Beemitchcowski
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2011
- Messages
- 289
Hello
We just got back yesterday from our vaca at Bonnet Creek! We really enjoyed ourselves. The only "bummer" was that we didn't get the view that we wanted..we got 5th floor parking lot view...yuck...and bell services took 3 trips to bring up our order from Wegoshop....It was alot of bags..but its not like they said.."oh wait..you have more..."...The first time..was wait..this doesn't look like all the groceries..this is only the frozen items...so I called...and they brought up some other refrigerated items and other dry goods...then I was like..wait..I didn't get my cases of bottled water....other than that....it was GREAT!
Here is my review..I first posted it on FB for my FB friends that wanted to know about our trip..so sorry..this is a "cut and paste". 
As I sit here....with suitcases all around me...I think..what is better than upacking from a vacation? Writing on facebook about it! LOL!
We just got back from a 9 night vacation at the "Happiest Place on Earth"--Walt Disney World!..It was our second vacation to Disney (our last one was in September). Both vacations were considered "Off site" Disney vacations...meaning we didn'tstay at one of many Disney owned properties...to be honest...we just couldn't afford it. Yes, Disney has many "value" priced accomodations that would be in our price range, but we really wanted to have a seperate sleeping area for our children..
I also had to consider that since Tyler has Autism...it comes hand in hand with his Sensory Processing Disorder..meaning what may be a little overwhelming for you is VERY overwhelming for him....and that we needed somewhere quiet and relaxing for him when we decided that we have had enough "magic" for the day. Before our first vacation..I did oodles and oodles of research...I googled "Autistic Child at Walt Disney World".. Onsite vs Offsite...Cheap Disney Vacations...I asked people that I knew that have been to Disney (most that have stayed onsite...and they LOVED it...which I'll admit..once we made the decision to stay offisite..I was nervous..lol).
I was finally guided to the lovely "Disboards" which is a resource that EVERYONE needs to check out before going to Disney...Its a great forum filled with people that are obsessed with planning their vacations....and people that are willing to give honest feedback about ANYTHING pertaining to your Disney vacation! www.disboards.com There is a HUGE section on staying offsite during a Disney vacation on that forum. There I found that alot of people that stay offsite stay at a Vacation Home complex called Windsor Hills (this is where we stayed during our first trip to Disney)--LOVED IT! The home that we stayed at is Called "LETS GO SEE MICKEY". They have a website www.letsgoseemickey.com. I originally found their listing on www.homeaway.com. I also found information on the Disboards (Actually they have a thread that is many many pages long) about Wyndham Bonnet Creek--a timeshare resort (however you DO NOT need to be an owner to rent there). We stayed at Bonnet Creek during this vacation because I have heard such great things about the resort and I wanted a different "feel" this time around. We made our reservations from Ken and Denise Price of www.vacationupgrades.com. We went during "value season" . Their "value season pricing is $120/night which includes EVERYTHING..no taxes..no fees..free parking! I highly recommend checking them out if you consider renting a unit at Bonnet Creek!
So here is my reivew (actually I am going to review BOTH places..because I loved them BOTH!) On the DisBoards..there are many threads comparing Windsor Hills and Bonnet Creek..and basically the comparison goes like this: Windsor Hills is like staying at a relatives very nice vacation home that just happens to be a stones throw away from Disney....and Bonnet Creek is more of an active resort. Both are very nice..and you really can't go wrong with either one!
RENTING A CAR:
If you stay offsite, It is HIGHLY recommended to rent a car (unless you are driving to Orlando). We rented both times through Alamo and buy seriously stalking thier site and using coupon codes (we are Costco members..so this last trip..I used their code)..We havent' paid over $140 for a minivan and our trips have been just over a week!. This last trip, I actually just rented a fullsize car. Since Orlando gets SOOOOO many rental cars in..they usually have a large overflow of minivans and sometimes you can snag a minivan because due to the overflow..they put them in the "fullsize" section (hint hint). We rented a fullsize car..but due to timing ..they didn't have any fullsize availalbe (they were cleaning them). We asked if we could have a minivan..and the guy said YES! SCORE!--A minivan for $105!--TAXES..EVERYTHING. Our gas cost was about $40---13 gallons of gas used driving back and forth for 9 days..)...So that's how we got around all week!
SHUTTLE BUSES:
Both Windsor Hills and Bonnet Creek offer shuttles..we didn't use either of thier services. Windsor hills..has a fee..and from what I can remember..its quite pricey. Bonnet Creek..its complimentary. I could actually see the bus stop from our room. I saw tons of people using the shuttles and it looked like they had a pretty good system. I wanted to try them out..however they DON'T accept strollers!
I did consider taking just Tyler for a few evenings to the parks..and then I would of used their transportation ( I hate to drive..at anytime!) I believe the Bonnet Creek buses run about every half hour in the morning..and then they stop in the mid afternoon for a few hours and then pick up again in the evening.
