The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread Part 3

[donap]

I know everyone has their preference --
we are reserved for a 2-Bedroom Deluxe.

It will me myself, husband, 8-yr old son and 9-yr old daughter. (their 1st time)
We have only been a family for one year -- adopted siblings from Russia in 2012.

We normally prefer upper floors in hotels, but with the kids, is the wait time for elevators really bad here ??? We will do enough waiting for shuttles and rides in the parks !

We plan on spending very little time at Bonnet Creek during the day, and I would like the kids to be able to sleep OK (no headlights from the parking lot -- which a higher floor fixes, or too much noise from the pool )

Also - we will be arriving early in the day on Sunday(around Noon) and spending the time using the resort facilities prior to check-in time.

Any tips/hints to help us get checked-in smoothly and have a shot at having our tower request granted at the "appointed" Check-in time ???

Thanks!

 

[Eaglefan9727]

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.

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.

I asked for a quote from the following:
Vacation Upgrades
Vacation Strategies
Washburn Time shares

As of right now, I heard from Vacation Strategies and they want $1325 for a 1 Bedroom deluxe which is not available and $1900 for a 1 bedroom presidential suite which is available. What is the difference between a deluxe and a presidential? Of course, At $1900, That is way out of the price range that I want to spend. I was just wondering what the difference was. Also, Do these people negotiate on the prices? On a side note, I am 72 days from the day my wife and I go down there. I know about the 60 day rule. Do the prices normally drop at the 60 day mark? I just heard from Washburn Time Shares and he is offering $1700 for 2 bedrooms for 11 nights. Still too much for my wife and I and I am not happy with the loss of one night either

Also, Another question about the resort itself. Do they enforce the 11:00 PM curfew on the swimming pool/hot tubs or will they let people stay in the pool/hot tub if they are quiet?

Thanks...

 

[Kemorr]

Is Vacation Strategy trustworthy? I had a 2 bed villa at BLT booked for 11 months at $1000 a night for the first week in October. When the fall discounts from Disney and there was nothing for my week/BLT, I began second guessing spending SO much money for such a small space. Vacation Strategy has given me a quote for $2500 for 8 nights for a 4 bed presidential, they want full payment now as we're less than 60 days out. Before I hand over all that money, I just wanted to check on their reliability.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

Before I ask for a quote from Affordable Getaways. Does anyone know if they have a good reputation like VS and VU?

 

[DCTooTall]

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?

Tough to say. Depending on the time of year I've heard anywhere from $100-$120/night being the general average.

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.

The big trick with Ebay is to pay attention to the seller's ratings, and to make sure those seller ratings are for timeshare transactions. (just because they have a perfect rating selling little $10 trinkets doesn't mean they will be reliable for a big ticket vacation rental). You can also often contact the sellers directly to try and work out something for your exact dates.

There are several bigger renters who use Ebay for the advertising and transaction capabilities of the site, but who will work with you outside of the site to arrange your vacation.

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!

For a 3bdrm I'd honestly start sooner rather than later. We are now in the regular open reservation window, so there is no reason to not start looking around now for your reservation for next year.

Because of the lower number of 3bdrm units at the resort, If you really need a 3bdrm I feel it's better to try and find something now that you are happy with, then to wait in the hope of a better deal and discover that all the 3bdrms are booked.

Because of the way the points are used when making a reservation, and the way the larger renters manage their inventories, You are not as likely to see the prices drop if you wait it out. Most of the really great last minute deals are when an owner has points or a reservation they have to use or lose, and that time of year you aren't as likely to see that same kind of situation.

I know everyone has their preference --
we are reserved for a 2-Bedroom Deluxe.

It will me myself, husband, 8-yr old son and 9-yr old daughter. (their 1st time)
We have only been a family for one year -- adopted siblings from Russia in 2012.

We normally prefer upper floors in hotels, but with the kids, is the wait time for elevators really bad here ??? We will do enough waiting for shuttles and rides in the parks !

