The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread Part 3

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I'm here now. Tower 5, 2 bedroom deluxe. Booked thru VS, no problems with ressie. Had our name at the guard shack for check in. Villa is super clean. Lots of closet space. The dressers only have a couple drawers, the rest of the space is shelves. I'll get pictures to post later. Don't believe the front desk if they say they will call you when your room is ready.....didn't get a call but I knew it was a possibility that they would forget to.
 
I was contacted by a man at VS by phone quite a few times and told to call him anytime to discuss my concerns. This was in March when I was trying to get info and decide about booking in April. He seemed keen to talk at length and was very persuasive and friendly about having us book. He was very honest that they always drop the booking at 60 days out and fish for cheaper bookings and since we are booking for 8 days, he will be using points for multiple owners to get the best price to actually make a profit off our booking. I am worried as I have heard of folks losing their reservations that way because there are no rebookings available. However, since we are going the last week of September and it's low season, I decided to take the risk.
It does concern me to hear that once they get your deposit, none of the other policies have been folliwed. I was assured full payment of the balance wasn'tdue until I got a confirmation with my name on it, that I could call anytime with questions and concerns and basically assuaged of all my concerns. What I am reading here of the reality is very different.
There are many many threads here on the Disboards. You will not find one negative thing about Vacation Strategy. No one has ever not had a room after making a reservation. We are returning to Bonnet Creek next month for another stay and we booked thru Vacation Strategy again. We have had zero issues with them. We always stay 10 nights and our reservations are pieced together thru several owners. You dont have to change rooms and would never know this unless they told you. What policy are they not following ?? about 50 days before our arrival date we got an email with a link to pay our balance. After paying the balance we got an email stating the balance due had been received. This is the same procedure as last year. I can promise you wont have any issues with Vacation Strategy, again there are lots of threads here on the Disboards and I have yet to hear of anyone that had problems. Have a great vacation.
 
I am here now and booked through VS. it was an easy checkin at around 10:30am and we have had no problems at all. We will book through them again!
 
Does anyone have any recent experience with requests? We would prefer to be on a higher floor, and have a fireworks view. The second isn't as important as the first though. Do I ask Vacation Strategy to note my request or call BC directly when we get close to the trip?
 

I'm here now also. We are in tower 1. No bed bugs or other bugs seen. This is our 8th night. This time we booked via 5starresorts, and it was great. I have also used sun and snow vacations and vacation upgrades in the past. All would get thumbs up from me. This time we went with who had availability as this was more of a last minute trip! Love bonnet creek and it will continue to be my favorite for staying at disney (with kids!).
 
pigletto said:
Does anyone have any recent experience with requests? We would prefer to be on a higher floor, and have a fireworks view. The second isn't as important as the first though. Do I ask Vacation Strategy to note my request or call BC directly when we get close to the trip?

I requested fireworks view and did not get it. We are in tower 1 and I think it's the furthest from any pool. That being said, next time we will request a building, not a view. Fireworks was nice, but not necessary!
 
Hello!

We rent from people every time we go down to WBC. Do timeshare owners have a specific tower they rent from? For example, one owner has Tower 3 and every time someone rents from them they get a room in Tower 3. Also we've stayed here a couple of times and got lake view one time and a parking lot view another. Does lake view cost extra because we only requested the first time we went. Next time we stay (I don't know when) I'm going to hope for a Tower 6 room. What tower has a good Disney (not just fireworks) view? I know Tower 6 you can get a lake view and Disney if your in that wing and high enough. Sorry about all these questions and how do I know if a renter has enough points for a presidential room and what is the cost difference? Do I just tell them I want a presidential for next time? I'm putting all the questions I have now in one post instead of several posts. Thanks!:)
 
Hello!

We rent from people every time we go down to WBC. Do timeshare owners have a specific tower they rent from? For example, one owner has Tower 3 and every time someone rents from them they get a room in Tower 3. Also we've stayed here a couple of times and got lake view one time and a parking lot view another. Does lake view cost extra because we only requested the first time we went. Next time we stay (I don't know when) I'm going to hope for a Tower 6 room. What tower has a good Disney (not just fireworks) view? I know Tower 6 you can get a lake view and Disney if your in that wing and high enough. Sorry about all these questions and how do I know if a renter has enough points for a presidential room and what is the cost difference? Do I just tell them I want a presidential for next time? I'm putting all the questions I have now in one post instead of several posts. Thanks!:)

Our view in room 556, Tower 3 was Swan/Dolphin, Epcot and Illuminations. Don't know if it costs extra. We had a 2 bd.
 
