What is Bonnet Creek Resort?

[Horace Horsecollar]

A timeshare operated by fairfield

Yes, at this time the Fairfield timeshare is all that's open. However, there's more to the Bonnet Creek Resort than just the Fairfield timeshare.

The Fairfield Orlando at Bonnet Creek Resort is the first lodging project within the 482-acre Bonnet Creek Resort development, but the Fairfield is will be joined by three announced hotels:

• Hilton Hotel (1,000 rooms)
• Waldorf-Astoria (500 rooms)
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Hotel and Spa (400 rooms)

Additional hotel announcements are expected.

The Bonnet Creek Resort Resort also includes:

• An 18-hole golf course, designed by Rees Jones (not yet open)
• A 10-acre lake
• A conservation area

 

[fkj2]

I asked one of the bus drivers when he drove by the sign for the Bonnet Creek Resort in May. He said that there must have been something of a bidding war for the piece but the price reached a point where Disney refused to go higher. He said the right-of-way agreement for access prohibits anything more than the benign road sign that everyone sees.

 

[cobbler]

I took a look at the pics and am just not that impressed with the exterior or the interior.

Maybe I am just biased though

 

[bpmorley]

I took a look at the pics and am just not that impressed with the exterior or the interior.

Maybe I am just biased though

You think????

 

[fishermouse]

I read something to that effect before.

So why wouldn't Disney set up a transportation system for Bonnet Creek? It would put more money in Disney's pocket. They already do it for The Swan & Dolphin.

People would not be staying there if they did not plan on going to
WDW, Guees Disney figures they have nothing to gain by providing transportation unless FF wants to make it worth their while. They are both in this for money so I'm sure if it looked good finacially for both corps they would work something out. FF really does not compete with WDW just DVC, I know they are both part of the same overall company but the two are run independent of each other,
Are there any FF resorts in the DVC world passport, (yes I'm to lazy to look right now)?

 

[Blue&Gold]

There is some measure of collusion between the companies... The Fairfield Bonnet Creek resort brochure is full of WDW references, including photos of Cindy's castle---which they never could use without paying Disney a fee/getting permission.

I've read at least one post here from a member who owns both DVC and FF that with a DVC card and an AP, staying at Bonnet Creek "feels" like being at a Disney resort. Don't know myself...

The whole Bonnet Creek development is good and bad news for us... Bad in that it adds a few thousand additional hotel rooms to the "onsite" area, but good in that since it is a direct competitor to DVD, they'll have to stay on their game to stay ahead, which is good for DVC, IMO.

 

[Muushka]

We stayed at Bonnet Creek last month. It really is a beautiful resort. When we go in Dec, we plan on spending a few days there again.

 

[littlestar]

The whole Bonnet Creek development is good and bad news for us... Bad in that it adds a few thousand additional hotel rooms to the "onsite" area, but good in that since it is a direct competitor to DVD, they'll have to stay on their game to stay ahead, which is good for DVC, IMO.

I agree. Competition is good. All these new beautiful Orlando timeshares mean more choices for consumers - a lot of them are adding lazy rivers, themed pools with slides, etc. Disney will have to stay on their toes.

 

[byoung]

I'll stay with Disney.

 

[disneymoon0606]

Granted I haven't stayed at many timeshares, but I stayed at Bonnet Creek earlier this month (for my honeymoon) and thought it was AMAZING! It was a great combination of being beautiful and comfortable. The unites seemed huge and the whole place seemed very upscale. We also stayed on WDW property a few nights of the trip, and while there is something wonderful about staying on-site, Bonnet Creek is definitely worth checking out. I would absolutely stay there again.

I've heard other threads complaining about Fairfield, saying that they are selling Bonnet Creek as being part of Disney, but when we were there we heard nothing of that. They were selling it as a one-of-a-kind timeshare because no other timeshare will ever be as close to Disney as they are.

That being said, I have yet to try a DVC resort (it's definitely next on my list). After I do that then I will be able to make a better comparison!

 

[droppingtheball]

Bonnet Creek is fantastic guys. I have spent a few days there prior to some DVC trips. It really is superior to DVC in almost every way (well no transportation). Rooms are nicer, better dining, beautiful grounds, very quiet and you are right near the action.

The place is worth checking out for sure.

 

[Chuck S]

I'm sure it is beautiful for an off site resort. It has none of the onsite services that are important to most DVC members...room charging, resort delivery, reliable and timely transportation directly to the MK front gate, free parking at the theme parks (unless you are an AP holder), etc. THose perks, which I am well aware our dues help cover, are what part of the Disney package for me.

 

[Caskbill]

I'm sure it is beautiful for an off site resort. It has none of the onsite services that are important to most DVC members...room charging, resort delivery, reliable and timely transportation directly to the MK front gate, free parking at the theme parks (unless you are an AP holder), etc. THose perks, which I am well aware our dues help cover, are what part of the Disney package for me.

Also, when staying at a DVC resort, things like free valet service, free transportation from the airport, pool hopping, Extra Magic Hours, and discounts at numerous WDW places including restaurants, tours, boats, etc.

All things not available to off-site guests.

 

[DisFamily2006]

Also, when staying at a DVC resort, things like free valet service, free transportation from the airport, pool hopping, Extra Magic Hours, and discounts at numerous WDW places including restaurants, tours, boats, etc.

All things not available to off-site guests.

Yes, we aaaaaaalmost purchased Fairfield with Bonnet Creek as our home resort. Our reasoning was that the large majority of our vacations have been and will continue to be at WDW. Once however, we found out that Bonnet Creek guests were not entitled to any of the above perks we decided to go ahead and purchase DVC. As a whole, Fairfield are VERY nice. The buy-in price is only slightly lower than DVC but the maintenance fees are considerabley less. There are also tons of other resorts that one can stay in if they choose without having to worry about trades, etc. One thing it does lack however is that "magic" which we've all been spoiled by. I would suspect though, for the inexperienced Disney guest, the Bonnet Creek accomodations would be out of this world (that is until they stayed onsite and enjoyed all that the WDW resorts had to offer.) Remember, there are still people out there that actualy drive onto property everyday to visit the parks. I for one just can't imagine that anymore as we usually break the day up with a park in the morning, afternoon break and then Extra Magic Hours that evening at another park. Gotta love staying on WDW property.

 

[ryanmilla]

They were selling it as a one-of-a-kind timeshare because no other timeshare will ever be as close to Disney as they are.

hmmmm, I think there are 5 that are closer; BCV, BWV, VWL, OKW, & SSR. I know they are not 'timeshares', but vacation clubs.

Also, when staying at a DVC resort, things like free valet service, free transportation from the airport, pool hopping, Extra Magic Hours, and discounts at numerous WDW places including restaurants, tours, boats, etc.

All things not available to off-site guests.

Not to mention the magic that only Disney Cast Members and a Disney Resort can provide. That is the biggest thing for us about staying onsite, the magic.