The Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a Bonnet Creek Resort + Rankings

If you’ve been eyeballing hotels near Walt Disney World, you’ve likely come across a few resorts in the Bonnet Creek Resorts Area. These hotels are practically on the property, so you can’t get closer to Walt Disney World than these hotels without staying on-site. But even though they’re close, are these hotels worth the hassle of staying off-site? For many, the mere mention of staying outside the Disney bubble sounds taboo.

While there are benefits to staying at a Disney-owned hotel, there are as many good reasons to consider staying at Bonnet Creek. Of course, every destination will have its pros and cons. Below, we’ve compiled the top five reasons to stay at a Bonnet Creek Resort. I’ve also ranked each hotel according to our preference. We’ve stayed at each one.

Why We Love Bonnet Creek

Each stay at Bonnet Creek has been impressive. Some of our stays have been so first-rate that we’ve wondered why we would ever stay elsewhere. There’s even one hotel at Bonnet Creek that I’d return to in a heartbeat. Think plush hotel, endearing staff, and late-night room service on a feathery bed. Couldn’t we all use a weekend getaway in such a place?

Proximity to Walt Disney World

First and foremost, we love Bonnet Creek because of its proximity to Walt Disney World. Bonnet Creek is a large parcel of property that adjoins Walt Disney World on three sides and is named after a creek that runs across it. This development sits on Chelonia Parkway, which intersects Buena Vista Drive between Disney’s Riviera Resort and Typhoon Lagoon. Disney Springs is only a few blocks away.

You can be at most of the Walt Disney World theme parks within less than 10 minutes from the Bonnet Creek Resorts. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot are the closest. Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are a little further out. However, as a whole, you’ll be as close to the major destinations at Walt Disney World as you would if you were staying on the property.

In some instances, you’ll be closer to a few destinations than other hotels. Unfortunately, none of the Bonnet Creek Resorts are within walking distance of the theme parks.

the Hilton Signia, a Bonnet Creek Area Resort

Bonnet Creek Resorts Have Incredible Pools

Our number two reason for loving the Bonnet Creek hotels is their pools. I’m not kidding when I say each hotel has a fantastic pool. For starters, JW Marriott Bonnet Creek has a classy pool with two sides. One side is more kid-friendly, while the other is more for adults. When you enter the pool area, an attendant greets you and escorts you to the seat of your choice. They’ll bring fresh ice water and make the most delightful neck roll out of a towel for your seat.

the pool at JW Marriott Bonnet Creek at Bonnet Creek

The pool at Waldorf Astoria, another Bonnet Creek Resort, is serene and surrounded by stunning palm trees. Upon arrival, the pool staff will provide immediate service.

Next door, at the adjoining Signia by Hilton, a lazy river adjoins two pool areas. Guests staying at the Waldorf Astoria or Signia can use either of the resort’s pool areas.

Across the street, Wyndham Grand Orlando and Vacation Club offer seven pool areas, two lazy rivers, and a separate pirate pool designed for children.

the pools at Wyndham Grand Orlando at Bonnet Creek

The Bonnet Creek Resorts Have Great Dining Options

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking forward to my next opportunity to dine at an upscale hotel. Thankfully, all of the Bonnet Creek hotels have excellent dining options.

So our third reason for staying at a Bonnet Creek resort is the restaurants. Among the four hotels, we find restaurants listed in Open Table’s Top 100 Restaurants in the United States (here) and Orlando’s Michelin Guide’s recommended restaurants (here).

Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria is known for its signature fried chicken. But you can order anything from Oysters Rockefeller for starters to their Veal Oscar entree. I doubt you can go wrong.

Bull and Bear entrance at the Waldorf Astoria

For a casual meal, you can order a salad by the pool. After all that theme park food, these types of items are refreshing.

an order of salmon from the Waldorf Astoria

Over at Bonnet Creek’s JW Marriott, don’t miss the delicious weekend brunch at Unreserved Food Bazaar.

Of course, if you’re staying at this particular Marriott, you’ll have to choose between room service and the Michelin-recommended Sear + Sea Woodfire Grill for dinner. My recommendation? Stay for an entire week and do both.

an order of room service at a Bonnet Creek Resort

The Bonnet Creek Resorts Offer Lavish Amenities

While the hotels at Bonnet Creek range between moderate and higher-end price points, they all have one thing in common: amenities. While we’ve already touched on the pools and dining options, there are a few other lavish amenities we have yet to discuss. One of those amenities–hotel spas. Each of the Bonnet Creek Resorts offers a day spa.

