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

[nickhhi]

Hello new at this

Question what do you mean by Cash Stay
If you are booking a cash stay through Disney Reservation Center

 

[ttfn3]

What Disney Reservation Center calls standard view is the same as DVC preferred (non-BW) view - which is about 60% of the total villas.

The photo in Post #2 of BWV shows the three booking categories. Cash views would be the red lines. Green and blue are only available for points stays.

Interesting. Yes - I booked the cash reservation through Disney Reservations. The view for the standard studio states "resort hotel or parking lot".

I'm still trying to figure out a good studio room request. Being near the elevators isn't important to me. I prefer top floor, quiet - with a good view. I was hoping for a fireworks view. Can anyone point me to some pictures of cash standard villa studio views?

Thanks so much for your help!!!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Hello new at this

Question what do you mean by Cash Stay
If you are booking a cash stay through Disney Reservation Center

Boardwalk Villas is a DVC resort. So, DVC members use their points to stay there. However, Disney keeps some DVC rooms in inventory for non-DVC members to use. Those non-DVC members would be paying with money, not points, thus a cash stay. HTH.

 

[nickhhi]

Thank you!!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Interesting. Yes - I booked the cash reservation through Disney Reservations. The view for the standard studio states "resort hotel or parking lot".

I'm still trying to figure out a good studio room request. Being near the elevators isn't important to me. I prefer top floor, quiet - with a good view. I was hoping for a fireworks view. Can anyone point me to some pictures of cash standard villa studio views?

Thanks so much for your help!!!!

There is a lot of information on AllEars.net. Here are more pictures than anyone could imagine of views and rooms at the Boardwalk Villas:

http://allears.net/acc/g_bwv.htm

I hope that helps.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Interesting. Yes - I booked the cash reservation through Disney Reservations. The view for the standard studio states "resort hotel or parking lot".

I'm still trying to figure out a good studio room request. Being near the elevators isn't important to me. I prefer top floor, quiet - with a good view. I was hoping for a fireworks view. Can anyone point me to some pictures of cash standard villa studio views?

Thanks so much for your help!!!!

When you book a standard view on points through DVC, the view is the parking lot or main drive of the building. But that comprises about 20% of the total villas and requires fewer points to book. So that view is seldom if ever available for any cash stays, through DRC or DVC. The BW view is a preferred view on DVC points and is only available on DVC points. Again about 20% of the villas are BW view. That leaves about 60% of the villas - pool, garden (either the inner rooms as the resort curves or the small amount that look out on the Village Green area by the boat dock). Those are available for points stays through DVC, cash through DVC and cash through DRC. Most of these look towards DHS, Swan, Dolphin.

 

[SMorgan711]

We just got back from a wonderful Disney trip! We stay in the Inn in room 3265. We had a really nice view of the Courtyard and Boardwalk! We could even see some performers at night!

We, however, did not like the resort at all. Our fridge was dirty and still had food in it. We could hear our neighbors (which never happened before! Even at POR or ASMu) and the doors to our balcony didn't close right so we heard EVERYTHING outside. Only one elevator worked at one point. We didn't have any chairs on our balcony to sit outside. Everytime we ordered room service, we requested that they call and they didnt. We loved the walk to Epcot because we were there during F&W. We're going to try the Yacht and/or Beach Club and see how they fair. I really wanted to like

DF and I had connecting rooms to my mom and dad and they had a completely different trip! They didn't have many of the problems we did but they also didn't feel the need to return. Maybe we'll try again in the future. At one point, we took the monorail from Epcot to MK and made a detour through the Poly and we missed it so badly!

 

[WDWKOOK]

We just got back from a wonderful Disney trip! We stay in the Inn in room 3265. We had a really nice view of the Courtyard and Boardwalk! We could even see some performers at night!

We, however, did not like the resort at all. Our fridge was dirty and still had food in it. We could hear our neighbors (which never happened before! Even at POR or ASMu) and the doors to our balcony didn't close right so we heard EVERYTHING outside. Only one elevator worked at one point. We didn't have any chairs on our balcony to sit outside. Everytime we ordered room service, we requested that they call and they didnt. We loved the walk to Epcot because we were there during F&W. We're going to try the Yacht and/or Beach Club and see how they fair. I really wanted to like

DF and I had connecting rooms to my mom and dad and they had a completely different trip! They didn't have many of the problems we did but they also didn't feel the need to return. Maybe we'll try again in the future. At one point, we took the monorail from Epcot to MK and made a detour through the Poly and we missed it so badly!

Thanks for posting about your BWI stay. Sounds like you had some housekeeping and room service issues and hearing your neighbors is never a good thing.But, one of the great things about WDW is there are so many great resorts to choose from. I'm sure you'll find the perfect resort for you and your parents

 

[WDWKOOK]

BWI and BWV NOVEMBER Activities flyer:

http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/BWCalendar.pdf

 

[psac]

BWI and BWV NOVEMBER Activities flyer:

http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/BWCalendar.pdf

Hmmm, Friday at 3:30 PM is the turkey toss. Do they use like 20 pound raw turkeys??? That would be interesting!!

One week from today we'll be at BWV! Woo hoo! With Sandy and everything (just lost electricity a few nights, much better shape than many others), we're really looking forward to getting away.

 

[garada3]

My husband and I enjoyed a long weekend in WDW as my birthday celebration this year. This was our first time staying at the BWI.

