The we loooooove Bonnet Creek thread! (pics and reviews)

[vettechick99]

**This thread started out as my resort report (see posts #6 and #10) but has morphed into a BC thread. In this post, and throughout the thread, you'll find additional information like who to rent from, what buildings to request, and floorplans. Flip through the pages but also see the bottom of this post for where to go.***

Welcome to the Bonnet Creek FAQ page
created by Lisa0620, SparKeLLy, and vettechick99
Please see below for the most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, Log In and the ‘Search this Thread’ tab will appear on the right just under the page numbers. Enter your keywords and it will list all the posts containing those words from newest to oldest. It works well, is very easy to use and is actually faster than typing a new post that begins “I don’t have time to read all 100 pages of this thread, so…”

Address:
Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
9560 Via Encinas, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

What/Where is Bonnet Creek?
Bonnet Creek Resort is a 70-acre area located in the southeast corner of Walt Disney World. It is not owned by Disney, but is bordered on three sides by Disney-owned land. The entrance is located just east of the entrance to Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort. The concept was to set up a cluster of luxury hotels. There is currently a Wyndham timeshare resort: Wyndham Bonnet Creek (the focus of this thread), the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Bonnet Creek complex, the 400 room Wyndham Hotel still under construction, and an 18 hole golf course.

How do I make a reservation at Bonnet Creek?
Wyndham Bonnet Creek is a timeshare resort. You can rent units from Wyndham timeshare owners. People on this thread have had luck with rentals from ebay and through Ken Price at www.vacationupgrades.com

The best price is available when you book within 60 days of your trip. If you make a reservation through Ken Price at www.vacationupgrades.com, he will automatically check at the 60-day point if there is still availability and rebook you at the lower rate.

You can also reserve online through Wyndham, but if you reserve through Wyndham, you will be paying much more than what you would pay renting from an owner.
wyndhambonnetcreek.com or call: 800-610-9558

Is there a parking fee at the resort?
Parking is free at Bonnet Creek but you will have to pay to park at the theme parks ($14).

Is there a shuttle from the airport to the resort?
No, a rental car is recommended.

Can we walk to the Caribbean Beach Resort and use their transportation?
No, although the resorts are next to each other, there is no safe walking path between them.

Does Bonnet Creek provide transportation to the parks and Downtown Disney?
Yes, there is a free shuttle. There is one bus for both MK and Epcot and another for DHS and Animal Kingdom. If you use the ‘Search This Thread’ feature there are several shuttle schedules posted on this thread. Some people report good experience with the shuttles, but the majority recommend renting a car.

Layout of the resort:
The resort consists of 6 timeshare buildings/towers and a future hotel (currently under construction.) Puerta de Leon, the main building/clubhouse and Building 1 were built in 2004. Building 6 is the newest building completed in 2010. The only building still under construction is the hotel, which is located between buildings 3 and 6. The pool labeled “Pirate Pool” in front of Building 5 on the map is actually a fort themed pool with a lazy river. The pool in front of Building 6 has a pirate ship pool and slide.

Buildings/Towers
Building 1 (Torre de la Tierra) has 7 floors. Even numbered units face the lake.
Building 2 (Torre del Vinto) has 9 floors. Even numbered units face the lake
Building 3 (Torre del Mar) has 9 floors. Even numbered units face the lake.
Building 4 (Torre del Cielo) has 15 floors. Odd numbered units face the lake.
Building 5 (Torre de la Luna) has 15(?) floors. Odd numbered units face the lake.
Building 6 (Torre del Sol) has 19 floors. Odd numbered units face the lake.
.
What types of rooms are available?
The majority of units are 2 bedroom suites, there are fewer one bedroom, three bedroom and four bedroom suites.

1 bedroom layout:

1-bedroom layout:
Occupancy of 4 (including 2 on the pull out sofa)
Master bedroom with king sized bed
Living room has a full sized sleeper sofa

2 bedroom layout:

2-bedroom unit:
Occupancy of 8 (including 2 on the pull out sofa)
Master bedroom with king sized bed
Second bedroom with two full sized (double) beds
Living room has a full size sleeper sofa

3-bedroom layout:

3-bedroom layout:
Occupancy of 10 (including 2 on the pull out sofa)
Master bedroom with king sized bed
Second bedroom with queen sized bed
Third bedroom with two full (double) beds


4-bedroom presidential layout:

4-bedroom presidential suite layout:
Occupancy of 12
2 king master bedrooms
2 bedrooms with two full (double) beds


What is included with the units?
A kitchen with full sized appliances, washer/dryer, iron and ironing board, TV and DVD in the living room, TV’s in each bedroom (flat screens only in the newer buildings.)

