Wyndham Grand Bonnet Creek

[katyjeka]

We have visited WDW for several years, staying onsite. We are able to get an employee rate of $74.00 for a two queen, bunkbed room on the executive level at Wyndham Grand. I really like the idea of having bunkbeds, but am very concerned about staying offsite. Any opinions on the hotel? We have reservations for PO Riverside, but are considering changing. I feel like I'm treading on new ground. Can a trip be as magical staying offsite? Thanks, Janice

 

[geko29]

I haven't stayed at the hotel there, but I've stayed twice at the timeshare, which shares a property and many services. They do have bus service that is pretty decent, though not as good as Disney Transport, which will take you to and from all the parks and DTD. The resort is technically on Disney property (inside the WDW gates), though none of it is actually Disney-owned.

 

[misspickle]

we have done the same this year and booked into the hotel we have always stayed onsite. i'm going to keep an eye on your thread

 

[DCTooTall]

The property itself (with the Timeshare units) is pretty nice, and the proximity to the parks with it's location can't be beat.

HOWEVER....

The Wyndham Grand has a few "hidden charges" that they will hit you with on top of the nightly rate you are being quoted. There is a daily "Resort Fee", as well as a daily self-parking fee (or more if you want Valet). Together they'll add around $25/day or so to your rate.


It's honestly often a better deal to look into renting a unit from an owner on the timeshare side of the resort. Often you can get a full 2bdrm condo for around $100-120/night which includes free parking and access to all the resort amenaties. There are a few tradeoffs (such as daily maid service), but the extra space, washer/dryer in the room, and kitchen which you can use for breakfasts or to reheat leftovers from your TS meals I personally tend to feel really helps more than make-up for it.


As for if it's possible to have "the magic" staying offsite.... Honestly, it's a matter of opinion. Personally, I love staying offsite at a nicer and larger place than I can find onsite on my budget. My few times staying onsite, i just haven't experienced anything more 'magical' at the resort that justifies the extra $$. I also have seen posts from people here who have tried offsite and will happily go back to cramming 4 people into a Value room instead of a larger space because of the 'magic' they experience. I can't say that i'm any more right in my opinion than they are in theirs.

It's really going to come down to what you value and consider magical. I tend to stay in timeshare condos when I visit. If you have kids, IMHO, The ability to send them to bed in their own room, then either stay up later and have some adult time without worrying about waking them up.... Or even to have my own room with a door to sleep in, could be considered magical on it's own. Some people might also consider the idea of having a 2nd full bathroom in a 2bdrm unit magical in the morning since you don't need to play the same level of bathroom bingo getting everyone showered and ready in the morning out of 1 bathroom/shower.

 

[almcg]

I'm another person keeping an eye on this thread as we've booked 12 nights at the Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek next June

 

[pugtails66]

I am also watching this thread. We are going in OCT and have reservations at Wyndham Bonnet Creek. This will be our first time staying off property. I am kind of looking forward to a new experience. We were fond of staying a the POR resorts, but as our kids get bigger, those rooms get smaller!!! I think we will enjoy the extra space and lower price! I will let you know in late Oct.

 

[jamuth]

We love the Timeshare property which completely surrounds the Grand. See the We love Bonnet Creek thread. To give it some extra Disney magic I usually bring little gifts for the room for the kids. For example, I get those wash rags from the dollar store that are disney themed. You know the ones that expand in the water. Or I buy them T-shirts and gift bags and leave by front door telling them that Mickey dropped them off. (my kids are all under 6, so they buy that).
Just some ideas.
It really is a beautiful resort. I think you will love it.

 

[lmhall2000]

We stayed in the bunkbed room last year and loved it! If free dining is not happening, we will likely stay here again, we wold much rather have maid service than a kitchen and more space.

If you stay at the Grand, the shuttles are free, right? I will add it is not worth it to stay at the executive level, we had rotten fruit and nasty water as the 'perks'