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

[pmanko]

yeah, Firepup, back in the day, i'd probably be out in the pool all night long enjoying myself doing cannonballs and being happy go lucky. Chillin.
Now, I have a child and tend to need my sleep

Hope you have more peace and quite than we did! Let me know how the love shack turns out for you guys....

 

[geenerbell]

Has anyone gone on a timeshare tour at Bonnet Creek this month? What's the gift for touring and how long did it take?

 

[Cdn Gal]

45 minutes--you were very lucky. When I went, the sales weasel opened my file and said, "I see you paid $9,000 for 49,000 points." Apparently, it referred to the previous owner's cost. I said, "No. Ebay. $100." She still kept me hostage for 2 hours.

There is a new law in Florida, that states that if they promise or 'advertise' 45 min. of your time then they must let you go at that time with your gift. Next time, just start checking your watch, and let them know that you will be walking shortly with your gift. Unfortunately for non-owners it's a longer presentation.

 

[Cdn Gal]

I generally agree with DCTooTall and CdnGal regarding the value of VIP. There are, however, two benefits that come with it that we have really enjoyed and have been able to take advantage of on a number of occasions. The first is that with VIP you get an automatic 25% discount on reservations made within 60 days of check-in. I will often times make reservations well in advance just to ensure that we have a room. Then, when the 60 day window arrives, I will begin checking availability. If the same size room is available, I will reserve it with the 25% discount, then cancel the earlier reservation. If there are no units available during the 60 day window, then I still have my earlier reservation.

The second VIP benefit that we have enjoyed is the ability to upgrade to the next larger unit within 30 days of check-in, subject to availability, of course. That means that you can get a larger unit for the points applicable to the smaller unit. I have been able to get 2BR units for the price of a 1BR unit many times, and on one occasion, was able to upgrade a 1BR to a 3BR unit. When you couple this with the 25% discount within the 60 day window, these two benefits can really stretch the value of your points.

Having said all that, I'm still not certain that the benefits of VIP come anywhere close to offsetting the much higher cost of buying Wyndham retail rather than from a 3rd party (such as eBay, for example). If you're careful in selecting a property with very low maintenance fees, and buying 3rd party at a small fraction of the cost of buying retail from Wyndham, you can buy enough points such that the discount and upgrade benefits don't really matter to you.

The one thing that can push the VIP benefits across the finish line ahead of the other option is if it makes the wife happy. If the wife is happy, everybody's happy. Trust me on that.

For us because of our location (Canada) we have to book our flights months in advance to get any kind of discount. Even if we are using airmiles then it is a year out to book and get the flight you want. We can't book 60 days in advance or less. The next Wyndham timeshare is 4 1/2 hours away in Quebec- just not happening there either. You guys in the US get amazing flight deals all of the time- we don't have as many airlines competing so you know we pay top $$$ unless we book way out.

For the room upgrade- that is a really, really nice option which you can't beat. For us though, there is only the two of us and I don't think I would want the extra bedroom, but if you are planning something big in the off season then they might be of advantage to you- but again for us- we can't take that chance because we can only go during prime time-

As for keeping the wife happy- yes that is the most important thing. It will always be the most important thing!!!

 

[pipervali]

We just got back last night from five nights on the 6th floor of Tower 5.

I'll be honest, I was expecting nice, having been on this thread for a while. But I was still really blown away about how great the resort was. I couldn't have been more happy, especially considering the excellent price I paid for a 2 bedroom.

We were right over the pool, in fact our balcony was essentially looking right over the lazy river. I absolutely LOVED coming back from the parks, opening the balcony doors and just sitting out there listening to the music and watching the people in the pool. The atmosphere was fantastic.

I couldn't rave more about the employees. My mother even said to me at one point during the week that she felt like royalty or a celebrity, because of how friendly and helpful the staff were.

All in all, we were extremely happy with our stay and we'll definitely be staying there again if we go back to Disney soon.

 

[geenerbell]

We just got back last night from five nights on the 6th floor of Tower 5.

I'll be honest, I was expecting nice, having been on this thread for a while. But I was still really blown away about how great the resort was. I couldn't have been more happy, especially considering the excellent price I paid for a 2 bedroom.

We were right over the pool, in fact our balcony was essentially looking right over the lazy river. I absolutely LOVED coming back from the parks, opening the balcony doors and just sitting out there listening to the music and watching the people in the pool. The atmosphere was fantastic.

I couldn't rave more about the employees. My mother even said to me at one point during the week that she felt like royalty or a celebrity, because of how friendly and helpful the staff were.

