The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread Part 3

[DCTooTall]

Ok I just booked my trip to Bonnet Creek for the spring of 2014. I'm sure it's on here somewhere but is it possible to have a fireworks view and a pool or lake view in any of the newer towers? Which pools are zero entry for little kids? What pools have a bar? Thanks

Newer towers.... Not really.


Because of the orientation of the resort, The only towers which will be facing the direction of the EPCOT fireworks at the same take as facing the lake would be towers 1, 2, and 3. These towers were refurbed however last year.

It's also important to keep in mind that towers 4 and 5 are on the other side of the lake, so you would need to have a room high enough in these towers to see over the buildings on the other side of the lake, or which is positioned so that you can see over the top of the main building (4 stories).


Zero Entry pools are available at the Main Building, Tower 5 (which also connects to the lazy river), and Tower 6.

Pool Bars are located at Tower 3, Tower 4, and the hotel pool between Towers 3 and 6.

 

[dtr_angel]

never mind!

 

[dtr_angel]

We're not going to be sure that we are going in July until March/April. I'm looking at booking through VacationUpgrades. I know July is prime vacation time. If we wait until 60-90 days out I'm sure there might not be any availability. What if we book it months out and then decide not to go. What is their cancellation policy? Thanks!

 

[eangel12]

I wanted to get opinions. We are traveling to Disney in August 2014 for 10 nights. We priced out doing 5 days at Art of Animation and 5 nights at Animal Kingdom. We have 3 adults and 2 kids so need a suite and at the very least a 1 bedroom. Total cost not including tickets is $3600.00. I decided to get a quote for a 2 bedroom deluxe at Bonnet Creek and was quoted $1750.00.

I always have stayed on Disney property--always. I'm now leaning towards Bonnet Creek.

We always drive and do not do Disney transportation. It annoys me and my hubby won't let our 2 year old ride without a carseat. (Just personal preference!!)

I hate to stay off property but the price difference is a killer!! Also, we have AP so no ticket issue!!

 

[carlbarry]

I wanted to get opinions. We are traveling to Disney in August 2014 for 10 nights. We priced out doing 5 days at Art of Animation and 5 nights at Animal Kingdom. We have 3 adults and 2 kids so need a suite and at the very least a 1 bedroom. Total cost not including tickets is $3600.00. I decided to get a quote for a 2 bedroom deluxe at Bonnet Creek and was quoted $1750.00.

I always have stayed on Disney property--always. I'm now leaning towards Bonnet Creek.

We always drive and do not do Disney transportation. It annoys me and my hubby won't let our 2 year old ride without a carseat. (Just personal preference!!)

I hate to stay off property but the price difference is a killer!! Also, we have AP so no ticket issue!!

In 2009 I was staying at BC while my DVC purchase was closing. I decided to drive to AKL to see what that was like. I stopped in at Kidani. I was really impressed with BC and thought it was very nice. But visiting Kidani opened my eyes.
It was like when designing BC, Wyndham told the architects, "We want to build a flagship resort. Here's the budget," and Disney told the architects, "We want to transport people to Africa. Design the resort."
I've stayed at BC 3 times, and at Jambo twice. There is really no comparison. The beauty of the resort and the activities available at AKL blow away BC, even though BC is a beautiful resort.
So if money was no object, I would not hesitate to say stick to AKL, and skip BC. However, there is a HUGE difference in price, and honestly, being thrifty myself, I don't know if I'd pay the difference, except as a once in a lifetime stay.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

My wife and I are planning our first trip to Orlando from October 16th through October 28th, 2013. The trip is for our 5th wedding anniversary which is on October 18th of this year.

Right now, We are thinking of staying at Floridays as we can get a hotel, airfare, and car rental package at that hotel for $1956 plus resort fees which comes out to about $2200 total. That was from the Travelocity site.

However, This place looks really nice and I like the number of pools and the lazy river. On the Travelocity site, They want $2900 for the hotel, airfare, and car rental package.

I have read that Vacation Upgrades does a lot of bookings for this resort and I was wondering if VU could get the package at about $2000 (Airfare, Hotel, And car rental). My wife and I are just looking for a 1 bedroom suite with a kitchen and balcony.

