Bonnet Creek Question

[Imducky]

I'm planning to go to WDW March 2019 with my 2 granddaughters, ages 3 and 5. How far is it to magic kingdom? I read mixed reviews about three shuttles and the cost is 8.00 roundtrip per person, witb 6 people for 7 days...it could add up
Has anyone stayed there with kids 5 and under? Looking for advice/suggestions. THANKS!

 

[bbodb1]

If you drive to Disney (or any other park in Orlando), you'll be shocked at the parking costs as well BUT during our visits to WDW from BC, we still drove so we could have the most flexibility in terms of coming and going and NOT being a slave to a shuttle schedule.

 

[montygz]

I'm planning to go to WDW March 2019 with my 2 granddaughters, ages 3 and 5. How far is it to magic kingdom? I read mixed reviews about three shuttles and the cost is 8.00 roundtrip per person, witb 6 people for 7 days...it could add up
Has anyone stayed there with kids 5 and under? Looking for advice/suggestions. THANKS!

We always drive to the parks because we have annual passes and it is the most convenient. However, many people who stay at Bonnet Creek use Uber or Lyft to get to the parks to save money over using the shuttle. A ride to the Boardwalk is $7, and that's for the carload, not one person. From there you can walk to Epcot or take the bus to any park.

Obviously there are a lot of factors involved when budgeting transportation, but it can be substantially cheaper to stay at Bonnet Creek over a comparable Disney resort.

 

[chriskre]

If you are 6 people you'd be better off renting a minivan and driving and paying the $20 to park.
Are you planning on doing this trip with a car or without?
You could do this trip with strictly Uber but with 6 you are probably looking at 2 cars anyway.

 

[Jan M.]

We've stayed at Bonnet Creek with our granddaughter and had a great time. Take a good look at Bonnet Creek's shuttle schedule before you make plans to use it. It doesn't come and go enough to give you much flexibility at all and I wouldn't recommend it with small children.

If you can find someone renting a stay at one of the Disney properties that is reasonable I would highly recommend spending the money to stay at one of them with the girls. We've stayed at Animal Kingdom with our granddaughter when she was five and Saratoga Springs when she was four. When we stayed at Animal Kingdom we ended up staying at the resort more than going to the parks. There was so much to do and we had a wonderful time. We had a savanna view unit and absolutely loved watching the animals from our balcony. When we stayed at Saratoga Springs we stayed in the Paddock section right next to the kids pool. That trip we spent at lot more time at the parks and it was great being so close to the pool. The Disney resort shuttles to and from the parks run every 10-15 minutes and would be a real blessing if you are taking two little girls.

The other resort we really liked and so did our granddaughter is Vacation Village at Parkway. The section we stayed in both times had both a pool and playground. They have free sno-cones at the different pools on different days so we tried out all the pools. They have games at the pools for the kids. Free face painting at the activity center. They have movie nights at the pools with $1 bags of freshly popped popcorn. She and I both enjoyed the movie nights. We didn't use their shuttle but from what I remember when I looked at the schedule, VV has a better shuttle schedule to the Disney parks too.

 

[Arimaas]

If you drive to Disney (or any other park in Orlando), you'll be shocked at the parking costs as well BUT during our visits to WDW from BC, we still drove so we could have the most flexibility in terms of coming and going and NOT being a slave to a shuttle schedule.

Lol guess no one here are New Yorkers. $20 to park all day, at a theme park none the less, is a bargain.

 

[BDMX2]

We generally drive to the parks, it is now $22 to park per day, but that is PER DAY so you can come and go and hit a different park and not have to pay again. Rental cars are usually cheap in Orlando. We have annual passes, so parking is free, but I still think I'd pay the $22 for the convenience of being on our own timetable.

We did Lyft around a couple of days ago as we were doing an "all 4 parks in a day" challenge...but had to pop back to WBC to dry off after a big storm went through (so thankful for the washers and dryers in the room!) Here's the prices we paid for the various parks using the basic 4 person Lyft service:

WBC tower 1 to AK: $10
DHS to WBC tower 1: $7
WBC tower 1 to Boardwalk (to walk into Epcot International Gateway): $7
Contemporary (walk from the Magic Kingdom) to WBC tower 1: $11

I left tips out since YMMV on how you tip. But this just about covers the current costs from all 4 parks (if you go into Epcot through International Gateway - the front entrance would be more), the rates for the larger vehicles might be slightly higher, but I'm not sure about that.

 

[cayman01]

You want a car. Whether to drive your own or rent. Nothing worse than having two or three wiped out kids and waiting for a shuttle that might be there in five minutes or fifty. And then all th stops before getting to you resort. Get a car.

If you are going for a week get some type of Annual Pass for one person which will give you free parking. And discounts on food and merchandise.

