Wyndham Bonnet Creek Question....

[cnids00]

We stayed at Bonnet Creek offsite for the first time Sept 29 - Oct 6. We knew it wasn't a Disney resort but within the gates. It was a different experience but the Pres. suite was so gorgeous and spacious. We were 3 families and we were lucky to get it thanks to a friend with points we could rent.

Buses didn't run as often as WDW transportation. We took a cab several times and they ran $10-15, totally depending on what cab company you got

You can't walk to CBR, there is a river running between so impossible, we did however take the bus from Magic Kingdom to CBR and called for a cab from there to take us over to Bonnet Creek.

It's different but we still had a great time once we adjusted to not being able to go when we wanted to go, buses have schedules.

Next trip however, we will be back on Disney property, Dh, myself and DD were the only ones who had been to WDW before, the others had not so they didn't know what they were missing out on

 

[Maistre Gracey]

And so, you show your true colors:


The property line is meaningless. The benefits are what matters. The property line only matters when it comes to voting rights in the district---and that's why the land on which the fractional ownerships are being built in the NE corner is being de-annexed, and it is also a big reason why DVC is structured as a "deeded leasehold", rather than a perpetual deed. The very last thing the Mouse wants is someone horning in on its quasi-private government.

The only thing you need to say about BC is that it isn't Disney---and I believe most people realize this.

Furthermore, I don't think it is going to significantly devalue much, because BC's developer prices are very similar to DVCs. In this case, the fake rolex is fetching the same prices as the real one. And, the place is selling like hotcakes, even at real-rolex prices. So, someone must be finding value in it, even though it "isn't Disney."

But, it's cute to watch DVC owners contort themselves every time this topic comes up. It's also cute to watch DVD do the same thing. If you ever have the chance, drive by the entrance to BC, and take a look at the 3-D billboard right across from the entrance advertising DVC. It's hilarious. The very notion that someone might actually stay somewhere other than a Disney owned property because they want to is just so foreign a concept...it must be because they are being hoodwinked! Bamboozled! Tricked!

Oh, the humanity!

Show my true colors??
I'm not now, and never have tried to hide anything. If you read my sig you will see around 30 on site trips.

Look, I'm not posting to start a debate. I respect everyone's opinion on what they prefer-- Some prefer off site, and others prefer on site. I'm glad they make both vanilla and chocolate.
Why do I feel like I'm being criticized for prefering on site?? Whatever...

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We stayed at Bonnet Creek offsite for the first time Sept 29 - Oct 6. We knew it wasn't a Disney resort but within the gates.

See, this is not an accurate statement.

Bonnet Creek is not within the gates.
Disney could errect an archway saying "Thanks for visiting Walt Disney World! See ya real soon!" as you pull into the Bonnet Creek roadway.

MG

 

[FayeW]

See, this is not an accurate statement.

Bonnet Creek is not within the gates.
Disney could errect an archway saying "Thanks for visiting Walt Disney World! See ya real soon!" as you pull into the Bonnet Creek roadway.

MG

I think that's the part of your posts that ruffles feathers...the part where you continue to split that particular hair so fine you must need a microscope.

Saying this property is "within the gates" is an apt description because the only way in or out of BC is via Disney property. You have to be "within the gates" to access the resort, even though the patch of land the resort sits on is not WDW owned.

Do you have the same issue with the DTD hotels that are not WDW owned or operated being described as being "within the gates"? They also offer none of the perks of onsite resorts (with one exception) but I just never see you giving the same disclaimer when someone discusses staying there, that you do whenever Bonnet Creek comes up. Makes it seem to some of us that you have a particular axe to grind regarding BC.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

See, this is not an accurate statement.

Bonnet Creek is not within the gates.
Disney could errect an archway saying "Thanks for visiting Walt Disney World! See ya real soon!" as you pull into the Bonnet Creek roadway.

MG

You know, I can get to Animal Kingdom Lodge without passing through the Disney gates. I'll just take Sherberth Rd. north from 192, hang a left on Osceola Pky and I'm there. I guess that technically means AKL isn't "within the gates" since I didn't pass through any to get there.

 

[mr. advisor]

I have stayed at bonnet creek twice and the last time was in sept-oct in the pres. suite. The thing was this place housed 8 members of my family. This place had more room than you can imagine. It had four bedrooms and four bathrooms with to master suites(with jacuzzi tub) which my parents loved, all in all this was 2,600 square feet of paradise. For all you pro Disney people explain to me a room that has these type of accommodations onsite if there is one. Secondly if there is one for a large group like my family that I took to bc does it cost me two arms a leg and a mortgage on my house?

 

[Brian Noble]

Makes it seem to some of us that you have a particular axe to grind regarding BC.

And, of course, he does---because it is a competitor to DVC, which he owns. He stated as much in an earlier post:

As you may have guessed, there is also a reason for DVC Members to be slightly concerned about this misinformation. If the property line were widly unchallenged, it would devalue DVC.