I also heard that smoking is allowed on the balcony of your room. Is it allowed anywhere else on the resort? And does this resort do resort fees? Also, How late do the pools stay open?

Thanks in advance.

 

[eangel12]

In 2009 I was staying at BC while my DVC purchase was closing. I decided to drive to AKL to see what that was like. I stopped in at Kidani. I was really impressed with BC and thought it was very nice. But visiting Kidani opened my eyes.
It was like when designing BC, Wyndham told the architects, "We want to build a flagship resort. Here's the budget," and Disney told the architects, "We want to transport people to Africa. Design the resort."
I've stayed at BC 3 times, and at Jambo twice. There is really no comparison. The beauty of the resort and the activities available at AKL blow away BC, even though BC is a beautiful resort.
So if money was no object, I would not hesitate to say stick to AKL, and skip BC. However, there is a HUGE difference in price, and honestly, being thrifty myself, I don't know if I'd pay the difference, except as a once in a lifetime stay.

We stayed at BC on our last visit and I wasn't impressed at all. While the resort was nice the rooms were definitely not impressive. We are used to staying at Fairmont hotels and were a bit disappointed! We've also stayed at BWI and thought it was nice but again not WOWd compared to Banff Springs hotel that we stayed in for our honeymoon! The only thing tugging me towards AKL is the savannah view! Just not sure it is worth the extra $2300.00. I just received another quote for Bonnet Creek for $1400 for the 10 nights. AKL in a 1 bedroom savannah view would be $4424.00. Ugh, so difficult to justify that cost!!

 

[Bellamouse]

I wanted to get opinions. We are traveling to Disney in August 2014 for 10 nights. We priced out doing 5 days at Art of Animation and 5 nights at Animal Kingdom. We have 3 adults and 2 kids so need a suite and at the very least a 1 bedroom. Total cost not including tickets is $3600.00. I decided to get a quote for a 2 bedroom deluxe at Bonnet Creek and was quoted $1750.00.

I always have stayed on Disney property--always. I'm now leaning towards Bonnet Creek.

We always drive and do not do Disney transportation. It annoys me and my hubby won't let our 2 year old ride without a carseat. (Just personal preference!!)

I hate to stay off property but the price difference is a killer!! Also, we have AP so no ticket issue!!

In my opinion, you won't really feel like you're offsite. Because it really is about the same distance as it was to POFQ where we stayed one year. Unless as the pp mentioned, theming is of importance to you (it's not to me) you might want to stay on property.

But if I were in your position, I would actually check in to the 3 BR, that way the adults would each have their own sleeping space and the two kids would each get their own bed in the third room and no one would have to sleep on a pull out couch in the living room. It will still be cheaper than the rooms on property and you could even get a view that overlooks the Epcot ball.

Personally, we much prefer having our own space to relax in at night than having the cool theming. But everyone's priorities are different, I know. Just my 2 cents.

 

[carlbarry]

And does this resort do resort fees?

Thanks in advance.

No resort fees.

 

[badiggio]

I wanted to get opinions. We are traveling to Disney in August 2014 for 10 nights. We priced out doing 5 days at Art of Animation and 5 nights at Animal Kingdom. We have 3 adults and 2 kids so need a suite and at the very least a 1 bedroom. Total cost not including tickets is $3600.00. I decided to get a quote for a 2 bedroom deluxe at Bonnet Creek and was quoted $1750.00.

I always have stayed on Disney property--always. I'm now leaning towards Bonnet Creek.

We always drive and do not do Disney transportation. It annoys me and my hubby won't let our 2 year old ride without a carseat. (Just personal preference!!)

I hate to stay off property but the price difference is a killer!! Also, we have AP so no ticket issue!!

I've stayed at both Jambo and Kidani;nice resorts as far as the theme goes.Wbc is so much better imo.I can't speak of the deluxe but the presidentials blow the rooms at AK out of the water.AK would be more convenient as far as free transportation,but otherwise ,if you want to save quite a bit of money for a nicer room at a very nice resort,go WBC.

 

[DCTooTall]

My wife and I are planning our first trip to Orlando from October 16th through October 28th, 2013. The trip is for our 5th wedding anniversary which is on October 18th of this year.