 

[Lisa P]

Lol guess no one here are New Yorkers. $20 to park all day, at a theme park none the less, is a bargain.

We can relate but when we moved away from the higher prices and higher incomes of the northeast U.S., we viewed the $100-$150 per week parking charges for the parks differently. The lifestyle change was, for us, totally worth it. But our perspective on what constitutes a "high" price for restaurants or parking has changed significantly. Most of the country does not relate to NYC or San Francisco salaries or cost-of-living.

You want a car. Whether to drive your own or rent. Nothing worse than having two or three wiped out kids and waiting for a shuttle that might be there in five minutes or fifty. And then all th stops before getting to you resort. Get a car.

If you are going for a week get some type of Annual Pass for one person which will give you free parking. And discounts on food and merchandise.

Totally agree. Whenever we've traveled with children, we've wanted a car. Not just for park schedule convenience, but also to visit better-priced, nice offsite restaurants and parks, and even for an occasional visit to an Urgent Care (strep throat, ear infections, etc.) and full-service pharmacy.

 

[bendadin]

So speaking of Bonnet Creek, we saw not one, but two DVC vans at the main building. I wonder if an arrangement is in the works for 60 day FP.

 

[BDMX2]

So speaking of Bonnet Creek, we saw not one, but two DVC vans at the main building. I wonder if an arrangement is in the works for 60 day FP.

I doubt it, something like that would be negotiated at a corporate level, not at the physical location. I also don't think we should hold our breath on it since Disney would likely need a kickback or something, and that would mean higher dues. But that said, I personally think the 60 day FP thing is over hyped, we generally get what we want at 30 day or less, even same day with some strategic app refreshing. When Toy Story Land and then Galaxy's Edge open I may change my tune, but I honestly hate trying to schedule what we think we'll want to do two months from now. Even if we stay onsite we often shuffle Fastpasses once we're there.

 

[Richardsdeals]

Uber

 

[Lisa P]

Uber/Lyft - good alternatives for small families who fly to Orlando.

Larger families may be better off renting a car and paying for theme park parking.

 

[Floridaty]

At BC now with my family which includes a 3 year old. Not sure what you are doing for tickets but I would purchase at least one Disney Platinum Pass from Disney for $730. With the pass you get free parking ($22 per day saved) and free photo downloads which can save you a ton of money if you plan on using the Disney photographers. You also get 20% off Disney merchandise and food discounts. We have been to Disney 24 times in the past 11 months and those costs add up.

 

[Rhiannon35]

We went in Oct. and used Uber even though we had rented a car. Other than MK, Uber drops you off right at the gate, and saves what can be a very long walk and/or waiting for a tram to get to your car. I don't think it was ever more than $12 each way, so not much more -- and sometimes less -- than parking fee. If there are six of you, just get an Uber XL.
You can find out approx. costs at uber estimator website.

 

[kaljor]

At BC now with my family which includes a 3 year old. Not sure what you are doing for tickets but I would purchase at least one Disney Platinum Pass from Disney for $730. With the pass you get free parking ($22 per day saved) and free photo downloads which can save you a ton of money if you plan on using the Disney photographers. You also get 20% off Disney merchandise and food discounts. We have been to Disney 24 times in the past 11 months and those costs add up.

I just went to the Disney website to check this as it seemed like a pretty good idea, but the Platinum Pass sells for $904 on their site. If you know of another place to get it cheaper, I'd love to know.

 

[paxsarah]

It’s possible they’re either a Florida resident, DVC member, or thinking of the renewal price. For the rest of us, it is indeed $904.

 

[Floridaty]

It could be i am only able see florid a resident prices for passes even when I am logged out of my account. I paid under $250 for my pass and have been to the parks 24 times so far. I would still consider one pass regardless of the cost to the parks associated with it.

 

[laura123]

I don’t think you want to go to WDW every day with a 3and 5 year old. They will love BC the pools and lazy river are so much fun. The long lines and short rides tire quickly. My grandkids were begging to stay at the resort.

 

[bendadin]

Our favorite Disney park is Typhoon Lagoon. We did 2 years of annual passes so now we are doing the water park annual pass ($130.)

My DVC pass is $589 plus tax. All ticket prices are creeping up.

 

[T&O]

I'm planning to go to WDW March 2019 with my 2 granddaughters, ages 3 and 5. How far is it to magic kingdom? I read mixed reviews about three shuttles and the cost is 8.00 roundtrip per person, witb 6 people for 7 days...it could add up
Has anyone stayed there with kids 5 and under? Looking for advice/suggestions. THANKS!

