Non-Disney resort choice

[nursie]

Trying for an additional week at Disney/DVC resort for this summer but if it doesn't come through, just wondering what resort close by YOU would choose to stay at and why.
We will NOT have transportation, we are a family of 8 which includes kids ages 4-17.
We have plenty of TPUs so not worried about amount.
Also, how is availability for your 'choice' resort?
If limited, how far out have you seen availability i.e. 7months, 6, etc.

Thanks!

[lcml11]

Originally Posted by nursie

Trying for an additional week at Disney/DVC resort for this summer but if it doesn't come through, just wondering what resort close by YOU would choose to stay at and why.
We will NOT have transportation, we are a family of 8 which includes kids ages 4-17.
We have plenty of TPUs so not worried about amount.
Also, how is availability for your 'choice' resort?
If limited, how far out have you seen availability i.e. 7months, 6, etc.

Thanks!

Wyndham Bonnet Creek has plenty of availabilty for June and July, did not check August. How much of this ends up in RCI, I do not know.

[nursie]

Originally Posted by lcml11

Wyndham Bonnet Creek has plenty of availabilty for June and July, did not check August. How much of this ends up in RCI, I do not know.

RCI weeks isn't showing ANY Bonnet Creek availability right now.
I did add it to my ongoing search for July 4th week.
Thank you!

[gmarine]

Originally Posted by nursie

RCI weeks isn't showing ANY Bonnet Creek availability right now.
I did add it to my ongoing search for July 4th week.
Thank you!

RCI weeks has many units available over the summer. Click on Lake Buena Vista when doing the search.

[nursie]

Originally Posted by gmarine

RCI weeks has many units available over the summer. Click on Lake Buena Vista when doing the search.

Duly noted. It does have weeks available, none in June.
I have a specific week i.e. check in date, that is probably making it difficult to get a match (must have June 28 or 29) to add on that extra week to other exchange weeks already booked.

Everyone seem to like WBC?
What about Sheraton Vistana Villa's?
Summer Bay Resort?

[bnoble]

Wyndham deposits month-by-month, so Bonnet has already come and gone for June. You could rent a week from a Wyndham owner fairly inexpensively. If you are flat out unwilling or unable to rent a car for that last week, no where else will do---and frankly I think you should have a car even at Bonnet.

[ronparise]

Originally Posted by bnoble

Wyndham deposits month-by-month, so Bonnet has already come and gone for June. You could rent a week from a Wyndham owner fairly inexpensively. If you are flat out unwilling or unable to rent a car for that last week, no where else will do---and frankly I think you should have a car even at Bonnet.

I agree I would want a car at Bonnet Creek unless you plan to just enjoy the resort. Now that the Hotel is open there are several restaurants onsite. and there is a grocery delivery service available...Bonnet Creek does provide a free shuttle bus to the Disney parks and Downtown Disney.

Last week I stayed a Vacation Village at Parkway, which has something of a second class reputation here on TUG. I was pleasantly surprised. There is a shuttle from here to the parks, and the place is well located at rt 4 and 192. We walked to a grocery and CVS and the best Publix I have ever been in (and Im a Florida boy that shops at a Publix every week) is a long walk, but short cab ride away. We also walked to the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater.. Vacation Village is a large property and they have an on site bus to get you around the property, They might even take you to off site locations as well...Im not sure.

[AwayWeGo]

Originally Posted by ronparise

I stayed a Vacation Village at Parkway, which has something of a second class reputation here on TUG. I was pleasantly surprised. There is a shuttle from here to the parks, and the place is well located at rt 4 and 192. We walked to a grocery and CVS and the best Publix I have ever been in (and Im a Florida boy that shops at a Publix every week) is a long walk, but short cab ride away. We also walked to the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater.. Vacation Village is a large property and they have an on site bus to get you around the property, They might even take you to off site locations as well...Im not sure.

Only explanation I can think of for Vacation Village At Parkway's 2nd class reputation (if it really has that) is its lack of snob appeal.

In location, features, amenities, space, quality, etc., it's a nice timeshare.

Nice, yes.

Fancypants, no.

