The new Wyndham Grand at Bonnet Creek has gotten it right for families. Opened in October 2011, it is the crown jewel of the Wyndham Bonnet Creek complex, a collection of timeshares dotting a man-made lake in the heart of Disney country.
Though located in the center of the Disney action, the Wyndham is independently owned and operated. That means your soaps will not be shaped like Mickey Mouse. It also means that the Wyndham sidesteps some of the frenetic energy that characterizes many Disney Resorts. Indeed, it feels like a little oasis in the middle of Disney World, an ideal respite for those who love Disney, but, by the end of the day, like to take a breath and stretch out around gorgeous pools (there are several to choose from), larger than average guest rooms (84 of which offer bunk beds for the kids), a gorgeous spa and an overall sense of elegant, comfortable luxury.
Three restaurants give you plenty of options, from a breakfast buffet, to poolside dining (try the grilled mahi-mahi sandwich) to the elegant Blu --- under the stewardship of Chef Andrew Edwards who serves up a broad expanse of seafood with a focus on sustainability. What? Wondering how to sneak in an upscale dinner while traveling with the kids? No problem, the Wyndham Kids’ club, located on the first floor, offers free babysitting while mom and dad dine. But that’s not all. Susie, the activities director for the kids club, dreams up a multitude of ways to keep the kiddos entertained at times throughout the day. Bubble blowing poolside. Junk food bingo. Wacky relays. Crazy creature creation. You get the idea.
Free bus service to all Disney parks was available several times a day. Though the schedule was limited, we made it work. And, when the kids were done in, a cab back to the hotel from Animal Kingdom was readily available for under $20.
A relationship with the neighboring Waldorf gives Wyndham guests access to a Reese Jones-designed championship golf course just across the street. Go ahead, treat yourself, the kids won’t mind spending a day hanging out at the hotel pool.
Finally, it’s the details that make family travel just a bit easier. Changing tables in all the right places. Kids' menus with a side of fresh fruit. Access to all the fun things around the lake, from water slides to a giant chess board. And did we mention the bunk rooms?
While rates vary drastically by date, a recent search revealed king bunk rooms (meaning king bed for you and bunks beds in a little nook, complete with TV for the kids) for $260/night, a super reasonable rate for the location, service and amenities of this hotel. We are huge fans.
