Sorry,Just not impressed with Bonnet Creek

[katallo]

Can definitely appreciate your review!

For us, as a family of five BC is great. Love the location, the pools, the grounds which are beautiful, the space and most of all the price!

We have been able to stay a couple times for roughly $100 a night including all taxes. Really cannot beat that for five people being that close to the parks with multiple bathrooms, tvs, full kitchen, etc..

I think every resort has its pros and cons. For me at BC a con would be that they are high rise buildings. I prefer walking out my door to the outside but that is a small thing and doesn't dissuade me from staying there.

Hoping to be back in April.

Enjoy your vacation.

I agree. We have stayed at BCV, BWV, WLV and OK. Really like BCV. We also like WBC. It's funny, in April we were impressed with our greeting. The lady at the gate said "Welcome Back". Let us know they knew we had been there before. I also like the spaciousness of the units and the fact you don't have to walk a great distance from the parking lots. We travel without kids now and really enjoy all of the amenities WBC offers. Money saved is the best

 

[blitzkrieg048]

how can people say the WBC rooms are bigger than DVC units the 2 bedroom im iin is smaller than OKW and the same size as SSR, beach club, boardwalk, wilderness villas. Thats absolute nonsense, when i walk in (WBC) theres a huge table to my right. Great, but we eat at the the breakfast bar attached to the kitchen. The master bedrooms are bigger in the DVC units and the second bedrooms and bathrooms are the same size. The kitchen is the same size...the only space bigger is where the table is, thats it. And please dont tell me that makes all the difference in the world.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

can definitely understand your complaints they are some of mind.

also did not like the big build up here - wyndham used inferior stuff not superior - so don't make complaints that is so great.

anyway - I am allergic to tobacco - any kind - so yes would be coughing if you or anyone smokes around me.

had to get some smokers to move at Disney (where is a CM when you need one - probably off smoking) - anyway they were smoking in a non-smoking place and getting me sick.

if I get sick enough have to go visit the hospital.

anyway they finally agreed to move when they realized that i was serious and after they left was applauded by the guest around me.

so can guess the pressure your smoking places on you.

now the place that I love at Disney BLT has worst furnishing than WBC - but at least it is know.

that say would look at both Hilton and Marriott for your next trip - especially if you have a timeshare

I wouldnt smoke around you b/c I follow the designated rules, BUT nonsmokers need to be aware of the smoking sections because there aren't many places we can go. Non-smokers dont like it when we(smokers) invade your non smoking space(which is understandable especially with your allergies) so please dont invade our smoking section and expect us to move when we have VERY LITTLE places to smoke...thank you for understanding.

 

[shalom]

how can people say the WBC rooms are bigger than DVC units the 2 bedroom im iin is smaller than OKW and the same size as SSR, beach club, boardwalk, wilderness villas.

Because of how they're laid out. I like a big bedroom and master bath, but when it comes right down to it, I don't actually spend that much time in either, so what matters to me is the LR/DR/Kitchen area. I've been in a Boardwalk unit, and it feels cramped to me, even though I've stayed in other units that size that felt fine. The ones that felt roomier, the jacuzzi was open to the master bedroom, rather than behind a little wall and in its own little space. Neither of the sinks was walled off, either, so that space felt larger to me, even though it was technically smaller. The kitchen is larger in the units I like, and although they were open to each other, the spaces were more defined -- for instance, the living room TV wasn't tucked down under a kitchen counter the way they are in OKW (which I hate). Those weird "half counter" things in so many DVC kitchens just add to the "there wasn't really room for this but we crammed it in anyhow" feel.

It's kind of like the difference between moderate and deluxe Disney resorts. Some people move from moderates to rooms at AKL or WL or the Beach Club and complain about how tiny the rooms are; others make the same switch and are delighted by the extra space. In reality, although the Deluxe units are larger, the actual bedroom space is smaller. If the person moved because they found the moderate bathroom space cramped, or if they find the addition of a balcony makes up for the smaller bed room, they're happy. If they moved because they wanted more bedroom space, they wonder what the heck they're paying that much more money for.

DVC units work great for the market they were intended to appeal to -- people who are staying in Disney hotels who want a bit more space and maybe somewhere to make breakfast or the occasional TV dinner or the like. When it comes to people who were originally timesharers, the reviews are a lot more mixed. People who treat their timeshare as a hotel room with a nice space to sit in like them; people who timeshare because they like having access to a full kitchen or like sitting around a table with the family are less enthused. It's the second group who get particularly excited about WBC, I suspect. Practically onsite, but finally all the amenities they expect from a timeshare!