Full Disclosure: Our 1st modern era exposure to timeshares was Vacation Village At Parkway -- got "wowed" on a high-pressure sales tour in 2002. (Did not buy.) Later, we stayed there, twice, on Last Call. More recently, we bought a Vacation Village At Parkway triennial points unit via eBay. After that, we stayed there again, on RCI Extra Vacation Getaway.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.

[bnoble]

VV@P's shuttle service has limited runs to the parks a few times each morning, and a few times back each evening. It's not nearly as useful as Bonnet's---BC's is also scheduled, but more frequently and through more times during the day. A few reviews suggest that the shuttle is also fee-for-service, but it might instead be included in the generic fee that VV@P seems to be charging. It is close enough for a relatively cheap cab ride if you get stuck.

I was really looking forward to my stay there, and liked it well enough. But, it is behind both Bonnet and the renovated Vistana in my personal ranking.

[Ron2]

You couldn’t go wrong with Bonnet Creek especially given the age range of your children. There are activities for all at this great resort. The fact that it is so close to Disney (adjacent to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort) and provides regularly scheduled shuttle service makes it even more appealing. For Wyndham owners there currently are available 2 and 3 BR units on June 28 but nothing on the 29th. Good luck in your search!

[tlguinn_2000]

[A gentle reminder: Sightings are a benefit of TUG membership, so please post Sightings on the Member's only Sightings Forum, or send them privately. - DeniseM]

[nursie]

I don't have access to points, only weeks.
If June for WBC is gone, I guess I'm out of luck unless a few extra deposits occur.
I COULD rent a vehicle, for a price, but it would have to accommodate 8 people and may cost more than husband is willing to fork out just to have an extra week at Disney. (He's still not convinced to go for a 4th week. My thought is we have an annual pass and plenty of TPUs, let's go for it!)
I'm hoping there will still be some DVC or WBC deposits for that week, if not, we probably won't stay a 4th week.
I guess I could research cost of renting an 8 passenger vehicle, just don't know if we can really afford the additional cost.
Everything needs to fall into place which as many people know in the exchange world may or may not happen dependent on many variable.

[bnoble]

I'm a pretty big Disney fan, and even I would not want to be there for four weeks straight. At some point, more is just more.

[MichaelColey]

A few years ago, we had six WDW trips (getting tremendous value out of our APs). The two longest trips were three and four weeks. On the fourth week of our final trip, I think we were all in agreement that three weeks would have been enough.

I totally agree with Brian about getting a rental car. Bonnet Creek is probably the best off-site choice if you're not going to get one, but I would highly suggest getting one anyway. We like rental cars EVEN if we're on site.

Here's my short list of favorite non-DVC Orlando timeshares:

Wyndham Bonnet Creek
Holiday Inn - River Island
Royal Palms
Sabal Palms
HGVC Parc Soleil
HGVC SeaWorld
HGVC I-Drive
Houses at Summer Bay

I haven't been to all of these yet, but the ones I haven't been to are very highly rated and are on my short list (and some ongoing searches!).

[MichaelColey]

One other point about the rental car... For us, there's a breakeven point between flying and driving. The longer you stay, the more economical driving is. For a three or four week trip, we would DEFINITELY drive. You'll save on your airfare and rental car (or other transportation) expenses.

If you're realistic on your expenses, you're going to have transportation expenses whether you have a rental car (or your own car) or not. Without your own transportation, you're going to be paying for taxis, spending much more on food, etc.

[littlestar]

I would definitely put Sheraton Vistana on the list. It's a great resort close to Downtown Disney. Lots of swimming pools and activities. The resort has been recently refurbished and the units are beautiful.

I would want a van, though. After three weeks of Disney onsite, I'd be needing a break. Also, I would want to eat at some of my favorite Orlando restaurants like Flippers Pizza - .

[dundey]

So many great choices. Our fav is probably Marriott Cyprus Harbor but its not in RCI.

In the last year we've stayed at HI - Orange Lake and Silver Lake. Both were very nice. Orange Lake has better amenities, but it is huge and I'm not crazy about the 192 location. Silver Lake is off 192 also, but has a convenient back exit near disney.

