The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread part2

[skateshome]

Haven't read through all the pages (who has that kind of time!), but I did a search for grocery, and for Publix without the desired responses. I know there is a Walmart somewhat nearby BC, but are there any other grocery stores?
.

I would call Happy Limo. They gave me the number for a Publix that will
actually get your groceries ready for you beforehand if you fax them a list.
Stop and pick it up. Don't have the # with me....sorry.
May want to check their rates as well about transportation.

 

[iamadisneynut]

Has anyone ever relied solely on the shuttles to the parks and not had their own car? Is the transportation good? I'm considering a trip down this summer with my kids and was going to stay onsite at WDW, but Bonnet Creek looks so lovely and the price is better!

But, I won't have a car....

 

[Cdn Gal]

I'm glad you got stuck for only 45 minutes. On my one and only "Owners' Update" in September 2009, they kept me for 2 hours until I finally said "Enough, I'm here on a vacation not to sit in here." They then ran me through the wringer with 2 other sales weasels for another half hour.
As far as doing it without your husband, they will not allow that.

That is too bad that they kept you for so long. Next time let them know right away that you know they can only keep you for the 45 minutes, that is what they are advertising. You might also mention that if you ever purchase again it will be on eBay. eBay seems to be a four letter word over there, they don't want anyone to know about how cheap it is to get timeshares on there. When we go, they usually just leaves to ourselves and we read magazines. We enjoy the first part of it bc we want to learn about new plans for the resort, but after that it gets boring. Many of the perks do not apply to us if we were to purchase from them, we can't go spur of the moment, we live in Canada! We are both teachers and so we can only go during peak times, and finally we use the old eBay line. They usually just hustle us through fast when they realize that they can't make a sale. We have also agreed, but have never had to use it yet, that if they were jerks to us we would simply tell them that if they kept it up we would tell everyone thatwe met at the resort, in the pool, hallway, lobby etc to check eBay prices and to rescind the sale. Again we haven't had to use that threat yet, but would if needed. Good luck to you on your next vacation and tour!

 

[imtheluckyone]

That is too bad that they kept you for so long. Next time let them know right away that you know they can only keep you for the 45 minutes, that is what they are advertising. You might also mention that if you ever purchase again it will be on eBay. eBay seems to be a four letter word over there, they don't want anyone to know about how cheap it is to get timeshares on there. When we go, they usually just leaves to ourselves and we read magazines. We enjoy the first part of it bc we want to learn about new plans for the resort, but after that it gets boring. Many of the perks do not apply to us if we were to purchase from them, we can't go spur of the moment, we live in Canada! We are both teachers and so we can only go during peak times, and finally we use the old eBay line. They usually just hustle us through fast when they realize that they can't make a sale. We have also agreed, but have never had to use it yet, that if they were jerks to us we would simply tell them that if they kept it up we would tell everyone thatwe met at the resort, in the pool, hallway, lobby etc to check eBay prices and to rescind the sale. Again we haven't had to use that threat yet, but would if needed. Good luck to you on your next vacation and tour!

So true. I was at a Wyndham in PA and they talked me into attending an owner update. Once I told the rep what I paid for my points and that I bought on ebay he couldn't get me out of there fast enough. I think he was afraid all the other couples sitting nearby might hear what I was saying. Better to get rid of me than kill a whole room of potential sales.

 

[verlee]

I'm not trying to contradict anybody - and I have NOT stayed at WBC yet...

However, I remember reading here that there may be a charge for replacing some of these items such as laundry/dishwasher soap. At one time I believe there was free replacement, but that has changed recently.

I hope someone in the know will come along and clarify for us.

Unless this is a new policy, last spring (2/11) we were not charged for any extras. We asked twice for extra laundry soap and we were given several bags each time at no charge.

 

[Mysteria]

Does anyone have a map of the smoking areas at Bonnet Creek? I did a search and I'm still pretty unclear on the policy/areas other than 100% no smoking in the rooms. Which I'm all for.

Both DH and I quit cigarettes 10+ years ago. He still likes to enjoy a cigar now and then, especially on vacation. I think you can still smoke on balconies(?) but he's not really even comfortable with that (unless we were on the top floor). We are both very conscious of it bothering other people and getting into their rooms.

I hope there is a nice little out of the way spot where we can sit and chat while he has a cigar (and I have a glass of wine. ). Otherwise I'll just let him bring only the ones that smell like chocolate to smoke on the balcony.

 

[carlbarry]

So true. I was at a Wyndham in PA and they talked me into attending an owner update. Once I told the rep what I paid for my points and that I bought on ebay he couldn't get me out of there fast enough. I think he was afraid all the other couples sitting nearby might hear what I was saying. Better to get rid of me than kill a whole room of potential sales.

