Right next to Walt Disney World, this resort offers more spacious & often more affordable options than Disney resorts.
When you envision your family’s dream vacation to Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, you likely imagine a stay at one of the on-property resorts. These hotels have their advantages. As an on-property guest, you get access to the park one hour earlier than other park goers. You’re in close proximity to the parks, making it easy to come back for a mid-day break. The Disney hotels are strongly themed and offer extra Disney-fied activities. Finally, you can purchase a package that includes your family’s accommodations and park tickets all-in-one, offering some savings.
However, let me suggest another option: Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort, right next to Walt Disney World Resort and about a 20-minute drive from Universal and SeaWorld Orlando. This bonafide resort offers one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom, condo-style suites – an ideal choice for large families or families who are vacationing together. The expansive, beautifully-landscaped resort boasts six pools spread out around a large central lagoon, two lazy rivers, two splash pads, and two slides. Additionally, you’ll find numerous activities – some free, some for an extra fee – for families to enjoy together.
All this for less than you’d pay at Disney. Keep reading!
Accommodations at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort has 1,149 multi-room suites spread out over six towers that are all connected via a walking path around a central lagoon. Our spacious two-bedroom unit measured more than 1,200 square feet. The master suite had a king-sized bed with a whirlpool tub and vanity in addition to a second room with vanity, shower, and toilet – perfect for when multiple family members are trying to get ready in the morning. The second bedroom had two queen-sized beds and a separate bathroom with vanity, shower-bath, and toilet. In the living room, the sleeper sofa provided additional sleeping space. In total, you comfortably could sleep eight people. Take a room tour here.
KidTripster Tip: I’d recommend staying in Torre de la Tierra (Tower 1). It’s between the largest pool and splash pad on one side and the playground and shuffleboard courts on the other side. Plus, you’ll find the quick-service La Cantina and Starbucks counters nearby.
Our unit had a fully-equipped kitchen with coffeemaker, dining room, and – drum roll, please – a washer and dryer! Can you say “family-friendly?” All rooms also have complimentary Wi-Fi.
KidTripster Tip: Because these units are timeshares, you won’t have daily housekeeping services. However, if you need more towels, simply call the front desk.
We easily shared this space with my brother’s family. In addition, our grandparents had a one-bedroom unit just down the hall. The resort is ideally suited for a multi-generational getaway with something for all ages.
KidTripster Tip: I don’t typically like a first floor unit, but I’d actually recommend one here. This resort is big – really big. You’ll be glad to have more direct access to the pools and activity areas by staying on the first floor. Request it.
KidTripster Tip: Don’t get confused when booking. There’s also a hotel on this property called the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek. It’s not the same as the timeshare property called Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort that I’m recommending.
Cost of Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort is a timeshare property that you can reserve like a hotel. We stayed in a two-bedroom suite. It rents for $1099/night through Wyndham. Yes, that’s a bundle, but remember, the price can be split between two families.
For comparison, the rate for a 2-bedroom suite for our same dates at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa was $2181/night. Yes, that’s a lot of money!
KidTripster Tip: Like most timeshare properties, you’ll be asked if you’d like to attend an information session at some point during your Bonnet Creek stay. If you do, know that you can earn Wyndam reward points, a discount on Disney park tickets purchased at the resort or a $100 Visa gift card. Married couples must attend the session together, and you must present a driver’s license to verify your identity.
Activities at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
It’s entirely possible to check into the Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort and never leave. However, you’re in Orlando, so that’s not likely to happen! Your biggest challenge will be how to take full advantage of all the resort activities while still visiting the big Mouse or Harry Potter and friends.
Let’s start with the amenities that are free. I’ve mentioned the six pools, two lazy rivers, two splash pads, two slides, and numerous hot tubs. Try to hit them all during your stay, but my family’s favorite was the largest pool outside the lobby in Puerto de Leon because it also has a lazy river and splash pad. Plus, you’re just steps away from the fitness center, arcade, and game room with billiards, air hockey, and chess. You’ll find another game room in Torre Del Sol (Tower 6).
Around the lagoon, kids can enjoy the playground, cornhole, shuffleboard courts, lawn games, and miniature golf course.
KidTripster Tip: Don’t miss glow golf in the evening with complimentary glow necklaces. Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Glow golf is very popular!
Throughout the day, there are organized activities in the pool areas like aqua fitness, game shows, trivia games, water volleyball, and big splash competitions. You’ll find free entertainment at the amphitheater: magic shows, lip sync battles, Gatorland experiences, and Polynesian luau shows. In the evening, you can go to a movie or do karaoke with your family. To be honest, the activities are too numerous to list! Make sure to pick up the resort activity guide at the front desk when you check in. Give it a good look and plan your days accordingly.
On the activity guide, you’ll see several activities with a fee like kid crafts ($5-10), adult crafts ($3-20) plus snow cones ($2), ice cream sundaes ($4), and ice cream floats ($3). The resort also has a fee-based kids’ club where kids (ages 5 to 12) can spend up to three hours per day. Cost: $5/hour/child.
Basically, Wyndham Bonnet Creek is like summer camp for the entire family!
Dining at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
The Wyndam Bonnet Creek Resort has four restaurants and bars: Treasure Bar, Escudos Bar and Grill, La Cocina Pizzeria and Bar, and La Cantina Grill, a quick service counter. Unfortunately, like most Orlando properties, the eateries suffer from resort pricing and lackluster food and service.
KidTripster Tip: The pizzeria will deliver to your room, but there’s an extra 18% delivery fee. Better to just go pick up your pie.
However, the good news is that you have a full kitchen in your unit. I highly suggest using it! There are several nearby grocery stores where you can stock up: Goodings, Publix, Super Target, Walmart Supercenter, and Whole Foods Market. When you arrive, ask the front desk clerk for a list with directions.
KidTripster Tip: Utilize the outdoor grills and picnic areas around the property. There are several overlooking the lagoon outside each tower. In the morning, a designated cleaning crew scrubs down each grate. Seriously, they’re cleaner than my grill at home!
Getting to Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
Wyndam Bonnet Creek Resort is about a 30-minute drive from Orlando International Airport. If you rent a car, you’ll be happy to know that there’s no daily parking fee for guests of the timeshares.
The same is not true at the major amusement parks. Both Disney and Universal charge $25/day for parking. Wyndham Bonnet Creek runs a shuttle to Walt Disney World Resort (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs), but there’s a charge of $8/person round-trip. Reservations must be made in person at least one hour (but not more than one day) in advance. There are designated departure and return times.
The same is true for the shuttle to Orlando Premium Outlets ($12/person), Aquatica/Discovery Cove/SeaWorld ($13/person), and Universal Orlando Resort/Holy Land/Mall at Millenia ($16/person). Again, you’re tied to the shuttle schedule.
We actually found Lyft and Uber to be a better deal for a family – cheaper and more convenient.
This writer received a complimentary stay for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
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