The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread part2

[HayGan]

Hi, I am just starting to look into a trip here and found this thread. We want to stay here in mid October for a week. It's not a full-blown Disney trip, just looking to relax after a week in Key West. We will visit a few parks while there.

I can get a 1BR for about $186 a night which I thought sounded good, then I read here about time share rentals. I've e-mailed Ken to find out about that.

My question is, if you reserve a room through the BC site are you treated more like a hotel guest than a sales prospect? I would be happy to pay the higher rate if that is the case. Your experiences? Thanks.

Do some more research. I found a very nice owner to rent from and I am paying $100 a night for mid-October

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[DisMom1981]

I can get a 1BR for about $186 a night which I thought sounded good, then I read here about time share rentals. I've e-mailed Ken to find out about that.

I am by no means an expert and just started this like two days ago, but an owner through vrbo.com offered 2 bed deluxe for around $120 a night for April (including taxes and fees).

 

[katallo]

Hi there stayed at bonnet creek August 4th to the 10th. Checkin was a breeze as we pre registered at 9am and went to the park. We requested no particular building just high floor lakeview. Returned from the park at five an stopped at desk to pick up keys, we got tower 4 9th floor lake view exactly what we wanted. Upon entering the room it looked great on first inspection. until i spotted the sofa it was in terrible shape all peeling i tried flipping the cushions but was worse on the other side. I called down to guest services and got no answer, i tried numerous times. The kids were already playing all over that eyesore and getting the pealing remnants on their skin. Decided to go downstairs to the desk to find out what could be done. The manager i spoke with said they are aware of the sofa problems and are working feverishly to fix it. I asked to be moved, but was told they were full and could only offer me a ground floor unit facing the parking lot in bulding 1 he also said that building 1,2,3 were rencently renovated and that they have the problem with the sofas in building 4,5,6. Apparently they dont flag the units in their system so that they know which unit has sofas that need changing. Well that was what he told me, that they were unaware that unit sofa needed changing. Long story short i accepted the unit on the ground floor as it was more pleasing to the eye and i wouldn't cringe everytime i see my babies on it. Despite the unit problems i found the property to be beautiful and my kids enjoyed themselves and that is what is most important to me afterall. Will book again next year hopefully everything will be sorted out by then.

I was curious to see if things had improved in Tower 4. We were there in November and had one of the peeling sofas. Literally, it was peeling as we sat in it. Tried to change units and were told nothing was available. But, at that time, they assured us new sofas were being delivered within two weeks. So, it's interesting that it hasn't happened yet. The couple next door had two little boys and one of the boys had tried to eat some of the fabric that had come from the cushion. Sure hope this improves soon.

 

[nancy155]

Can you see the Epcot Ball from Tower 3? I don't care about fireworks, but would LOVE to see the Epcot Ball every morning (and evening)! I am thinking Tower 3 just because it's the most recently upgraded. I'm not too overly picky about the room in general though as we will be spending most of our time in the parks. We have no kids - just us two adults

We were in Tower 3 on the 7th floor Lake side facing and were able to see the Epcot Ball and the fireworks! It was an amazing unit. I really appreciated the fact on one side of us was the exit stairwell and no one on the otherside of us = very nice and quiet. We really enjoyed our stay there and have already booked for March 23-30th!

 

[Squirlz]

To expand upon that a bit....

For all intents and purposes, There are only 2 types of guests who stay at WBC as far as most of the staff are concerned. Owners, and Guests. If you are not an owner staying on points, then you are a guest.

For the sales weasels.... The only difference between the 2 types is if you get a sales presentation, or an "owners update", aka.... a sales presentation focused on how "you can increase your usage of the Wyndham system thru owning more points and and upgrading to the next level of VIP where you can take care of more discounts and perks".

So my experience should be similar whether I rent points vs book a hotel room? Are hotel guests faced with the sales pitch too?

 

[carlbarry]

So my experience should be similar whether I rent points vs book a hotel room? Are hotel guests faced with the sales pitch too?

If you mean staying at Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek, I stayed there last year, and they sent all the people checking in to a desk to get a "gift package," i.e., get suckered into a sales presentation.
When I told the person at the desk as she was getting out my "gift" that I am a Wyndham owner, she quicly shoved it back, and took out a $1 shopping bag with "Wyndham" printed on it, and said to me, "Oh, this is just as good a gift."
If you mean renting a "hotel room" at the timeshare portion, be advised that there are no "hotel rooms" there; they are all timeshare "condos."

 

[Daisy'sMama]

In years past we have gone to WDW the week before President's Day in Feb and we have gotten a 2bd deluxe on skyauction for about $495 for the week. For next year it is over $800! Is that still a good price? should I wait a little while? Ken Price was higher than that. Please advise.