Of course, as I've claimed elsewhere, the distinction of "on RCID land" and "not on RCID land" is really meaningless. And, I'll even go so far as to say that on-property but non-Disney hotels are more misleading, not less.

The DTD resorts home page says:
http://www.downtowndisneyhotels.com/

Stay at a Downtown Disney ® Resort Area Hotel and your vacation never ends! We offer seven Orlando, Florida hotel options conveniently located near Walt Disney World ® Resort, with spacious accommodations, luxurious amenities, dining and recreation perfect for any traveler. Each resort is a Walt Disney World ® Hotel and within walking distance of some of the area's finest shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests at any of our resorts in Orlando can also enjoy 99 holes of championship golf and a complimentary shuttle to all Disney ® Theme Parks, Disney ® Water Parks, and Downtown Disney ® Pleasure Island.

That's MUCH more misleading than Wydnham's description of BC. I can't link to it directly, but anyone can get to it from the public pages here:
http://www.wyndhamvacationresorts.com/

Closest to Disney Magic! Located in Lake Buena Vista, Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is mere minutes from the gates of Walt Disney World®. You’ll not only enjoy free scheduled transportation to and from the Disney theme parks, but a very rewarding stay on site. From the full activities calendar to special touches like the tranquil Lazy River, beautiful pool and private lake, this is no ordinary stay.

The emphasis above is mine, but as you can see, Wyndham's own website claims only minutes from the gates, while the DTD consortium describes themselves as Walt Disney World Resort hotels.

Both of which, technically, are true, of course.

-brian, who is flat-out amused at just how badly folks are tweaked by the fact that the Bonnet Creek parcel is landlocked by Disney land and I-4.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

ISaying this property is "within the gates" is an apt description because the only way in or out of BC is via Disney property. You have to be "within the gates" to access the resort, even though the patch of land the resort sits on is not WDW owned.

My goodness folks, the "gates" are a ficticous term meaning "on property"
There are not any gates... ANYWHERE. Just because there is a sign, or an archway saying "Welcome to Disney" doesn't mean it's a gate.

Entering from Sherberth road-- No arch, no sign, no gate.
Entering from 535 (??) near Downtown-- a sign, no gate.
Entering from other areas-- an arch, no gate.

Why is everyone hung up on "within the gates", when there isn't a gate?
It's "on property" that is the issue.

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Saying this property is "within the gates" is an apt description because the only way in or out of BC is via Disney property. You have to be "within the gates" to access the resort, even though the patch of land the resort sits on is not WDW owned.

To access BC, you cut through Disney property.
You enter the property, then you leave.

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If it wasn't a big deal, why did the Fairfield & Wyndjham sales people make the "on property" issue a selling point?
Why do sooo many people renting and selling the property say "on Disney property"??

If it didn't matter, people wouldn't be so quick to use this as a selling point.

Don't believe me? Look at the adds for yourself.

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I have stayed at bonnet creek twice and the last time was in sept-oct in the pres. suite. The thing was this place housed 8 members of my family. This place had more room than you can imagine. It had four bedrooms and four bathrooms with to master suites(with jacuzzi tub) which my parents loved, all in all this was 2,600 square feet of paradise. For all you pro Disney people explain to me a room that has these type of accommodations onsite if there is one. Secondly if there is one for a large group like my family that I took to bc does it cost me two arms a leg and a mortgage on my house?

If you bought directly from the resort, you got majorly ripped off. I hate to be the one to tell you that, but you paid at least 4x too much versus buying the exact same thing from a resaler.

To answer your question, Disney/DVC doesn't have any 4br villas. However, they do have spacious 3br villas.

Again, I'm not trying to push anyone toward staying on site. I have never suggested that. I realize some prefer to stay off site for a variety of reasons.

MG

 

[kwanbis]

Look, I'm not posting to start a debate. I respect everyone's opinion on what they prefer-- Some prefer off site, and others prefer on site. I'm glad they make both vanilla and chocolate.
Why do I feel like I'm being criticized for prefering on site?? Whatever... MG

Problem with staying onsite, is that is very expensive. I would love to, but i won't pay 150 dollars for a hotel room. More so, if you like so much the parks, i assume you won't be staying that much at the hotels, so, why bother?

 

[FayeW]

To access BC, you cut through Disney property.
You enter the property, then you leave.

MG

Isn't that what I said? That you have to be on WDW property in order to gain entrance to BC resort? We all understand that WDW property ends the same place BC property begins. If you are at Bonnet Creek you have left WDW property.

 

[cnids00]

See, this is not an accurate statement.

Bonnet Creek is not within the gates.
Disney could errect an archway saying "Thanks for visiting Walt Disney World! See ya real soon!" as you pull into the Bonnet Creek roadway.