Well, I'm in the same situation and still got held. At the Owner's Update, the saleweasel said to me, "You only have 49,000 points, and you paid $9,000." I said nope, I paid $100 on ebay. They still wouldn't let me go until I put my foot down.
Then, when I had to go to a presentation due to my discounted stay at the Grand, when I told the salesweasel I had paid $100, she said, "Then I guess you won't be buying from me."
However, after room tour, she tried to sell me 65,000 points for $11,000!!! But they kept me for "only" 80 minutes instead of the 90 the offer said.

 

[Cdn Gal]

Wow so far we have never had a problem (touch wood). Daytona it was the same, we chatted to the salesman about Canada since he was going there in a couple of days. We received $150 that time, then the next day we did the Bonnet Creek tour, even after we told them that we were just at an owner update the day before. Oh well, we always says eBay and they leave us alone.. That and we tell them that we are leaving at 45 minutes with our gift as promised.

 

[lzmom_of_twins]

Well, I'm in the same situation and still got held. At the Owner's Update, the saleweasel said to me, "You only have 49,000 points, and you paid $9,000." I said nope, I paid $100 on ebay. They still wouldn't let me go until I put my foot down.
Then, when I had to go to a presentation due to my discounted stay at the Grand, when I told the salesweasel I had paid $100, she said, "Then I guess you won't be buying from me."
However, after room tour, she tried to sell me 65,000 points for $11,000!!! But they kept me for "only" 80 minutes instead of the 90 the offer said.

When we were at the WI Dells at a Wyhndam sales pitch, they tried to sell us 300,000 points for ONLY $65K!!!! You only have to put down $17k and then make $1325 payments/mo!! I just laughted at him! How does it work buying the points on Ebay??? Do you buy the actual timeshare deal or is just the points for a trip?

 

[carlbarry]

When we were at the WI Dells at a Wyhndam sales pitch, they tried to sell us 300,000 points for ONLY $65K!!!! You only have to put down $17k and then make $1325 payments/mo!! I just laughted at him! How does it work buying the points on Ebay??? Do you buy the actual timeshare deal or is just the points for a trip?

There are people on ebay who have vacations listed. You can't "rent" points anymore; Wyndham stopped allowing the transfer of points from owner to owner.
And then there are people selling their timeshare ownership. Just to give you an idea of what's going on, I have seen many Star Island auctions--but not the Wyndham part, the section privately owned that uses weeks. Anyway, they have been offered for $1, many with the seller paying all costs.

 

[Spanky]

Many years ago we decided that there was no gift worth the hassle of the owner update and have steadily refused to attend for over 10 years. In fact we take the phone off the hook or turn the ringer off as soon as we get into the condo. Our family calls us on our cell phones - only the resort calls on the room phone.

 

[Bellamouse]

Just booked our trip for the first week of October!!! Found a great deal on Ebay.

SO. I just spent who knows how many hours reading this entire thread!!! Yes, every single post!!!!!! I guess I'm excited.....

Just about every question has been answered but the one I need to know. What kind of coffee filters do the machines take? I KNOW there are mesh filters, but I hate those. They let too much sediment and oils through which makes for harsh coffee IMO. I like to use paper filters. So do they take the flat bottom filters or the cone filters?

Also, doesn't anyone have pictures of a regular old 2BR deluxe? Everything I see here is about 3 and 4BR Presidential. I want to know what a regular suite looks like so badly.

We stayed at Emerald Island last year, and while it was OK, the condo was kind of run down, and just a hair too far (doable, but LOVE how close WBC is!), and also the unit had nothing. One roll of toilet paper and nothing else. We had to buy absolutely everything. Can't complain though because it was only $490 for the week and we split it with another couple. So what do you want for $35 a night. The beds were awful too.

So this year we wanted to do something nicer, but still within the budget. We contemplated the Caribe Royale hotel - found a great deal on Hotwire, but then realized we could get WBC for even less than that!! Done deal

Now I just have to WAIT the 200 some odd days for it to get here.............

Thanks to everyone for all the fantastic information and advice.

One thing for the lovely lady from the UK needing the tea kettle - I too love my tea at night and always use an electric tea kettle. Here is a tip. Go to any Walgreens and go to the small appliance section (every Walgreens has this section - little irons and so forth) - they will have a mini electric tea kettle (nothing fancy like your nice one at home) for $10 or $15. It won't be listed on the websites becuase it's too piddly an item. But they have them. I have one and take it with me when I need one where I know they won't have one. It's smallish, maybe holds enough water for 6 cups or something, but is fast and will do the job beautifully for you.

Editing to add, here is a link to the one they have at Walmart - $15.00

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rival-32-Oz.-Hot-Pot-Express-White/14321061

 

[Upatnoon]

Haven't read through all the pages (who has that kind of time!), but I did a search for grocery, and for Publix without the desired responses. I know there is a Walmart somewhat nearby BC, but are there any other grocery stores?

