The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread! (pics and reviews)

[Cdn Gal]

Vettechick- How's the weather?? Are you getting many pictures? Are you going to the parks every day? What does your DH think of BC? Hope you are having a wonderful time!

 

[leight]

Keep in mind that the shuttles are very small- and sometimes they share with other Wyndham resorts. We had to wait for another one although we were there over 25 minutes before schedule. The AK & DHS share as do EP & MK.

We wanted to return in the early afternoon from EP and drove since the first shuttle back was at 4:15 (I think) and I wanted more flexibility. Keep that in mind.

 

[saysay]

Hi,
Thanks to this post, I am very excited to book a stay at Bonnet Creek for a few days next month. I read most of the posts but don't think this was discussed. Can you use the pool, hot tub, lazy river at night after a day at the parks? Can anyone remember how late they stay open?

I know many on this thread rent from Ken from Vacationupgrades.com, but I found a better rate for a 4 night stay in early May through 5 Star Resort Rentals (5starresorts.net). I found them on MyResortNetwork.com, a timeshare exchange site. Has anyone else dealt with them? They have been very prompt and professional answering my emails, but I have never rented a timeshare in this manner before and I am nervous about the risks involved.
Many of you mentioned booking thru ebay. Has anyone ever had a bad experience renting privately through an owner?

Are there other renters in addition to vacationupgrades some of you could recommend? I like to shop and compare several prices to be sure I am getting the best deal.
Thanks,
Chris

We are renting through Sun or Snow Vacation Rentals....found them on VBRO. She has been very easy and pleasant to deal with and there are no complaints with the BBB in Colorado where she is based. We rent condos through VBRO one or twice a year and so far always works out great. This is our first time renting a timeshare property - we go next week we shall see. Our room is confirmed, so we are good to go. I can't wait my first time to Disney World!

Good luck!

 

[vettechick99]

Vettechick- How's the weather?? Are you getting many pictures? Are you going to the parks every day? What does your DH think of BC? Hope you are having a wonderful time!

The weather has been mostly great! The week started out rainy so that put a damper on a few activities we wanted to do. But since Tuesday it's be gorgeous. April is a great time to visit.

I have gotten a lot of pictures. I took some of the room when we first got here, but they are about the same as everyone elses. I did take pictures of all the cabinet insides if y'all want to see what kitchen tools are here. And I will take some property pictures if someone wants me to. Maybe while the other two are napping I'll go on a photo safari.

We have been to the parks everyday. Well, at least every morning. We go for RD each day and then leave around lunch. Most days we don't make it back but last night we did go back to Epcot for Illuminations. We have been using the UG's park strategies and Lines. Both work great. Wouldn't tour without them.

DH loves BC! This is our third time and I enjoy it every time. I have missed being on property a little more this time, mostly because we have been to the park everyday whereas last July we just did the water parks. If I could afford a 2bed at BCV, I'd be in heaven. But for now the extra space here is perfection. Especially Monday when it was so rainy and we didn't want to leave the hotel. If we'd been stuck in a single room at a Disney hotel, we'd driven each other nuts!

VC (my initials!) hope you are having a blast! I got my confirmation from Ken and feel it is real now! Here come the Carlin's for the Food and Wine Fest!

We are and I know you will love BC when you come in the fall. You know I love me some F&WF!

We are in the process of reserving through Ken now. I've wanted to try BC for a while but there is just "something" about being on property that I hate to give up!!!! We just wanted a little more space this time because we know we will be taking things more slowly and spending more time at the pool. Please tell me it's a good pool! Looking forward to checking it out and becoming new converts??

That was a struggle for us too. As I said in the very first post, I've stayed on site 20 times and in some really amazing rooms. But having this space, and only paying $90/night (even $120 is a great deal) really can't be beat. The staff is great, no hard timeshare sells (if you don't take the tours, that is), and pools here are great, so it feels like a Disney resort. And you are so close to the parks - closer than many Disney's own resorts!

