Wyndham at WDW

[Chickwhitt]

We will have diamond level with Wyndham when we go to WDW in May 2017, so we are thinking of staying off-property to get a better deal.

What are your experiences at these hotels? They include:
-Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham Orlando Lake Buena Vista
-Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
-Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area

We would like to see fireworks fromy our room and quick & easy access to the parks. Our son will be 5 when we go.

TIA!

 

[Rickat96]

We stayed at the Wyndham at Lake Buena Vista- Disney view. It was excellent.
The Coffee shop made a fresh pot every morning @ 6am when I showed up-Love that Jioffre's
Fireworks blasting for miles.
Only thing I didnt like was 18 bucks a day in fee's (parking, internet etc)

 

[2Gma]

You didn't mention it but we always stay at Reunion Resort (4 times now) which also has Wyndham vacation rentals. It is located 10 min from Disney right off I-4.
We are not Wyndham owners but stay through vrbo (about $100 a night) but now considering how many times we've been we should have joined! What we like about Reunion is the how beautiful, well kept and private the resort is. The condos are huge and have everything you need! You have access to all the resort's 10+ pools & waterpark. You should be able to see the fireworks (so we've been told) from top of the Reunion grande although we've never tried.

 

[writerguyfl]

One very important thing to note is that the Wyndham within walking distance to Disney Springs is actually two different hotels in the Wyndham system. These two hotels share common areas (lobby, restaurants, pool) but the rooms are distinctly different.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area has rooms that are in a high-rise tower with interior entry. The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area has motel-style rooms with exterior entry.

With regard to fireworks views, just be aware that you will be many miles away from the action. I've had rooms at hotels adjacent to the Disney Springs Wyndham(s) that had views of the fireworks and it's really nothing terribly impressive. This is a photo of the Epcot fireworks from the nearby Buena Vista Palace:

Will you be driving to the parks or will you be relying on shuttles? If using shuttles, will you be staying at the parks all day long or will you want the option to take a break and head back to your hotel? Those answers will help with hotel recommendations.

 

[Chickwhitt]

We will probably be at the park most of the day, and we will be taking the shuttles.

One very important thing to note is that the Wyndham within walking distance to Disney Springs is actually two different hotels in the Wyndham system. These two hotels share common areas (lobby, restaurants, pool) but the rooms are distinctly different.

Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area has rooms that are in a high-rise tower with interior entry. The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area has motel-style rooms with exterior entry.

With regard to fireworks views, just be aware that you will be many miles away from the action. I've had rooms at hotels adjacent to the Disney Springs Wyndham(s) that had views of the fireworks and it's really nothing terribly impressive. This is a photo of the Epcot fireworks from the nearby Buena Vista Palace:

Will you be driving to the parks or will you be relying on shuttles? If using shuttles, will you be staying at the parks all day long or will you want the option to take a break and head back to your hotel? Those answers will help with hotel recommendations.

 

[writerguyfl]

I've not stayed at any of these hotels. However, here's some information about shuttles that might help.

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Orlando Lake Buena Vista:
According to their website, they offer a free shuttle departing at 8:30am, 11:10am, and 12:45pm. The returns are at 6:00pm, 8:00pm, and 10:30pm. Travel time is 45 to 60 minutes because they stop at other hotels.

This shuttle only goes to Epcot. To get to any other destination at Walt Disney World, you must transfer Disney transportation (bus, monorail). Personally, this sounds like a horrible set-up.

Transportation page on their website: http://www.hawthornlakebuenavista.com/amenities/tickets-shuttle-service/

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek:
I know virtually nothing about this place, as it doesn't fit my needs. I believe that the shuttles to theme parks is an additional charge.

Lots of people adore this property. You'll be able to find lots of information here: http://www.disboards.com/threads/the-we-loooooove-bonnet-creek-thread-part-4.3366139/

Wyndham (and Garden) Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area:
There are seven Disney Springs Hotels that share a shuttle bus system. Transportation to the parks starts 60 prior to regular opening with the last bus returning 90 minutes after park closing. Buses run every 30 minutes throughout the day. In my experience (from staying at some of the other Disney Springs Hotels), the buses are very punctual.

There are two sides ("A" and "B"). The Wyndham is on "B" along with the Best Western and Buena Vista Palace. Because these hotels are literally adjacent to each other, it usually only takes 2-3 minutes at each stop before the bus goes to the parks.

For each side, there are two buses that double up on parks. Typically, one bus goes to the Transportation and Ticket Center (for Magic Kingdom) and then to Disney's Animal Kingdom. The other bus goes to Epcot and then to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Although it can be annoying to make a detour to a second park going or returning, it's not terrible. The entire route from the hotels to both parks and back to the hotels is usually completed within 30 minutes.

Disney Springs Hotels Marketing Website (with general information and seasonal discounts): http://disneyspringshotels.com/

 

[JimMIA]

I have not stayed at the Wyndham Grand, but it is part of the Bonnet Creek property. In addition to that hotel, there are six towers of timeshare condos ranging from one bedroom to four bedroom. The entire resort is very nice (we have stayed in the timeshare part), with the buildings circling a large lake. The hotel and timeshares share all amenities except parking and shuttles, so you have full access to all SIX pools, two of which have lazy rivers, the mini-golf, and lots of other amenities. The hotel also has a spa and several restaurants.

 

[Maureen309]

We will be staying in Wyndham Garden in the tower. April 2-5 What would be best transportation mode? Lyft, car rental or bus?