 

[talulabelle]

If you mean staying at Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek, I stayed there last year, and they sent all the people checking in to a desk to get a "gift package," i.e., get suckered into a sales presentation.
When I told the person at the desk as she was getting out my "gift" that I am a Wyndham owner, she quicly shoved it back, and took out a $1 shopping bag with "Wyndham" printed on it, and said to me, "Oh, this is just as good a gift."
If you mean renting a "hotel room" at the timeshare portion, be advised that there are no "hotel rooms" there; they are all timeshare "condos."

now they send you there to get your "parking pass". I guess people were on to just passing up the "gift package". Now you feel obligated to go. I pretty much said "No thanks, not interested in the presentation, no, no thanks, really no, I'll take my parking pass now, thanks, um no yet again. " All with a big smile on my face.

Oh, and I really wish I had taken the advise on this thread and taken the phone off the hook. I mean really - any family calling would call my cell anyway....after being in the park until midnight, and rolling in our unit around 1pm, I got the call at 8:30 am the first morning. I was ticked. Then after really telling them that we wouldnint be interested in any way shape or form...we got the call the second morning from someone else at 8:45 - again after being at the parks late. We then took the phone off the hook.

 

[carlbarry]

now they send you there to get your "parking pass". I guess people were on to just passing up the "gift package". Now you feel obligated to go. I pretty much said "No thanks, not interested in the presentation, no, no thanks, really no, I'll take my parking pass now, thanks, um no yet again. " All with a big smile on my face.

Oh, and I really wish I had taken the advise on this thread and taken the phone off the hook. I mean really - any family calling would call my cell anyway....after being in the park until midnight, and rolling in our unit around 1pm, I got the call at 8:30 am the first morning. I was ticked. Then after really telling them that we wouldnint be interested in any way shape or form...we got the call the second morning from someone else at 8:45 - again after being at the parks late. We then took the phone off the hook.

They give out "parking passes" at Wyndham Grand, even though they charge for parking? Wow, what a joke.

 

[sherabby]

They give out "parking passes" at Wyndham Grand, even though they charge for parking? Wow, what a joke.

We didn't pay anything to park our rental car at Wyndham. We did have to pay at the Disney parks though since we were not on a Disney property resort. We skipped the parking pass the first day and they called our room late to say that we didn't complete check out. I stopped back the next morning on our way already almost late for the YES program and completed the form...waited for someone to walk down from upstairs and all he did was shake my hand and let me go. I checked the lowest income box. We did get a phone call saying we had $150 worth of food vouchers waiting for us for a small amount of our time. We never called back. The last two days I guess they gave up on us.

 

[carlbarry]

We didn't pay anything to park our rental car at Wyndham. We did have to pay at the Disney parks though since we were not on a Disney property resort. We skipped the parking pass the first day and they called our room late to say that we didn't complete check out. I stopped back the next morning on our way already almost late for the YES program and completed the form...waited for someone to walk down from upstairs and all he did was shake my hand and let me go. I checked the lowest income box. We did get a phone call saying we had $150 worth of food vouchers waiting for us for a small amount of our time. We never called back. The last two days I guess they gave up on us.

There is no parking fee for Wyndham Bonnet Creek, the timeshare resort. However, there IS a parking fee for guests of the hotel there, Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek.

 

[Tricia's mom]

Thinking of booking Bonnet creek... Because My IL's are giving us a time share week ($$$$) so we can't beat the price.
The Pool looks great... The rooms fine... THE WASHER/DRYER
BUT Does anyone ever miss the Disney Magic ???

I have often thought of staying here because of location and the fact that they have king/queen bed.. not stupid full like some of the disney hotels,

 

[Janet Hill]

Thinking of booking Bonnet creek... Because My IL's are giving us a time share week ($$$$) so we can't beat the price.
The Pool looks great... The rooms fine... THE WASHER/DRYER
BUT Does anyone ever miss the Disney Magic ???

I have often thought of staying here because of location and the fact that they have king/queen bed.. not stupid full like some of the disney hotels,

Lots of magic in free! IMO

 

[pandamom]

Thinking of booking Bonnet creek... Because My IL's are giving us a time share week ($$$$) so we can't beat the price.
The Pool looks great... The rooms fine... THE WASHER/DRYER
BUT Does anyone ever miss the Disney Magic ???

I have often thought of staying here because of location and the fact that they have king/queen bed.. not stupid full like some of the disney hotels,

This past summer we did a split stay: Animal Kingdom Lodge club level for 4 days and a 2 bedroom deluxe at Bonnet Creek for five days. We loved AKL but can't tell you how nice it was to be able to spread out at WBC and actually have room to move around. We did not miss the "Disney Magic" at all. Our room was on 12th floor of tower twelve and had a fantastic view -- I loved leaving the curtains open and going to sleep with the view of the lit up Epcot ball. I hope you have a wonderful time!!!