That's how I felt about it, anyhow.

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Because of how they're laid out. I like a big bedroom and master bath, but when it comes right down to it, I don't actually spend that much time in either, so what matters to me is the LR/DR/Kitchen area. I've been in a Boardwalk unit, and it feels cramped to me, even though I've stayed in other units that size that felt fine. The ones that felt roomier, the jacuzzi was open to the master bedroom, rather than behind a little wall and in its own little space. Neither of the sinks was walled off, either, so that space felt larger to me, even though it was technically smaller. The kitchen is larger in the units I like, and although they were open to each other, the spaces were more defined -- for instance, the living room TV wasn't tucked down under a kitchen counter the way they are in OKW (which I hate). Those weird "half counter" things in so many DVC kitchens just add to the "there wasn't really room for this but we crammed it in anyhow" feel.

It's kind of like the difference between moderate and deluxe Disney resorts. Some people move from moderates to rooms at AKL or WL or the Beach Club and complain about how tiny the rooms are; others make the same switch and are delighted by the extra space. In reality, although the Deluxe units are larger, the actual bedroom space is smaller. If the person moved because they found the moderate bathroom space cramped, or if they find the addition of a balcony makes up for the smaller bed room, they're happy. If they moved because they wanted more bedroom space, they wonder what the heck they're paying that much more money for.

DVC units work great for the market they were intended to appeal to -- people who are staying in Disney hotels who want a bit more space and maybe somewhere to make breakfast or the occasional TV dinner or the like. When it comes to people who were originally timesharers, the reviews are a lot more mixed. People who treat their timeshare as a hotel room with a nice space to sit in like them; people who timeshare because they like having access to a full kitchen or like sitting around a table with the family are less enthused. It's the second group who get particularly excited about WBC, I suspect. Practically onsite, but finally all the amenities they expect from a timeshare!

That's how I felt about it, anyhow.

Very well put..sometimes it's not just about the square footage, but about how it's used. Just to add, my 7 and 11 yo DD's are soooo excited about....wait for it....the TABLE!! I know, crazy huh...we haven't stayed here yet but we bought a resale Wyndham timeshare with the sole intention of using it here. And I kid you not, the girls were excited about the pools, yes, but even more so about that table! I think they are sick of sitting at those rinky dinky ones in the disney hotels!
I really enjoyed reading the different opinions on this thread, well the ones about WBC that is, and appreciate hearing both sides of the story!
Thanks

 

[Upatnoon]

how can people say the WBC rooms are bigger than DVC units the 2 bedroom im iin is smaller than OKW and the same size as SSR, beach club, boardwalk, wilderness villas. Thats absolute nonsense, when i walk in (WBC) theres a huge table to my right. Great, but we eat at the the breakfast bar attached to the kitchen. The master bedrooms are bigger in the DVC units and the second bedrooms and bathrooms are the same size. The kitchen is the same size...the only space bigger is where the table is, thats it. And please dont tell me that makes all the difference in the world.

The 2 bedrooms at Old Key West are the biggest in DVC and are indeed bigger than WBC by a 100 feet or so. The other DVC properties are around 1,100 square feet, or about 100 square feet smaller than Bonnet Creek's 1,200.

To rent a 2 bedroom at Old Key West for a week in November, it costs me around $2,500. At Bonnet Creek, it costs around $700.

I would enjoy staying at either place, but at Bonnet Creek I have an extra $1,800 in my pocket.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

Because of how they're laid out. I like a big bedroom and master bath, but when it comes right down to it, I don't actually spend that much time in either, so what matters to me is the LR/DR/Kitchen area. I've been in a Boardwalk unit, and it feels cramped to me, even though I've stayed in other units that size that felt fine. The ones that felt roomier, the jacuzzi was open to the master bedroom, rather than behind a little wall and in its own little space. Neither of the sinks was walled off, either, so that space felt larger to me, even though it was technically smaller. The kitchen is larger in the units I like, and although they were open to each other, the spaces were more defined -- for instance, the living room TV wasn't tucked down under a kitchen counter the way they are in OKW (which I hate). Those weird "half counter" things in so many DVC kitchens just add to the "there wasn't really room for this but we crammed it in anyhow" feel.

It's kind of like the difference between moderate and deluxe Disney resorts. Some people move from moderates to rooms at AKL or WL or the Beach Club and complain about how tiny the rooms are; others make the same switch and are delighted by the extra space. In reality, although the Deluxe units are larger, the actual bedroom space is smaller. If the person moved because they found the moderate bathroom space cramped, or if they find the addition of a balcony makes up for the smaller bed room, they're happy. If they moved because they wanted more bedroom space, they wonder what the heck they're paying that much more money for.