PRICING
We ended up paying a little bit more for Windsor Hills...but during our Windsor Hills vacation..we had our sister coming with (3rd adult) so we really wanted a 3rd Bedroom and Bonnet Creeks 3 bedroom units can be pricey. Also, at Windsor Hills we had our very own Private Splash Pool! WE LOVED having that! Tyler got to splash around in the pool (Its only about 3 1/2 ft deep and he can swim!) while Daddy would grill!
PROXIMITY/PARKING:
Next...Proximity to Parks...the HUGE selling points for both Windsor Hills and Bonnet Creek is proximity to the Walt Disney World gates! Windsor Hills is the closets Vacation home Community to Walt Disney World. Bonnet Creek is actually WITHIN THE GATES! So I would say that Bonnet Creek is a little bit more convenient. For anyone vacationing at Windsor Hills...I recommend taking a back road to the parks. Its called Sherbeth road...nice and convenient as well. The closest park to Windsor Hills is Animal Kingdom. The closest Park to Bonnet Creek is Hollywood Studios (which is my son's favorite!). On our first morning in Hollywood Studios (from Bonnet Creek) it took about 15 minutes because of traffic and we had to pay for parking (actually its free because we got Annual Passes at the end of our September trip). One day on our way back to Bonnet Creek...It seriously only took like 4 minutes to get back to Bonnet Creek from Hollywood Studios!--Seriously..I don't think that time can be beat unless you are staying at an Epcot Resort and you walk to Hollywood Studios. I don't remember the exact time it took to get to Animal Kingdom to Windsor Hills...but I believe it was under 10 minutes. PLUS when you stay at Windsor Hills...you park RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR! (If you rent a townhome or villa...condos..no). What is better than not having to walk all.the.way. to your car with bags..strollers...especially if you have a tired kid? Nothing! That was HUGE selling point for us and something that I did miss when we stayed at Bonnet Creek...now the parking at Bonnet Creek wasn't too bad..but if you arrive back late at night....you have to use the parking garage for parking...we had to do that a few times....but still...compare it to walking to busses or walking to a parking lot at a Disney resort...the same. Now I will admit..the HUGE difference in the commute from Magic Kingdom when you stay onsite/offsite is pretty darn big! 
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The whole...Driving/Parking at MK:
When you stay offsite and need to go to Magic Kingdom...First you have to drive to the Ticket and Transportation Center and Pay for Parking (maybe about 15 minutes depending on traffic). Then depending on how early you are and where you had to park...you have to take a parking tram. Some people complain about it...to us it wasn't that big of a deal..the kids loved it..and I had Andrew to help with the bulky stroller...after a couple of days using the parking trams (all parks have them)....its a no brainer..easy peasy..breeze! LOL! From the parking tram...you have to chose either the Monorail or the Boat to take you to the Magic Kingdom. Tyler LOOVED the monorail...and most kids do! (If you are staying at a Monorail Resort aka a Deluxe Resort--Poly..Grand Floridian..Contemporary) you can ride the monorail right from these resorts to Magic Kingdom and I believe Epcot too). When you get off the Boat/Monorail...you then walk to the turnstiles...so this process can take awhile when you are staying offsite..and make leaving for a mid day break...a little daunting. I suggest that if you are only going to have one or two "MK DAYS" to have those days be the ones where you have a dinner in the park. I would say..plan about an hour if you are staying offsite and commmuting to the Magic Kingdom.
My Opinion of Driving/Disney Transportation
I believe that even if we would of stayed "onsite" we probably would end up having a rental car anyways. Some people don't want to have to drive on vacation--can't blame them..I HATE DRIVING.PERIOD....but my husband doesn't!. We decided to use the Disney Buses one day on this trip just for giggles..and to "park hop". Even if you stay offsite..you can still use the Disney Busses to go from park to park...so we did...Honestly..I wasn't impressed the least bit..now maybe we didn't have a very "happy magical" bus driver...but we had to wait in line for a bus (we just missed the bus that came)...we waited..I don't know...10-15 minutes..so I would say it would be equal to taking a parking tram to your parking spot..actually..that took less time I think..and was more "entertaining--those tram drivers are quite funny". We got on the bus and luckily we were one of the first people so we got to sit..after a few minutes of being on the bus..and the seats where filled..people started standing in front of us..holding onto the "straps above"....so basically being surrounded by armpits! LOL! Andrew and I were not impressed enough for "Disney Transporation" to be the selling point of staying onsite..but that is just us...