All in all, we were extremely happy with our stay and we'll definitely be staying there again if we go back to Disney soon.

Did you take a tour? If so how long did it take and what is the gift?

 

[pipervali]

Did you take a tour? If so how long did it take and what is the gift?

Nope, wasn't even approached to do the tour or anything of the like. I went over, got my parking pass, there was no pitch or sales pressure. And I didn't get a single call all week long. I have to admit, I was really surprised, pleasantly so.

 

[QuiverofArrows]

We might have some non-perishables on Dec 3rd if anyone is interested. We arrive on 11/28 and are so excited! PRAYING we get a nice and newer quiet 3br that doesn't stink, have bedbugs and doesn't face a parking garage. That's not a lot to ask for, right? If anyone has a suggestion as to which tower to ask for to get that, please let me know. Thanks so much! In 54 hrs I will be warm!!!

 

[SHammett]

Here now and was offered $100 am ex gift card, coupon for 2 night resort stay (didn't ask where) and discount Disney tickets to take the tour. The discounts looked pretty good, too. 2 adult 1 park tickets were $117.

 

[skylizard]

When renting from an owner, you didn't have to go to the front desk to check out right? Especially if you didn't charge anything to the room?

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

When renting from an owner, you didn't have to go to the front desk to check out right? Especially if you didn't charge anything to the room?

I've rented from an owner and have never had to check out at the front desk.

We're arriving this afternoon for 5 nights in a 2 bedroom...can't wait!!! I love this resort!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

We might have some non-perishables on Dec 3rd if anyone is interested. We arrive on 11/28 and are so excited! PRAYING we get a nice and newer quiet 3br that doesn't stink, have bedbugs and doesn't face a parking garage. That's not a lot to ask for, right? If anyone has a suggestion as to which tower to ask for to get that, please let me know. Thanks so much! In 54 hrs I will be warm!!!

We were upgraded to a lovely 3 bedroom the last time we were there. I think that it was in tower 6 or 7?? We did face the parking lot, but I thought that the desk person once told me that all 3 bedrooms faced the parking lot. No bedbugs or stink, though. Bedbugs...EEEEK!!!!

 

[skylizard]

Did you take a tour? If so how long did it take and what is the gift?

We did the tour and it was horrible. It lasted about two hours and they fought hard to get us to buy something, but we didn't. They gave us a $100 amex gift gard and a free 3/2 vacation. However, I've done a little research on the free 3/2 vacation (which is offered thru Spirit Incentives) and have read a lot of bad reviews about them so I think I'll skip on that instead of being scammed.
If you're going to do the tour, make sure they stick to their 90 minute tour and do it early on so that it doesn't ruin your vacation and leave a bad taste in your mouth.

 

[carlbarry]

We did the tour and it was horrible. It lasted about two hours and they fought hard to get us to buy something, but we didn't. They gave us a $100 amex gift gard and a free 3/2 vacation. However, I've done a little research on the free 3/2 vacation (which is offered thru Spirit Incentives) and have read a lot of bad reviews about them so I think I'll skip on that instead of being scammed.
If you're going to do the tour, make sure they stick to their 90 minute tour and do it early on so that it doesn't ruin your vacation and leave a bad taste in your mouth.

Spirit Incentives? Yikes!!! Wyndham used to give free vacations through their subsidiary Get Up and Go. They don't do that anymore? I'm really surprised by that.
UPDATE: I went to the Get Up and Go website, and they are "reorganizing and not selling new inventory." Wow, a business gift of a free Get Up and Go voucher was my introduction to Wyndam. Had a free stay at Star Island, and got tricked into doing the Bonnet Creek sales presentation. Luckily, I didn't bite, even though I knew nothing about timeshare at that point. Imagine my surprise when I got home and found I could buy what they were trying to sell me, at 90% off!

 

[mamafrei]

We are planning our 2nd trip to Bonnet Creek for Thanksgiving week 2011.

Anyone been there during that time, or is there now? If so, could you fill me in on how the crowds are in the theme parks and at Bonnet Creek itself (pools, shuttle bus to parks)?

Any info. would be totally appreciated!!

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

We are planning our 2nd trip to Bonnet Creek for Thanksgiving week 2011.

Anyone been there during that time, or is there now? If so, could you fill me in on how the crowds are in the theme parks and at Bonnet Creek itself (pools, shuttle bus to parks)?

Any info. would be totally appreciated!!

THANKS SO MUCH!!!!!

I'm here now. There was nobody in front of me in line at check-in at 6PM tonight. The crowds here don't seem bad. I saw one shuttle as we were pulling in and there were only a few people on it. I'll update later on in the weekend though!