MG

I'm sorry, it's within the archway we've been taken through every time we have gone to WDW, we knew it wasn't a Disney Resort and didn't expect any Disney perks, but it IS within the archway, my apologies for not writing the right thing. When out-of-towners fly in, no matter who takes you to the resort you're going to, they drive through the archway. And to us that means we're at Disney, no matter where we stay.

FayeW: Thanks for understanding what I was saying in my post, going through the archway means you're on Disney property, staying at any resort/hotel/motel NON Disney ON WDW property means it's not a disney resort, I knew that aswell, but to our family going through the archway means we're finally there!

 

[cnids00]

We only go on vacation once a year and we go where we can get the biggest bang for our buck, OKW was $700 for a 1br for a week, Bonnet Creek was $1500 for the Pres.suite for a week for three families, $500 per family. That is why we chose BC last trip so we could all fit and were lucky enough to even be able to get the Pres.suite. Not everyone can go several times a year for whatever reasons and we prefer to rent points from a friend as he isn't using them and rents them cheap to us.

We don't know what we will get or where and we don't really care, we know it will be spacious and any DVC resort is wonderful, that's the beauty of it and the surprise, we won't know until something becomes available. After the last trip off-site, we missed the perks so it is not for us, we like the convienience of having everything right there. Our family is an onsite kind of family but for the price and space at BC, I'm not really complaining, it was different and an experience!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I'm sorry, it's within the archway we've been taken through every time we have gone to WDW, we knew it wasn't a Disney Resort and didn't expect any Disney perks, but it IS within the archway, my apologies for not writing the right thing.

Okay, I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk, or beat this thing to a dead horse, but...
Fact is, it is not within the archway. That's my whole point.
Yes, you first drive under the archway, but then you could drive under another archway that says "See Ya Real Soon".
So, it's not "within" anything. It's as if you drive under the archway, make a U-turn, and drive back out underneath it.

I really, really, didn't mean to come off as anything other than helpful to the OP. I certainly didn't mean to upset anyone.
That said, I have always been very picky about accuracy.

Unless there is some pressing issue, I will now bow out of this thread.

MG

 

[amw]

It seems like there's a lot of hostility on this thread about "offsite condos" on an "offsite" board... Please Maistre Gracey, keep in mind that this board is to help Disers who decide to stay off-property. They don't want or need to be flamed for their decisions. We very well know BC is not Disney - enough said.

 

[cnids00]

It's all about the magic, once i stop saying "We're at Disney World" going through the archway (meaning we're almost at our final destination) I will have lost the magic and there will be no more reason to go back to WDW!

That's also one reason I love the Orlando commercial where the adults turn into kids going to the fun and when they leave they turn back into adults

Loose the magic, loose the fun imho

I don't need a street map of Orlando, to me it's all Disney anyhow, that's why we're there, not to take back roads to anything or to even be that specific, ask anyone out of town flying or driving to Orlando, archway means your there!

And on that note, I'm off to dream about our next trip

 

[Lisa P.]

The cheapest onsite 2BR (OKW?) starts at $530/night in the offseason. The cheapest 3BR starts at $1170 per night in the offseason. Whew. For most families, that 3BR condo is outrageously overpriced. Renting from an owner is cheaper but riskier and may be more problematic too. The purchase price of DVC is an awful lot of money to tie up in timesharing for families who need at least a 2BR - not to mention some of the highest annual dues in the region, not to mention within the industry as a whole. For the price of renting just a couple of nights in a 3BR DVC unit from Disney - one short stay - a person could buy enough Wyndham FSP points through resale to stay longer in a 3BR or 4BR at Wyn BC every year and only have Maint Fees in subsequent years - MF which are lower than DVC's too. This cannot be said for a DVC resale purchase. That extra daily hour and those more frequent bus shuttles come at a very steep price, indeed.

My goodness folks, the "gates" are a ficticous term meaning "on property"
There are not any gates... ANYWHERE. Just because there is a sign, or an archway saying "Welcome to Disney" doesn't mean it's a gate... Why is everyone hung up on "within the gates", when there isn't a gate?
It's "on property" that is the issue.

For decades, people have driven under the purple archway sign as they've left Kissimmee and entered Disney World property. Nearby, millions have stayed in hotels called "----- Maingate" or "----- Main Gate East/West," which were named and are still described according to their proximity to this signage. The "Main Gate" location is the purple archway sign for many, many people. For them, a purple archway sign equates to the "Disney gates." This is not something made up on these forums. It's a regional, colloquial (sp?) understanding.

 

[FayeW]

I think there is only one fair way to settle this:

I need one Wyndham owner, and one DVC owner to each give my family enough points for a 2bdrm stay. Then I can compare onsite stays with Bonnet Creek and we will know definitively which one is best!

We will be travelling to Orlando in December. Any takers?