There is a port for free internet hook up located on the phone on the kitchen island. You can bring your own router and plug it into the jack for a wireless connection.

The closet of the master bedroom contains a wall safe, which might fit a smaller laptop.

The kitchens come fully stocked with dishes, flatware, knives, basic pots and pans, colander, hand mixer, blender, toaster, coffee maker (takes cone style filters), standard gadgets: corkscrew, can opener, cheese grater, pizza cutter, ice cream scoop. The units come stocked with a few days worth of coffee, dishwashing liquid, dishwasher tabs and laundry soap. The bathrooms have trial sized toiletries and a wall mount hair dryer. Refills of all supplies are available at the front desk for free.

Click here for a photo essay of the inside of a 2-bedroom and its kitchen supplies.

Is there daily maid service?
No. You can request a cleaning during your stay for a fee, but it is not otherwise provided. You are expected to wash your own towels during your stay. (There are towels provided at the pool for swimming.) There will be instructions in the unit for check out day: you are asked to strip the beds, put all the linens in the bathroom and empty your trash into the hallway chute.

Are the pools heated?
Yes, except the kiddie pools near the main building have been reported as not being heated.

Are there towels at the pool?
Yes. Pick up and drop off right at the poolside.

Is there Internet and what is the cost?
Yes. There are hookups on the main telephone and it is free. YAY! It has also been reported that there's wireless Internet in the main lobby and its pool. Some of the closer buildings may be able to log in as well.

Will you have to attend a timeshare tour?
No. After you check in, you will be asked to visit another desk to pick up your parking pass. They will ask you some questions which you can choose to answer or not. You will be asked to sign up for a tour. I have declined each trip and never been asked again.

How can I buy into Bonnet Creek/Wyndham properties?
Check out the tug groups at www.tug2.com. Also, there has been some chatter on this thread about points and fees. Read throughout or check out the random posts on pages 13-16.

shuttle info compiled by SparKeLLy
Does Bonnet Creek provide transportation to Disney Parks and Downtown Disney?
Yes, there is a free shuttle. There is one bus for both MK and Epcot and another for DHS and Animal Kingdom. Some people report good experience with the shuttles, but the majority recommend renting a car.

CLICK HERE to view Shuttle Schedule to Disney Parks (September 2010)

The schedule may change, use this as a guide, but be sure to look at the current schedule when you get to the resort. You will be given a schedule at check-in.
They generally do not change too much - I have a schedule from 2008 and it's very similar to 2010, mostly due to adding the additional pickup at Tower 6.

*Shuttles depart from the Clubhouse (main lobby) and Tower 6.
*Scheduled Times are Departure Times.
*Arrive Early. At least 10 min. is suggested. If the bus is full, you may have to stand.
*Riders with disabilities and wheel chairs call 2 hours prior to boarding. (407.390.0000)
*Magic Kingdom gets dropped off first, then Epcot.
*Shuttles are operated by Maingate Transportation.
*Bonnet Creek Shuttles to Disney Parks are not shared with any other resort.
*There are no shuttles to Disney Water Parks.

Can I make it to rope drop using the shuttle?
Yes, we made rope drop and the opening shows at every park with time to spare.
Are strollers allowed? Yes. There were strollers (big & small) on nearly all of our shuttles.
Where does the bus pick up from at the parks? There is a separate lot for tour bus parking and Disney has signs to direct you. Each parking space has a number. The bus schedule tells you what number parking space the Bonnet Creek shuttle will pick up from at each park.
Do Shuttles go to the Magic Kingdom during the Halloween or Christmas Parties? Yes. However if you want to stay to the end of the party (midnight) you will need to get a taxi back to the resort. The last shuttle from the Magic Kingdom is at 11:40pm.
​

Does Bonnet Creek provide transportation to other attractions?
Yes, but it is NOT free and you must make reservations.
CLICK HERE to view Other Attraction Shuttle Service Information (September 2010)

Where can you find a grocery store/Walmart?
Vineland Rd Walmart.
Exiting Bonnet Creek make a right on Buena Vista Dr. Make your 1st right on Epcot Center drive (towards I-4). Cross over I-4 and make a right onto 535 (Vineland Rd). Walmart will be a couple miles down the road on your right.

Turkey Lake Walmart.
There are 2 ways to get here:

Option 1.
Exiting Bonnet Creek make a right onto Buena Vista Dr. Take I-4 "East" Towards Orlando. Exit off Sand Lake Rd. 74A. Turn left under I-4. At the first light, make a left (Turkey Lake Rd). Walmart will be on your right.