[COLOR="DarkOrange"]I also want to add that Disney does a GREAT job with signage/directions/parking/tram service. Seriously...it couldn't be any easier for those who decide to drive themselves. The signs are very well marked and with a GPS as well...it made it practically flawless. Also, the parking attendents are very good..they will guide to to exactly where they want you to park...so its not like you are circling the lot like the day after Thanksgiving at Walmart! I know when I was doing research..I was worried about driving ourselves..I knew that having a child with Autism..that using Disney transporation (particularly if we were staying onsite--a "perk") that it may be too much for him...but I heard/read about people mentioning that it is so nice to let Disney do the driving..that it doesn't feel "vacationy" if you have to drive...that it could be a big hassle..takes so much time...yadda yadda. Now, I'll admit..we have never had an onsite stay..so we can't compare using disney transportation exclusively/driving ourselves....but once we finished our first vacation..we realized it wasn't a big deal..and then upon this vacation..we realized it was easy peasy! My DH and I had a "system" with transporting the kids...the oldest got himself in the car..I got the baby..and he put in/out the stroller. Several times (if not most) we were able to get a parking spot that was right next to where the parking tram would pick up..it was a few steps..and we were on a tram..the trams come constantly...so you are never waiting very long....Sure the car seemed a little "hot" at first..but we had a minivan..we opened up all the doors..and turned on the a/c....and we weren't in the car for very long anyways. The first trip we bought our tickets through AAA and were able to get the Diamond Parking Pass (It lets you park right next to handicapped parking)...boy do I wish I would of gotten a pass this time! It came in super handy...now most days we didn't get in the parks til 10am or later...so there is a chance that by this time...the Diamond Parking Lots are full....but still.1[/COLOR]
Accomodations--Both Places were very very nice and clean..updated decor! Our Windsor Hills townhome had 3 bedrooms ( 2 upstairs 1 downstairs..each room had its own bathroom). Our Bonnet Creek "villa" had 2 bedrooms. I would say that the feel of both of them were equal! Windsor Hills had a very cute upstairs bedroom for Tyler..He loooved having a Toy Story themed room--made it feel "DISNEY"! Windsor Hills had its own private splash pool and grill. Windsor Hills really did feel more like a "home" and had some touches that Bonnet Creek was lacking..for instance..the little things like plastic dishes for the little ones..a baby monitor...packnplay and highchair (without having to call Bell Services).
Pool area- Again..with Windsor Hills...we had our own private splash pool, however their community pool wasn't as nice and plush as Bonnet Creeks..Bonnet Creek has several pools/hot tubs and a lazy river! Every tower at Bonnet Creek has its own pool...however you can hop to each tower very easily and enjoy the various pools!
When we decided to rent the timeshare..I was scared about the "hassles"...We were never hassled..actually..we got to check into our villa before 2pm! (normal check in is 4pm)..We pulled up..Andrew walked in..and I would say in 15-20 minutes we had the keys and were walking into the tower! We did get a cruddy view (parking lot--I guess from some views you can see Epcots fireworks...we didn't...but oh well). When Andrew had to get the parking pass ( I guess this is when the hassling starts...lol...Andrew had to fill out an information card...he was upfront and asked "what do I HAVE TO FILL OUT)..basically..it was name and phone number...so he did..that's it..no birthdate...no income..nadda...we even unplugged our phones during most of our stay so we didn't get the phone calls.
How we saved $$$$$---We cooked Dinner almost every night during both vacations. To some people that isn't vacation..and I get that....however we needed to cut corners and I wasn't sure how well Tyler would handle a dining reservation every day while on vacationWhen I was initally planning our Disney Vacation..we were going to stay onsite and do the dining plan..because at first glance..it looks like such a good deal. (after all..kids can eat all day for $12.99??...Really...you can't beat that..especially with character dining). BUT..when I was doing the planning..and crunching the numbers..all I could think of/picture is paying all this money (Meal plan 2 adults..one kid...9 days= what..over 1k?...YIKES)...PLUS during our first vacation..our sister was coming to help..so she would of had to be included in the meal plan..and it was on the pricey side for her as well....and having Tyler having complete melt downs during the dining experiences that we have paid good money for...or being so tired/overstimulated that we can't do them...I was scared..at this point..we have never taken him to Disney..it could be a huge success..or a huge failure...either way...the trip will cost thousands. Now looking back..I guess we could of got "FREE DINING"..that would of been a $$ (but we still would of paid rack rate for a room)saver since we were 3 adults 1 kid..1 infant... but we didnt' want to be all crammed into one room...So I started looking offsite...looked at homeaway.com and found Windsor Hills! My husband was INSTANTLY sold on having a private splash pool..and for the PRICE!--YES!..(we were paying for our sisters accomodations..so this made if affordable for us!)..
