The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread part2

[DCTooTall]

Booked a 2br deluxe through VS for July. Thinking we might like to switch to presidential if possible. Any idea of the price difference?

Since $$$ pricing can vary based off who you are going thru, I can't really tell you the cost difference in that regard. (I own... and every renter has different rates).

What I can tell you is that Wyndham point wise, The presidential units usually cost the same amount as the next larger deluxe unit. (IE, 1bdrm Presidential uses the same number of points as a 2bdrm deluxe. 2bdrm Pres is the same as a 3bdrm deluxe.)

Has anyone ever been upgraded to Presidential because the Deluxe were all full? That would be nice.

I can pretty much guarantee this won't happen at a timeshare resort like Wyndham. First, Inventory is tracked a lot closer than a traditional hotel might track it, so it's extremely unlikely that you will run into a oversold type of situation.

Secondly, Hotels as a cash business will sometimes give you a free "upgrade" into a room that would otherwise be empty so that they can still get some money off it, while freeing up your paid for room to sell to someone else. Timeshare resorts, since they don't work off the same money making principle don't have the same incentive to do the free upgrades at checkin. (The resort makes it's money selling ownership in the resort, and then the annual maintenance fees/dues for members covers the expenses for the resort).

And finally, the biggest reason... Third, Wyndham's VIP program allows owners with certain levels of ownership to take advantage of upgrades to available units up to 3months before the travel dates (depending on what level of VIP they have). This VIP 'perk' is one of the tricks that several of the big commercial renters use to offer you such cheap rental rates. (They quote you the price it'll cost them to rent a 1bdrm deluxe unit with the expectation they'll be able to upgrade into a 2bdrm before your travel dates) This pretty much guarantees that there would not be any units available to bump you into at check-in.


That being said, There is a slim chance something unforeseen could happen that would result in them needing to move you into an upgraded room... such as an emergency taking some rooms out of circulation. (Example: A small fire in the room or extensive damage by some other means). Even then however, It's much more likely that the resort as it attempts to rearrange people to account for the impacted inventory situation will end up upgrading owners before they upgrade people traveling on Guest Certificates.

So is $120 per night the cheapest we will see a 2 bedroom in July? We are looking to go for 10 days to 2 weeks and keep looking at different ways to book this. I thought I read that someone paid like $499 for a week...I would love to book at that price.

I think from what I've read here, often the cheapest rates come from Ebay. You might be able to try contacting some ebay sellers to see if they can set something up for you and are willing to take such a low rate, but I think the best deals tend to come more last-minute (within a month or 2) when owners (including commercial renters) try and utilize a lot of the tricks available to get last minute discounts on rooms.

Considering July is during the peak summer season, i think $100-$120/night is usually in the accepted normal range if you are wanting to go ahead and lock in your reservation to ensure you can get what you want. Different renters have different price structures, and of course the length of stay can impact your per-night rate... so it never hurts to ask around.

 

[budafam]

Most of the time this is true, but I have had a horrendous experience checking into a DVC unit. Far worse than anything I've ever experienced at Wyndham.

I arrived at BCV at 9:00am to check in. I was not expecting a room, we went to the pool DTD and hung out waiting for our call. Check-in time came and went finally at ~6:00 I went back to the resort to find out the problem. Finally got a room at 8:30.

We are DVC members (as well as Wyndham). I didn't ask for anything and the only thing I got was a barely audible "I'm sorry".

So stuff happens everywhere and yes there are occasions where Disney's hospitality and attitude can be beat.

Yes I still enjoy my DVC membership, but it too comes with hiccups.

Oh yes, I'm sure they have issues once in awhile but the overall "feel" at Bonnet Creek is not Disney by any means. We never got an "I'm sorry" at all when they realized it was their mistake that they booked us for the wrong week (we had the confirmation with the correct dates on it printed out thankfully).

 

[sue12345]

Since $$$ pricing can vary based off who you are going thru, I can't really tell you the cost difference in that regard. (I own... and every renter has different rates).

What I can tell you is that Wyndham point wise, The presidential units usually cost the same amount as the next larger deluxe unit. (IE, 1bdrm Presidential uses the same number of points as a 2bdrm deluxe. 2bdrm Pres is the same as a 3bdrm deluxe.)



I can pretty much guarantee this won't happen at a timeshare resort like Wyndham. First, Inventory is tracked a lot closer than a traditional hotel might track it, so it's extremely unlikely that you will run into a oversold type of situation.

Secondly, Hotels as a cash business will sometimes give you a free "upgrade" into a room that would otherwise be empty so that they can still get some money off it, while freeing up your paid for room to sell to someone else. Timeshare resorts, since they don't work off the same money making principle don't have the same incentive to do the free upgrades at checkin. (The resort makes it's money selling ownership in the resort, and then the annual maintenance fees/dues for members covers the expenses for the resort).