 

[LadyBeBop]

Our room was on 12th floor of tower twelve and had a fantastic view -- I loved leaving the curtains open and going to sleep with the view of the lit up Epcot ball.

Sounds awesome. However, I didn't think there was a tower 12? Do you mean one of the other towers?

And how many bedrooms in your place. Basically, I think you described the kind of room I wants.

 

[XtheOwl]

Anyone know why I am unable to see any pictures on disboards? I do not see any pictures on Post #4 in this thread, but it seems to be a problem throughout all of disboards. Help me, Obi-wan Disboards . . . you're my only hope.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Anyone know why I am unable to see any pictures on disboards? I do not see any pictures on Post #4 in this thread, but it seems to be a problem throughout all of disboards. Help me, Obi-wan Disboards . . . you're my only hope.

I think it depends on the security setting on your computer. I cannot see pictures on my work computer, but I can at home. I'm assuming it's because I'm blocked from viewing pictures from photo sharing sites, such as Photobucket, at work.

But I'm guessing. I'd post this in the Technical Support Forum. That's the very last forum, on the bottom.

 

[pandamom]

Sounds awesome. However, I didn't think there was a tower 12? Do you mean one of the other towers?

And how many bedrooms in your place. Basically, I think you described the kind of room I wants.

Sorry, meant tower 4! The location was perfect. I requested near an elevator with fireworks view at arrival. Our room was right off the elevator so it was just a short ride / walk to the pool, pool bar, lazy river and parking. We had a two bedroom for dh, dd12, dd14 and I. Loved having the two bathrooms and the split floor plan. We had no problems with the room, appliances or furniture. I don't think I will ever get dh to stay on property again.

 

[tanyaandallie]

Thinking of booking Bonnet creek... Because My IL's are giving us a time share week ($$$$) so we can't beat the price.
The Pool looks great... The rooms fine... THE WASHER/DRYER
BUT Does anyone ever miss the Disney Magic ???

I have often thought of staying here because of location and the fact that they have king/queen bed.. not stupid full like some of the disney hotels,

There was a big thread about this a while back. I think it's different for everyone. We have always stayed on site and I was very worried about missing the "magic" of Disney. But, honestly, we didn't miss it. There were things I did miss about a Disney resort. I love that the disney pools have life guards and they are really good/attentive lifeguards. I love that the Disney hotels normally have great staff that don't want you to sign up for a timeshare. I like the flexibility of the Disney bus system.

However, I really loved WBC. I loved that for a very reasonable price we could have a 2 bedroom condo with a full kitchen and washer/dryer. Seriously, can you beat that? It's so close to everything!!! I actually really liked driving my own car. The only place that is a pain is MK. I'd prefer to take the Disney bus to MK and avoid the TTC. I also find parking at DTD in the evenings a huge pain.

I was very worried but decided to give it a try and am so glad we did!

 

[DrMomof3]

We arrived today! We're 1st floor of Tower 2, overlooking mini golf. Not my request but I'm very happy with it (we hoped for fireworks view but I think this may be better!). This is our first stay off-site so I'll share my current thoughts (subject to modification as we get to know the place better!).
1. The resort appears to be well-situated. We ate dinner at the Benihana in the Hilton (DTD) and it was maybe a 10 min drive - with hitting every red light between here and there.
2. Our room is lovely. I don't see any of the wear and tear that I worried about. My opinion is that compared to DVC the bedrooms are probably smaller but I like the living area better. The "formal" dining room is nice and I like the living room. Kids are very happy. (We're in a 2 bedroom with 5 people - me, DH, kids ages 8, 6, 4).
3. We arrived just after 4pm (did the Publix run between the airport and here). I was told that we were "lucky" to have our room ready at that time. Surprising since 4pm is the check-in. The line for the parking pass was lengthy and annoying, having my husband wait in the car was ideal.
4. The bellhop who helped with our bags and groceries could NOT have been nicer. I tried to tip him extra after my husband had tipped him and he refused. He took the various bags and groceries into the proper rooms and gave us lots of helpful info (I know I read it here but they have cold storage for groceries if your room isn't ready).
5. I know I shouldn't be surprised but the property is so pretty! I think it's a bit more elegant than most Disney resorts but that also means it lacks the theming. I don't miss the Disney stuff - at least yet - and I'm not sure the price differential justifies staying on site.

I'll try to follow-up as we explore more. Hoping Tropical Storm Isaac stays far away!

Amanda