Rooms
We opted for connecting standard rooms. I was not in charge of this reservation, so I do not know what was requested in advance. However, we did overlook the pool and had a partial view of the fireworks from Epcot each night. I would recommend requesting a westward-facing room if you want to watch the Epcot fireworks around 9:30pm each night. The rooms were typical Hilton style rooms. We had two queen beds in each room. Comfortable enough for me and I'm very picky about beds. The alarm clock had the old-style Apple connectors, so we could not use them with our phones or iPods. A small cooler (not refrigerator because it does not get cold enough to be classified as one) was located in the dresser under the TV. Each room had a large waist to ceiling window that spanned the whole length of the room. Toiletries were provided in the bathroom included shampoo, conditioner, face soap, and lotion. Cribs are available, but I did not request one on this trip, I was attempting to bed-train my son. As you can see from the photo, be does not understand the concept of sharing a bed with his mother :) One drawback of the hotel rooms is that the path you must walk to get from the elevator to your room can be confusing at first. The elevators in the lobby and split, one set for the lower floors and one set for the upper floors. This is not the problem. The problem occurs with the odd zig zagging of the halls. It's hard to explain, but after the first day you'll find your room just fine.
The Giant Donut from Muse On my most recent "Perry Girls, plus Connor, Spring Break" trip we stayed at the Hilton Bonnet Creek. The Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, and Wyndham are all located on Disney property, Bonnet Creek, near the Caribbean Beach Resort. The closest park would be Epcot and Typhoon Lagoon. While it is not an official Disney property, Hilton Bonnet Creek is very convenient to the Disney parks. Now, before I start my review of the property I want to warn you that this is an opinion piece. I will do my best to write objectively, but I will add my opinion when I feel necessary ;) Not every hotel is cut out for every type of person or family. Take my review as a way to determine if this is the place for you and your family to stay!
I want to start off by saying that the hotel is very nice. The lobby is huge, it opens up in to a sitting area, bar, market/cafe, and reservations desk. Marble floors, seamless, modern decor. Muse, a snack shop/ coffee shop is located in the lobby for quick sandwiches, chips, and baked treats. Walk to the rear of the lobby and catch a view of the expansive pool area. The pool has many different sections, one with a zero entry area, lazy river, water slide, kiddie pool, jaccuzzi, and open swim. Beech, an outdoor casual dining venue is located on the pool deck as well. The waterslide is located directly next to Beech, which causes a problem. Beech serves food, therefore does not allow smoking. I saw quite a few guests relocate to the area near the waterslide to smoke. When we first arrived the lobby was swarming with business travelers. For the first two days there was a pharmaceuticals conference going on. I would say that 90% of the guests during those two days were business travelers. Off to the side on the main floor there was an arcade, my sister in law took the kids there one night and let them go wild. Okay, not too wild, but they had fun and earned enough points to pick some prizes to bring back to the room.
Hotel Perks
- Shuttle buses to the parks and Downtown Disney.
- Shared property with the Waldorf Astoria.
- Close proximity to Disney parks.
- Large pool (7am -10pm) with water slide (10am-5pm) and lazy river.
- Friday & Saturday nights: Dive-In Movies.
- Multiple, on-site, dining venues from "Signature Dining" to Casual.
- Fitness Center, with Yoga on weekends.
Extra Costs to Consider
- $29 per night Resort Fee
- $26 valet/ $18 self-parking per night.
- $24 per person for the hot breakfast buffet (although kids eat free)
- $75 per day for WA Kids Camp ($25 for each additional child) located at Waldorf Astoria property next door.
- $300 per day Cabana Rental.
Is it Family Friendly?
The answer to this question really depends on YOUR family vacation style. If you like to stay in true- upscale hotels, this will fall short. The Waldorf Astoria next door would certainly meet that luxury standard. If you want to get that Disney feel, this won't come anywhere close. Head to one of the Disney hotels. If you're traveling as a couple or business traveler, it's a nice place to stay. Personally I won't be back to this hotel because I did not find it family friendly for MY family. It lacked a number of kid/family friendly features in my opinion. Other than the pool area (for older kids) and the free food for kids, there isn't much for kids to do without dishing out a lot of money (the kids club is located next door at the Waldorf and costs $75 a day.) Don't get me wrong, the property is beautiful and the service was good. When I think about going to Disney, I think about all the fun hotels that are on property with the different themes and included activities. I also can't help but to feel nickel and dimed with the cost of the resort fee and parking for each night of the stay. It can add up quickly.
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