We drove our rental car and paid the parking fee just to have the freedom to leave when we wanted to. Plus, the kids are still in car seats and crashed as soon as we pulled out of the lot. Only about 20 minutes to any Disney park, Sea World and Universal. We took the shuttle the first time we were at Bonnet Creek, about 7 years ago and before kids. At the end of the day, after the fireworks, had to wait for almost an hour in the parking lot before we got on a shuttle back to resort - the first shuttle was full and leaving when we arrived at pick up spot. By the time the next shuttle came by, there were so many people there, we were left behind to wait for a 3rd shuttle. Then it makes a few stops before finally arriving at resort. Couldn't imagine doing that with exhausted kids.

 

[kaljor]

Does anyone know how the Disney shuttle payment works? Do you buy a round trip ticket at the resort? Can you charge it to your room? Is there a one way fare? Any details would be appreciated because even though I'll be there with a large family group and we will drive to a park each day, I may want to stay later or be at a different park when they all want to leave.

 

[Jan M.]

Does anyone know how the Disney shuttle payment works? Do you buy a round trip ticket at the resort? Can you charge it to your room? Is there a one way fare? Any details would be appreciated because even though I'll be there with a large family group and we will drive to a park each day, I may want to stay later or be at a different park when they all want to leave.

You have to book the shuttle in advance. The last time I saw a shuttle schedule there was no one way option. We are checking in at Bonnet Creek on Sunday so I will look at the shuttle information for you to see if any of that has changed. As someone else said you would be better off paying for a Lyft or Uber ride than using the shuttle especially at night when you are leaving the Parks.

If you want to stay later at one of the parks you could take the Disney bus to the Caribbean Beach Resort and have someone pick you up there. It is close to Bonnet Creek. I don't know about the lower floors but I do know you can see the Caribbean from the higher floors on some buildings when you stay at Bonnet Creek. The person picking you up would tell them he/she is just picking someone up and would have to show ID to the guard. I've had my husband pick our granddaughter and I up there when we've stayed at Bonnet Creek; it's easy and convenient.

 

[chriskre]

Lol guess no one here are New Yorkers. $20 to park all day, at a theme park none the less, is a bargain.

No longer a NYer but I do live in city of Miami where we pay to play also.
The problem is that this is swamp land not primo parking.
You gotta schlep and take a tram, it's not garage parking or premium spots
unless you pay the $45 for the premium spots.

I live in FL so I get the annual pass which includes the parking as does DVC,
but I totally get that people get ticked off paying to play. You don't really
have much choice, well you do but I won't share that publiclly or the mouse
may not like it. LOL Seems they are closing those loopholes anyway with all the
new construction. And now charging to park in the resorts overnight $24 is
also ridiculous. $190 fee just because, then add $24 for resort parking and $22
for theme park parking and it is just getting out of reach for most regular folk.

I'm blessed to own DVC so I'm exempt from most of it, but I totally get it.
I do stay off site alot because I like the bigger units at BC and Marriott and for
now DVC is still comping my parking. I hope it continues or I will be making
some noise too because this is my one and ONLY direct developer purchase.
And it was not cheap, but it does bring me the most pleasure when I use it.
Just something about DVC that is my happy place. BC is a close second
and I do really like it. Wyndham did a great resort right there. I'd love to
see part of it become DVC. Maybe some of the Presidential units or they
could build a small boutique DVC.
Seems that's the way they are going anyway.

 

[chriskre]

Our favorite Disney park is Typhoon Lagoon. We did 2 years of annual passes so now we are doing the water park annual pass ($130.)

My DVC pass is $589 plus tax. All ticket prices are creeping up.

I wonder if you can just buy the After 4pm Epcot ticket and get the free parking too.
All the annual passes come with free parking now.
That might be an option for those who just want the parking and the AP discount.
Right now the discount is 20%. It does add up and it's being offered at more places.

I also noticed that Disney is not posting prices on many things anymore.
For example, one day the beach towels were Buy one or get two for $20 each.
Next day they were buy one get 2 for $22 each. So the discount goes poof with
each click of the mouse. I did get a cast member to acknowledge that in fact
that is exactly what they are doing. So it's all about yield management right now.
I guess they are learning from the airlines. Ugggggh.
Do yourself a favor and stop at the Disney Store in the Prime Outlet Malls before
you spend a ton in the parks. For example I got mouse ears for $9.99. Granted
they are retired styles but the parks they were all $24.99.
The kids clothes was $9.99. No AP discount but the clothes in the parks were all
$19.99-$29.99. I wish I had stopped there first. I ended up buying twice the stuff
because we now have two new grand babies to buy for so I bought bigger stuff and
will save for Christmas but sheesh that's a big difference and the styles are all cute.

Disney is experimenting with making smaller boutique type stores because the big
Disney store just isn't getting the sales that the smaller places are getting. I really
liked the new Disney Place for kids in Disney Springs. It's laid out so nicely and easy
to stop by Princess or theme but yeah you pay to play there but they did honor the
20% discount for what it's worth.