With the opening of Toy Story Land at Disney World, families are flocking to the parks this summer for big fun. Whether you are coming in from out-of-town or planning a staycation like my family, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is the place to stay this summer for the best value, convenience to the parks, special summer programs and my family’s favorite pool in town.
Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
The best part about staying at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is that there is so much to do at the resort. You could plan an entire vacation staying entirely on resort property and never run out of things to do. But since Disney is right there, it also makes for a great resort to visit the parks.
Because Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is on Disney property, you get the benefit of being close with a more family-friendly price tag. We’ve stayed at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek a number of times, including these previous visits here and here, and one thing remains the same – make time to enjoy the resort.
Plan Your Vacation
For those planning a visit to Toy Story Land, allow me to outline the ideal itinerary to get your fill to of Toy Story fun, resort amenities and special events during Summer Blast.
Upon arriving Thursday evening, head to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon H2O Glow Nights. This special nighttime party is only available this summer on Thursday and Saturday nights. We went during our most recent stay at Bonnet Creek and had a blast. Tip, parking is free at Typhoon Lagoon, so if you have a car I recommend driving yourself.
Friday morning, enjoy a continental breakfast buffet at Harvest Bistro before heading to Toy Story Land. Complimentary shuttle busses run regularly from the front of the hotel to the parks so you can avoid paying for parking at Hollywood Studios.
For those who need a mid-day break from the park, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is close enough to hop on a shuttle and head back to the hotel. Toy Story Land has a whole different feeling at night, so I recommend recharging at the hotel before returning to the park to experience it at night.
For an extra cool treat, stop by the mad science lab in the lobby to enjoy complimentary ice cream made with liquid nitrogen right before your eyes. From liquid to creamy vanilla ice cream in seconds – plus a toppings bar to customize your sundae.
After ice cream, it’s time for dinner. (Yes, ice cream before dinner – it’s vacation!) I recommend dinner at Harvest Bistro where kids eat free before heading back to Hollywood Studios for the evening.
Following a full day in the park, Saturday is the perfect day to enjoy a lazy day poolside. And since you aren’t rushing off the park, you have time to indulge in the full breakfast buffet at Harvest Bistro. Everything is delicious, but don’t miss the daily smoothie shots – so good. Of course, omelets, pancakes, fresh fruit and more are also on the buffet.
After breakfast, grab a few lounge chairs poolside and enjoy the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek lazy river. With three pools connected by a lazy river and a twisty water slide there is no shortage of water fun. When it is time for lunch, make your way over to Beech for a poolside lunch. Tip – after ordering, let the kids get in a few runs on the slide while they “wait.”
For a special treat, enroll your kids in Mermaid Academy to learn how to swim with a mermaid tail or shark fin. Classes are held in the pool and parents are welcome to hang around and take photos of the mermaid transformation.
The hour-long class teaches kid how to splish, splash and slide through the water just like a real mermaid. Mermaid Academy packages start at $30 per swimmer, and my daughters are still telling anyone who will listen about going to mermaid school.
For a unique dining experience, you have to try La Luce. From the fried olives appetizer to creamy pear gnocchi everything we tried was delicious. The highlight of dinner was our kids going into the kitchen to become pizza chefs. This special treat is typically offered during slower seasons, but if you arrive early, ask nicely and it isn’t too busy the chef will invite your kids to help make their own pizza dinner. You will be able to take photos while your kids roll out the dough and add their favorite toppings – all while wearing a chef’s hat, of course.
After the sun sets, it’s time to head back down to the pool. On Saturday nights during Summer Blast, guests are invited to a dive-in movie.
Summer Blast at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
There is so much fun waiting for you at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Summer Blast, your family won’t want to leave. Be sure to check out the resort schedule for other special events happening during your stay.
Final tip, request a late check out to spend Sunday morning in the pool before you head home.