Oh I have a good tip for everyone: When you are leaving Epcot, follow the "All Resorts Areas" sign and you will come to a stoplight. They want you to turn left, but you are on Backstage Lane. If you go straight, you will go through another light that dumps right onto Bonnet Creek's main road. It's so easy to make it home from Epcot!

I have read all the posts in the thread about the great rooms but am wondering if anyone ever got a room they were disappointed in and if so, where was it?

We are going in October and I get up every morning and check this thread!

I have stayed 3 times at Bldg 1 (Torre de le Tierra) in 3 different rooms. Never been disappointed with this bldg. And others have reported issues with their fitted sheets coming loose. Hasn't happened to us yet, and DH is a big sheet kicker.

Lastly, someone asked about the Good Neighbor award. It's not advertised here, so I'm not exactly sure what it means for guests. If memory serves though, you won't necessarily get any perks, except that you can rest assured that it's a good hotel. But google it and let the rest of us know!

 

[psutrain]

Has anyone used the disney transportation from the nearby resort if you wanted to go to another disney resort instead of going to Downtown Disney and then go to another resort? I'm asking because we have friends staying at one of the disney resorts while we are at Bonnet Creek. Could I go to Carribbean beach and go to one of the other resorts via Disney Transportation? If not we'll just take a cab I guess.

 

[vettechick99]

Has anyone used the disney transportation from the nearby resort if you wanted to go to another disney resort instead of going to Downtown Disney and then go to another resort? I'm asking because we have friends staying at one of the disney resorts while we are at Bonnet Creek. Could I go to Carribbean beach and go to one of the other resorts via Disney Transportation? If not we'll just take a cab I guess.

You can not walk to the CBR from BC. As far as I know, there are a swamp, fence, and brush blocking the way.

I would take a cab.

 

[CattailGal]

There are two chairs and a small table on the balcony. I'd put them inside the condo, so you kids can't climb up against/over the rail.

KC

 

[SamiL]

Hi Thanks for the update I have a stupid question but in looking at BC website it has the Disney Good Neighbors logo with it, I know at DisneyLand there are benefits staying at the Godd Neighbor hotel has merit are there any benefits at BC for it.

Hope you are having a great time we just bought at BC and hope to be there in Oct.

I think at WDW the "Good Neighbor" logo just means you can buy park tickets at the Hotel/Resort. I think the only non-disney owned hotels that get Extra-Magic type perks are Swan, Dolphin and the Hilton at DTD.

 

[SamiL]

Okay, I just found this:

http://disneydestinationsales.com/econfirmations/GNH.html

it explains what a WDW Good Neighbor logo means.

 

[gina_g]

Vettechick--

As always, I am loving all the great info on here! We just sent our contract to Ken Price this morning. Counting the days until Sept. 25th.
I would love to see pictures of the pool outside Building 5 if you do get out on your safari! We'll be traveling with an almost 4 year old and 4 month old, so I'd love to see the pool as well as the seating areas around it to see how much shade there is for the baby. Thanks!

 

[MsCoz2000]

Vettechick--

As always, I am loving all the great info on here! We just sent our contract to Ken Price this morning. Counting the days until Sept. 25th.
I would love to see pictures of the pool outside Building 5 if you do get out on your safari! We'll be traveling with an almost 4 year old and 4 month old, so I'd love to see the pool as well as the seating areas around it to see how much shade there is for the baby. Thanks!

They have some "cabanas" (sp?) in the pool area. I'm not sure if you have to pay for them or reserve them in advance but that might be a good solution.

 

[drifter442]

We are looking to book a week at Bonnet Creek in May and was wondering if anyone knows if there is a new pool that is open. I was reading that there may be a pirate ship with water canons and slides? Any truth to this? Thanks

 

[ohionola]

We are looking to book a week at Bonnet Creek in May and was wondering if anyone knows if there is a new pool that is open. I was reading that there may be a pirate ship with water canons and slides? Any truth to this? Thanks

This will be part of the 6th tower. I do not think it will be open by May.