And finally, the biggest reason... Third, Wyndham's VIP program allows owners with certain levels of ownership to take advantage of upgrades to available units up to 3months before the travel dates (depending on what level of VIP they have). This VIP 'perk' is one of the tricks that several of the big commercial renters use to offer you such cheap rental rates. (They quote you the price it'll cost them to rent a 1bdrm deluxe unit with the expectation they'll be able to upgrade into a 2bdrm before your travel dates) This pretty much guarantees that there would not be any units available to bump you into at check-in.


That being said, There is a slim chance something unforeseen could happen that would result in them needing to move you into an upgraded room... such as an emergency taking some rooms out of circulation. (Example: A small fire in the room or extensive damage by some other means). Even then however, It's much more likely that the resort as it attempts to rearrange people to account for the impacted inventory situation will end up upgrading owners before they upgrade people traveling on Guest Certificates.




I think from what I've read here, often the cheapest rates come from Ebay. You might be able to try contacting some ebay sellers to see if they can set something up for you and are willing to take such a low rate, but I think the best deals tend to come more last-minute (within a month or 2) when owners (including commercial renters) try and utilize a lot of the tricks available to get last minute discounts on rooms.

Considering July is during the peak summer season, i think $100-$120/night is usually in the accepted normal range if you are wanting to go ahead and lock in your reservation to ensure you can get what you want. Different renters have different price structures, and of course the length of stay can impact your per-night rate... so it never hurts to ask around.

Just curious, are you saying $100-12- is an accepted rate for a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom? What is the acceptable rate range at the end of May for a 2 bedroom deluxe?

 

[HaleyB]

Just curious, are you saying $100-12- is an accepted rate for a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom? What is the acceptable rate range at the end of May for a 2 bedroom deluxe?

Checking in May 29- June 11 at $100 a night. Booked through VRBO website. Terms were $100 at resservation and balance at 13 days from check in ( resservation can not be cancelled under 14 days).

Just get lots of quotes, I think I had 7. Vacation strategy was next best but I had another quote from them for one day less, same check in date, that was much higher. If they quote high double check.

 

[sue12345]

Checking in May 29- June 11 at $100 a night. Booked through VRBO website. Terms were $100 at resservation and balance at 13 days from check in ( resservation can not be cancelled under 14 days).

Just get lots of quotes, I think I had 7. Vacation strategy was next best but I had another quote from them for one day less, same check in date, that was much higher. If they quote high double check.

Was it for a 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom?

 

[Echo queen]

Echo queen, how do u like tower 5? we had booked for also for a 3bd deluxe for june. our group has 3 kids from 5 to 9 and they love to swim. how's the swimming pool at tower 5? is it far from the pool from the main building? do u happen to remember the room # u had? does it has a lake/pool view, i didn't care much about the fire work view.

The lazy river starts right outside the back door, Epcot mk view. It's about maybe 4 min walk to the main building. Sorry I don't know the room #. Everything was in perfect working order and looked great.

There are great pool views if we were on left side of the hall.

Here is the link for a video I made for my dh's coworkers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8702n8qpaWw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[HaleyB]

Was it for a 2 bedroom or 1 bedroom?

Sorry, that is an important detail!
2 bedroom unit, my total price was $1299 for 13 nights.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Can someone going soon or there now get a Wyndham Grand (Hotel) bus schedule? I need to know if they fill in gaps between the 12-2pm time period where WBC doesn't have a return. Thanks!

 

[trishwal]

Thanks for the video - now i Definitely want a Fireworks view!

 

[saysay]

So is $120 per night the cheapest we will see a 2 bedroom in July? We are looking to go for 10 days to 2 weeks and keep looking at different ways to book this. I thought I read that someone paid like $499 for a week...I would love to book at that price.

I think that is about as good as you can get in July.....unless you luck out on Ebay.

when I priced out a trip lst year in July within 60 days....I couldn't find anyhting lower than $120.

good luck! Still a bargain at that price IMO.

 

[lzmom_of_twins]

Great shots, did you use wifi in tower 6? How was it in your room? We are confirmed for tower 6 in 11 days.

We just stayed in tower 6. It was awesome! IMO 5 and 6 are the best if you are going to use the pools. I think the best pools are by those towers. We did use the WiFi too in our room. I have TONS of pics! If anyone wants pics PM me your email and I can pass them on

This was our 1st time at BC and we will DEFINITELY be back! That place is amazing!!!!!