Option 2.
Turn right on Buena Vista Drive towards Downtown Disney. Turn right onto Hotel Plaza Blvd. Turn Left at the Crossroads shopping center light. (Vineland rd). At the first light, make a right. (Palm Parkway). Follow this road all the way down. It changes names to Turkey Lake Rd. Walmart will be on your left.

Where to go for more info...

vettechick's March & July 2009 stays - pg. 1, posts #6, #10
Resort map & floorplans - pg. 3, #35
Many, many, many pictures - pg. 7, #97, 98, 99
More pictures - pg. 7-, #101-106, 109-110
Activities Schedule - pg. 9, #126
Bonnet Creek location map - pg. 9, #127
Names of buildings & numbers of floors - pg. 9, #133
Spring 2010 Activities Guide - pg. 17 or here
Sample shuttle times (March reported) - pg 20, #299
Live report from ttfn3 - pg. 22, #326

 

[froggygrrrl]

Glad you enjoyed your stay! We love Bonnet Creek, too!

Did you happen to notice any landscaping construction on the water side of buildings 4 and 5? When we were there in September, that area was closed off and you had to walk through the parking lots to get to the pools (or more importantly - the pool bar ) It would be great if that area was finished when we are back there (May). So...how'd it look?!?

 

[bonzarella]

VC-please delete your post I so don't want my secret out & not be able to get in Glad you had a great stay, next time building two & three are best for fireworks

 

[MiaSRN62]

Beautiful resort......

Is there an even amount water view and parking lot view ?

I will say, I do appreciate that about Vistana. Almost every balcony view is water...if not water (pool/pond), you get grass/vegetation view. At Vistana, the windows of the second bedroom tend to face the parking lots (this is why I don't particularily like ground floors there).

Glad u had a nice stay..........


Maria

 

[Cdn Gal]

Thank you! We are going for the first time in 6 days!!! I can hardly wait!! Your post has just got me more excited!! Thanks for the pictures as well!

 

[vettechick99]

We just returned from a short, but great stay at Disney. For the very first time in 25+ trips, we stayed off-site. This is big for us. Huge! I've stayed in nearly every mod and deluxe including BW and Poly Concierge and the GF Turret HM suite. So I have high expectations. Unfortunately I have a mortgage now so that really puts a damper on my traveling in style!

In Oct, we took DD for her first WDW trip and stayed at CS. I really enjoyed the resort, but there just wasn't enough room. She needs her own space to nap (which is 3-4 hours at a time) and we need space to hang out while she does.

I worked with another DIS'r in renting points at Bonnet Creek. She booked us a 2b/2b deluxe at BC for a great rate for a Thurs-Sun stay.

First impression of the resort was just as expected - great! It's as beautiful in real life as it is in pictures. The gatekeeper was friendly and helpful (the dancing gatekeeper - she's great! Anyone know her name?). She directed us to the lobby and after we parked in the lot, I checked us in. There again, the front desk was pleasant and helpful. She told me to go to the customer service desk to get my car tag, which I knew meant I was going to hear a sales pitch. She tried her sales tactics on me, but I politely declined and she let it go. Gave me a goody bag, my car tag and sent me on my way! We never had anyone approach us again, although we did hear the phone ring a few times.

We were given room #321, which faced the parking lot. Eh. But we didn't spend too much time out there so I guess no big deal. I would definitely ask for a water view.



Our building - that's our room on the left, 3 floors up.

When you walk in, the dining table is to the left.

The kitchen and sitting area.

The master suite. Excuse my DD. She's a flasher.

The master bath - it has 2 separate areas each with a sink.

We loved the jacuzzi!

The 2nd bedroom with twins

Its bathroom

The patio

Walking out on the lake side of the building, the playground was to the right of our building, and the 2nd pool on the other side of it. The main pool with lazy river was to our left, so our walk was quick to everything. Great location!

The main building with shops, dining options, and main pool area which was to the left of our building.

The building across the way.

Dining options are limited as of now (3/09 - this has changed somewhat) - there just seemed to be a quick-stop type place with burgers and such. They have a mercantile with toiletries, some food items, and of course Disney merchandise!

On the plus side, the fitness center was nice with new equipment and flat panel TV and they seemed to have lots and lots of activities for kids. They did karaoke and a movie night outside on the lawn while we were there. On Saturday they had a bouncy thing on the lawn and they sold snow cones for $1. Also, I can't be for certain, but when we were at the main pool, it sounded as though they hired someone to sing. It was nice listening to his Jimmy Buffet-type tunes while we floated. Of course it would have been awesome if they had a bar at that pool, but they don't. Only at the 2nd pool.