 

[TSRE]

That was a struggle for us too. As I said in the very first post, I've stayed on site 20 times and in some really amazing rooms. But having this space, and only paying $90/night (even $120 is a great deal) really can't be beat. The staff is great, no hard timeshare sells (if you don't take the tours, that is), and pools here are great, so it feels like a Disney resort. And you are so close to the parks - closer than many Disney's own resorts!

I'm curious, what has the price difference been when you have looked between Bonnet Creek and BCV? Is the space at the on site villas about the same as what is available at Bonnet Creek? I have only been to Disney World when we lived in Orlando, so have no experience with the resorts. I am trying to wrap my head around what all is available - it's a lot to think about

 

[gina_g]

They have some "cabanas" (sp?) in the pool area. I'm not sure if you have to pay for them or reserve them in advance but that might be a good solution.

Ok, now this is right up my alley! DH will be thrilled to spend more money I'm sure, but we've rented cabanas at other resorts and they really are worth it with young kids if you're going to use it for the whole day. Anyone else have any info about them?

 

[gina_g]

I'm curious, what has the price difference been when you have looked between Bonnet Creek and BCV? Is the space at the on site villas about the same as what is available at Bonnet Creek? I have only been to Disney World when we lived in Orlando, so have no experience with the resorts. I am trying to wrap my head around what all is available - it's a lot to think about

I can't remember the exact amount we paid, but our last trip was during value season in a 1 bedroom at Boardwalk Villas, which is usually right around the same price as BCV. I'm thinking that we're getting a week at Bonnet Creek, also value season, in a 2 bedroom condo for about $2000 less than we paid at BWV. Sure we lose some amenities, but the extra space and better pools have got to be worth it. At least I hope it is!

 

[loveysbydesign]

Anyone booked BC through Ebay? If so did it go smoothly?

 

[Upatnoon]

I'm curious, what has the price difference been when you have looked between Bonnet Creek and BCV? Is the space at the on site villas about the same as what is available at Bonnet Creek? I have only been to Disney World when we lived in Orlando, so have no experience with the resorts. I am trying to wrap my head around what all is available - it's a lot to think about

BVC is a great resort, but you pay a hefty premium for the Disney name and its location.

On the rental market, you are looking at $700 for a week at BC vs. $3,000 - $4,000 for a week at BCV.

 

[Missy Mousie]

I'm curious, what has the price difference been when you have looked between Bonnet Creek and BCV? Is the space at the on site villas about the same as what is available at Bonnet Creek? I have only been to Disney World when we lived in Orlando, so have no experience with the resorts. I am trying to wrap my head around what all is available - it's a lot to think about

Well... I am seriously debating Bonnet Creek over the Beach Club. I'm not staying in a villa, but a regular hotel room. The villas are a little more I think.

Beach Club including tax for the 7 nights we would be there is $2052 (I had a 40% pin code for most of the stay). Beach club for the 7 nights that Ken has available is $2679.75.

We are looking at a 2BR w/Ken. His total including tax is $840. Savings over the week I had picked out was $1212, and savings over the week that Ken has is $1839.75.

Those numbers are nothing to sneeze at. We can go 3 nights longer, and save over $1200. I'd have to spend at minimum an extra $300 for those extra days, but where we were going to possibly stay was closer to $500 for those 3 days.

Back out $14 a day for parking (at Disney, not at Bonnet) $84 for 6 days, $98 for 7 days, I'm still spending around $1600 less if you figure in the longer stay, $1100 less if you figure in the shorter stay with no extra days and leaving a little early.

Granted, I can't use the meal plan. But that also means we will eat less and not gain so much either. They really do give you way too much food, we just like the convenience of pre-paying. Oh well.

 

[Upatnoon]

Anyone booked BC through Ebay? If so did it go smoothly?

I have done it several times. Just check the seller's feedback and completed items. Most of the people selling reservations on there have been doing it as a business.