With renting a home...you get a full kitchen...which makes it almost a "no brainer" about the decision of preparing some simple meals....rather than paying OOP for every meal at the parks. We ate a few Counter Service meals on our first trip..and I would say that for 2 adults and one kid..we didn't make it out for less than $40..and we didn't eat anything "special"....so even if we did just one counter service meal a day..we would be at nearly $400..and all we ate all week would be "fast food"...... Both times I used the service of WEGOSHOP. Its a grocery delivery service...you can specify what store you want your personal shopper to shop at..what you want..and they will even shop sale prices. Our last trip. My grocery bill was $318. (including delivery fee/gratuity).Both times..we did "overbuy"..even though I had the meals planned out because some meals lasted two meals..and one day we weren't that hungry! The first trip..I think the cost was about the same. During this trip, we discovered that right outside the Disney gates is a Super Walmart. It looked nice and clean and it has TONS of Disney souveniers!. I think next time we will just go shop at Walmart for our groceries..During both trips...we didn't end up visiting the parks the first day--too tired from traveling! I also packed some drygoods into a suitcase (we fly southwest so bags are FREE!).
This trip we ended up only eating out 3 times for a 9 night trip--not too bad..two character meals and a trip to McDonalds (there is one within Disney property) on the way to Blizzard Beach (waterpark). Every morning (other than our first day at MK) we had Breakfast in the Villa--we got a large box of French Toast Sticks from Sams--the kids loved them all week!...Cereal...yogurt....for "'lunch" we had snacks pretty much. The kids enjoyed eating "lunchables". At Sams the shopper picked up a box of Nancy's Deli Spirals..they are yummy and are really handy! I put some in a ziplock bag..but them in our "Backpack cooler" and by the time lunch came around..they were defrosted and ready to eat--yummy and bite sized! I also packed things such as gogurts..fruit..granola bars....by the time 3:00 hit..Mackenzie was getting cranky...Tyler was starting to get overstimulated..and we were just HOOTTT!...So we would head back to the villa and cook dinner/swim in the pool. Dinner was quick...one thing we had was Digiornos Pizza Party in a Box...2 medium pizzas..breadsticks..and cookies...we ate it for 2 meals..and I would say that the total cost (if you include the upcharge of delivery/tip) was $15!...not too shabby for a party of 4...Another night we had a Stouffers Lasagna..Salad...garlic bread..again..it lasted 2 meals and cost probably a total of $20!
Also, bringing our lunches/snacks in the parks really couldn't of been any easier..yes..in the morning we had to take the time to pack up a cooler(also, staying at a home/villa..its easier to freeze things/keep things cold/prepare food items!)..but remember..our backpack was also our cooler..which made it not that hard to carry it around! I bought it on Amazon..Its a regular backpack with a small soft cooler on the bottom..its not large by any means..actually I saw people bring in larger individual softside coolers...wish I would of had one of those to hold more..but what I had was okay for some gogurts..delispirals..a lunchable and some juice boxes. Normally my son would say he is hungry..I would find a bench in the shade..hand him his lunchable..and he was fine! Our daughter was in a stroller..so that is where she ate... Actually I think we gained time doing it this way..because we ate when we could
A couple of nights we decided to go back to the parks for the evening shows--Both Hollywoods Fantasmic and Epcots Illuminations...I think Fantasmic is my favorite..I think it was "quieter" for the kiddos and we got to sit down! For both shows we got their last minute. For the Fantasmic show..the CM's were saying "standing room only"....we were prepared to stand but were able to get a seat on the bleachers. Worked out nicely! Last trip we saw WISHES at MK...I LOOOVED Wishes..but this time we didn't make it...made me sad..but Mackenzie freaked out at Illuminations Fireworks..so for now..we decided to skip out on MK's fireworks.
We saw several "shows" while at Disney and kids enjoyed them all. I would say our least favorite was "The Tiki Room" at Magic Kingdom..but it was a nice place to sit and get out of the sun for a bit! We LOOVED the Nemo Show at Animal Kingdom...if anything I think its worth going to Animal Kingdom just for that show (especially if you have park hopper). We saw the American Idol Show and the Beauty and the Beast Show as well as the Play House Disney show at Hollywood studios--all were very entertaining!
As I mentioned before, we have only done 2 character meals...This trip we did 1900 Park fare at Grand Floridian for Breakfast--It was a very yummy breakfast, a good price (considering its a character meal...I think it was only $22.99/adult----My husband was like WOW! That ain't bad! LOL)..The character interaction was great as well. The other one that we did was at Hollywood Studios--Hollywood and Vine...with the Disney JR characters..my kiddos are both HUGE OSO fans..so this was a must do! BOTH vacations! Both vacations we ate lunch..the food is okay..but it had excellent character interactions..and this trip..we didn't even need a ressie at 2pm!...plus it filled us up so we were able to hang out longer in the parks....( It was our longest day there..we kept going and going that day and were EXHAUSTED by the end...a bit too much for us...be we experimented! LOL!)
So there you have it...a short version of both of our vacations..there is much more...but my hands are getting crampy..and my suitcases are calling out! If you have any questions..I'm here!