How does a late check-in affect my room placement? I've made a request for a fireworks view in tower 5 and my problem is that I planned on hopping on a DTD shuttle to go check-in after lunch, however the first shuttle back to the resort from DTD is after 5 PM. We are arriving the previous day and staying on property so we will be at one of the parks in the AM and going to T-Rex for lunch at 3 before going to EPCOT for the evening. Will checking in after 11 PM negatively affect my request? TIA
 
How does a late check-in affect my room placement? I've made a request for a fireworks view in tower 5 and my problem is that I planned on hopping on a DTD shuttle to go check-in after lunch, however the first shuttle back to the resort from DTD is after 5 PM. We are arriving the previous day and staying on property so we will be at one of the parks in the AM and going to T-Rex for lunch at 3 before going to EPCOT for the evening. Will checking in after 11 PM negatively affect my request? TIA

You might run into several problems. First of all since Bonnet Creek charges a shuttle fee now, you must purchase your shuttle tickets AT Bonnet Creek. You can not just hop on a shuttle and pay the driver. Also what are you planning on doing with your luggage ?? They do not allow you to bring luggage on the Disney park shuttles (even to DTD). Maybe I misunderstanding your plans :confused3
 
You might run into several problems. First of all since Bonnet Creek charges a shuttle fee now, you must purchase your shuttle tickets AT Bonnet Creek. You can not just hop on a shuttle and pay the driver. Also what are you planning on doing with your luggage ?? They do not allow you to bring luggage on the Disney park shuttles (even to DTD). Maybe I misunderstanding your plans :confused3

MY BIL is picking up our luggage at All Star Sports when he arrives at 10 PM. Because I actually own at WBC, I don't have to pay for the shuttle ( I have an email from GS). I'm just concerned about checking in late and getting leftovers as far as rooms go. I hate to eat up park time by bus hopping to check-in during the afternoon if I don't have to. I thought it would easy while we were at DTD to run up to resort and check-in.
 
Because I actually own at WBC, I don't have to pay for the shuttle ( I have an email from GS).

was looking on the site and saw this:
Effective February 15, 2013, guests staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek will be required to pay a transportation fee (per unit/per day) for the Walt Disney World® Resort shuttle. Please contact the resort for additional information.


Ok just called WBC and was told the fee applies to everyone using the shuttle service. Its $5 round trip/ per person/ per day. You only have to pay the days you actually use the shuttle. Fee is payable at the desk. You are given a voucher/ticket for the shuttle.

I called twice bc I wanted to know if you paid for everyday or just days you used it. Both employees told me the same info.

I originally had read somewhere you had to pay to park at WBC (If have rental car). I was just told no, its free parking.
 
was looking on the site and saw this:
Effective February 15, 2013, guests staying at Wyndham Bonnet Creek will be required to pay a transportation fee (per unit/per day) for the Walt Disney World® Resort shuttle. Please contact the resort for additional information.


Ok just called WBC and was told the fee applies to everyone using the shuttle service. Its $5 round trip/ per person/ per day. You only have to pay the days you actually use the shuttle. Fee is payable at the desk. You are given a voucher/ticket for the shuttle.

I called twice bc I wanted to know if you paid for everyday or just days you used it. Both employees told me the same info.

I originally had read somewhere you had to pay to park at WBC (If have rental car). I was just told no, its free parking.



Hello ,

Thank you for contacting Club Wyndham regarding the transportation fee at the
Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

The transportation fee will not apply to Wyndham Bonnet Creek resort deeded
owner.

The transportation fee apply to resort “Guests” who are not Wyndham Bonnet
Creek Owners or CWA Owners.
The transportation fees will only be applied to
individuals who use the Walt Disney World® Resort shuttles at the resort. The
cost is expected to be approximately $5 per person, per round trip.


Thank you again for contacting us and making your life-long vacation dreams a
reality with CLUB WYNDHAM.

Regards,

Navlin
E-Commerce Owner Resolution Division
 
Hello ,

Thank you for contacting Club Wyndham regarding the transportation fee at the
Wyndham Bonnet Creek.

The transportation fee will not apply to Wyndham Bonnet Creek resort deeded
owner.

The transportation fee apply to resort “Guests” who are not Wyndham Bonnet
Creek Owners or CWA Owners.
The transportation fees will only be applied to
individuals who use the Walt Disney World® Resort shuttles at the resort. The
cost is expected to be approximately $5 per person, per round trip.


Thank you again for contacting us and making your life-long vacation dreams a
reality with CLUB WYNDHAM.

