The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread Part 3

[Eaglefan9727]

IT'S OFFICIAL. My wife and I were able to get a one bedroom villa suite at Bonnet Creek from October 16th through October 28th, 2013. We got it through VS and I just made the deposit of $300. Hopefully, We will have not have issues with VS. Now, I have a few more questions.

I know people can make requests for certain buildings and floors. Do I do that through VS or when we get to the resort? I would like to be in a building where you can see the fireworks from the balcony.

Anyone who has dealt with VS. Have you received free upgrades with the rooms?

If I remember correctly, I read that Bonnet Creek has 2 lazy rivers, But their website says only 1 lazy river. Which is it?

If I remember correctly, I read that guests who stay at the Bonnet Creek can walk over to the Grand Bonnet Creek and eat at the restaurants. Is this true?

Our original plan was for Floridays, Hopefully, Our decision with staying at Bonnet Creek will be a wise decision.

 

[kat3668]

IT'S OFFICIAL. My wife and I were able to get a one bedroom villa suite at Bonnet Creek from October 16th through October 28th, 2013. We got it through VS and I just made the deposit of $300. Hopefully, We will have not have issues with VS. Now, I have a few more questions.

I know people can make requests for certain buildings and floors. Do I do that through VS or when we get to the resort? I would like to be in a building where you can see the fireworks from the balcony.

Recently they have really cracked down and only VIP members can make requests but it doesnt hurt to try!

Anyone who has dealt with VS. Have you received free upgrades with the rooms?
Never dealt with them.
If I remember correctly, I read that Bonnet Creek has 2 lazy rivers, But their website says only 1 lazy river. Which is it?
There is a lazy river outside of building 1 and building 5
If I remember correctly, I read that guests who stay at the Bonnet Creek can walk over to the Grand Bonnet Creek and eat at the restaurants. Is this true?
Yes you can... pricey but good food.
Our original plan was for Floridays, Hopefully, Our decision with staying at Bonnet Creek will be a wise decision.

You made a excellent decision staying there in Sept for the 2nd time it is an awesome resort!

 

[Kemorr]

DCTooTallThanks for the reply. I must admit, the more reviews I read, the more nervous I get about staying there. My primary concerns are (1) several people said their rooms weren't available until 6 or 7 even though check in is at 4, (2) several people have said parking costs $20 per day and (3) I read that they're now charging $12 a day shuttle fee whether or not you are using the shuttles. Can you comment on any of this? Is all the parking free or do they charge for the garage or something? I really don't want to pay $32 per day in parking/shuttle fees and I really want access to my room before 7 as my kids will be really tired by then! I am checking in on Saturday, which is a busy day, early October.

 

[Bellamouse]

IT'S OFFICIAL. My wife and I were able to get a one bedroom villa suite at Bonnet Creek from October 16th through October 28th, 2013. We got it through VS and I just made the deposit of $300. Hopefully, We will have not have issues with VS. Now, I have a few more questions.

I know people can make requests for certain buildings and floors. Do I do that through VS or when we get to the resort? I would like to be in a building where you can see the fireworks from the balcony.

Anyone who has dealt with VS. Have you received free upgrades with the rooms?

If I remember correctly, I read that Bonnet Creek has 2 lazy rivers, But their website says only 1 lazy river. Which is it?

If I remember correctly, I read that guests who stay at the Bonnet Creek can walk over to the Grand Bonnet Creek and eat at the restaurants. Is this true?

Our original plan was for Floridays, Hopefully, Our decision with staying at Bonnet Creek will be a wise decision.

I agree, you made an excellent decision - you will love it.

There are indeed two lazy rivers. One at the main building and one by the pirate pool.

And yes, you can go over to the Grand and eat, use the pools, go to the poolside restaurant, whatever you want. There's a Starbucks in the hotel as well.

You can ask for requests when you check in. They no longer take room requests in advance. You used to be able to call the property a couple weeks before arrival and ask, but my understanding is they don't do this anymore.

I wouldn't count on any upgrades. I don't think you will have any issues whatsoever with VS.

If I were you I would just sit back, not worry and look forward to what will be a really great time at WBC.

 

[Bellamouse]

DCTooTallThanks for the reply. I must admit, the more reviews I read, the more nervous I get about staying there. My primary concerns are (1) several people said their rooms weren't available until 6 or 7 even though check in is at 4, (2) several people have said parking costs $20 per day and (3) I read that they're now charging $12 a day shuttle fee whether or not you are using the shuttles. Can you comment on any of this? Is all the parking free or do they charge for the garage or something? I really don't want to pay $32 per day in parking/shuttle fees and I really want access to my room before 7 as my kids will be really tired by then! I am checking in on Saturday, which is a busy day, early October.