We just got back yesterday from our vaca at Bonnet Creek! We really enjoyed ourselves. The only "bummer" was that we didn't get the view that we wanted..we got 5th floor parking lot view...yuck...and bell services took 3 trips to bring up our order from Wegoshop....It was alot of bags..but its not like they said.."oh wait..you have more..."...The first time..was wait..this doesn't look like all the groceries..this is only the frozen items...so I called...and they brought up some other refrigerated items and other dry goods...then I was like..wait..I didn't get my cases of bottled water....other than that....it was GREAT!
Here is my review..I first posted it on FB for my FB friends that wanted to know about our trip..so sorry..this is a "cut and paste". As I sit here....with suitcases all around me...I think..what is better than upacking from a vacation? Writing on facebook about it! LOL!
We just got back from a 9 night vacation at the "Happiest Place on Earth"--Walt Disney World!..It was our second vacation to Disney (our last one was in September). Both vacations were considered "Off site" Disney vacations...meaning we didn'tstay at one of many Disney owned properties...to be honest...we just couldn't afford it. Yes, Disney has many "value" priced accomodations that would be in our price range, but we really wanted to have a seperate sleeping area for our children.
. I also had to consider that since Tyler has Autism...it comes hand in hand with his Sensory Processing Disorder..meaning what may be a little overwhelming for you is VERY overwhelming for him....and that we needed somewhere quiet and relaxing for him when we decided that we have had enough "magic" for the day.
Before our first vacation..I did oodles and oodles of research...I googled "Autistic Child at Walt Disney World".. Onsite vs Offsite...Cheap Disney Vacations...I asked people that I knew that have been to Disney (most that have stayed onsite...and they LOVED it...which I'll admit..once we made the decision to stay offisite..I was nervous..lol). I was finally guided to the lovely "Disboards" which is a resource that EVERYONE needs to check out before going to Disney...Its a great forum filled with people that are obsessed with planning their vacations....and people that are willing to give honest feedback about ANYTHING pertaining to your Disney vacation! www.disboards.com
There is a HUGE section on staying offsite during a Disney vacation on that forum. There I found that alot of people that stay offsite stay at a Vacation Home complex called Windsor Hills (this is where we stayed during our first trip to Disney)--LOVED IT! The home that we stayed at is Called "LETS GO SEE MICKEY". They have a website www.letsgoseemickey.com. I originally found their listing on www.homeaway.com. I also found information on the Disboards (Actually they have a thread that is many many pages long) about Wyndham Bonnet Creek--a timeshare resort (however you DO NOT need to be an owner to rent there). We stayed at Bonnet Creek during this vacation because I have heard such great things about the resort and I wanted a different "feel" this time around. We made our reservations from Ken and Denise Price of www.vacationupgrades.com. We went during "value season" . Their "value season pricing is $120/night which includes EVERYTHING..no taxes..no fees..free parking! I highly recommend checking them out if you consider renting a unit at Bonnet Creek! So here is my reivew (actually I am going to review BOTH places..because I loved them BOTH!) On the DisBoards..there are many threads comparing Windsor Hills and Bonnet Creek..and basically the comparison goes like this: Windsor Hills is like staying at a relatives very nice vacation home that just happens to be a stones throw away from Disney....and Bonnet Creek is more of an active resort. Both are very nice..and you really can't go wrong with either one!
RENTING A CAR:
If you stay offsite, It is HIGHLY recommended to rent a car (unless you are driving to Orlando). We rented both times through Alamo and buy seriously stalking thier site and using coupon codes (we are Costco members..so this last trip..I used their code)..We havent' paid over $140 for a minivan and our trips have been just over a week!. This last trip, I actually just rented a fullsize car. Since Orlando gets SOOOOO many rental cars in..they usually have a large overflow of minivans and sometimes you can snag a minivan because due to the overflow..they put them in the "fullsize" section (hint hint). We rented a fullsize car..but due to timing ..they didn't have any fullsize availalbe (they were cleaning them). We asked if we could have a minivan..and the guy said YES! SCORE!--A minivan for $105!--TAXES..EVERYTHING. Our gas cost was about $40---13 gallons of gas used driving back and forth for 9 days..)...So that's how we got around all week!
SHUTTLE BUSES:
Both Windsor Hills and Bonnet Creek offer shuttles..we didn't use either of thier services. Windsor hills..has a fee..and from what I can remember..its quite pricey. Bonnet Creek..its complimentary. I could actually see the bus stop from our room. I saw tons of people using the shuttles and it looked like they had a pretty good system. I wanted to try them out..however they DON'T accept strollers!