One annoying issue we had was finding a bellcart. We had a lot of stuff and we could never find one. The entire stay, they were MIA. On our last day, DH had to accost someone and take theirs when they were done. I guess people were hoarding them in their rooms? I just don't know, but I complained to the front desk upon checkout and she said next time just call and they'd bring us one.

Never took the shuttle so can't report on that, but location can't be beat. It's right next to CBR on the way from the parks to DTD. Very central!

Anyway, I would give this resort 4.5 out of 5 stars. I'm taking off a half point for limited dining options, no bar at the main pool, and that bellcart fiasco. But overall it's really a great resort and I will definitely stay here again and again!!

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[jlack33]

Thanks for the nice review and pics. We'll be there Sunday afternoon. We can't wait.

 

[ADKSPiette]

Thanks for this information. I'm starting to plan for a trip in June and this is the first time we're going to BC. I'm getting excited by all the good reviews.

 

[tropicalgirl]

Thanks for the great pictures. We're going for Easter and we can't wait. I'm wondering if anybody who's going soon can take pictures of the bar area and the dining area. I know the dining is limited, but I'm curious.
Thanks

 

[vettechick99]

After a successful quick trip in March 09, we went for a week in July. We rented through Ken Price of vacationupgrades.com for a total price of $840 for a week in a 2-bedroom condo. It was great and he's so fantastic to work with. Highly recommend him!

So here are a few more pictures from that trip in July. We are going again in April so I'll try to take some more then.

This first succession of pictures is of the view from our room. We were in Building 1 (room 3XX - can't remember - but we were obviously lakeside). From left to right you will see the lobby and main pool, then Building 4 & 5 (and 6? - it's new) where the newest pool is (the closeup past the lake's fountain). The new pool has a smaller lazy river attached to a zero-entry pool, a rectangular pool, and a really nice bar. However at the time they didn't have food, only drinks.

Here is the zero-entry part of that pool.

Back at the main pool, here is the view looking at the lobby from it. I know that lady appreciates her rear being posted all over the Internet. Looks like her friend wants to jack me up.

The lazy river at the main pool with Building 1 (mine) behind it. The pools are heated. We swam in early March and again in July very comfortably.

Kiddie pool at the main pool - it was freezing (not heated) so we didn't stay over here long.

The Arts & Craft's room where you can do just about any activity they have. She said they have specific days and times to do them, but if you want to come paint while everyone else is doing tie-dye shirts, you can.

When we showed up, they brought out every possible activity she could do. We picked what interested her which ended up being sticker scenes on construction paper, coloring a little tote bag, and making that turtle in the background. All free!

Some days they have a "jumpy jumpy" as DD calls it. It was free and seemed to be pretty vacant most of the time it was up.

They also had balls and other free-play things to play with.

Parking lot view of a menacing storm. Lots of those during our week in July.

Playground at night. Lots more to the playground, as you can sorta see in the background.

This is the best part about Bonnet Creek. When our little girl was napping or had already gone to bed (which sometimes was 5 or 6 pm) we would cook some food, make (several) drinks, and sit on our large balcony for a peaceful evening. We could go in and out of the condo and not worry about waking her up.

Lastly, this is our fireworks view. Not great - I only got this picture hanging off the balcony with DH holding my feet. But you could hear it and I bet you get a great view from Building 2 if you are on the fireworks side.

Hope I was able to add to the great pictures already on this board! We love BC!

 

[Purseval]

When you consider that renting a week at BC is about 1/3 to 1/4 the price of renting a week at DVC it's quite the bargain. That's a lot of extra money to make your own magic

 

[vettechick99]

When you consider that renting a week at BC is about 1/3 to 1/4 the price of renting a week at DVC it's quite the bargain. That's a lot of extra money to make your own magic

I asked DH if he wanted to spend 5 nights in a DVC studio (Sun-Fri) or 7 nights in the BC condo (Sat-Sat), he said BC. I will go back to WDW properties in the future (love Beach Club and Poly), but when you need the extra space, and location is super important, BC can't be beat!

 

[Cdn Gal]

I agree- this is why we will probably won't ever stay on WDW property again. We loved it so much that we bought two deeds off of ebay. We LOVE it there!! We also saved so much $$ b/c we ate breakfast in the room, came back in the pm and had snacks (late lunch) and then went back out for dinner. It's hard to go back to a hotel room now that you have experienced 4-5 star facilities.

 

[littlestar]

Awesome pictures. Thanks for posting. We, too, recently picked up some Wyndham points off of Ebay. We're staying at Bonnet Creek in May.

 

[HeatherC]

Great pictures and a terrific review! We also love Bonnet Creek and will be there again in February! Can't wait!