I'm not DCTooTall, but I may be able to answer a few of these. There is NO fee to park. You may be confusing the hotel with the timeshare. The hotel charges a parking fee. The timeshare does not. The shuttle costs per person, per day (I think it's 5 or 6 dollars?), and only if you use it. NO CHARGE if you don't use it.

With regard to checking in, last year when we went, we got two rooms. Our room was ready when we checked in around 3 pm, but our traveling companions' room wasn't ready until probably 7 pm. So that may happen to you. Not sure how to get around that except to tell them when you check in that you have tired kids and can't wait. Don't know if that would help but it might.

 

[Eaglefan9727]

I agree, you made an excellent decision - you will love it.

There are indeed two lazy rivers. One at the main building and one by the pirate pool.

And yes, you can go over to the Grand and eat, use the pools, go to the poolside restaurant, whatever you want. There's a Starbucks in the hotel as well.

You can ask for requests when you check in. They no longer take room requests in advance. You used to be able to call the property a couple weeks before arrival and ask, but my understanding is they don't do this anymore.

I wouldn't count on any upgrades. I don't think you will have any issues whatsoever with VS.

If I were you I would just sit back, not worry and look forward to what will be a really great time at WBC.

Thanks for answering my questions. My wife and I would be happy with the 1 bedroom deluxe to be honest with you, But we wouldn't turn down a upgrade if they wanted to give it to us when we checked in.

After reading all the reviews about this resort on this forum. We were more interested in staying at this resort than our original choice which was Floridays. Yesterday, It didn't look good as everyone I contacted said there was nothing available for those dates, But then I got a email from VS this afternoon saying that they found a 1 bedroom deluxe, So we jumped at the deal.

Both of us are happy as she got the kitchen that she wanted which will most likely only get used once or twice during the 12 days we are there and I am able to smoke on the balcony which I was looking for. Now, We just hope we can get a lake view and possibly a view for the fireworks.

Also, Got one more question. I already made my $300 deposit to Vacation Strategies for the $1325 1 bedroom deluxe. And lets say I decided to ask for a quote tomorrow from Vacation Upgrades. If VU came back with a better deal. Could I contact VS and let them match that price?

 

[DCTooTall]

IT'S OFFICIAL. My wife and I were able to get a one bedroom villa suite at Bonnet Creek from October 16th through October 28th, 2013. We got it through VS and I just made the deposit of $300. Hopefully, We will have not have issues with VS. Now, I have a few more questions.

I know people can make requests for certain buildings and floors. Do I do that through VS or when we get to the resort? I would like to be in a building where you can see the fireworks from the balcony.

Anyone who has dealt with VS. Have you received free upgrades with the rooms?

If I remember correctly, I read that Bonnet Creek has 2 lazy rivers, But their website says only 1 lazy river. Which is it?

If I remember correctly, I read that guests who stay at the Bonnet Creek can walk over to the Grand Bonnet Creek and eat at the restaurants. Is this true?

Our original plan was for Floridays, Hopefully, Our decision with staying at Bonnet Creek will be a wise decision.

Congrats on the Reservation! I'll see what I can do with these questions.

1. The Resort recently started enforcing the "Requests for VIP Only" policy, so advanced room requests are not being accepted anymore from anyone without a VIP Ownership status (Which includes renters from VIP Owners). Tht being said, you can still make a request when you check in and they might be able to accommodate you.

While it might be possible you could get a fireworks view room, I honestly much prefer a lake-view. There will be more potential Lakeview rooms, and I'm usually not even back at the resort when the fireworks at EPCOT are being set off (Usually still at a park). A Lake-view can be nice when sitting on the balcony in the morning, or at night... [much nicer view thruought the day when you grab a smoke]

2. While I haven't dealt with VS, I'll be honest and say the odds of getting a free upgrade at this resort are slim. Because of the way the Wyndham system works, You won't ever be able to upgrade your room at the desk. The Wyndham system also offers various Discounts and upgrades, when available, to VIP owners. For the mega-renters like VS, They often factor in these discounts and upgrades when they quote your price. (That's why the cost of a 2bdrm is often VERY close to the cost of a 1bdrm from most renters).