I did consider taking just Tyler for a few evenings to the parks..and then I would of used their transportation ( I hate to drive..at anytime!) I believe the Bonnet Creek buses run about every half hour in the morning..and then they stop in the mid afternoon for a few hours and then pick up again in the evening.PRICING
We ended up paying a little bit more for Windsor Hills...but during our Windsor Hills vacation..we had our sister coming with (3rd adult) so we really wanted a 3rd Bedroom and Bonnet Creeks 3 bedroom units can be pricey. Also, at Windsor Hills we had our very own Private Splash Pool! WE LOVED having that! Tyler got to splash around in the pool (Its only about 3 1/2 ft deep and he can swim!) while Daddy would grill!
PROXIMITY/PARKING:
Next...Proximity to Parks...the HUGE selling points for both Windsor Hills and Bonnet Creek is proximity to the Walt Disney World gates! Windsor Hills is the closets Vacation home Community to Walt Disney World. Bonnet Creek is actually WITHIN THE GATES! So I would say that Bonnet Creek is a little bit more convenient. For anyone vacationing at Windsor Hills...I recommend taking a back road to the parks. Its called Sherbeth road...nice and convenient as well. The closest park to Windsor Hills is Animal Kingdom. The closest Park to Bonnet Creek is Hollywood Studios (which is my son's favorite!). On our first morning in Hollywood Studios (from Bonnet Creek) it took about 15 minutes because of traffic and we had to pay for parking (actually its free because we got Annual Passes at the end of our September trip). One day on our way back to Bonnet Creek...It seriously only took like 4 minutes to get back to Bonnet Creek from Hollywood Studios!--Seriously..I don't think that time can be beat unless you are staying at an Epcot Resort and you walk to Hollywood Studios. I don't remember the exact time it took to get to Animal Kingdom to Windsor Hills...but I believe it was under 10 minutes. PLUS when you stay at Windsor Hills...you park RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR! (If you rent a townhome or villa...condos..no). What is better than not having to walk all.the.way. to your car with bags..strollers...especially if you have a tired kid? Nothing
! That was HUGE selling point for us and something that I did miss when we stayed at Bonnet Creek...now the parking at Bonnet Creek wasn't too bad..but if you arrive back late at night....you have to use the parking garage for parking...we had to do that a few times....but still...compare it to walking to busses or walking to a parking lot at a Disney resort...the same. Now I will admit..the HUGE difference in the commute from Magic Kingdom when you stay onsite/offsite is pretty darn big! . The whole...Driving/Parking at MK:
When you stay offsite and need to go to Magic Kingdom...First you have to drive to the Ticket and Transportation Center and Pay for Parking (maybe about 15 minutes depending on traffic). Then depending on how early you are and where you had to park...you have to take a parking tram. Some people complain about it...to us it wasn't that big of a deal..the kids loved it..and I had Andrew to help with the bulky stroller...after a couple of days using the parking trams (all parks have them)....its a no brainer..easy peasy..breeze! LOL! From the parking tram...you have to chose either the Monorail or the Boat to take you to the Magic Kingdom. Tyler LOOVED the monorail...and most kids do! (If you are staying at a Monorail Resort aka a Deluxe Resort--Poly..Grand Floridian..Contemporary) you can ride the monorail right from these resorts to Magic Kingdom and I believe Epcot too). When you get off the Boat/Monorail...you then walk to the turnstiles...so this process can take awhile when you are staying offsite..and make leaving for a mid day break...a little daunting. I suggest that if you are only going to have one or two "MK DAYS" to have those days be the ones where you have a dinner in the park. I would say..plan about an hour if you are staying offsite and commmuting to the Magic Kingdom.
My Opinion of Driving/Disney Transportation
I believe that even if we would of stayed "onsite" we probably would end up having a rental car anyways. Some people don't want to have to drive on vacation--can't blame them..I HATE DRIVING.PERIOD....but my husband doesn't!. We decided to use the Disney Buses one day on this trip just for giggles..and to "park hop". Even if you stay offsite..you can still use the Disney Busses to go from park to park...so we did...Honestly..I wasn't impressed the least bit..now maybe we didn't have a very "happy magical" bus driver...but we had to wait in line for a bus (we just missed the bus that came)...we waited..I don't know...10-15 minutes..so I would say it would be equal to taking a parking tram to your parking spot..actually..that took less time I think..and was more "entertaining--those tram drivers are quite funny". We got on the bus and luckily we were one of the first people so we got to sit..after a few minutes of being on the bus..and the seats where filled..people started standing in front of us..holding onto the "straps above"....so basically being surrounded by armpits! LOL! Andrew and I were not impressed enough for "Disney Transporation" to be the selling point of staying onsite..but that is just us...
[COLOR="DarkOrange"]I also want to add that Disney does a GREAT job with signage/directions/parking/tram service. Seriously...it couldn't be any easier for those who decide to drive themselves. The signs are very well marked and with a GPS as well...it made it practically flawless. Also, the parking attendents are very good..they will guide to to exactly where they want you to park...so its not like you are circling the lot like the day after Thanksgiving at Walmart!
