Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek | What to Expect

[JM_97]

Looks like I'll be at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek in mid-December. Staying on property was pretty steep, even for a moderate so I'm going to try off property. Swan/Dolphin was also booked.

Anyway, for those who have gone, what should I expect? I know it's not a Disney resort but didn't know how disconnected I'd feel from WDW. I'll probably go to Epcot and do some resort hopping and/or spend time at the Boardwalk.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

NVM

 

[JM_97]

We have stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek twice and wandered over to hotel portion twice for their breakfast buffet which we still talk about. It was really, really good.

Technically, this is on Disney property and fairly nice not to have to deal with traffic outside the "world."

I thought the hotel was beautiful and you also can use any of the amenities/pools at the time share portion of the resort. They have a lazy river, mini golf, and some nice pools.

We stayed here in December 2017 and June 2018. We didn't feel any "disconnect" UNTIL we stayed at All Stars in 2022. Then we got what people were talking about and why some choose to stay onsite.

I would say staff at both places was equally excellent but now I would probably miss that "something you can't define" that you get by staying at a Disney resort.

In a perfect world I'd be able to stay at Coronado. But it was booked. Deluxe's were insane and even the only moderate (Port Orleans) was a little much. I guess that's what you get in December.

But that helps. It's a very short trip since we live in FL and really only doing one park. This is my first time staying in a non-Disney resort.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

NVM

 

[Upatnoon]

Looks like I'll be at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek in mid-December. Staying on property was pretty steep, even for a moderate so I'm going to try off property. Swan/Dolphin was also booked.

Anyway, for those who have gone, what should I expect? I know it's not a Disney resort but didn't know how disconnected I'd feel from WDW. I'll probably go to Epcot and do some resort hopping and/or spend time at the Boardwalk.

The location is better than some of the Disney resorts, so you don't feel "out of the action."

The shuttle service to the parks is limited, but everything is a short car ride or rideshare away.

It doesn't have the immersive Disney theming, but when you are asleep you won't miss it and your wallet certainly won't!

Have a great time!

 

[HopperFan]

While technically NOT on Disney property and has no Disney perks, you have to go on to Disney property to get in to the Bonnet Creek property (highways boxed it in and Disney forced to give them access). Love this location and proximity to parks.

What is nice is the hotel has full access to all the pools at the resort so it's nice to pool hop, bar hop etc.

Hotel has it's own shuttle service that is included, it is on a coach bus and does not share. Resort hopping would be easy using a combo of this and Disney transportation. If a timing doesn't work I'd use rideshare.

 

[zebrastreyepz]

NVM

 

[Judique]

Looks like I'll be at the Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek in mid-December. Staying on property was pretty steep, even for a moderate so I'm going to try off property. Swan/Dolphin was also booked.

Anyway, for those who have gone, what should I expect? I know it's not a Disney resort but didn't know how disconnected I'd feel from WDW. I'll probably go to Epcot and do some resort hopping and/or spend time at the Boardwalk.

So, how was your stay? I booked this hotel for 1 night for this weekend. We will arrive, check in, then go have dinner and come back to sleep, then in the morning do check in at BWV. I've been trying to pick up this night at any DVC hotel and not having much luck. Started looking at cash Disney hotels this morning. The Wyndham started looking great at that point! Used Chase points to book so the price is right.

 

[JM_97]

So, how was your stay? I booked this hotel for 1 night for this weekend. We will arrive, check in, then go have dinner and come back to sleep, then in the morning do check in at BWV. I've been trying to pick up this night at any DVC hotel and not having much luck. Started looking at cash Disney hotels this morning. The Wyndham started looking great at that point! Used Chase points to book so the price is right.

It was great! I checked in and hung out at the resort for a bit. Beautiful property. It's definitely not a Disney resort but I thought it was still lively and the lack of Disney theming didn't ruin the stay at all. But even then, it's not like you forget you're at Disney.

There was a shuttle to Disney Springs (and the parks) but I just took an Uber. It was easier and more flexible. You are right by Caribbean Beach (though you can't get to CB from the Bonnet Creek side) so the location is fantastic.

If Disney theming is a priority, I can see why people wouldn't like it. The biggest con was definitely the transportation not being as good. Uber wasn't as much as I thought and I'm sure the shuttle was fine but it's nothing like the Disney Transportation within the "bubble."

But if you can get past that, you are in one of the best spots and you can save a lot of money. I still prefer staying on property but I wouldn't hesitate to book Bonnet Creek again, especially if it's a time of year when the rates are crazy.