Regards,

Navlin
E-Commerce Owner Resolution Division

I called the front desk again today and was told the policy had changed and the fee applied to everyone regardless if you were an owner or not. heck it sounds like they still dont have a clue :confused3 Either way even if it is free to owners you still need to get your tickets for the shuttle from Bonnet Creek. How is the bus driver in DTD going to know your an owner ??. Apparently I dont have the answers but I could see it being an issue.
And yes I would think that checking in late effects your room assignment. Last year they assigned our room as we were checking in (because I was given several choices). Hope things run smoothly for you :) have a great vacation!
 
I called the front desk again today and was told the policy had changed and the fee applied to everyone regardless if you were an owner or not. heck it sounds like they still dont have a clue :confused3 Either way even if it is free to owners you still need to get your tickets for the shuttle from Bonnet Creek. How is the bus driver in DTD going to know your an owner ??. Apparently I dont have the answers but I could see it being an issue.
And yes I would think that checking in late effects your room assignment. Last year they assigned our room as we were checking in (because I was given several choices). Hope things run smoothly for you :) have a great vacation!


The CS rep that emailed me today reassured me that I could catch the shuttle with my confirmation info. I hope they figure this shuttle thing out before July! As an owner paying monthly fees, I am quite upset at the prospect having to pay for the shuttle. Looks like I will have to catch a cab to go check in before lunch if this doesn't work out.
 
Couple of questions. :)

1) Can you get the NFL Network at WBC? Just found out that my beloved Cincinnati Bengals are playing on the NFL Network while we're there.

2)

Is the Bonnet Creek area the only part of the RCID that's not owned by Disney?

I'm not entirely sure (haven't paid much attention), but my guess would be no NFL Network at the resort. Since the NFL Network is one of the more expensive channels for a cable company to provide and is a much more niche programming type, I'm thinking that it's unlikely that it would be included within the basic barebones channel selections at the resort.

2. Honestly, I'm not sure if Bonnet Creek is part of the RCID or not. I've never paid much attention to the RCID lines to know what is actually covered by it. I DO know that because the properties landlocked status, that it does have more connections into the Disney Property (and RCID) than many other offsite locations, such as only road connection being on East Buena Vista Blvd, and utility connections. I also wouldn't be shocked if the RCID FD serviced the area since there are 2 RCID Firehouses not very far from the Bonnet Creek Resort area (The "Lego" firehouse over by Victory Way, and the one across from DTD with the firehose fountain), and it makes more sense in case of emergency for the closer facilities to be the first responders instead of requiring somone from outside to drive thru Disney property (and traffic) in order to get access to the area.



If you purchase tickets at WBC do you receive the actual MYW ticket that you can use to get into the parks? Or do you receive a voucher/receipt to redeem for the actual ticket at one of the Disney parks?

It's actual Tickets. The desk at WBC is staffed by Disney employees.

Out of curiosity, I'd be interested to hear what you do for meals. Do you find you eat mostly in the unit? Or a combination of meals cooked in and some restaurants?
I am trying to decide what will work best for us. We plan to eat breakfasts and some lunches in the unit because we usually come back for a mid-day break. What I am trying to decide is if we'll eat dinners onsite at Disney or try a bunch off offsite places.

For me it honestly tends to depend on what my plans are for the day. I might often try and grab something before leaving the room since it's cheaper and I'm there anyway (and it also makes more efficient use of time during the morning get ready routines and everyone shares bathrooms).

Lunch I'm normally not at the room for....

And Dinner.... It really can depend upon when we eat and where we are at. More often than not, I've either eaten at the park or someplace offsite on my way back to the room. Sometimes we've ordered Pizza. only occasionally have I actually been back at the room around dinner time and decided to cook.

The nice thing about the unit and full kitchen for me though is the fact you have a fridge, and the ability to reheat food. Whether it's pizza, or leftovers from a tableservice restaurant. It's nice knowing you can take leftovers back to the room and not automatically know they are going to go to waste. You never know when those late night munchies will attack. :)


Hello!

We rent from people every time we go down to WBC. Do timeshare owners have a specific tower they rent from? For example, one owner has Tower 3 and every time someone rents from them they get a room in Tower 3. Also we've stayed here a couple of times and got lake view one time and a parking lot view another. Does lake view cost extra because we only requested the first time we went. Next time we stay (I don't know when) I'm going to hope for a Tower 6 room. What tower has a good Disney (not just fireworks) view? I know Tower 6 you can get a lake view and Disney if your in that wing and high enough. Sorry about all these questions and how do I know if a renter has enough points for a presidential room and what is the cost difference? Do I just tell them I want a presidential for next time? I'm putting all the questions I have now in one post instead of several posts. Thanks!:)

Owners who own at the resort simply reserve a room type. The resort handles inventory as one big pool and not broken out as specific towers.

