The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread part2

[DisMom1981]

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

Sounds great! Good luck with Isaac!

 

[SalandJeff]

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!!!

This sounds perfect ... so when making a room request, would bldg 4, 12th floor, epcot view be accurate? Also, what time did you check in?


Also, a question for owners. I know there are different levels of owners (platinum or something?). If the owner is a high level, are they more likely to get a room request? What benefits do they get for being at this higher level.

 

[bz8bls]

First of all we are DVC owners, but were out of points, so we tried BC. We were very impressed.
We had a 3-bedroom deluxe in Tower 6 parking lot view floor 5. Since we had extended family with us, we were worried about the bus system (being used to Disney's). However, it worked out for a couple of our family members.

If comparing DVC with BC, DVC is definitely smaller. My DH wants to supplement future visits by staying at BC and DVC

There is a hard sell, however, didn't bother us...just don't answer the phone.

I was surprised they charge $25.00 for each pool towel that is not returned (got six towels at the activities center); however, when at the pools, one can just walk up and get a towel, no questions asked. I mentioned to the staff on our last day that it didn't make sense; they said that the towels at the pools are suppose to follow the same policy at the activities desk.

The only thing that really bothered me was when we took our trash to the appropriate waste recepticles on our floor; by the last day of our stay the trash room was truly disgusting and smelly. The receptacle chute was overflowing and trash was spilling all over the floor....so I don't know if the cleaning staff was on top of keeping the area clean.

Will definitely request T6 again, very convenient for their bus system.

 

[pandamom]

This sounds perfect ... so when making a room request, would bldg 4, 12th floor, epcot view be accurate? Also, what time did you check in?


Also, a question for owners. I know there are different levels of owners (platinum or something?). If the owner is a high level, are they more likely to get a room request? What benefits do they get for being at this higher level.

Yes, that sounds like an accurate request. We checked in the first Saturday in June around 9:30 am and were lucky that the room was ready. I actually requested tower 5 or 6, near elevator, on a high floor w/fireworks view at check-in. I was given the option of waiting for a room that met those requests or getting the one we took in tower 4 that was ready. The tower 4 room was perfect.

We are Silver VIP owners but I don't think that really matters. I think Gold and Platinum VIP owners can reserve specific rooms if available at time of booking.

 

[miprender]

First of all we are DVC owners, but were out of points, so we tried BC. We were very impressed.
We had a 3-bedroom deluxe in Tower 6 parking lot view floor 5. Since we had extended family with us, we were worried about the bus system (being used to Disney's). However, it worked out for a couple of our family members.

If comparing DVC with BC, DVC is definitely smaller. My DH wants to supplement future visits by staying at BC and DVC

There is a hard sell, however, didn't bother us...just don't answer the phone.

I was surprised they charge $25.00 for each pool towel that is not returned (got six towels at the activities center); however, when at the pools, one can just walk up and get a towel, no questions asked. I mentioned to the staff on our last day that it didn't make sense; they said that the towels at the pools are suppose to follow the same policy at the activities desk.

The only thing that really bothered me was when we took our trash to the appropriate waste recepticles on our floor; by the last day of our stay the trash room was truly disgusting and smelly. The receptacle chute was overflowing and trash was spilling all over the floor....so I don't know if the cleaning staff was on top of keeping the area clean.

Will definitely request T6 again, very convenient for their bus system.

That is us. We are all out of points too and usually stay at AKL. If the flights are priced right when Southwest opens their dates we are going to try to stay here.

 

[mat5]

I was wondering if the 3 and 4 bedroom units, are on the upper floors of the towers? Or are they on every floor? Just wondering for a future trip.

Thank you

 

[monkeyjuce]

Thanks, for the information. I think I will ask for a high floor lake view in main, bldg. 5 or 6. Have all guest rooms been refurbished at this point?

 

[scubamouse]

Thanks, for the information. I think I will ask for a high floor lake view in main, bldg. 5 or 6. Have all guest rooms been refurbished at this point?

We just got back and our room in building 5 hadn't been refurbished. Sofa and bar seats were both torn up.

 

[jtopicz1]

WBC has released a deal at LivingSocial for:

2 nights, 2 bed, 2 bath for $325
5 nights, 2 bed, 2 bath for $625
Parking and Resort fees are INCLUDED

Wyndham LivingSocial Deal

 

[FayeW]

WBC has released a deal at LivingSocial for:

2 nights, 2 bed, 2 bath for $325
5 nights, 2 bed, 2 bath for $625
Parking and Resort fees are INCLUDED

Wyndham LivingSocial Deal

Looks like you have to take the trip by Dec 15th. We are going Feb 13-19th...any idea where I can get the best deal for that time frame?

 

[disneyfan123]

Looks like you have to take the trip by Dec 15th. We are going Feb 13-19th...any idea where I can get the best deal for that time frame?

We booked through Vacation Strategy and are paying $89/night for a two bedroom. I'd check them out for your dates.

 

[FayeW]

We booked through Vacation Strategy and are paying $89/night for a two bedroom. I'd check them out for your dates.

Thank you very much! I sent them an email so I hope that they can come up with something good!

 

[Angie789]

WBC has released a deal at LivingSocial for:

2 nights, 2 bed, 2 bath for $325
5 nights, 2 bed, 2 bath for $625
Parking and Resort fees are INCLUDED

Wyndham LivingSocial Deal

I'll just second the advice to check out Vacation Strategies before you get this Living Social deal - the price we were quoted with VS was cheaper than this.