Totally agree with you on the food options...wish they had more. But at least they have a new pool bar (very important you know).

We are a family of five and you really cannot beat the resort, price or location. I also love that I can pack way less and come home with clean clothes since there are washer/dryers in the unit. Just throw a load in the morning and dry it at night.

We've been lucky enough to have fireworks views in the past that were so good that my kids would lay in their beds and watch them at both Epcot and MK if they didn't want to "walk" to the balcony. How spoiled are they?

Is the dancing lady still at the gate? She is certainly very welcoming!

Thanks for the great review! Love hearing about other people's experiences!

 

[vettechick99]

Great pictures and a terrific review! We also love Bonnet Creek and will be there again in February! Can't wait!

Totally agree with you on the food options...wish they had more. But at least they have a new pool bar (very important you know).

We are a family of five and you really cannot beat the resort, price or location. I also love that I can pack way less and come home with clean clothes since there are washer/dryers in the unit. Just throw a load in the morning and dry it at night.

We've been lucky enough to have fireworks views in the past that were so good that my kids would lay in their beds and watch them at both Epcot and MK if they didn't want to "walk" to the balcony. How spoiled are they?

Is the dancing lady still at the gate? She is certainly very welcoming!

Thanks for the great review! Love hearing about other people's experiences!

What building and room did you have? We have picked the same building the last two times, but might request something new this time. I just prefer to have a eastern view because we don't want to face the sun in the afternoons on our porch.

Yes, that's the one I actually mentioned in my first post. She was always so nice, and it cracks us up when she is dancing in the middle of the road. More people should have her spirit! She's very friendly.

 

[HeatherC]

Oh my goodness...I think it was Tower 5? It's the one with the new pool area. We were on a high floor and looked straight out so that we could see both MK and Epcot's display. Only thing I didn't like was that we also looked down on top of the parking garage. But since were weren't really there during the day much it didn't matter.

 

[Brian Noble]

But at least they have a new pool bar

The new pool bar (over by Escudos) also has a slightly more substantial menu than the one on the other side of the lake. With the Hilton and Waldorf are open, there are several restaurants within a decent walking distance of the Wyndham cluster. And, when the Wyndham hotel opens, things will get even better.

Is the dancing lady still at the gate? She is certainly very welcoming!

She was in July; we loved her!

 

[greenclan67]

We had the her as well last Feb, she was awesome, my kids always got a kick out of her! I wish so much we were going back in March, but we couldn't get as good a deal as last year, being it is March Break.We also rented through Ken Price. This year we are staying at Cypress Pointe Resort, (we couldn't beat the deal, $765 for 11 nights. I am sure it won't be as nice as Bonnet Creek, but had to sacrifice something, because we were supposed to wait til next year to go. I will just not try to think of it, when I drive by Bonnet Creek while weeping in my crying towel!!LOL

 

[horseshowmom]

I agree- this is why we will probably won't ever stay on WDW property again. We loved it so much that we bought two deeds off of ebay. We LOVE it there!! We also saved so much $$ b/c we ate breakfast in the room, came back in the pm and had snacks (late lunch) and then went back out for dinner. It's hard to go back to a hotel room now that you have experienced 4-5 star facilities.

After staying at BC, I was tempted to do the same. You can get such good deals on buying points on ebay. I may still work up to it yet.

Oh my goodness...I think it was Tower 5? It's the one with the new pool area. We were on a high floor and looked straight out so that we could see both MK and Epcot's display. Only thing I didn't like was that we also looked down on top of the parking garage. But since were weren't really there during the day much it didn't matter.

We were in Tower 5 and had the same situation. I didn't like the parking garage, but the fireworks view was excellent. I'll ask for Tower 5 again when we go back.

This year we are staying at Cypress Pointe Resort, (we couldn't beat the deal, $765 for 11 nights. I am sure it won't be as nice as Bonnet Creek, but had to sacrifice something, because we were supposed to wait til next year to go. I will just not try to think of it, when I drive by Bonnet Creek while weeping in my crying towel!!LOL

We've stayed in a 2BR at Cypress Pointe Grande Villas and really liked it. The condos were very spacious, and there are lots of activities for the kids (although we didn't use that since my "kids" were in their twenties ). The location is very convenient to Downtown Disney. CPR was renovated a couple of years ago so it should be very nice.

That said, it doesn't compare to BC, but as long as you don't expect it to, you'll probably like it fine. We got it off ebay for $300 for a week (actually got 3 of the 2BR units). They honored our requests (pool front and bottom floor), and we really enjoyed the Christmas music they had playing everywhere (we were there in December 2007).