(CLOSED) Disney's BOARDWALK INN and VILLAS Information Thread ~2012~

[Deb & Bill]

I have been looking for that info thanks! We have 2 Pool/garden View studios booked with points. I asked for dedicated studios and they said it was not a "category", lady at ms was hesitant to even put it as a request, not sure why? so I guess I will request it in my online check in!

Dedicated studio is not a request. Many years ago, they were when they were called the Studio Plus. The Studio Plus had a small "daybed" in the location where the door would connect to the adjacent one bedroom villa. The "daybed" was about crib sized, like a Deacon's bench with a thin mattress on it. Our son was about five or six the one time we stayed at BWV and got the Studio Plus and he hated that thing. Now, you can no longer request it because it is not a booking category. Too many people wanted to book that room to squeeze five people into the studio and Disney got smart.

At BWV you can only request Standard view, Preferred - BW view or Preferred/Garden/Water view.

 

[Jessica527]

I think there is a lot of speculation and assumptions based on personal experience about online checkin. If you want the official word from Disney on what it is and why to use it - here it is:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/online-hotel-check-in/

These are the two items that I specifically noted:

What are the benefits of Online Check-In Service?

Guests who participate in Online Check-In Service may spend reduced time checking in upon arrival at the Disney Resort hotel, and Cast Members can focus on providing helpful information and answering your questions.

Are Guests' rooms assigned as a part of Online Check-In Service?

No, this service does not provide room selection or assignment. Please note, if you requested a Disability Accessible Room at the time of booking, then a specific room will be assigned

Good, helpful, information.
My advice in the particular situation above was based on:
1. My feeling that a honeymoon is a particularly special life event
2. The last two times I've check in at WDW, the online "line" was longer, slower, and had fewer CM's.
Of course, there are two options, and each guest should do what works best for them. Cheers!

Thank you both for the great advice! We have chosen to check in when we arrive and not do online check in. I don't mind a little extra waiting time, especially since I will be at the happiest place on earth.

I am packing today! Please someone send the packing angel to get me through this!

 

[stefani_]

I'm trying to choose between BC/YC/BWI for a short, possibly split stay between resorts. What is/are everyone's favorite thing(s) about BWI, in general and also compared to BC/YC?

Also, out of curiosity, is there any construction going on here? I know there is at GF, which is why I am sad to say we won't be able to stay there for our first Deluxe resort visit

Not sure if anyone saw this, but there was no response from anyone so I just thought I'd quote this to make sure anyone that has an opinion for me can let me know! Thanks

 

[gojoe]

No construction to my knowledge.
Too many reason to list why we love Boardwalk. It has it all and more. Start at the first post and you will see.

 

[stefani_]

No construction to my knowledge.
Too many reason to list why we love Boardwalk. It has it all and more. Start at the first post and you will see.

I've been through the entire first page several times, but OK point taken

 

[pixie08]

Dedicated studio is not a request. Many years ago, they were when they were called the Studio Plus. The Studio Plus had a small "daybed" in the location where the door would connect to the adjacent one bedroom villa. The "daybed" was about crib sized, like a Deacon's bench with a thin mattress on it. Our son was about five or six the one time we stayed at BWV and got the Studio Plus and he hated that thing. Now, you can no longer request it because it is not a booking category. Too many people wanted to book that room to squeeze five people into the studio and Disney got smart.

At BWV you can only request Standard view, Preferred - BW view or Preferred/Garden/Water view.

Aha, that's why. It's a little different at BWV, our home is AKV, and we can usually request a dedicated even though it's not a category so that's why I was confused. Thanks!

Looking forward to our 3rd trip back to the the Boardwalk, this will be a special trip! Every time has been a milestone event for us so I am pretty excited!

 

[Missyrose]

Not sure if anyone saw this, but there was no response from anyone so I just thought I'd quote this to make sure anyone that has an opinion for me can let me know! Thanks

Here's my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth. I wouldn't do a split stay for a short trip and I DEFINITELY wouldn't do a split stay between two resorts in the same area. I can understand doing a split between and Epcot-area resort and an MK-area resort to take advantage of the two locations. But moving from one resort to another in the same location really doesn't appeal to me.

