Help me decide - WL or Boardwalk Inn

[mayesq]

I currently have a reservation for May 31 - June 3 for a courtyard view bunkbed room at WL. We've never stayed there before. For the same amount of $$$ I can get a standard view room at Boardwalk. Help. We'll be there primarily for Star Wars weekends but we also plan on being at MK and WL is very close, plus we have the stellar courtyard view. What do you all think? I've never posted one of these dilemmas before, but I'm driving myself crazy over here trying to make a decision.

 

[Squirlz]

I've never stayed at WL but I love the Boardwalk. You're within walking distance of both EPCOT and MGM, plus the Boardwalk activities in the evening are lots of fun. For me it's the best.

 

[nbodyhome]

Remember that Courtyard view doesn't necessarily mean MK view. The courtyard can even mean the WL villas pool view.

For the price of a CY view of the WL, I'd take the BW standard in most cases. They are both REALLY nice hotels, and if you were mostly going to the MK I'd say stay at the WL. But if you are going to Star Wars weekends, I'd probably go with the BW (or the Swan/Dolphin if they had a good rate).

 

[PlainJane]

I would pick BWI without hesitation. The rooms are much larger, and you would be within walking distance or a boat ride away from two parks, rather than just a boat ride to one park. You would also have way more dining options at the BW. The pool at the BW is also much larger, and has a bigger slide.

 

[boomhauer]

Without a car, don't you not have access to the front entrance of Epcot from Boardwalk?

 

[Majkman]

This is an easy choice for us. We stayed at the WL in '05 and even though I'm in the minority with my review (we won't stay there again), I won't bore everyone with my concerns at it again.

We've wanted to stay at the BW for a long time and will get to realize that in June as we stay at the BWV.

As stated by others, the key is location, location, location and with the easiest access to Epcot and MGM you and the rest of your Star Wars fanatics couldn't get any closer to the Death Star than will be if you stay at the BW.

We never put a great deal of stake in regards to our views because, let's face it, you're at WDW - how much time do they, or you, want to spend in your room?

Whispering Canyon - very fun and entertaining restaraunt, but so is ESPN and 50's Prime Time and Sci-Fi, all places an easy walk from BW.

Have a great time and tell Chewy we say...........well whatever he says, right back at him.

Much pixie dust to all,
Andy

 

[PlainJane]

Without a car, don't you not have access to the front entrance of Epcot from Boardwalk?

You are correct. You have to enter through the world showcase.

 

[LMO429]

I have to go with the Boardwalk inn 2. Love that Hotel!!! If you are going for star wars weekend the boat is convenient to MGM or you can walk (actually that is what we always do!) The buses to the MK always came rather quickly (never waited more than 10 min) or you could walk through epcot and take the monorail over to MK...Im a huge fan of staying at one of the EPCOT resort hotels! I wouldnt stay anywhere else now!!!! I love Being able to walk to 2 parks, the wide variety of dining options and nightlife...

 

[NMAmy]

Another vote for the Boardwalk. I've never stayed there but the location is the best. I stayed at the WL for the first time last week and I was frustrated by how long it took to get everywhere (even the MK).

Nothing beats watching Illuminations and just strolling back to your hotel afterward. It took over an hour for us to get back from the MK after Wishes last Monday night. Or being able to zip over to the World Showcase for dinner.

Although I loved the ambience of the WL, I doubt we'll stay there again due to the location. I just felt way too isolated.

 

[ADisneygirl]

I love the WL, but BWI is so much nicer! Bigger room, more upscale, great location, and better pool by far. No hesitation on my part. I'd definitely go with BWI for the same $$.

 

[MyKidsDad3]

I vote for the WL. Great family atmosphere. Great location.

 

[mayesq]

Okay. I changed my reservation for Boardwalk. Can anyone tell me if my view is going to totally suck? And is there the potential for an upgrade? If not, that's fine. I've made my decision. I'm just curious.

 

[LMO429]

Okay. I changed my reservation for Boardwalk. Can anyone tell me if my view is going to totally suck? And is there the potential for an upgrade? If not, that's fine. I've made my decision. I'm just curious.

No WAY is the view going to suck if you got a water view! We had room 3251 we were directly above spoodles restaurant....The balcony was huge my boyfriend and I had breakfast up there everymorning and took in the boardwalk music they play.

At night we were able to see Wishes Fireworks! and when there was street performers we had a front row seat from above on the balcony!!!!

Friends of mine had a standard view and from their balcony we could see illuminations!

 

[ADisneygirl]

Your view won't be bad from a standard room either. We have always had a lovely view of the flowering gardens in the center of the Inn. If we had a higher floor we could have seen some of Illuminations off our balcony. The other standard view would be toward the front, but the parking lot is so far off that it won't be like you are looking at it. You may see the valet area or the grassy area in front.

 

[mayesq]

Thanks for your help, everybody. Now I'm excited

I think my husband was a little disappointed when he saw how prissy the rooms are as opposed to WL. I know he'll get over it when he sees ESPN Zone

 

[LMO429]

Thanks for your help, everybody. Now I'm excited

I think my husband was a little disappointed when he saw how prissy the rooms are as opposed to WL. I know he'll get over it when he sees ESPN Zone

Your husband will love the boardwalk area. My boyfriend was the last person that wanted to go to Disneywolrd back in october (I literally had to beg him to spend his vacation time at disney instead of an island).....but he had a blast! He loved being able to go to ESPN easily to watch football and baseball, the choices of beer at the brewery, the dining options that are so easy to get by WALKING and going to EPCOT multiple nights to get a different type of cuisine every night!!!!

There is no doubt in mind your husband will be glad you decided on the boardwalk instead of the WL ...take it from me my boyfriend was so against going to disney and staying at the BW (he hated the frilly decor of the room b4 we went as well!!!) It amazing how things change last august i was begging him to go to disney and not even 6 mths later we are going again for another WEEK!!!

29 days and counting!!!! I can't wait!!!!

 

[JohnnyB2]

Good choice, you'll really enjoy the Boardwalk.Say hi to R2D2 for me.

 

[sfbank]

You chose our favorite resort. You won't be disappointed! Have a great trip!!!

 

[Marthasor]

I would suggest requesting a courtyard/garden view for your standard room. I made the mistake at BWI of asking for an EPCOT view - we got it, could see the top of the WS Eiffel Tower but could also see a service road and what appeared to be a generator outside our balcony. blah. We ended up being able to switch to a courtyard/garden view our next night and were really happy! I think you definitely made the right choice in BWI!

 

[CPer'sMom]

Okay. I changed my reservation for Boardwalk. Can anyone tell me if my view is going to totally suck? And is there the potential for an upgrade? If not, that's fine. I've made my decision. I'm just curious.

Standard view rooms at the BWI can be quite nice. We always request 'upper floor, rose garden/courtyard view overlooking the quiet pool' ~~ the only time we didn't get that view we got up-graded to a BW view!