I know when I was doing research..I was worried about driving ourselves..I knew that having a child with Autism..that using Disney transporation (particularly if we were staying onsite--a "perk") that it may be too much for him...but I heard/read about people mentioning that it is so nice to let Disney do the driving..that it doesn't feel "vacationy" if you have to drive...that it could be a big hassle..takes so much time...yadda yadda. Now, I'll admit..we have never had an onsite stay..so we can't compare using disney transportation exclusively/driving ourselves....but once we finished our first vacation..we realized it wasn't a big deal..and then upon this vacation..we realized it was easy peasy! My DH and I had a "system" with transporting the kids...the oldest got himself in the car..I got the baby..and he put in/out the stroller. Several times (if not most) we were able to get a parking spot that was right next to where the parking tram would pick up..it was a few steps..and we were on a tram..the trams come constantly...so you are never waiting very long....Sure the car seemed a little "hot" at first..but we had a minivan..we opened up all the doors..and turned on the a/c....and we weren't in the car for very long anyways. The first trip we bought our tickets through AAA and were able to get the Diamond Parking Pass (It lets you park right next to handicapped parking)...boy do I wish I would of gotten a pass this time! It came in super handy...now most days we didn't get in the parks til 10am or later...so there is a chance that by this time...the Diamond Parking Lots are full....but still.1[/COLOR] Accomodations--Both Places were very very nice and clean..updated decor! Our Windsor Hills townhome had 3 bedrooms ( 2 upstairs 1 downstairs..each room had its own bathroom). Our Bonnet Creek "villa" had 2 bedrooms. I would say that the feel of both of them were equal! Windsor Hills had a very cute upstairs bedroom for Tyler..He loooved having a Toy Story themed room--made it feel "DISNEY"!
Windsor Hills had its own private splash pool and grill. Windsor Hills really did feel more like a "home" and had some touches that Bonnet Creek was lacking..for instance..the little things like plastic dishes for the little ones..a baby monitor...packnplay and highchair (without having to call Bell Services).Pool area- Again..with Windsor Hills...we had our own private splash pool, however their community pool wasn't as nice and plush as Bonnet Creeks..Bonnet Creek has several pools/hot tubs and a lazy river! Every tower at Bonnet Creek has its own pool...however you can hop to each tower very easily and enjoy the various pools!
When we decided to rent the timeshare..I was scared about the "hassles"...We were never hassled..actually..we got to check into our villa before 2pm! (normal check in is 4pm)..We pulled up..Andrew walked in..and I would say in 15-20 minutes we had the keys and were walking into the tower!
We did get a cruddy view (parking lot--I guess from some views you can see Epcots fireworks...we didn't...but oh well). When Andrew had to get the parking pass ( I guess this is when the hassling starts...lol...Andrew had to fill out an information card...he was upfront and asked "what do I HAVE TO FILL OUT)..basically..it was name and phone number...so he did..that's it..no birthdate...no income..nadda...we even unplugged our phones during most of our stay so we didn't get the phone calls.How we saved $$$$$---We cooked Dinner almost every night during both vacations. To some people that isn't vacation..and I get that....however we needed to cut corners and I wasn't sure how well Tyler would handle a dining reservation every day while on vacationWhen I was initally planning our Disney Vacation..we were going to stay onsite and do the dining plan..because at first glance..it looks like such a good deal. (after all..kids can eat all day for $12.99??...Really...you can't beat that..especially with character dining). BUT..when I was doing the planning..and crunching the numbers..all I could think of/picture is paying all this money (Meal plan 2 adults..one kid...9 days= what..over 1k?...YIKES)...PLUS during our first vacation..our sister was coming to help..so she would of had to be included in the meal plan..and it was on the pricey side for her as well....and having Tyler having complete melt downs during the dining experiences that we have paid good money for...or being so tired/overstimulated that we can't do them.
..I was scared..at this point..we have never taken him to Disney..it could be a huge success..or a huge failure...either way...the trip will cost thousands. Now looking back..I guess we could of got "FREE DINING"..that would of been a $$ (but we still would of paid rack rate for a room)saver since we were 3 adults 1 kid..1 infant... but we didnt' want to be all crammed into one room...So I started looking offsite...looked at homeaway.com and found Windsor Hills! My husband was INSTANTLY sold on having a private splash pool..and for the PRICE!--YES!..(we were paying for our sisters accomodations..so this made if affordable for us!)..With renting a home...you get a full kitchen...which makes it almost a "no brainer" about the decision of preparing some simple meals....rather than paying OOP for every meal at the parks. We ate a few Counter Service meals on our first trip..and I would say that for 2 adults and one kid..we didn't make it out for less than $40..and we didn't eat anything "special"....so even if we did just one counter service meal a day..we would be at nearly $400..and all we ate all week would be "fast food"...