We plan on spending very little time at Bonnet Creek during the day, and I would like the kids to be able to sleep OK (no headlights from the parking lot -- which a higher floor fixes, or too much noise from the pool )

Also - we will be arriving early in the day on Sunday(around Noon) and spending the time using the resort facilities prior to check-in time.

Any tips/hints to help us get checked-in smoothly and have a shot at having our tower request granted at the "appointed" Check-in time ???

Thanks!

You really can't go wrong with any of the towers. It all depends on what you are looking for as far as location. Is there something in particular you would like to be close to? Bus Stops? A pool? Lazy River? Zero Entry? Pool Bar?

I've never had a bad wait for an elevator at this resort in any of the towers i've been in. The Worst has been during checkout times on the big checkout days when I may have needed to wait an extra couple minutes for a second elevator because the first one didn't have enough room for my family and stroller because of another family checking out an having all their bags on a cart.

I asked for a quote from the following:
Vacation Upgrades
Vacation Strategies
Washburn Time shares

As of right now, I heard from Vacation Strategies and they want $1325 for a 1 Bedroom deluxe which is not available and $1900 for a 1 bedroom presidential suite which is available. What is the difference between a deluxe and a presidential? Of course, At $1900, That is way out of the price range that I want to spend. I was just wondering what the difference was. Also, Do these people negotiate on the prices? On a side note, I am 72 days from the day my wife and I go down there. I know about the 60 day rule. Do the prices normally drop at the 60 day mark? I just heard from Washburn Time Shares and he is offering $1700 for 2 bedrooms for 11 nights. Still too much for my wife and I and I am not happy with the loss of one night either

Also, Another question about the resort itself. Do they enforce the 11:00 PM curfew on the swimming pool/hot tubs or will they let people stay in the pool/hot tub if they are quiet?

Thanks...

The Presidential units are slightly larger (maybe 50-100sqft tops), and have upgraded furnishings compared to the deluxe units.

I don't rent so I can't speak to how often the big renters will negotiate pricing. As for waiting for the 60day mark for a discount, It's up to you. i don't know if the 60 day discount window is really in play as much anymore as it used to be. the bigger renters, especially as the resort has grown in popularity, will often manage their inventory and set their initial prices with the assumption they will be able to take advantage of the various discounts and tricks available to owners with more points to get the reservation for a lower cost. You could always ask.

From my last trip in october of last year, The "Hard close" of the pools starts around midnight. At that time you will likely be asked to leave the pool area so they can clean and lock them up for the night. (The pools USED to be open 24/7, unfortunately there were several incidents of guests being extremely loud/roudy and pool area vandalism overnight which prompted them to change the policy a few years ago)

Is Vacation Strategy trustworthy? I had a 2 bed villa at BLT booked for 11 months at $1000 a night for the first week in October. When the fall discounts from Disney and there was nothing for my week/BLT, I began second guessing spending SO much money for such a small space. Vacation Strategy has given me a quote for $2500 for 8 nights for a 4 bed presidential, they want full payment now as we're less than 60 days out. Before I hand over all that money, I just wanted to check on their reliability.

Vacation Strategies is one of the major renters which a lot of people on the DIS have dealt with. I would say based off the reports from people around here that the company is reliable and trustworthy.

 

[snowangel72]

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!!

It's up to you. BC is a totally different experience...think condo with kitchen, living room and three bedrooms with laundry machine and dryer in your unit. If the thought of hauling groceries (and the stores aren't super close by) and making your own coffee in the morning makes you ill, you won't like it. No maids. Your beds won't be made, your pj's won't be folded and put on the chair for you. No Mickey towels. You make a mess, you come back to a mess. It isn't hotel living. No room service or hotel people at your beck and call all sweet and smiley welcoming you every time you enter the building ready to chat you up. If you want hotel living, BC isn't for you. If you want a room where you can do your own thing, without all the services, then it will work for you.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

Thanks DCTooTall for the info about the swimming pools. There is always one bad apple who spoil the fun.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

Has anyone been there recently that can tell me how the bus transportation is to the parks?