3. There are 2 lazy rivers. The pool area behind the main building (Lobby and Activities center) has a Self-contained Lazy River. The pool at Tower 5 is Zero Entry, and has lazy river which connects thru the backside of that pool and winds thru the 'fort'. It could honestly simply be a matter of what they consider a Lazy river. Since Tower 5's Lazy river COULD be considered part of the regular pool, it may not be counted by the site that says only 1.

4. Yes, You can take full advantage of the Pool, SPA, and Restaurants at the Wyndham Grande hotel. It is located along the lake between the Timeshare towers 3 and 6. there is also a indoor hallway connecting Tower 6 to the hotel.

DCTooTallThanks for the reply. I must admit, the more reviews I read, the more nervous I get about staying there. My primary concerns are (1) several people said their rooms weren't available until 6 or 7 even though check in is at 4, (2) several people have said parking costs $20 per day and (3) I read that they're now charging $12 a day shuttle fee whether or not you are using the shuttles. Can you comment on any of this? Is all the parking free or do they charge for the garage or something? I really don't want to pay $32 per day in parking/shuttle fees and I really want access to my room before 7 as my kids will be really tired by then! I am checking in on Saturday, which is a busy day, early October.

I see Bella already did a job answering the questions. But here's my take (with usual extra details)

1. It COULD happen the room won't be available until later. The Earlier you check in the better the chances you won't be stuck with a late room ready. It also helps if you are open to a location anyplace within the resort.

2. The TIMESHARE Resort has free parking. The "Wyndham Grande At Bonnet Creek" Hotel located at the property DOES charge for parking. Because both locations have "Wyndham" and "Bonnet Creek" in the title, there is often some confusion when it comes to some of the different policies.

3. Around the beginning of the year there was a plan to start charging all non-Bonnet Creek owners a $12 per night per unit charge for the shuttles, and it didn't matter if you used it or not. This caused a large backlash from other Wyndham system owners (Including the ones who rent out the rooms), so the policy was changed, before it was enacted, To a $5 per person, per round Trip, charge to use the shuttles. This system resulted in only people who were using the shuttles being subject to the charge.

There have been recent reports that the charges have changed again recently from the $5 per round trip charge to a $6 PER DAY (Including mid-day returns) shuttle fee. If you do not plan to use the Shuttles, You will not be subject to any additional charges at the resort.

 

[lillygator]

do they still put a cc hold on for a deposit upon check in?

 

[Stafford]

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



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.




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.



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.





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)




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.

Thank you for all of the information. The only thing left to decide is deluxe or presidential. I am leaning toward presidential, because, if I have understood correctly, that would gaurantee Tower 6 on one of the higher floors. Is that right? And does anyone know about the different layout of the room? I noticed on an older thread the deluxe had the master bedroom on the opposite side from the other two, but the presidential had them all clustered together.

Any opinions on which would be better? I really don't want ground floor, but I also would really rather have the space between us and my inlaws.

 

[lweisenb]

Thank you for all of the information. The only thing left to decide is deluxe or presidential. I am leaning toward presidential, because, if I have understood correctly, that would gaurantee Tower 6 on one of the higher floors. Is that right? And does anyone know about the different layout of the room? I noticed on an older thread the deluxe had the master bedroom on the opposite side from the other two, but the presidential had them all clustered together.

Any opinions on which would be better? I really don't want ground floor, but I also would really rather have the space between us and my inlaws.

If your looking at a presidential you may want to look at all options including the 4BR President. For our trip next month the 4BRPR was the cheapest option most likely because the is significantly more inventory than the other presidentials, and while there are 4BRPR in all buildings you will be sure to get a high floor.

The other bonus is your in-laws will have their own master suite on the opposite side of the room and a larger balcony.

 

[AntFarm]

do they still put a cc hold on for a deposit upon check in?

I am curious about this too and if they require an additional insurance waiver/payment from people who are renting from owners.

 

[lillygator]

we are heading over in the morning, I am going to try and check in early, but with 0 expectations.

 

[joedplumber]

Staying at WBC and have a couple of questions.

1. Do you need to let them know if you are doing a late check in (11pm)?
2. If you have guest showing up later in the week and staying with you for a few nights do they need a parking pass for their car?
3. Can I leave my luggage with bell service in the morning and then check in after visiting the parks?

Thanks!

 

[DCTooTall]

Thank you for all of the information. The only thing left to decide is deluxe or presidential. I am leaning toward presidential, because, if I have understood correctly, that would gaurantee Tower 6 on one of the higher floors. Is that right? And does anyone know about the different layout of the room? I noticed on an older thread the deluxe had the master bedroom on the opposite side from the other two, but the presidential had them all clustered together.

