The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread Part 3

[tristyp]

This is my first post. I have been reading through and am kind of torn between staying on site or at bonnet creek. I think the resort looks beautiful and I will have my car as we are driving. What would be a reasonable price to pay for 10 nights at the end of September? Any info would be much appreciated.

 

[cammie810]

Just got back from our 3rd stay at WBC since December. Have so far stayed in towers 2, 4 and 5 in a 2 BR pres, 2 BR deluxe, and 3 BR deluxe. All have been clean and comfortable. Pools are gorgeous. All of the staff we had contact with were friendly and helpful. Spoke to quite a few guests and all seemed happy with their stay so far.

 

[Bribrittmom]

Don't stay in building five. Not remodeled. Furniture and beds very old and uncomfortable. Old smaller tvs, too.

 

[melissac]

Just got back from our 3rd stay at WBC since December. Have so far stayed in towers 2, 4 and 5 in a 2 BR pres, 2 BR deluxe, and 3 BR deluxe. All have been clean and comfortable. Pools are gorgeous. All of the staff we had contact with were friendly and helpful. Spoke to quite a few guests and all seemed happy with their stay so far.

Did you go to Disney at all? If so did you do the FP+ in the park? Thoughts? We leave May 1 and never have stayed off site so just wondering

 

[cammie810]

We have gone to Disney 3 times since December. As annual passholders, this past weekend was our first trip that we could pre book our fast passes online in advance. The time before that we signed up at the kiosks in the park. The first day we did that we went to DHS in the afternoon. We were able to get fast passes for everything except for Toy Story Mania. Those, we were told, are gone by 10am. The next day we went to Epcot in the morning. We were able to sign up for fast passes with no problem. We were even given several options for times to choose from. Obviously, it is definitely more convenient to be able to pick in advance but not so much that I would give up the space at Bonnet Creek to stay in one room at Disney!

 

[thedonkeycentrehalf]

Is there anywhere we I can see the restaurant menus at BCR? We only stayed for a couple of nights on our first visit so didn't use them. This time we are staying for longer and meeting friends so might want a chill day and take the opportunity to eat at BCR so we can all have a few drinks.

Thanks

 

[emme24]

Hi,

Next week we'll be in a 2-BR at WBC (thanks to the great advice from this board!). I've read through the "We Love WBC" threads, but wanted to get my thoughts/questions in one place...

1. As I mention above, we have a 2-BR rented. I am trying to upgrade to a 3-BR or 4-BR. I've been calling this week, and so far no availability. Is there any chance at check in I can do that?? We did our reservation through Vacation Strategies.

2. I'm still unclear about which tower to request (and I understand my request could very well go denied)... So, my first priority would be a newly-updated room; second priority would be proximity to kid pools; third priority a view (not necessarily fireworks, just a good view). Also, I do not want a ground floor unit.

3. Speaking of views, what should I be looking for/asking for? I've seen "lake" etc. Just don't know.

4. Can you park near your building? Do you have to park far away and schlep?

5. Checking in, I know we'll have a mountain of stuff. Do we just look for a bellcart and get it to our unit (that works - just want to know ahead of time).

6. Groceries - anyone ordered ahead of time at Garden Grocer? Or, does it make sense to make a WalMart run.

7. We have not opted for housekeeping - so that means NO housekeeping during the week - correct... I've been places where no housekeeping means beds made, garbaged emptied and that's it... Other places where "no means no".

8. Any recent WBC visitors have the latest on the parking pass? Do I need it? Not? Have no interest/time in the sales pitch, but understand I can unplug the phone, etc. Should I just skip the parking desk all together?

9. Check in. Is there one main check in place? I understand check in begins at 4pm. We are driving and a little flexible. If we arrive at 2:30 would they consider checking us in, or would we have to wait until 4:00?

I think that is all for now. So many thanks for all of the information you provide!!

Best,
Emme

 

[carlbarry]

Hi,



4. Can you park near your building? Do you have to park far away and schlep?

5. Checking in, I know we'll have a mountain of stuff. Do we just look for a bellcart and get it to our unit (that works - just want to know ahead of time).

6. Groceries - anyone ordered ahead of time at Garden Grocer? Or, does it make sense to make a WalMart run.

7. We have not opted for housekeeping - so that means NO housekeeping during the week - correct... I've been places where no housekeeping means beds made, garbaged emptied and that's it... Other places where "no means no".

8. Any recent WBC visitors have the latest on the parking pass? Do I need it? Not? Have no interest/time in the sales pitch, but understand I can unplug the phone, etc. Should I just skip the parking desk all together?