[1st Class]

Originally Posted by dundey

So many great choices. Our fav is probably Marriott Cyprus Harbor but its not in RCI.

I agree that Cypress Harbour is a great choice and conveniently located too. Cypress Harbour is dual affiliated with II and RCI, though few, if any, ever get deposited to RCI.

[nursie]

Originally Posted by bnoble

I'm a pretty big Disney fan, and even I would not want to be there for four weeks straight. At some point, more is just more.

Come on Brian, where is your sense of adventure or shall I say burn out!

[nursie]

Originally Posted by MichaelColey

A few years ago, we had six WDW trips (getting tremendous value out of our APs). The two longest trips were three and four weeks. On the fourth week of our final trip, I think we were all in agreement that three weeks would have been enough.

I totally agree with Brian about getting a rental car. Bonnet Creek is probably the best off-site choice if you're not going to get one, but I would highly suggest getting one anyway. We like rental cars EVEN if we're on site.

Here's my short list of favorite non-DVC Orlando timeshares:

Wyndham Bonnet Creek
Holiday Inn - River Island
Royal Palms
Sabal Palms
HGVC Parc Soleil
HGVC SeaWorld
HGVC I-Drive
Houses at Summer Bay

I haven't been to all of these yet, but the ones I haven't been to are very highly rated and are on my short list (and some ongoing searches!).

Michael, say it isn't so. Please don't say after 12 weeks at Disney in 1 year you got burned out....


Disney fan,
Lisa

[nursie]

Right now, these 2 are available on RCI weeks for the week we want.
Would I need a car at both places? Or could we get by without one?
I believe I read Sheraton has Disney park busing, does Orange Lake get you to the Disney Parks?
Best for kids i.e. pools, activities, etc.

It looks like Wyndham Bonnet Creek has only Aug. available now.

[bnoble]

You already know my answer.

If you are flat out unwilling or unable to rent a car for that last week, no where else will do---and frankly I think you should have a car even at Bonnet.

[nursie]

Originally Posted by bnoble

You already know my answer.

I did a little Google research on van rental, we need room for 2 Adults and 6 kiddo's so we need an 8 passenger and they don't come very cheap.
It would be about $650 or more for a week. Don't know if we can swing the extra expense.
We talked about driving our van but with 4 out of 6 children having Special Needs a 23-24 hours car ride to Orlando from Minnesota doesn't sound too appealing, shall I say earplugs and some valium......

[elaine]

what about 2 smaller cars? OLCC used to have a shuttle to the parks, but I think there was a fee and it leaves you with zero flexibility. Vistana is closer and they might have better shuttle service. I would call Vistana and ask. I prefer Vistana, as there are little "pocket" neighborhoods that you can walk to, feed ducks, playgrounds, and each pool is a little different. Some units (spa, courts, I think) have stairs, so make sure you specify that you need HC or first floor. We actually liked spas (right next to super pool) and asked to be 1st floor--and got request both times.
My parents own at OLCC, and we have been 4X, but have decided we really prefer other places. It is difficult to get any chairs in the shade at the new pool after 10AM.
I agree with PP, for 3 weeks, I would consider driving down.
Good luck. Elaine

[MichaelColey]

You could always have one person drive the van down and the rest fly. Two rental might be possible, but probably wouldn't be much cheaper.

FWIW, Vistana is quite a bit closer than Orange Lake.

The only off site place where I would ever consider staying without a car would be Wyndham Bonnet Creek, and I would still strongly prefer having a car. With four special needs kids, the convenience of a car would only be magnified, I would think.

Have you already bought your airfare?

For eight people and a three week trip, I would lean very strongly towards driving.

Spend some of the money you would save and do some things to make the drive more enjoyable. Electronics. New movies. New books. Stop somewhere fun along the way. Hit some nice restaurants. Whatever everyone enjoys.

We prefer flying and getting a rental car, but we drive when it makes sense. We really enjoyed our last trip to California (about the same distance as your trip). We were dreading the long drive, but it wasn't bad at all.

Tough decisions.