You're on the BW thread so pretty much everyone will say they'll pick BW over BC. But it depends on what you like in your resorts.

BC clearly has a draw with Stormalong bay, but I've read from plenty of people that they like the BW pool better because of the slide.

BC has a CS location for breakfast in Marketplace, BW has the bakery and Boardwalk Joes (which both only have limited options for breakfast).

BC is smaller, BW has more to do at night.

It's really a matter of personal preference as to which one to pick.

 

[scottmel]

I have stayed at BWI and YC and will stay BC this summer. All trips are club level so this could taint my view on things.

I prefer YC. I like the local better, little quieter, better pool, better hotel layout....BWI is very pretty and club level is very nice. However I really like YC better. Room decor I feel is better at YC....

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'm trying to choose between BC/YC/BWI for a short, possibly split stay between resorts. What is/are everyone's favorite thing(s) about BWI, in general and also compared to BC/YC?

Also, out of curiosity, is there any construction going on here? I know there is at GF, which is why I am sad to say we won't be able to stay there for our first Deluxe resort visit

So sorry for over-looking you, stefani_

A PP already mentioned that there isn't any construction going on currently at BWI or BWV.

I've never stayed at BC, so I can't compare BWI with it, but I have tried YC/CL and stayed at BWI/CL less than a month ago. While we love staying CL, we did not like BWI and YC CLs. IMHO, they just can't compare with our favorite CL at the WL. I've already posted a BWI/CL review and as far as the Regatta Club, we think it's too small. But, we did like the resorts and would probably stay at YC and BWI again, but just not CL.

~We prefer the health club at BWI over BC/YC because BWI's health club doesn't share with another resort. Ship Shape shares with two resorts, but is the same size as health clubs that are only used by one resort.

~We prefer the theming of YC. Just a personal preference, but we prefer the nautical feel of YC over the flowery feel of BWI.

~I prefer YC's gift shop. It has a very classy, large selection of Polo and Disney branded merchandise.

~DD13 prefers the pool selection at BWI. There are 3 pools for one resort and the quiet pool is never crowded. SAB shares with two resorts and is often very crowded, which DD didn't like and it can be difficult to keep track of children who venture off to different parts of SAB, unless you follow them everywhere.

~BW View rooms at BWI can be very noisy in the evenings when the buskers are performing. They play music which is very loud, although this is only Thu. - Sun. and only for a few hours. The boat horns are also very loud and during PM EMH they can be heard until around 0100. If you're noise sensitive, don't book a BWV room at BWI.

~Pool View rooms at the YC can be very noisy in the afternoons during the pool party. There is music and a PA system that is loud in the afternoons.

~There is a quick serve at BC/YC, but there is none inside BWI.

~The STD CL rooms at the YC are on the top floor (5th), but at BWI they are not on the top floor, they are on the 4th floor. We personally prefer being on the top floor so that there isn't anyone above us.

~CL at YC is on a keyed access floor, which we prefer, but at BWI, only half of the 4th floor rooms are CL. The lounge and all but 3 STD CL rooms are accessed through a door on the 4th floor, rather than by elevator.

~BWI is across the street from a Hess which some find very convenient.

I have been looking for that info thanks!

You're welcome, pixie08.

 

[jujube]

Not sure if anyone saw this, but there was no response from anyone so I just thought I'd quote this to make sure anyone that has an opinion for me can let me know! Thanks

We got back last night and tthere is not construction at BW.
The BC has had ongoing construction at SAB. I'm not sure when that is supposed to be finished.
I do know a guy staying at the YC was complaining about construction there.

 

[gwynne]

Thank you both for the great advice! We have chosen to check in when we arrive and not do online check in. I don't mind a little extra waiting time, especially since I will be at the happiest place on earth.

I am packing today! Please someone send the packing angel to get me through this!

Happy packing!

Best wishes for a beautiful wedding and a lovely honeymoon!

 

[stefani_]

Here's my 2 cents, take it for what it's worth. I wouldn't do a split stay for a short trip and I DEFINITELY wouldn't do a split stay between two resorts in the same area. I can understand doing a split between and Epcot-area resort and an MK-area resort to take advantage of the two locations. But moving from one resort to another in the same location really doesn't appeal to me.