Right now, We are thinking of staying at Floridays as we can get a hotel, airfare, and car rental package at that hotel for $1956 plus resort fees which comes out to about $2200 total. That was from the Travelocity site.

However, This place looks really nice and I like the number of pools and the lazy river. On the Travelocity site, They want $2900 for the hotel, airfare, and car rental package.

I have read that Vacation Upgrades does a lot of bookings for this resort and I was wondering if VU could get the package at about $2000 (Airfare, Hotel, And car rental). My wife and I are just looking for a 1 bedroom suite with a kitchen and balcony.

I also heard that smoking is allowed on the balcony of your room. Is it allowed anywhere else on the resort? And does this resort do resort fees? Also, How late do the pools stay open?

Thanks in advance.

As far as I know, Vacation Upgrades does not operate a full travel agency, so they would not be able to book a hotel and car rental as part of a package. They will however save you a TON off the "rack rate" at the resort.

For the price savings you can get on the room, the added "hassle" of finding and booking your own airfare and rental cars is worth it. It will also give you some more freedom in choosing your car and flights than you will likely get with booking a complete package thru a site like travelocity. (You can often sometimes save some money by booking air thru the airline's website, and you can often either rent the car at the same time as the air thru the airline, or go directly thru the car rental agency and find extra discounts, reward program benefits, etc.)


If you have any questions on booking air or car rentals outside of a package, check out the Transportation forum here on the Dis. there are a ton of experts there who can answer any question you could possibly have.


Oh... and Smoking questions... In the past [before I recently quit], I've been able to smoke at pool bars, and several other places around the property without any issues. There doesn't appear to be any smoking police around the resort grounds, and as long as the smoker is courteous in not smoking in areas he can't be bypassed, lighting up around others without asking, and properly disposing of any waste, I haven't seen anything to really indicate a problem smoking outside around the property.

There are however a few "designated Smoking areas" as well.

 

[lillygator]

we are checking in Saturday, can't wait!!

I didn't put any requests on our room....hope that doesn't backfire on me. We plan on trying to check in early. on our way to DTD.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

As far as I know, Vacation Upgrades does not operate a full travel agency, so they would not be able to book a hotel and car rental as part of a package. They will however save you a TON off the "rack rate" at the resort.

For the price savings you can get on the room, the added "hassle" of finding and booking your own airfare and rental cars is worth it. It will also give you some more freedom in choosing your car and flights than you will likely get with booking a complete package thru a site like travelocity. (You can often sometimes save some money by booking air thru the airline's website, and you can often either rent the car at the same time as the air thru the airline, or go directly thru the car rental agency and find extra discounts, reward program benefits, etc.)


If you have any questions on booking air or car rentals outside of a package, check out the Transportation forum here on the Dis. there are a ton of experts there who can answer any question you could possibly have.


Oh... and Smoking questions... In the past [before I recently quit], I've been able to smoke at pool bars, and several other places around the property without any issues. There doesn't appear to be any smoking police around the resort grounds, and as long as the smoker is courteous in not smoking in areas he can't be bypassed, lighting up around others without asking, and properly disposing of any waste, I haven't seen anything to really indicate a problem smoking outside around the property.

There are however a few "designated Smoking areas" as well.

Thanks for all the information.

Here is what I am looking right now.

At this time, My wife and I are really thinking about staying at Floridays and the airfare, hotel, and car rental package for Wed, October 16th through Mon, October 28th will run $1956 plus resort taxes. After resort taxes, It will be closer to $2300.

Now, I have checked the airfare and car rental only on Travelocity and it comes out to $722. If I go through VS. Do you think I could get a 1 bedroom suite for under $1300 for those 12 nights?

 

[Spanky]

Just email Vacation Upgrade and they will give you a quote - actually I think his web site has the prices posted. He can also let you know if any one bedrooms are left for your time frame. Bonnet Creek is mainly 2 bedroom,2 bath condos with a few 3 bedrooms, 4 bedrooms and 1 bedroom condos.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

Just email Vacation Upgrade and they will give you a quote - actually I think his web site has the prices posted. He can also let you know if any one bedrooms are left for your time frame. Bonnet Creek is mainly 2 bedroom,2 bath condos with a few 3 bedrooms, 4 bedrooms and 1 bedroom condos.