 

[JessLCH]

We just stayed in tower 6. It was awesome! IMO 5 and 6 are the best if you are going to use the pools. I think the best pools are by those towers. We did use the WiFi too in our room. I have TONS of pics! If anyone wants pics PM me your email and I can pass them on

This was our 1st time at BC and we will DEFINITELY be back! That place is amazing!!!!!

Glad you had a great stay. I would love to see your photos, just PMed you!

 

[lzmom_of_twins]

Echo queen, how do u like tower 5? we had booked for also for a 3bd deluxe for june. our group has 3 kids from 5 to 9 and they love to swim. how's the swimming pool at tower 5? is it far from the pool from the main building? do u happen to remember the room # u had? does it has a lake/pool view, i didn't care much about the fire work view.

My twins are 7 and LOVE swimming. They LOVED the pool/lazy river in tower 5. The pirate themed pool w/a slide is right next to it in tower 6. If your kids like to swim..tower 5 & 6 are the best IMO

 

[dsmith72]

subbing!

 

[budafam]

I just uploaded our first and second day's video to Youtube today. There's a tour through our place at Bonnet Creek and the view of Illuminations & Wishes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsWGEaabuMM&feature=g-upl

 

[trishwal]

I just uploaded our first and second day's video to Youtube today. There's a tour through our place at Bonnet Creek and the view of Illuminations & Wishes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsWGEaabuMM&feature=g-upl

That was fun! Thanks for sharing it!

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

I just uploaded our first and second day's video to Youtube today. There's a tour through our place at Bonnet Creek and the view of Illuminations & Wishes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsWGEaabuMM&feature=g-upl

Loved your video!

I sure didn't "get" what "trending" means tho.....

 

[kkandaj]

We just got home yesterday from a week at WBC (5/12-5/19).

First, I booked in September through 5starresorts--a 3 bdrm deluxe for $795 for 8 days. They gave me the best rate, but I have to admit I was nervous because so many people use other people. Everything went smooth with 5starresorts and I would love to use them for other Wyndham properties in the future. They answered emails within 2-3 hours, sometimes immediately and all transactions went through paypal. I received my WBC confirmation about 50 days before check in.

I called 10 days in advance to request a view--which was not granted, more on that soon.

We tried to check-in at about 3:15. There were A TON of people in the lobby, both at the check-in desk and the parking lot pass desk. (I spoke with Theresa at the parking desk and she was not a hard sell at all. I said I wasn't interested and that was it. She was very friendly!) Our room was not ready and they couldn't promise me my view request--which was any 3 bdrm with a firework view in any tower but Tower 3. They told me they would be calling me at 4:00 with my room assignment. After walking around and not getting a call (there were 8 of us), I went back to the desk close to 5:00. He said the room still wasn't ready, so I said I would take ANY 3 bdrm that was available, just not tower 3 because I didn't want the torn furniture.

We were given room 240 in Tower 2. This was our view.

We were on the second floor, so we could easily stalk...uh hum...people watch everyone playing golf. The view was okay--I would've preferred to be higher up, but was thankful I didn't have a parking lot view. Especially since they were taking out all the Tower 3 furniture and it was placed all over the parking lot. That was the only downside of the resort at all...and I don't really consider those downfalls.

The rooms are exactly what you see in the pictures. I am SO glad we weren't in a little tiny hotel room. I thought Tower 2 was perfect for us with small kids. We had a the playground to the left at Tower 1 and a pool, hot tub, bar/restaurant, kid's pool to our right at Tower 3. Funny--we didn't miniature golf once and it was right under us.

We used the Pirate Pool several times because of the two zero entry areas. We also rented a cabana ($50) for the day on our "down" day. We spent the entire day at the pool. We stocked our fridge with drinks and snacks, ordered pizza for lunch and had a blast. My dad layed in the cabana lounge chair and watched tv most of the day. It was definitely worth the money to have a place for the kids to get out of the sun, but to not have to walk back to our tower.

We used the shuttles a couple of times (and strollers were okay to bring). The buses were right on time, though leaving the parks at night, the buses were packed and many people had to stand.

The Tower 3 pool bar/restaurant had a great Antipasto salad and their supreme pizza was great. The pepperoni pizza pretty much tasted like salt and I LOVE pepperoni pizza. Wasn't a fan! The drinks at the outside bar at the hotel had the best drinks.

Overall--it exceeded my expectations. Was extrmemely clean, beautiful, had tons of amenities that we didn't even get to use. I really can't say a negative thing about it--especially since I only paid $113 or so per night for 8 people to stay. I wish I was still there for a week and not going to the parks. I'd live there if they'd let me.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thanks for the pics and review! Sounds like you had a great time.

 

[aseyrick]

I understand that there's a kids club at BC. Can someone please tell me more about it (i.e., supervision, activities, safety, security, etc.)? Also, do they provide babysitting services there?

TIA!!