Staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek for A Disney Race Weekend

Have you ever considered participating in a RunDisney event at Disney World? I just completed my first full marathon and my 8th RunDisney event at Disney World.

Although I live locally it is still about an hour’s drive from our home and requires me leaving at 2:30 in the morning, so I have always stayed somewhere close to or on Disney property. After all, getting up at that time is challenging enough.

We have stayed on Disney property for 6 of the 8 races, including several of the Disney Value resorts and Disney’s Coronado Springs, which was a great race weekend experience. For one race I even drove in from a resort that was less than ten minutes away from Epcot but off Disney property.

A stay at Hilton Bonnet Creek has always been on my radar for a race weekend, but they only offer race transportation for the half and full marathons, so it had not worked out until this last race when I was running only the marathon. Ha, I say only a marathon like it is no big deal, it was, but we’ll save that for another post and another day.

The reason Hilton Bonnet Creek was on my radar for a Disney race was that they offer a great package for those that are participating in Marathon Weekends at Disney. If you book early enough you get a nice room discount. They also have a special menu for those participating in the races that include some yummy carb-loading meals. I had a Chicken Lemon pasta the night before my race, it tasted great and was priced reasonably for a hotel meal.

Here was what really got me excited about staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek for race weekend, a late checkout. Even on Disney property, I have been unable to get late checkouts for races, but it is built into the marathon package at Hilton Bonnet Creek. Where this may not normally be a big deal as shorter distances still give me plenty of time to shower and pack, after running a marathon, all I really wanted to do was relax a bit after, not have to rush to checkout.

Then, of course, there are your own personal cheerleaders, cheering you on in the main lobby at 3 am as you have your snacks and coffee and prepare to board the courtesy transportation to the race. These employees are definitely something special because boy did they have lots of energy. I was preparing to run a race and wasn’t that energetic. I am sad I don’t have a video of their awesomeness, but I needed my coffee first to even function!

Speaking of coffee, that was another thing I really liked about staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek for Marathon Weekend, free snacks and beverages before the race. During one of my past races at a Disney value resort, I discovered there wasn’t even a coffee maker in the room so I had to jet over to the food court before taking the bus to the race. I can’t tell you how important coffee is for me before my race!

Hilton Bonnet Creek also has complimentary shuttles to the race just like if you were staying at any other Disney hotel. Like I mentioned before it is only for the half and full marathon. My bus experience wasn’t great as we had some shuttle complications, but that issue really was with the contracted vendor, not the hotel. Plus, the hotel did what they could to make it right as transportation was a big reason for staying here.

Rooms

Another important thing for a race is a good night’s sleep. I did not find the beds at the Disney Value Hotels enjoyable, but many have been refurbished now so it could be different. The beds at Hilton Bonnet Creek are very comfortable, although no matter how nice the bed I always have to bring my pillow.

Resort Pool

Hilton Bonnet Creek has an incredible lagoon-style pool that features a lazy river and waterslides. If you have read any of my other posts about hotels, you know the pool area is an important factor in any hotel stay for our family.

The kids had a blast floating down the lazy river and enjoying the waterslide while I sat poolside. There is also a jacuzzi hot tub, private cabanas for rent and casual dining and drinks at Beech in the pool area.

Other Amenities

The resort also offers golf, a spa, and a beautiful fitness center to name a few of their many facilities that are available to guests of the property. There are also twelve dining options, so there is something for everyone when it comes to food and drink.

All in all Hilton Bonnet Creek is a fabulous choice for anyone participating in a RunDisney event at Disney World. If you have ever stayed at Hilton Bonnet Creek for a race weekend, please share your experience below.