 

[crazyfordisney2000]

It's official!! We have booked Bonnet Creek through Ken Price for Apr30-May12 2011!! It will be our first off-site stay and hope it will be as great as everyone here says it is!!

 

[mamafrei]

I'm here now. There was nobody in front of me in line at check-in at 6PM tonight. The crowds here don't seem bad. I saw one shuttle as we were pulling in and there were only a few people on it. I'll update later on in the weekend though!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!! Have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute of it.

 

[SHammett]

Hi Shammett. We're assigned to the same unit (sheesh, must be the only one in this tower?) but I'm hoping your trip is before mine so you can come back & give me a report on the amenities this suite has. I'm also interested in whether or not the Pres. Suite has the flat screens & Bose sound system too. And thanks to Angry Eyes for reporting on the elevator availability in the bldg. because I was concerned about this as well.

Angry Eyes, was this tower as quiet as I'm expecting it to be?

Here now. The tower is very quiet in comparison to the newer ones. It's a great location, love being so close to the main building. The room itself is fabulous, so spacious and absolutely beautiful. There are no flat screens or Bose system, though.

We have had a few minor issues: had to have the microwave switched out because it wasn't working (the repair guy was surprised the room didn't have a built in microwave, apparently all the other presidentials do), the clothes dryer doesn't work well, ants in the laundry room, the shower door doesn't prevent water from leaking into the floor in the hall bath. I plan to leave a note when
we leave, so maybe things will be fixed by the time you arrive. Regardless, it wouldn't keep us away, we plan to rent this same room next year.

The view is nice, view of the lake and rest of the resort. You do have a sideways view of fireworks, from the end of the balcony. Not as ideal as straight on, but I would choose lake view anyway if I had to choose. We've stayed in tower 5 many times and had the parking garage view, but could see fireworks well. Not worth looking at a parking lot all day for 10 minutes of fireworks in my opinion. I did notice some presidentials in tower 5 and 6 that looked like they were angled perfectly for fireworks and overlooked the lake. I wonder if they're the first to be rented?

Absolutely no elevator issues. The pools were a little crowded today, esp. the pirate pool, but we were able to find front row chairs at 3pm when we got
there. I'll post pics when we get home. Don't want to leave!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Here now. The tower is very quiet in comparison to the newer ones. It's a great location, love being so close to the main building. The room itself is fabulous, so spacious and absolutely beautiful. There are no flat screens or Bose system, though.

We have had a few minor issues: had to have the microwave switched out because it wasn't working (the repair guy was surprised the room didn't have a built in microwave, apparently all the other presidentials do), the clothes dryer doesn't work well, ants in the laundry room, the shower door doesn't prevent water from leaking into the floor in the hall bath. I plan to leave a note when
we leave, so maybe things will be fixed by the time you arrive. Regardless, it wouldn't keep us away, we plan to rent this same room next year.

The view is nice, view of the lake and rest of the resort. You do have a sideways view of fireworks, from the end of the balcony. Not as ideal as straight on, but I would choose lake view anyway if I had to choose. We've stayed in tower 5 many times and had the parking garage view, but could see fireworks well. Not worth looking at a parking lot all day for 10 minutes of fireworks in my opinion. I did notice some presidentials in tower 5 and 6 that looked like they were angled perfectly for fireworks and overlooked the lake. I wonder if they're the first to be rented?

Absolutely no elevator issues. The pools were a little crowded today, esp. the pirate pool, but we were able to find front row chairs at 3pm when we got
there. I'll post pics when we get home. Don't want to leave!

We're also at Bonnet Creek in tower 4 right now. I'd say that mini golf was a little bit crowded today, but DH said that he and DD didn't really have to wait all that long to play. The bus to EPCOT was pretty empty (like 7 other people??) this morning. Went to breakfast at Olivia's (Old Key West), and that was pretty empty too at around 9AM.

EPCOT was not horribly crowded. We rode "The Land," Test Track (with a Fastpass), and Nemo all in the span of about 1.5 hours. We spent a lot of time looking around the fishtank in the Nemo building during that timespan too, though. We basically walked onto Nemo and only stood in line for about 10 minutes for The Land. Yesterday DH and DD rode Space Mountain 3 times, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Goofy's Barnstormer, Teacups, and I can't remember what else in the span of a few hours. The crowds really aren't too bad!

We had dinner at TRex in Downtown Disney and there was no wait. There was also no line at Ghirardelli (sp?) when we went to get milkshakes tonight.