We'll be there in August - right now it looks like we'll (4 adults, 3 yr old) use a van from the airport that offers a grocery stop along the way. Just wondering if there is another option besides Walmart.

All responses will be appreciated.

PS: Yes, I read about the deliveries available - I just like seeing different stores; Walmart is something I can see at home anytime.

The closest Publix is this one: 2925 International Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34746
It takes about 15 minutes to get there.

The Super Wal-Mart I go to is this one: 3250 Vineland Road, Kissimmee, FL
It also take about 15 minutes.

Publix is certainly faster to get in and out of and nicer, but of course, Walmart has a ton of stuff and is a bit cheaper.

I you never have shopped at Publix, I suggest looking at iheartpublix.com to see what's on sale before you go.

 

[skjuls]

Hello everyone!
First time poster but thank you all so much for the info provided here.

My question is.....we have 4 nights booked Apr 17th - Apr 21st 2012 but have
found out that we can actually get there a few days earlier on the 14th so we can make a whole week of it.
The issue is how do I get 3 more nights.
The folks we are using "listed on here numerous times" have been great and
state that they believe something will open up the end of March first
of April and they will be able to add the additional days but no guarantees of
course.

So.....wait to see if this happens or make other arrangements for the first 3 days?

Anyone else had this experience? Did you wait it out or where did you book
the first 3 days?

Thanks all!!!

When dates are sold out, the best time to look is 20-15 days before the date you want to check in because at 15 days out if you don't cancel and you know you can't go, you lose your points.

Sometimes, nothing opens up and you just have to make other arrangements.

I see that Star Island and Cypress Palms has availability for those 3 nights, so that's a possibility (depending if you need a 1 or 2 bedroom).

 

[skjuls]

Many years ago we decided that there was no gift worth the hassle of the owner update and have steadily refused to attend for over 10 years. In fact we take the phone off the hook or turn the ringer off as soon as we get into the condo. Our family calls us on our cell phones - only the resort calls on the room phone.

I did the owners update where they come to your room. It was fine because the rep wasn't a sales rep and we talked about other things. She was from Eastern Europe and I did Peace Corps in Bulgaria.

Very easy $25 gc I got out of it but she was late. Luckily we were only going to a waterpark.

Also, whenever I get my parking pass I will tell them I've recently done an owner's update. Also, it helps when I tell them my kid has autism and it's just me and him. It's true and then they stop asking.

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

I did the owners update where they come to your room. It was fine because the rep wasn't a sales rep and we talked about other things. She was from Eastern Europe and I did Peace Corps in Bulgaria.

Very easy $25 gc I got out of it but she was late. Luckily we were only going to a waterpark.

Also, whenever I get my parking pass I will tell them I've recently done an owner's update. Also, it helps when I tell them my kid has autism and it's just me and him. It's true and then they stop asking.

I know exactly which girl came to your room. She tried in vain to get us to do one of those in room "surveys" and got TOTALLY snarky with me when I told here we had ADR's in the mornings. We flat out told her we wouldn't let anyone come to our room and she was such a snot about it. She tried to tell me we HAD to fill out a "survey"...oh yeah, well then give it to me and I will drop it off later. No? Oh well...that's all I am willing to do when I am on vacation. Got our parking pass and turned off the ringer on the phone.
Glad she was nice to you, though.

 

[skateshome]

I see that Star Island and Cypress Palms has availability for those 3 nights, so that's a possibility (depending if you need a 1 or 2 bedroom).

Thanks!
Any suggestions as to who to go thru for these locations?

 

[61maris61]

The closest Publix is this one: 2925 International Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34746
It takes about 15 minutes to get there.

The Super Wal-Mart I go to is this one: 3250 Vineland Road, Kissimmee, FL
It also take about 15 minutes.

Publix is certainly faster to get in and out of and nicer, but of course, Walmart has a ton of stuff and is a bit cheaper.

I you never have shopped at Publix, I suggest looking at iheartpublix.com to see what's on sale before you go.

Thanks for the response (thanks to skateshome too!); helpful info.

Think I'll check out Publix site right now to see what it looks like.

 

[skjuls]

Thanks!
Any suggestions as to who to go thru for these locations?

No, as I'm an owner so don't need to go through anyone.

You can email me TigerJuls@gmail.com

 

[JimMIA]

When dates are sold out, the best time to look is 20-15 days before the date you want to check in because at 15 days out if you don't cancel and you know you can't go, you lose your points.

This is very good advice.

Also, if you're renting from an owner, right at 60 days from arrival is sometimes good. VIP owners get big points discounts from 60 days in, I believe, and some of them won't rent earlier for that reason.

(Can't help you with WHO to rent from, because I'm also a Wyndham owner.)