DVC units work great for the market they were intended to appeal to -- people who are staying in Disney hotels who want a bit more space and maybe somewhere to make breakfast or the occasional TV dinner or the like. When it comes to people who were originally timesharers, the reviews are a lot more mixed. People who treat their timeshare as a hotel room with a nice space to sit in like them; people who timeshare because they like having access to a full kitchen or like sitting around a table with the family are less enthused. It's the second group who get particularly excited about WBC, I suspect. Practically onsite, but finally all the amenities they expect from a timeshare!

That's how I felt about it, anyhow.

i respectfully appreciate your opinin but to me dvc villas are better for us especially the OKW layout where you can still sit around a table with your family and sit on the large patio with a table. i like having the jaccuzzi secluded in its own separate space.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

The 2 bedrooms at Old Key West are the biggest in DVC and are indeed bigger than WBC by a 100 feet or so. The other DVC properties are around 1,100 square feet, or about 100 square feet smaller than Bonnet Creek's 1,200.

To rent a 2 bedroom at Old Key West for a week in November, it costs me around $2,500. At Bonnet Creek, it costs around $700.

I would enjoy staying at either place, but at Bonnet Creek I have an extra $1,800 in my pocket.

well for an xtra 1800 i'll take well a/c'd rooms a restaurant on site, friendlly staff, no ant problem, better transportation, quiet pools...but then again i dont pay im on points, so i hear what ur saying. I've stayed at Orange Lake and the Vistana and this is by far fourth behind disney vistana and orange lake.

 

[kathy884]

There are tons of great timeshare resorts that you can stay at in Orlando. I've never stayed at Bonnet Creek. (I will mention reviews and ratings, though, on TUG2.net -- a timeshare users group I belong too. It's $15 a year to join, and I have found this to be a great source for deciding what timeshare properties I'd consider renting for various vacation destinations all over.)

Members have written reviews and rated 91 different timeshares in the Orlando area. Bonnet Creek is ranked 29th out of the 91 and has an 8.45 out of 10 rating which is very good, and in my book means that most people would enjoy the resort. I've always been happy with any property with a decent number of reviews rated 8 or above. This would not make me think, though, that Bonnet Creek is going to be the be all and end all for a resort property, but would make me think it's probably a very nice place.

Members have given six different Disney vacation club properties higher ratings than Bonnet Creek, and 22 non Disney properties higher ratings than Bonnet Creek (I've stayed at four of these.) And members have rated 62 different properties lower than Bonnet Creek.

Oh and for the original poster, TUG members rated the three properties you preferred over Bonnet Creek mentioned in your posts higher than Bonnet Creek.

Just me (Note too we tend to do lots of non Disney things, usually do two days at SeaWorld on every trip, etc.. usually just do one or two days at Disney). I tend to look for deals on properties with a good rating vs. going for the be all and end all in a property which for me is usually an offsite condo rental or my parents doing an RCI trade (they have a Sedona, AZ timeshare week bought on the resale market). And with so many great places in Orlando, I like to try different places. I can certainly understand, though, enjoying being immersed and onsite at Disney. I have several friends that always go that route (one that is in DVC and just loves it // the others have a moterhome and are totally into staying at Fort Wilderness). My onsite stays have been limited to Fort Wilderness (as a kid we have a motorhome and stayed here alot and four night stays at the Contemporary when DH has had a conference there, so freebie room // once we were overflow at POR.) In the end, it's what you are looking for in a vacation and what is going to work best for your family and budget.

 

[Brian Noble]

how can people say the WBC rooms are bigger than DVC units the 2 bedroom im iin is smaller than OKW and the same size as SSR, beach club, boardwalk, wilderness villas.

Huh?

It is smaller than OKW, but larger than the 2nd generation DVC resorts (WBC's numbers from Wyndham's web site. DVC's numbers from dvcnews.com):

OKW 2BR: 1395 sq ft
WBC: 1180-1257
SSR: 1075
BCV: 1083
BWV: 1072
VWL: 1080

As mentioned, the layout also makes a difference. OKW is larger, but the odd angles seem to waste some of that space. The very small living area in the 2nd generation DVC resorts also seems to really cramp them. I've stayed in OKW, BWV, VWL, as well as WBC. Our sense was that you could put six comfortably in either OKW or WBC 2BRs. Eight would be tight, but doable. In BWV or VWL, four was comfortable, six would be tight, and eight would be more than I personally would try.

i respectfully appreciate your opinin but to me dvc villas are better for us especially the OKW layout where you can still sit around a table with your family

Again, huh? The OKW table seats all of four people---in a unit that sleeps eight. The WBC table seats six. Inexplicably, the tables at BWV and VWL 2BRs seat two---three if you squeeze.