9. Check in. Is there one main check in place? I understand check in begins at 4pm. We are driving and a little flexible. If we arrive at 2:30 would they consider checking us in, or would we have to wait until 4:00?

I'm sure you'll get more answers, but let me help out where I can:
4. There is parking at each building. It is possible that depending upon when you return, the lot can be full or nearly full. If you're in a building near the garage, you might have to use that.
5. Not sure a bellcart at the check-in building would be the best if you're not in that building. You'd be better off driving to your building and unloading there.
6. If you have a car, I think you'll save substantial money by going to Walmart.
7. Yes, there is no housekeeping unless you pay. This is a timeshare resort.
8. Reports are you do not need the pass. One time I stayed at the Wyndham Grand and to avoid parking fees parked at Bonnet Creek--no pass, no problem.
9. There is check in at the main building. I believe there is check in at another building, also. I would strongly advise you to get there before 4 pm. There is a possibility that your condo is ready before 4 pm. Also, the earlier you get there the less crowded check in will be.

 

[jaykorf001]

Hi, Next week we'll be in a 2-BR at WBC (thanks to the great advice from this board!). I've read through the "We Love WBC" threads, but wanted to get my thoughts/questions in one place... 1. As I mention above, we have a 2-BR rented. I am trying to upgrade to a 3-BR or 4-BR. I've been calling this week, and so far no availability. Is there any chance at check in I can do that?? We did our reservation through Vacation Strategies. 2. I'm still unclear about which tower to request (and I understand my request could very well go denied)... So, my first priority would be a newly-updated room; second priority would be proximity to kid pools; third priority a view (not necessarily fireworks, just a good view). Also, I do not want a ground floor unit. 3. Speaking of views, what should I be looking for/asking for? I've seen "lake" etc. Just don't know. 4. Can you park near your building? Do you have to park far away and schlep? 5. Checking in, I know we'll have a mountain of stuff. Do we just look for a bellcart and get it to our unit (that works - just want to know ahead of time). 6. Groceries - anyone ordered ahead of time at Garden Grocer? Or, does it make sense to make a WalMart run. 7. We have not opted for housekeeping - so that means NO housekeeping during the week - correct... I've been places where no housekeeping means beds made, garbaged emptied and that's it... Other places where "no means no". 8. Any recent WBC visitors have the latest on the parking pass? Do I need it? Not? Have no interest/time in the sales pitch, but understand I can unplug the phone, etc. Should I just skip the parking desk all together? 9. Check in. Is there one main check in place? I understand check in begins at 4pm. We are driving and a little flexible. If we arrive at 2:30 would they consider checking us in, or would we have to wait until 4:00? I think that is all for now. So many thanks for all of the information you provide!! Best, Emme

We are here now. Love it. I'll answer what I can.

1) If you have a car go to Walmart/Publix/Whole Paycheck (our name for Whole Foods). I'd say a 7 minute drive to the Walmart on the 535 that's south/west of 536. It also has a liquor store in front. Came in very handy in our case. It did take longer getting back as the left hand turn lights can be a nightmare.

2) We went directly to building 6 but knew all the 1 BR presidentials are in that building. We were able to check in early. I'd give it a go at 2:30 for sure.

3) No parking pass needed and we have had no problem parking close to our building. Late at night it's tougher. Skip the parking pass.

4) Avoid downtown Disney if at all possible. We made a big mistake on the day we flew in. Flew in early and tried to go to an early lunch there -- gridlock. Turned into a late lunch. Construction and parking nightmare.

5) buildings 5 & 6 both have very child friendly heated pools. One of the lazy rivers is at 5. Honestly, all buildings surround the lake and nothing is too long of a walk.

6) Did I mention avoid downtown Disney?

Have a great trip!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[jaykorf001]

Also I forgot to mention, they have a 4br presidential in building 1 the open for the Epcot fireworks. I believe it's 726. I suspect it's a crap shoot trying to get a view of the fireworks. I tried. Failed. Also, at least one of the nights while we were here the Waldorf set the world on fire -- the balconies catching this would look in a different direction. Waldorf is much closer but I don't think they do fireworks every night -- not sure on its schedule.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[ge0rgette2]

…emailed Vacation Strategies for a price -- they called back.

Offered a price for a 2b and a 3b deluxe.

I have 6 people traveling, will 2b be good?

What makes Bonnet Creek a good place to stay in regards to other 'hotels' and disney properties in the area?

I've never stayed here and was just curious if it is worth the money.

 

[carlbarry]

What makes Bonnet Creek a good place to stay in regards to other 'hotels' and disney properties in the area?

I've never stayed here and was just curious if it is worth the money.