You can spend the morning or afternoon getting anything from a Hydrafacial to Himalayan Salt Therapy treatment.

Additionally, each resort has full-service fitness centers with state-of-the-art equipment. You can use the gym at your leisure or schedule a private class with an instructor for an extra cost.

a gym at one of the resorts at Bonnet Creek

As for children, the Wyndham Grand Orlando and JW Marriott Bonnet Creek tend to be the most child-friendly. Surprisingly, the JW Marriott has an astonishing kids’ club on their fifth floor. After touring this rooftop deck and the interior of the Hidden Garden Kids Club, I was a little jealous that I was not privy to such a location when I was growing up.

an area dedicated to a children's kids club on the roof of the JW Marriott at Bonnet Creek

Those looking to enjoy the finer things in life might enjoy an after-dinner coffee or cocktail in Peacock Alley, the Waldorf Astoria’s luxurious lounge.

the Peacock Alley lounge at the Waldorf Astoria at Bonnet Creek

The Bonnet Creek Resorts have Reasonable Pricing

Finally, our last reason for staying at Bonnet Creek is the price. Most will be delighted to find that the Wyndham Grand Orlando and Signia by Hilton average in the same price range as most of Disney’s moderate resorts. However, these hotels offer far more amenities than the moderates. Some of the price differences you’ll need to consider when comparing overall costs are resort fees, parking, and transportation.

All Bonnet Creek Resorts charge a resort fee, which, at the time of this article, includes shuttle bus transportation to and from Walt Disney World’s various destinations. You’ll want to check with each resort for transportation specifics. In comparison, Walt Disney World Resorts do not have a separate resort fee, nor do they charge their guests for parking at their resorts or theme parks.

The Waldorf Astoria Orlando and JW Marriott Bonnet Creek are comparable to one of Disney’s deluxe resorts. Those looking for a more plush hotel without feeling immersed in Disney will lean toward either of these Bonnet Creek hotels.

Bonnet Creek Resorts Ranked

Now that we’ve discussed some of the top reasons to stay at Bonnet Creek, I ranked the four hotels in order of our preference. Since the hotels vary in price range, you’ll want to take that into consideration when making a decision.

#4 Signia by Hilton at Bonnet Creek

Last but definitely not least is the Signia by Hilton at Bonnet Creek. This hotel is most comparable to Wyndham Grand Orlando, which sits across the street. The Signia is an excellent option for a hotel stay, especially since it’s connected to the Waldorf Astoria. If you want a more budget-friendly rate, stay at the Signia and hang out at the Waldorf’s pool. You’ll get the best of both worlds!

#3 Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek

It’s hard to go wrong with a stay at the Wyndham Grand Orlando. I would choose it over any resort in the same price range. What’s so great? Since the tower hotel is among seven other vacation club towers, guests have access to many amenities.

How many resorts do you know that have five pools and two lazy rivers? You don’t even need to leave the hotel to have a vacation!

Related: Wyndham Bonnet Creek Review

#2 Waldorf Astoria Bonnet Creek

Those who like the finer things in life will want to plan a stay at the Waldorf Astoria. Just hearing the hotel’s name roll off their tongues feels like a privilege. Expect formalities galore when you plan a stay here. Upon arrival, a doorman is waiting with ice-cold bottled water. You’re immediately invited inside the tremendous lobby, where you’ll feel as though you stepped into a painting. There aren’t too many places that command such a feeling!

Waldorf Astoria Orlando with its pool at Bonnet Creek

#1 JW Marriott Bonnet Creek

Earlier, I mentioned a plush hotel, room service, and feathery beds, all in the same sentence. We have arrived at our top Bonnet Creek hotel choice, the JW Marriott.

When I wrote the initial review of this stay, I called it the hotel with the WOW factor. Looking back, one word sums up my last stay here—memorable. We’ve stayed at so many hotels over the last few years that some of those stays tend to blend together. But everything about this hotel stands out.

There you have it! We’ve discussed the top reasons to stay at Bonnet Creek. Hopefully, this article answered some of your questions about the area or solidified your decision to stay here. It may also have helped you narrow down which resort was right for you. Whatever you decide, I hope you’ll have a pleasant and plush stay!

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In the Comments

What do you think about these hotels at Bonnet Creek? Have you stayed at any of them?

The Top 5 Reasons to Stay at a Bonnet Creek Resort + Rankings