 

[DCTooTall]

Also, a question for owners. I know there are different levels of owners (platinum or something?). If the owner is a high level, are they more likely to get a room request? What benefits do they get for being at this higher level.

Depending upon your level of VIP ownership, there are a few different "perks" offered. They could be things like specific room # requests [with actual priority to be honored], Point Discounts on your stays booked withing a certain time period (can vary between 45-90 days before checkin), room upgrades, unlimited guest certificates, etc.

The catch with the VIP program is that it's not a deeded guaranteed program so perks and point requirements are subject to change. Also, you must buy the points from the Developer to be qualified towards the VIP point requirements. This means you could EASILY spend over $100,000 for points you can buy resale at $2,000 in order to get access to perks that would save you maybe 15% off the point total for your stay. (a bit more if you happen to get an upgrade, but that's not always guaranteed).

Generally... I'd say the VIP program perks are not worth the added buy-in costs, especially since the programs perks and benefits are subject to change. You could in theory buying resale buy the extra points needed to make up the difference in point cost the VIP program would save you, and still spend WAY less than what you pay for the points if you bought retail.

I was wondering if the 3 and 4 bedroom units, are on the upper floors of the towers? Or are they on every floor? Just wondering for a future trip.

Thank you

Not including details on Tower 6 since its a little bit different than the other towers. The 4bdrm Presidential units in Towers 1-5 are all on the top floor of the tower. 3 bdrm deluxe units I believe are on every floor.

 

[Malynda1010]

Hello everyone!!

Hello everyone!!

I'm currently planning a trip to Disney for July 2013. We have reserved our stay at Bonnet Creek. I am thinking about making changes to our room type, but wanted advice from those of you who have stayed at this location in the past. I have originally booked a 2 bedroom Presidential suite for my husband and I, and our three children. Their ages at the time of the trip will be 13, 8 and 1. Just recently, my in-laws have decided to join us, so I need to upgrade our room to a 3 bedroom suite. I was told that there is no availability for a 3 bedroom presidential during our dates, but I could reserve the 3 bedroom deluxe condo. My question for all of you experts is... Is there a big difference in the Presidential suite vs. the deluxe suite? I know there are certain upgraded amenities like the appliances, furniture and extra space, but, is the presidential that much better?? Please help me!! I'm so confused!! I have considered changing my dates to get the larger room, but really don't want to if the deluxe is just as nice and has enough space. All advise and suggestions are welcome!!

 

[SalandJeff]

Depending upon your level of VIP ownership, there are a few different "perks" offered. They could be things like specific room # requests [with actual priority to be honored], Point Discounts on your stays booked withing a certain time period (can vary between 45-90 days before checkin), room upgrades, unlimited guest certificates, etc. ....

Thanks for providing this explanation - very helpful.

 

[DCTooTall]

Hello everyone!!

Hello everyone!!

I'm currently planning a trip to Disney for July 2013. We have reserved our stay at Bonnet Creek. I am thinking about making changes to our room type, but wanted advice from those of you who have stayed at this location in the past. I have originally booked a 2 bedroom Presidential suite for my husband and I, and our three children. Their ages at the time of the trip will be 13, 8 and 1. Just recently, my in-laws have decided to join us, so I need to upgrade our room to a 3 bedroom suite. I was told that there is no availability for a 3 bedroom presidential during our dates, but I could reserve the 3 bedroom deluxe condo. My question for all of you experts is... Is there a big difference in the Presidential suite vs. the deluxe suite? I know there are certain upgraded amenities like the appliances, furniture and extra space, but, is the presidential that much better?? Please help me!! I'm so confused!! I have considered changing my dates to get the larger room, but really don't want to if the deluxe is just as nice and has enough space. All advise and suggestions are welcome!!

The extra space in a 3brdm Deluxe and 3bdrm presidential is negligible and not really noticeable. The only real advantages in a presidential unit vs. a deluxe are the upgraded look and feel of the unit with it's upgraded furnishings, And the fact you know you'll be in Tower 6 with a Presidential while you can be in any tower with a Deluxe (Including Tower 6).

The Deluxe also has a pull-out couch in the living room which a Presidential unit does not have.

 

[bz8bls]

Just ret'd from a stay at WBC and we had a 3-bedroom deluxe in tower 6 facing parking lot, 5th floor. The villa was very large and beautiful...I would say don't waste money on the presidential.

I am very picky, and I was very impressed with the 3-bedroom deluxe, even facing the parking lot. (I am also a DVC member, and must confess I like WBC better).

 

[stazmatic]

I have read through many pages on this thread and would still like to hear more about the restaurants on site at BC. We plan on eating at Disney a lot, but I am hoping there are similar counter-service options for breakfast, lunch, late-night, etc. at BC so we don't have to drive to 192 when not at the parks.

 

[Malynda1010]

The extra space in a 3brdm Deluxe and 3bdrm presidential is negligible and not really noticeable. The only real advantages in a presidential unit vs. a deluxe are the upgraded look and feel of the unit with it's upgraded furnishings, And the fact you know you'll be in Tower 6 with a Presidential while you can be in any tower with a Deluxe (Including Tower 6).

The Deluxe also has a pull-out couch in the living room which a Presidential unit does not have.

DCTooTall,

Thanks for the advice. I was told we would be in Tower 6. Is that tower really nicer than the others? It's so hard for me to decide what I want to do since I have never stayed at Bonnet Creek previously....