It is terribly inconvenient and costly. As an owner at WBC, I was appalled at the lack of service.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

Any of you ever use one of the grocery delivery services for your WBC stay? What was your experience?

We get in around 8 pm our first night and I'd love to avoid a grocery trip that night and jump right into Disney in the am.

I used Garden Grocer and loved them. They deliver to bell service and they keep the food cold until you arrive to check in. Orders over $200 cost $2 to deliver. Some items are very costly though (like $5+ for a small box of cereal) but others are reasonable.

 

[suffieldhockeymom]

I have a parking pass question!


Trying to avoid the whole time share sales routine at WBC. Was thinking of having my DW grab the pass fill out the lowest income and only speak Italian and act like she doesn't speak English.

Would this work?

I told them that I was single every morning at 8 AM when they called and they kept calling EVERY MORNING! The only reason I answered was because I didn't want to miss my morning call from work. They were relentless!!!!!

 

[disneyfireman]

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.

I used booking.com. I got a 2br deluxe dec 8-13 for 525 plus tax. Give it a shot. The only thing is I got a confirmation number from booking.com but i was told that i will not be in bonnet creeks system until 25-30 days before check in. Which makes me a little nervous. Good luck.

 

[Kemorr]

Can someone tell me about the check in procedure at the resort? I understand that check in is at 4 pm, if we get there at 4 or a little later, will there be a really long line? Some reviews on trip advisor.com said the line for check in was more than 45 minutes. I'm traveling solo and don't really want to wait in line for 45 minutes with 3 little kids.

Also, can someone please tell me about the parking situation? What is the free parking pass, how long does it take to acquire it, where can we park without it and how much does it cost to park without it?

Also, we're staying in a 4 bed presidential. Will this be in tower 6 because it is a presidential? If so, is there a separate check in at tower 6 I could use?

Thanks

 

[Eaglefan9727]

I used booking.com. I got a 2br deluxe dec 8-13 for 525 plus tax. Give it a shot. The only thing is I got a confirmation number from booking.com but i was told that i will not be in bonnet creeks system until 25-30 days before check in. Which makes me a little nervous. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. Considering that it looks like I am out of luck through the other sites. My wife and I are just thinking of staying with the original plan and that is 12 nights at Floridays.

 

[aubriee]

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.



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.

True, we are paying $74.38 per night for a one bedroom through Shelby Resorts for my Sept trip and just $60.00 per night for a one bedroom through Aaron Washburn for our Dec trip. For our trip this past May we paid $89.50 per night for a one bedroom through Vacation Strategies.

 

[aubriee]

Is Vacation Strategy trustworthy? I had a 2 bed villa at BLT booked for 11 months at $1000 a night for the first week in October. When the fall discounts from Disney and there was nothing for my week/BLT, I began second guessing spending SO much money for such a small space. Vacation Strategy has given me a quote for $2500 for 8 nights for a 4 bed presidential, they want full payment now as we're less than 60 days out. Before I hand over all that money, I just wanted to check on their reliability.

Vacation Strategy gets good reviews here on the DIS. We used them for our trip this past May and had no problems and I would have no problem highly recommending them. The only reason we are not using them for my Sept trip or our Dec trip is that we got a better quote from Shelby Resorts for my Sept solo trip and from Aaron Washburn for our Dec trip.

The only negative thing I've ever read about Vacation Strategy was from a lady who apparently didn't understand how renting a time share worked and had not read her quote where it said inventory was limited. She had gotten several quotes from them for different dates over a several weeks period, booked through somewhere else, then canceled, then thought about booking through Disney, then finally decided to go with Vacation Strategies for one of the dates she'd gotten a quote for weeks before. She then went online and made the deposit without first checking to see if the ressie was still available. It was not, so as soon as Vacation Strategies got her deposit, they refunded it back to her, explaining that the ressie was no longer avaialable. She came on here bad mouthing them, because they had not held the reservation until she'd made her mind up and was saying she now had no where to stay and it was their fault.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

True, we are paying $74.38 per night for a one bedroom through Shelby Resorts for my Sept trip and just $60.00 per night for a one bedroom through Aaron Washburn for our Dec trip. For our trip this past May we paid $89.50 per night for a one bedroom through Vacation Strategies.