There are several reasons people love Bonnet Creek:
1. Low price compared to Disney properties
2. Spacious condos. Don't forget, this is not a hotel--you have a full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc.
3. Proximity to DisneyWorld. Technically, it is not "in" WDW, but it is closer to some parks than some Disney resorts are. And it's around the corner from Typhoon Lagoon, and a very short distance from Downtown Disney
4. It's a real nice resort with lots of amenities

 

[jaykorf001]

…emailed Vacation Strategies for a price -- they called back. Offered a price for a 2b and a 3b deluxe. I have 6 people traveling, will 2b be good? What makes Bonnet Creek a good place to stay in regards to other 'hotels' and disney properties in the area? I've never stayed here and was just curious if it is worth the money.

Also try Vacation Upgrades. They seem to be the two faves for Bonnet Creek. We did Vacation Upgrades. They don't work on Sundays but very easy to deal with and responsive.

 

[ge0rgette2]

Thanks!!!

I will investigate further when I get home.

What bldg is a good one to request!?

 

[badiggio]

Also I forgot to mention, they have a 4br presidential in building 1 the open for the Epcot fireworks. I believe it's 726. I suspect it's a crap shoot trying to get a view of the fireworks. I tried. Failed. Also, at least one of the nights while we were here the Waldorf set the world on fire -- the balconies catching this would look in a different direction. Waldorf is much closer but I don't think they do fireworks every night -- not sure on its schedule.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

When we were there last fall we stayed in building 6, 4 bedroom presidential,room 1804.We had perfect views of the fireworks everynight,from both epcot and mk ,even though mk was further away.

 

[staggle]

Hi, Next week we'll be in a 2-BR at WBC (thanks to the great advice from this board!). I've read through the "We Love WBC" threads, but wanted to get my thoughts/questions in one place... 1. As I mention above, we have a 2-BR rented. I am trying to upgrade to a 3-BR or 4-BR. I've been calling this week, and so far no availability. Is there any chance at check in I can do that?? We did our reservation through Vacation Strategies. 2. I'm still unclear about which tower to request (and I understand my request could very well go denied)... So, my first priority would be a newly-updated room; second priority would be proximity to kid pools; third priority a view (not necessarily fireworks, just a good view). Also, I do not want a ground floor unit. 3. Speaking of views, what should I be looking for/asking for? I've seen "lake" etc. Just don't know. 4. Can you park near your building? Do you have to park far away and schlep? 5. Checking in, I know we'll have a mountain of stuff. Do we just look for a bellcart and get it to our unit (that works - just want to know ahead of time). 6. Groceries - anyone ordered ahead of time at Garden Grocer? Or, does it make sense to make a WalMart run. 7. We have not opted for housekeeping - so that means NO housekeeping during the week - correct... I've been places where no housekeeping means beds made, garbaged emptied and that's it... Other places where "no means no". 8. Any recent WBC visitors have the latest on the parking pass? Do I need it? Not? Have no interest/time in the sales pitch, but understand I can unplug the phone, etc. Should I just skip the parking desk all together? 9. Check in. Is there one main check in place? I understand check in begins at 4pm. We are driving and a little flexible. If we arrive at 2:30 would they consider checking us in, or would we have to wait until 4:00? I think that is all for now. So many thanks for all of the information you provide!! Best, Emme

I just got back from bonnett creek. I used garden grocer and they delivered the groceries to bell hop area and when I arrived I let them bell may know I had groceries delivered and they delivered them to my room when it was ready. Avoid the parking pass desk they are just trying to sell timeshares you don't need to go there. I arrived at 11am and my room was ready I had a 3 bedroom in building 4 and loved it. I can't wait to go back!!!

 

[joanchris]

Is there any difference between Vacation Strategy and Vacation Upgrades for making reservations? We have never stayed at Bonnet Creek, and I just received a quote from each of them today, they are about $5 difference between them, so I really would like an opinion of reliability, easier to deal with etc. I would like to just confirm and make a deposit, it's a good price for 9 nights in Oct-Nov.
Thanks for any input!

 

[Spanky]

It is my understanding that Vacations Upgrade is dealing with their own points from Wyndham. I believe that Vacation Strategy is a group that helps numerous Wyndham owners get rid of points they can not use.
I have dealt with Vacation Upgrade on 2 different trips and found them to be very reliable.
I imagine they have a smaller inventory to work with as compared to Vacation Strategy.

 

[katallo]

We have booked with Vacation Upgrades many times and have always been pleased. They are very easy to work with.

 

[haPevraftr]

Here now. Love this place! In Tower 5 on 13th floor. Pool and lake view