for $899. for 7 nights for a 2 bdrm, which would be enough space for your family of 5.

Redweek.com is a rental/resale site for timeshare owners. It is a great resource because it gives you reviews of the resorts as well. You can search by location, or by the name of the resort.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Be careful about refering to Bonnet Creek as "on property"...I know what you mean, but although it is right in the middle of Disney property it isn't classified as "on property"

Actually (honestly not trying to be a pick, but rather just be informative), the Bonnet Creek Resort is not remotely in the middle of Disney property. It is on the side of the property, as well as I-4.
I don't even know if Fairfield owns the property that joins Disney property, as the resort is set back on a large parcel of non-Disney land owned by a larger developer.

With that said, it's closer to Epcot and The Boardwalk than many on-site resorts.

MG