Vacation Upgrade and Vacation Strategy are the only 2 sites that I know that concentrates on Bonnet Creek? Are there any other sites that I could possibly find a good deal from.

If I can find a 2 bedroom suite at about $1100 to $1200 for 12 nights. I would be thrilled with it. However, We will take a 1 bedroom suite at that price if needed, But we really looking for a 2 bedroom suite. This way, If her and I have problems sleeping on some nights. She or I could go into the other room and watch television without disturbing each other.

All I know is that 3 people on this forum have confirmed that I can smoke on the balcony and that was a must for me. And a must for my wife was the kitchen in the suite. And a must for the both of us was multiple pools and hot tubs.

 

[Upatnoon]

Vacation Upgrade and Vacation Strategy are the only 2 sites that I know that concentrates on Bonnet Creek? Are there any other sites that I could possibly find a good deal from.

If I can find a 2 bedroom suite at about $1100 to $1200 for 12 nights. I would be thrilled with it. However, We will take a 1 bedroom suite at that price if needed, But we really looking for a 2 bedroom suite. This way, If her and I have problems sleeping on some nights. She or I could go into the other room and watch television without disturbing each other.

All I know is that 3 people on this forum have confirmed that I can smoke on the balcony and that was a must for me. And a must for my wife was the kitchen in the suite. And a must for the both of us was multiple pools and hot tubs.

You can also look on ebay, as there are lots additional powersellers on there that deal in Bonnet Creek reservations. You can also see what prices the resort is fetching.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

You can also look on ebay, as there are lots additional powersellers on there that deal in Bonnet Creek reservations. You can also see what prices the resort is fetching.

To be honest with you. While my wife and I have done ebay in the past and still do once in a while. We would be nervous doing something like Bonnet Creek on Ebay. That is why we are planning to see what kind of deals we can get from Vacation Upgrades and Vacation Strategies.

 

[Stafford]

I am looking for a 3 bedroom for 5/31-6/8 of 2014. While I like Ken, $220 a night is way over what I want to pay. VS has qouted me $186 a night, but I have heard that they cancel your reservation at 60 days to try to get a better price, and because of this you may loose your reservation. Ken mentioned that it would be very unlikely to get a 3-bedroom 60-days out because they're aren't as many of them. So my question is, when should I start checking ebay and/or redweek for those times? I know I can pm owners for dates, but how far out is too far out to go that route?

Thanks for the help!

 

[badiggio]

^ I've dealt with VS multiple times and have never heard of them cancelling a reservation at 60 days to get a better price.They give me a quote and when the time comes I pay it.That's it,that's all.
I think what you're refering to was a miscommunication ,not that VS just cancels a booking at 60 days.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Thanks for all the information.

Here is what I am looking right now.

At this time, My wife and I are really thinking about staying at Floridays and the airfare, hotel, and car rental package for Wed, October 16th through Mon, October 28th will run $1956 plus resort taxes. After resort taxes, It will be closer to $2300.

Now, I have checked the airfare and car rental only on Travelocity and it comes out to $722. If I go through VS. Do you think I could get a 1 bedroom suite for under $1300 for those 12 nights?

You should easily get a 1 or 2br for $1300. I had a 2br last summer, through the 4th of July holidays for $120/night with VU. Send them an email they are both very easy to work with.

Vacation Upgrade and Vacation Strategy are the only 2 sites that I know that concentrates on Bonnet Creek? Are there any other sites that I could possibly find a good deal from.

If I can find a 2 bedroom suite at about $1100 to $1200 for 12 nights. I would be thrilled with it. However, We will take a 1 bedroom suite at that price if needed, But we really looking for a 2 bedroom suite. This way, If her and I have problems sleeping on some nights. She or I could go into the other room and watch television without disturbing each other.
.

You can also go to myresortnetwork.com and look at the listings there. Shelby Resorts, Laru Resorts and Aaron Washburn all get good reviews here.

Even if you get a 1br there are 2 TV...one in the bedroom and one in the living room. You can leave the bedroom and close the door to watch TV with out disturbing your wife.