Any opinions on which would be better? I really don't want ground floor, but I also would really rather have the space between us and my inlaws.

I'll be honest and tell you that I've never stayed in a 3bdrm Presidential. I have stayed in a 3bdrm unit and ended up getting a 9th floor in tower 6. I can't really speak to the differences in the floor plans.

With a 3bdrm, You are looking at the master suite, and then the 2nd bedroom with 2 beds and the 3rd with a single queen.

If your inlaws are coming, you seriously might also want to consider the 4bdrm presidential as someone else mentioned. They have a master suite on both sides of the unit with a nice large kitchen and common area between the master suites. The 4bdrms would be located in each tower, but in towers 1-5 they are located exclusively on the top floor.


As for what's better between a deluxe and presidential room, Generally I'll say it's simply a matter of preference. There are some nice things about being in tower 6.... and the presidentials are nice... but is the extra cost worth it for you?

I am curious about this too and if they require an additional insurance waiver/payment from people who are renting from owners.

As far as the resort is concerned, they can't tell the difference between someone renting a reservation, or somone who is staying as a guest of a family member who's an owner.

I don't believe they require a hold (if using credit... don't know if debit) and if there is damage in theory I believe they'd contact the owner. (who in turn would contact you)

Staying at WBC and have a couple of questions.

1. Do you need to let them know if you are doing a late check in (11pm)?
2. If you have guest showing up later in the week and staying with you for a few nights do they need a parking pass for their car?
3. Can I leave my luggage with bell service in the morning and then check in after visiting the parks?

Thanks!

1. no. I've actually checked in after midnight before without any problems. I believe they will only require notification if you are planning on checking in over 24hrs late.
2. NEED one... that's up for debate. Honestly, in the past when I've known I'd have a friend joining me mid week, I've requested an extra parking pass when I get mine. I'll just give it to my friend when they arrive. (They can just tell the guard at the resort entrance which tower and guest they are going to see the first time. After that they can use there room key to get thru the gate into the resort)

3. Yes.

 

[eangel12]

Are there any trip reports where the person has stayed at Bonnet Creek?!

 

[AntFarm]

I'll be honest and tell you that I've never stayed in a 3bdrm Presidential. I have stayed in a 3bdrm unit and ended up getting a 9th floor in tower 6. I can't really speak to the differences in the floor plans.

With a 3bdrm, You are looking at the master suite, and then the 2nd bedroom with 2 beds and the 3rd with a single queen.

If your inlaws are coming, you seriously might also want to consider the 4bdrm presidential as someone else mentioned. They have a master suite on both sides of the unit with a nice large kitchen and common area between the master suites. The 4bdrms would be located in each tower, but in towers 1-5 they are located exclusively on the top floor.


As for what's better between a deluxe and presidential room, Generally I'll say it's simply a matter of preference. There are some nice things about being in tower 6.... and the presidentials are nice... but is the extra cost worth it for you?



As far as the resort is concerned, they can't tell the difference between someone renting a reservation, or somone who is staying as a guest of a family member who's an owner.

I don't believe they require a hold (if using credit... don't know if debit) and if there is damage in theory I believe they'd contact the owner. (who in turn would contact you)




1. no. I've actually checked in after midnight before without any problems. I believe they will only require notification if you are planning on checking in over 24hrs late.
2. NEED one... that's up for debate. Honestly, in the past when I've known I'd have a friend joining me mid week, I've requested an extra parking pass when I get mine. I'll just give it to my friend when they arrive. (They can just tell the guard at the resort entrance which tower and guest they are going to see the first time. After that they can use there room key to get thru the gate into the resort)

3. Yes.

Thanks, we are most likely booking with Farrell's vacations so I gotta check the fine print

 

[DCTooTall]

Are there any trip reports where the person has stayed at Bonnet Creek?!

Try post 1 of the original "I Looooooooovvveee Bonnet Creek" thread. I think I remember this all started as someone raving about their stay there.

if you are looking for full on trip reports.... could be. Check the Trip Reports forum and maybe do a search for Bonnet Creek. I don't tend to follow trip reports so I don't know of any off the top of my head.

 

[ibob52]

Are there any trip reports where the person has stayed at Bonnet Creek?!

In addition to DISboards there are WBC trip reports here ...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...dham_Bonnet_Creek_Resort-Orlando_Florida.html

 

[eangel12]

In addition to DISboards there are WBC trip reports here ...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34515-d488025-Reviews-Wyndham_Bonnet_Creek_Resort-Orlando_Florida.html

Thank you!!

 

[ibob52]

Thank you!!

You are welcome ...