I get that you really like DVC (where you own) and you hate Wyndam (which is not Disney). There are certainly rational reasons why one would have that preference. But, room size and layout, especially in the common living space, aren't among them.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

Huh?

It is smaller than OKW, but larger than the 2nd generation DVC resorts (WBC's numbers from Wyndham's web site. DVC's numbers from dvcnews.com):

OKW 2BR: 1395 sq ft
WBC: 1180-1257
SSR: 1075
BCV: 1083
BWV: 1072
VWL: 1080

As mentioned, the layout also makes a difference. OKW is larger, but the odd angles seem to waste some of that space. The very small living area in the 2nd generation DVC resorts also seems to really cramp them. I've stayed in OKW, BWV, VWL, as well as WBC. Our sense was that you could put six comfortably in either OKW or WBC 2BRs. Eight would be tight, but doable. In BWV or VWL, four was comfortable, six would be tight, and eight would be more than I personally would try.


Again, huh? The OKW table seats all of four people---in a unit that sleeps eight. The WBC table seats six. Inexplicably, the tables at BWV and VWL 2BRs seat two---three if you squeeze.

I get that you really like DVC (where you own) and you hate Wyndam (which is not Disney). There are certainly rational reasons why one would have that preference. But, room size and layout, especially in the common living space, aren't among them.

Great job doing your homkework, if thats the case in square footage doing the eye and living test the extra footage doesnt make much of a difference here. Yes the OKW table seats four but when we sit around and eat which is the case here also theres one or two of us eating and watching tv b/c on vacay I allow that. The table here isnt facing the tv so right now its used for storage and and an ironing board....and i know, the table was put there for family time not watching tv so I'll say it before u do. I've stayed at beach club and saratoga and boardwalk several times, and this unit no matter the square footage gives us no more room than the aforementioned. If you wanna pin it on a tables that is very rarely used, then fine u got me. But again I'll take OKW with the "odd" angles, huh? Anyway OKW has more living space(common space) to relax in, no one is on top of each other, there a couch, loveseat, and chair. It has its own laundry room where we can put the ironing board, sorry I like unwrinkled clothes-you like a table we all have our own preferences. It has a large balcony and there are really no bad views in OKW from the balconies. And right now I have a view of epcot which is awesome. The master bedroom here is right off the living room which I dont like but not a big deal.
The only thing I like that WBC has over the other DVC resorts not including OKW is the balcony size and my being able to relax with a cigar(which I cant do in OKW) on it and watch the fireworx but not enuf to make me come back...thank god my inlaws let us use it and we didnt hafta pay...but again to each is own!

 

[AndyFL]

BTW, Blitz is right about the 13th floor's hallways being warm. After a couple beers last night, while the fam was taking their showers, I decided to jump on the elevator and see for myself. We are on the 7th and the hallways are not cold but cool and the air feels dry. On the 13th I was immediately met with somewhat warm, humid air. I figured since I challenged him on this that I would come back and mention that he was NOT exaggerating.

 

[Brian Noble]

this unit no matter the square footage gives us no more room than the aforementioned.

That's certainly not my experience. And, it's not the experience of most other people who have made the comparison between WBC and the 2nd generation DVC resorts. Then again, most of us use the dining room table for something other than a flat surface on which to store things, so perhaps its understandable that your experience does not generalize.

To put it less charitably, it seems clear to me that you are hell-bent on making it clear that Bonnet is inferior to DVC in every way---including some ways that, objectively, simply are not true. That's your prerogative, just as it is my prerogative to interpret your posts in this way.

And, finally, welcome to my ignore list.

 

[Detailor]

And, finally, welcome to my ignore list.

That's the first comment on this thread that made me openly chuckle. Thanks Brian!

Dick Taylor

 

[shalom]

That's the first comment on this thread that made me openly chuckle. Thanks Brian!

I was chuckling earlier:

Then again, most of us use the dining room table for something other than a flat surface on which to store things, so perhaps its understandable that your experience does not generalize.

Dunno if Brian meant that to be as heavily sarcastic as I "heard" it, but it worked for me!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Your balcony at Bonnet Creek or any of the other resorts mentioned is close enough for cigar smoke to be offensive to any other guests trying to enjoy their balcony. I can tolerate cigarettes or even a pipe, but cigars are just awful. Glad I'm not your neighbor.