You're on the BW thread so pretty much everyone will say they'll pick BW over BC. But it depends on what you like in your resorts.

BC clearly has a draw with Stormalong bay, but I've read from plenty of people that they like the BW pool better because of the slide.

BC has a CS location for breakfast in Marketplace, BW has the bakery and Boardwalk Joes (which both only have limited options for breakfast).

BC is smaller, BW has more to do at night.

It's really a matter of personal preference as to which one to pick.

Thanks for your input! I hadn't noticed that BW didn't have a CS location.

I have stayed at BWI and YC and will stay BC this summer. All trips are club level so this could taint my view on things.

I prefer YC. I like the local better, little quieter, better pool, better hotel layout....BWI is very pretty and club level is very nice. However I really like YC better. Room decor I feel is better at YC....

Thank you, I appreciate your take on it!

So sorry for over-looking you, stefani_

A PP already mentioned that there isn't any construction going on currently at BWI or BWV.

I've never stayed at BC, so I can't compare BWI with it, but I have tried YC/CL and stayed at BWI/CL less than a month ago. While we love staying CL, we did not like BWI and YC CLs. IMHO, they just can't compare with our favorite CL at the WL. I've already posted a BWI/CL review and as far as the Regatta Club, we think it's too small. But, we did like the resorts and would probably stay at YC and BWI again, but just not CL.

~We prefer the health club at BWI over BC/YC because BWI's health club doesn't share with another resort. Ship Shape shares with two resorts, but is the same size as health clubs that are only used by one resort.

~We prefer the theming of YC. Just a personal preference, but we prefer the nautical feel of YC over the flowery feel of BWI.

~I prefer YC's gift shop. It has a very classy, large selection of Polo and Disney branded merchandise.

~DD13 prefers the pool selection at BWI. There are 3 pools for one resort and the quiet pool is never crowded. SAB shares with two resorts and is often very crowded, which DD didn't like and it can be difficult to keep track of children who venture off to different parts of SAB, unless you follow them everywhere.

~BW View rooms at BWI can be very noisy in the evenings when the buskers are performing. They play music which is very loud, although this is only Thu. - Sun. and only for a few hours. The boat horns are also very loud and during PM EMH they can be heard until around 0100. If you're noise sensitive, don't book a BWV room at BWI.

~Pool View rooms at the YC can be very noisy in the afternoons during the pool party. There is music and a PA system that is loud in the afternoons.

~There is a quick serve at BC/YC, but there is none inside BWI.

~The STD CL rooms at the YC are on the top floor (5th), but at BWI they are not on the top floor, they are on the 4th floor. We personally prefer being on the top floor so that there isn't anyone above us.

~CL at YC is on a keyed access floor, which we prefer, but at BWI, only half of the 4th floor rooms are CL. The lounge and all but 3 STD CL rooms are accessed through a door on the 4th floor, rather than by elevator.

~BWI is across the street from a Hess which some find very convenient.

That's okay! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound snooty by re-quoting myself

Thanks for all the insight, that was all very helpful and I will definitely take into consideration all those details you mentioned!

 

[lomillerin]

We stayed club level a few years ago and they served rolled up PBJs. Does anyone know if they still have these?

 

[DeeCeeSW]

There are 97 dedicated studios:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/resorts/boardwalk-villas

15 are Standard View with 14 being a view of the driveway and 1 being a view of the tennis court according to this:

http://dvcnews.com/forum/showthread.php?9903-Boardwalk-Standard-View-Availability

Thanks for the info!

 

[tiger4me2]

We stayed club level a few years ago and they served rolled up PBJs. Does anyone know if they still have these?

Yes they do At least at the BWI Club level

 

[tinkbyday]

Not sure if anyone saw this, but there was no response from anyone so I just thought I'd quote this to make sure anyone that has an opinion for me can let me know! Thanks

Hi Stefani! We have stayed at both BWI and YC previously. We have not stayed at BC mostly because the theming has not appealed to us and it is a bit nosier than the other two options due to the Character breakfast and such.