Those are some good prices. I wish someone like VS, VU, or Aaron was able to find some open dates for October when my wife and I were going to be down there. I haven't tried Shelby Resorts as I couldn't find a link to them on myresortnetwork.com. However, I am guessing if the other 3 cant find a room for the 12 nights I am down there. I am guessing Shelby Resorts wont be able to find one either. Seems like my wife and I will be staying at Floridays for the 12 nights.

 

[eangel12]

I apologize if this has been asked before but we were wondering when the ideal time would be to book an August 2014 trip. We were hoping to wait until Disney releases their specials to do a price compare but don't want to "miss" getting a reservation at Bonnet Creek.

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Upatnoon]

I apologize if this has been asked before but we were wondering when the ideal time would be to book an August 2014 trip. We were hoping to wait until Disney releases their specials to do a price compare but don't want to "miss" getting a reservation at Bonnet Creek.

Thanks in advance!!

There are always reservations available, but how flexible are you with your dates? Look on ebay right now to see all the reservations available for this August.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

Can someone tell me how good the one bedroom deluxe villas are and where most of them are on the property. We don't want one on the ground level if possible. We would like one overlooking the lake if possible. Thanks

 

[DCTooTall]

Can someone tell me about the check in procedure at the resort? I understand that check in is at 4 pm, if we get there at 4 or a little later, will there be a really long line? Some reviews on trip advisor.com said the line for check in was more than 45 minutes. I'm traveling solo and don't really want to wait in line for 45 minutes with 3 little kids.

Also, can someone please tell me about the parking situation? What is the free parking pass, how long does it take to acquire it, where can we park without it and how much does it cost to park without it?

Also, we're staying in a 4 bed presidential. Will this be in tower 6 because it is a presidential? If so, is there a separate check in at tower 6 I could use?

Thanks

Checkin time can vary in part depending upon the day and time. The Big turnover days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so those days will have more people checking in and out than during the week. The Time of year can also be a factor. Personally, I've never waited more than 5min in line to check-in, but I also tend to go at different times than the main rush. (For example: 4 could have a line, but checking in at 7 cold result in just walking up to the counter)

The Parking pass can take anywhere from 3minutes to get, to over 10. It depends on how long the line is, and how hard the person works to get you to go to the sales presentation. It's not really needed as your keycard will get you into the parking lot. If you feel better about having the hang tag on your car, and if there is a line, You can always swing back by the parking tag desk later when there isn't as long a wait.

Parking at the resort is free. The Parking pass it primarily a way to get you to sign up to attend a sales presentation.

With a 4bdrm presidential you could be located anywhere in the resort. All the towers have a couple 4bdrms on the top floor, with tower 6 having a few more than the other towers located among the upper floors. You would need ot check in at the main lobby you don't know which tower you will be assigned to. The 4bdrm Presidentials are the only Presidential units which could be located outside of Tower 6.

Can someone tell me how good the one bedroom deluxe villas are and where most of them are on the property. We don't want one on the ground level if possible. We would like one overlooking the lake if possible. Thanks

I liked my 1bdrm deluxe unit last year. The floorplan is identical to a 2 bdrm deluxe unit with 2 minor differences.... the hallway next to the room entry door which the washer/dryer, 2nd bedroom, and 2nd bathroom are located off is obviously not there, replaced by a wall, and next to the kitchen, behind the dining room table where in the 2bdrm is a small console table with artwork above it on the wall, There is instead a 2nd door into the bathroom and a closet with the washer/dryer.

As for where they are located on the property, They are located all over. My 1bdrm was in Tower 5, lake side, next to the elevators. Different towers will have the 1bdrms located in different locations, but generally you will still have at least 1 1bdrm unit per floor. (With the exception of the top and ground floors, each floor in a tower will have pretty much the same layout)