Sheila

 

[katallo]

That's certainly not my experience. And, it's not the experience of most other people who have made the comparison between WBC and the 2nd generation DVC resorts. Then again, most of us use the dining room table for something other than a flat surface on which to store things, so perhaps its understandable that your experience does not generalize.

To put it less charitably, it seems clear to me that you are hell-bent on making it clear that Bonnet is inferior to DVC in every way---including some ways that, objectively, simply are not true. That's your prerogative, just as it is my prerogative to interpret your posts in this way.

And, finally, welcome to my ignore list.

Thanks, Brian. We use the ironing board to iron rather than the table. Our last stay was in a one bedroom and WBC. We had much more living space than the one bedroom at the BCV in Bldg 5. Granted BCV had a larger balcony, but we enjoyed the kitchen and eating space at WBC. It's simply a matter of personal choice. Obviously, the OP does not prefer WBC.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

There are tons of great timeshare resorts that you can stay at in Orlando. I've never stayed at Bonnet Creek. (I will mention reviews and ratings, though, on TUG2.net -- a timeshare users group I belong too. It's $15 a year to join, and I have found this to be a great source for deciding what timeshare properties I'd consider renting for various vacation destinations all over.)

Members have written reviews and rated 91 different timeshares in the Orlando area. Bonnet Creek is ranked 29th out of the 91 and has an 8.45 out of 10 rating which is very good, and in my book means that most people would enjoy the resort. I've always been happy with any property with a decent number of reviews rated 8 or above. This would not make me think, though, that Bonnet Creek is going to be the be all and end all for a resort property, but would make me think it's probably a very nice place.

Members have given six different Disney vacation club properties higher ratings than Bonnet Creek, and 22 non Disney properties higher ratings than Bonnet Creek (I've stayed at four of these.) And members have rated 62 different properties lower than Bonnet Creek.

Oh and for the original poster, TUG members rated the three properties you preferred over Bonnet Creek mentioned in your posts higher than Bonnet Creek.

Just me (Note too we tend to do lots of non Disney things, usually do two days at SeaWorld on every trip, etc.. usually just do one or two days at Disney). I tend to look for deals on properties with a good rating vs. going for the be all and end all in a property which for me is usually an offsite condo rental or my parents doing an RCI trade (they have a Sedona, AZ timeshare week bought on the resale market). And with so many great places in Orlando, I like to try different places. I can certainly understand, though, enjoying being immersed and onsite at Disney. I have several friends that always go that route (one that is in DVC and just loves it // the others have a moterhome and are totally into staying at Fort Wilderness). My onsite stays have been limited to Fort Wilderness (as a kid we have a motorhome and stayed here alot and four night stays at the Contemporary when DH has had a conference there, so freebie room // once we were overflow at POR.) In the end, it's what you are looking for in a vacation and what is going to work best for your family and budget.

thank you for listing those numbers from TUG. Bonnet creek is a very nice place but its not the end be all that people post all the time...thats all. you can throw price, square footage, pools, whatever i think its over hyped..thats all!

 

[blitzkrieg048]

BTW, Blitz is right about the 13th floor's hallways being warm. After a couple beers last night, while the fam was taking their showers, I decided to jump on the elevator and see for myself. We are on the 7th and the hallways are not cold but cool and the air feels dry. On the 13th I was immediately met with somewhat warm, humid air. I figured since I challenged him on this that I would come back and mention that he was NOT exaggerating.

thanx andy...and if u think thats warm come knock on room 1378 and ill show how warm it is when were not in it for awhile. thanx for proving me right i know people thought i was lying.

 

[blitzkrieg048]

That's certainly not my experience. And, it's not the experience of most other people who have made the comparison between WBC and the 2nd generation DVC resorts. Then again, most of us use the dining room table for something other than a flat surface on which to store things, so perhaps its understandable that your experience does not generalize.

To put it less charitably, it seems clear to me that you are hell-bent on making it clear that Bonnet is inferior to DVC in every way---including some ways that, objectively, simply are not true. That's your prerogative, just as it is my prerogative to interpret your posts in this way.

And, finally, welcome to my ignore list.

thanx brian glad to make it...and just as i'm h@ll bent one way your the other...my OP was to post an opinion how i wasnt impressed with it, and if i offended all the WBC fans then it is what it is, i said i wasnt impressed and listed my reasons why. its ok for u to go ahead and say how DVC is inferior in your opinion to WBC and when i try to give my feedback you dont like it..oh well it was nice speaking with you. you made good points but your points werent a big deal to convince me of WBC is better...sorry thats why were all different.