... Both times I used the service of WEGOSHOP. Its a grocery delivery service...you can specify what store you want your personal shopper to shop at..what you want..and they will even shop sale prices. Our last trip. My grocery bill was $318. (including delivery fee/gratuity).Both times..we did "overbuy"..even though I had the meals planned out because some meals lasted two meals..and one day we weren't that hungry! The first trip..I think the cost was about the same. During this trip, we discovered that right outside the Disney gates is a Super Walmart. It looked nice and clean and it has TONS of Disney souveniers!. I think next time we will just go shop at Walmart for our groceries..During both trips...we didn't end up visiting the parks the first day--too tired from traveling! I also packed some drygoods into a suitcase (we fly southwest so bags are FREE!). This trip we ended up only eating out 3 times for a 9 night trip--not too bad..two character meals and a trip to McDonalds (there is one within Disney property) on the way to Blizzard Beach (waterpark). Every morning (other than our first day at MK) we had Breakfast in the Villa--we got a large box of French Toast Sticks from Sams--the kids loved them all week!...Cereal...yogurt....for "'lunch" we had snacks pretty much. The kids enjoyed eating "lunchables". At Sams the shopper picked up a box of Nancy's Deli Spirals..they are yummy and are really handy! I put some in a ziplock bag..but them in our "Backpack cooler" and by the time lunch came around..they were defrosted and ready to eat--yummy and bite sized! I also packed things such as gogurts..fruit..granola bars....by the time 3:00 hit..Mackenzie was getting cranky...Tyler was starting to get overstimulated..and we were just HOOTTT!...So we would head back to the villa and cook dinner/swim in the pool. Dinner was quick...one thing we had was Digiornos Pizza Party in a Box...2 medium pizzas..breadsticks..and cookies...we ate it for 2 meals..and I would say that the total cost (if you include the upcharge of delivery/tip) was $15!...not too shabby for a party of 4...Another night we had a Stouffers Lasagna..Salad...garlic bread..again..it lasted 2 meals and cost probably a total of $20!
Also, bringing our lunches/snacks in the parks really couldn't of been any easier..yes..in the morning we had to take the time to pack up a cooler(also, staying at a home/villa..its easier to freeze things/keep things cold/prepare food items!)..but remember..our backpack was also our cooler..which made it not that hard to carry it around! I bought it on Amazon..Its a regular backpack with a small soft cooler on the bottom..its not large by any means..actually I saw people bring in larger individual softside coolers...wish I would of had one of those to hold more..but what I had was okay for some gogurts..delispirals..a lunchable and some juice boxes. Normally my son would say he is hungry..I would find a bench in the shade..hand him his lunchable..and he was fine!
Our daughter was in a stroller..so that is where she ate... Actually I think we gained time doing it this way..because we ate when we couldA couple of nights we decided to go back to the parks for the evening shows--Both Hollywoods Fantasmic and Epcots Illuminations...I think Fantasmic is my favorite..I think it was "quieter" for the kiddos and we got to sit down! For both shows we got their last minute. For the Fantasmic show..the CM's were saying "standing room only"....we were prepared to stand but were able to get a seat on the bleachers. Worked out nicely!
Last trip we saw WISHES at MK...I LOOOVED Wishes..but this time we didn't make it...made me sad..but Mackenzie freaked out at Illuminations Fireworks..so for now..we decided to skip out on MK's fireworks.We saw several "shows" while at Disney and kids enjoyed them all. I would say our least favorite was "The Tiki Room" at Magic Kingdom..but it was a nice place to sit and get out of the sun for a bit!
We LOOVED the Nemo Show at Animal Kingdom...if anything I think its worth going to Animal Kingdom just for that show (especially if you have park hopper). We saw the American Idol Show and the Beauty and the Beast Show as well as the Play House Disney show at Hollywood studios--all were very entertaining! As I mentioned before, we have only done 2 character meals...This trip we did 1900 Park fare at Grand Floridian for Breakfast--It was a very yummy breakfast, a good price (considering its a character meal...I think it was only $22.99/adult----My husband was like WOW! That ain't bad! LOL)..The character interaction was great as well. The other one that we did was at Hollywood Studios--Hollywood and Vine...with the Disney JR characters..my kiddos are both HUGE OSO fans..so this was a must do! BOTH vacations! Both vacations we ate lunch..the food is okay..but it had excellent character interactions..and this trip..we didn't even need a ressie at 2pm!...plus it filled us up so we were able to hang out longer in the parks....( It was our longest day there..we kept going and going that day and were EXHAUSTED by the end...a bit too much for us...be we experimented! LOL!)
So there you have it...a short version of both of our vacations..there is much more...but my hands are getting crampy..and my suitcases are calling out!
If you have any questions..I'm here! 