Also, as far as inventory is concerned, beyond the obvious room size (1bd, 2bdrm, 3bdrm, 4bdrm), the only other inventory category is "Deluxe" or "Presidential" room types. The different views are not treated any differently from the inventory management and therefor do not have any different point costs for owners.

and finally.... Most owners will not necessarily tell you what their available point totals are. Besides the fact that owners with enough points for Presidential units also normally might also have a VIP status level which would allow for a discounted point cost for the room, there is the simple fact that for most renters, the number of points in the Wyndham system don't really mean anything since they are kind of arbitrary without the point of reference of knowing the point costs at the different resorts. Your best bet would be to talk to the owners you plan from renting from and just asking about the presidential unit rental. They can tell you if they can do it and what they would charge for the rental.


The CS rep that emailed me today reassured me that I could catch the shuttle with my confirmation info. I hope they figure this shuttle thing out before July! As an owner paying monthly fees, I am quite upset at the prospect having to pay for the shuttle. Looks like I will have to catch a cab to go check in before lunch if this doesn't work out.

Honestly, I'd HIGHLY recommend calling the resort directly and not dealing with the email CS reps. There was a LOT of confusion around when the fees were implemented [the $12/day per unit for all non-BC owners ; to the $5 shuttle roundtrip for all], and all during that process there was a lot of different and conflicting information coming from the resort, corporate wyndham reps, and the various renters. Since this is such an important thing for your planning, I'd probably feel the most comfortable with going directly the to source.... the resort itself... since they are the most likely to have the latest and most accurate information [from an operational PoV]. The Corporate Wyndham CS reps are only as good as the information they are given, which could get lost, misplaced, or simply be out of date between the resort, to corporate, to the CS groups.


FWIW.... My interpretation of the system that was finally enacted was that the $5 per person round trip fee is charged to ALL shuttle users; guests, renters, and owners...both wyndham and home resort. This system was enacted due to the complaints about fairness the original proposal got because of the way it treated anyone not an actual Bonnet Creek owner as a 2nd class citizen with the added fees. [including a regular non-paid guest of the owner... or owners of other Wyndham resorts who'se home resorts don't charge Bonnet Creek owners any extra 'special' fees for their amenities]
 
with all this talk about check in, if we're staying somewhere else the night before but have an early ressie (8:25) at TH the next morning (same day we check into WBC) are we best to check in super early...like 7:30 am? Is that early even possible??
 
The CS rep that emailed me today reassured me that I could catch the shuttle with my confirmation info. I hope they figure this shuttle thing out before July! As an owner paying monthly fees, I am quite upset at the prospect having to pay for the shuttle. Looks like I will have to catch a cab to go check in before lunch if this doesn't work out.


Oh....

and for what it's worth, As an owner of the resort, You'd be paying for the shuttle one way or another. It's likely the Shuttle has been subsidized all this time by the Sales Department to help make the resort more attractive to potential new owners, and as the sales phase at the resort is ending [the resort is nearing or completed selling out], Those subsidies are cut back and/or removed.

So the HOA, which you as an owner are a member of, was forced to make a decision regarding what to do about the shuttle. Either 1. Discontinue the shuttle service, 2. Add the additional non-subsidized costs of operating the shuttle to the general budget which is funded by those Maintenance fees, or 3. find another source of income to pay for the costs of operating the shuttle.

The HOA decided on option 3, which as an owner I don't have any problems with. While I've never used the shuttles and prefer to rent a car when vacationing in the area, I understand that the shuttles are very useful for a lot of people, so I can understand not wanting to choose option 1.

option 2 I would not have been super happy with, since it would've resulted in a relatively large increase to my Monthly MF's to pay for a service I have no use for and do not have any plans of using.

So Option 3 is the best option. I'm not (as well as owners like me) forced to endure a large MF increase to pay for the shuttle service that I do not gain any advantage from, but other owners who do find value from the shuttle continue to have it available to them with it being funded by those who actually use the system.


With the cost of operating the shuttle at the frequency and quality that it is currently ran at, If they didn't find the alternate funding for the system it's highly likely you could've seen an increase in the neighborhood of $.50-$1... or more.. per 1k in your MF rates.
 
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