So, having already stayed at the BWI and now choosing to go back is because I really love the feel of the resort. There are certainly pros and cons to each resort, but some of the reasons I love the BWI is:

* I love the BW area in the evening, it's so alive with fun and entertainment!

* I prefer the decor of the rooms and resort, in general, over the YC/BC

* Location - now, this won't help much in the way of comparing to YC/BC because they are obviously all in the same area


Now, the cons would be:

* Limited counter service options - there is a lounge to purchase continental breakfast type items in the morning, but there is not a marketplace type option.

* There seems to be a big issue with seagulls - I guess this goes along with the theming, however, one of those birds stole a piece of pizza right out of my daughters hands one year!

* Going with the above, we won't pay for the Water view upgrade again for this reason as well - the balcony was loaded with bird feces and not very useful. (Although staff was seen cleaning it regularly, just couldn't keep up I guess)


Honestly, in my opinion, the difference for a standard room between the three resorts comes down to what decor you prefer. They are all beautiful resorts.

 

[lomillerin]

Yes they do At least at the BWI Club level

Excellent! We are staying there June 3rd to June 10th and my DD loves them. She thinks they are outstanding PBJs.

 

[sjs314]

Hi Stefani! We have stayed at both BWI and YC previously. We have not stayed at BC mostly because the theming has not appealed to us and it is a bit nosier than the other two options due to the Character breakfast and such.

So, having already stayed at the BWI and now choosing to go back is because I really love the feel of the resort. There are certainly pros and cons to each resort, but some of the reasons I love the BWI is:

* I love the BW area in the evening, it's so alive with fun and entertainment!

* I prefer the decor of the rooms and resort, in general, over the YC/BC

* Location - now, this won't help much in the way of comparing to YC/BC because they are obviously all in the same area


Now, the cons would be:

* Limited counter service options - there is a lounge to purchase continental breakfast type items in the morning, but there is not a marketplace type option.

* There seems to be a big issue with seagulls - I guess this goes along with the theming, however, one of those birds stole a piece of pizza right out of my daughters hands one year!

* Going with the above, we won't pay for the Water view upgrade again for this reason as well - the balcony was loaded with bird feces and not very useful. (Although staff was seen cleaning it regularly, just couldn't keep up I guess)


Honestly, in my opinion, the difference for a standard room between the three resorts comes down to what decor you prefer. They are all beautiful resorts.

Stefani I agree with Tinkbyday on just about all she said about the BW/YC. I also have stayed at both and prefer the BW. The Decor at the BW is the closest to the GF you will find. The resort is stunning! We feel in love

We he no issues with with the seagulls or feces and we did have a WV room but it also faced on the Villiage Green with a view of Crescent Lake and the Boardwalk.

With a water view room you can see some of Wishes over the roof of the YC from your balcony.

If a balcony is important remember at the BC only about 50% of the rooms have them. Having a balcony is one of the reasons I love staying Deluxe.

Whether you grab a quick bite at the Boardwalk Bakery or one of the other places sitting at a table along the Boardwalk can not be beat.

As for the pool SAB was so busy and noisy when we stayed at YC we avoided it, instead using the quiet pool.

We found Luna park pool much better and you can see the higher Illuminations fireworks from the quiet pool t BWI.

 

[Jessica527]

Happy packing!

Best wishes for a beautiful wedding and a lovely honeymoon!

Thanks! Are you stay at BWI for your next trip?

 

[dmwang9]

I am certain that this question has been posted and answered on this thread before, but my search-fu skills have failed me. Apologies in advance for the repetition.

I just booked myself into the Backstage Magic tour for my upcoming trip in June.

:good vibes

I'm supposed to be at Guest Relations by the main entrance of Epcot by 8:45 that morning. I'm staying at BWV (my DVC home resort), so I'm very accustomed to entering Epcot through the International Gateway, but I've never had to be at the front of the park before rope drop. Will I be able to enter the park through the International Gateway and walk to the front, or will I have to get to the main gate some other way? Off the top of my head, the first possibility that comes to mind is to take a bus from BWV to MK, then hop the monorail from MK to Epcot.

Thanks in advance. 50 days and counting!

-- Dave