 

[Judique]

Thank you so much for responding! I usually fall back on either the Swan or the Swan Reserve and neither had a room for Saturday when I looked.

Today I was looking at other Marriott options and finally decided to keep the Wyndham Grand. I'll have my car so no shuttle problems. Normally I would not have needed an extra night but I decided to get to WDW a day early because of the impending East Coast snowstorm that is supposed to hit my area on Saturday.

 

[JM_97]

Thank you so much for responding! I usually fall back on either the Swan or the Swan Reserve and neither had a room for Saturday when I looked.

Today I was looking at other Marriott options and finally decided to keep the Wyndham Grand. I'll have my car so no shuttle problems. Normally I would not have needed an extra night but I decided to get to WDW a day early because of the impending East Coast snowstorm that is supposed to hit my area on Saturday.

Yeah Swan and Dolphin rates have been pretty high lately every time I go to look.

But I loved my room; so much more space than most other Disney resorts.

 

[Judique]

Here now and the room is very comfortable!

 

[BrownThunder]

Thank you so much for responding! I usually fall back on either the Swan or the Swan Reserve and neither had a room for Saturday when I looked.

Today I was looking at other Marriott options and finally decided to keep the Wyndham Grand. I'll have my car so no shuttle problems. Normally I would not have needed an extra night but I decided to get to WDW a day early because of the impending East Coast snowstorm that is supposed to hit my area on Saturday.

We stayed at the Sabal Palms villas at Marriott last year and they were okay. I would personally recommend staying at the other ones instead such as Imperial or Royal Palms depending on your needs if you ever decide to stay at the Marriott hotels.

They're all super close to Disney though.

 

[HopperFan]

We stayed at the Sabal Palms villas at Marriott last year and they were okay. I would personally recommend staying at the other ones instead such as Imperial or Royal Palms depending on your needs if you ever decide to stay at the Marriott hotels.

They're all super close to Disney though.

Just curious ..........

I LOVE Sabal Palms, one of my favorite off property spots. Just stayed in December for probably my 6-7th time. Love the decor, the layout, the smaller village and easy walk to the hotel.

In April we will be staying at Imperial Palms, my 3rd or 4th time. The only plus for that is the third bedroom. While decorated nice, felt Sabal's design space wise and decor is much nicer. Have not stayed Royal due to the bed layout and chance we would be far from the pool. The plus to Imperial and Royal is if you want to participate in the activities there.

NOTE: We have a car and drive to Disney.

 

[BrownThunder]

Just curious ..........

I LOVE Sabal Palms, one of my favorite off property spots. Just stayed in December for probably my 6-7th time. Love the decor, the layout, the smaller village and easy walk to the hotel.

In April we will be staying at Imperial Palms, my 3rd or 4th time. The only plus for that is the third bedroom. While decorated nice, felt Sabal's design space wise and decor is much nicer. Have not stayed Royal due to the bed layout and chance we would be far from the pool. The plus to Imperial and Royal is if you want to participate in the activities there.

NOTE: We have a car and drive to Disney.

It's funny you mention that about the design considering they were developed in the 70s or 80s and have that drop off with the stairs in the living room which was very common back there. Reminds me of the Brady Bunch house.

I'll admit that I was shocked at how well they were maintained considering how old they really are. They really are in great condition and I absolutely loved the easy walk to the main hotel and restaurants.

We didn't drive to the parks, we just used rideshare the entire time since we were so close and that worked out GREAT. Not the same feeling as being in the bubble but much nicer than previous stays for sure. Not having to get on I-4 was nice...

 

[HopperFan]

It's funny you mention that about the design considering they were developed in the 70s or 80s and have that drop off with the stairs in the living room which was very common back there. Reminds me of the Brady Bunch house.

I'll admit that I was shocked at how well they were maintained considering how old they really are. They really are in great condition and I absolutely loved the easy walk to the main hotel and restaurants.

We didn't drive to the parks, we just used rideshare the entire time since we were so close and that worked out GREAT. Not the same feeling as being in the bubble but much nicer than previous stays for sure. Not having to get on I-4 was nice...

Yeah when my Stepdad booked for himself I warned him about the steps, even to go to the bathroom!! I think that part of it made it feel like a condo/home - not hotel space, I always judge if I could live there. They do maintain them well and redecorate enough to keep the from being dated. Minutes to everything made it a great location.