Our room requests, placed with the IPO, were that we would prefer a king bed room with a courtyard view near the Innkeeper's Club lounge.

On arrival to the resort, we were greeted by name by one cast member and then handed over to a bellman who tried to take us to the main desk. We mentioned to him that we were staying in the Innkeeper' Club and that resulted in our being turned over to another bellman who showed us to our room.

We stayed in room 4253 which is two rooms in from the door to the Innkeeper's Club, with two queen beds overlooking the BoardWalk. The room was located above the sign for Kouzzina.

The room was nicely decorated, well maintained and clean. Housekeeping was great for our brief stay. The room was made up by 2:00 each day for our break and then turn down was lovely each evening with the pillow wishes and taffy. There was a towel "Mickey" on one of the beds with a birthday card for me from the fab five when we arrived along with a box of truffles.

We ordered tuxedo strawberries and champagne from private dining and was surprised by the gift of a white chocolate box shaped like a Mickey head that was filled with small dark and white chocolate Mickey heads.

We enjoyed the offerings in the lounge and there was plenty of seating available. Breakfast included standard continental fare each day. Snacks were goldfish and cookies. Appetizers over our three evenings included various cheeses and crackers, veggies, hummus, some interesting salads, seared salmon and hot items such as spring rolls and other phyllo dough wrapped tidbits. Wine was decent. Desserts were also nice and we enjoyed the cordials on offer.

Several times on our way in or out of the Innkeeper's Club we would encounter a bottleneck at the check-in desk and the Club door. Families would be checking in or out with strollers and luggage blocking the path to the door. Too much happening for the space available.

The staff of the Innkeeper's Club were all very friendly, helpful and polite.

Our impression of the resort itself is that it has a confusing wide-spread layout and is not the easiest resort to navigate on foot. I believe that it could be difficult for those with limited mobility or strollers. We did not use the pools but did take a walk around to see the amenities of the resort and enjoy the BoardWalk entertainment. We took a wrong turn somewhere behind the Clown pool and ended up walking all the way around to the parking lot in the front of the resort.

We would hear the entertainment and guests from the BoardWalk from our room with the balcony door shut, especially the one act that used a synthesized "voice" as part of his act. Our balcony was small, chairs had to be turned sideways for leg space, and set back from the rooms on either side therefore we had limited view to the left and the right but could see directly across to the Yacht and Beach Clubs.

We loved the location for easy access to Epcot. On our second day, we waited 30 minutes for a bus to the Magic Kingdom, and after stops at the Swan and Dolphin, made it thru the gates at the MK just minutes before the opening show started.

We ate at the Flying Fish on our first night. We were very excited to try this place as we had read some very positive comments. We were seated in a noisy/busy location, the service was adequate and except for the crab cake appetizer, the meal was overcooked and over-hyped,. We both tried the steak and potato wrapped snapper combo that was being offered and neither of us were impressed. We were disappointed in the experience.

Overall it was a pleasant experience but I did not have the same sense satisfaction that I have gotten from other deluxe stays at Disney. This was our second try at an Epcot area resort and most likely our last. We just prefer the Mk area resorts.

 

[jtamchay]

We stayed in a BWV studio, standard view, using rented points on October 24,25,26. The ground floor room was 1025 and the outdoor space was looking at the parking lot and tennis courts. A very quiet area and way to far from the elevators but not an issue.
We could hear the people on one side of our room but not the other.
Our kids stayed one night in a preferred view studio using rented points and it was room 2015...it overlooked the ring toss etc game area and had a great view of the Epcot fireworks and Fantasmic fireworks. The balcony was nice.

We then all moved to a 2BR villa, using rented points and had a preferred view of the lake and boradwalk...room 5015/5017; October 27-November 3.
The balcony was the full length of the 1BR portion and living area, the studio attached had a smaller balcony with 2 chairs.
The larger balcony was able to handle all 6 chairs and 2 small tables. It was a covered roof balcony so in the wind and some rain we were still able to be outside. The view overlooked the lake and the ring toss game area.
We could see all the boardwalk performers, we could see Epcot fireworks and not Fantasmic from the larger balcony due to the end wall separating the larger baclony from the studio balcony.
The larger balcony was very private to either side. We never saw the neighbors nor could they see us.We could hear them both inside and out.
The couch in the 1BR portion was more comfortable than the studio pull out.
The washer dryer took forever to dry clothes.
The kitchen had real dishes etc...not paper as in the studio portion.
We used Garden Grocer to deliver groceries on our arrival and it was convenient and easy.
The Luna Park Pool was full every day and they have continual activities for the kids. They also have a full bar and limited food at the pool.
The refillable mugs are gotten from the Boardwalk Bakery. At the pool area they give you your choice of beverage and then you put it in your mug. The colors are black ,pink and light blue lids with no date.
We used DDP for the first time and were very happy with the meals we had, and the places where you could use the snack credit were everywhere.
We loaded up the last night at the bakery.
We also used it for snacks at the Main Street Confectionary at MK and all the stuff under 5.00 was considered a snack credit.
However, we did leave 15 quick service on our card unable to use. We had our table service meals at odd times and found it not so easy to then eat at a quick service place.
We were a party of 4 adults and 1 child(5).
The Pizza Window at Boardwalk sells a whole pie(8 slices) for 2 quick service and 1 slice for 1 quick service...the pizzas are pepperoni, cheese or veggie. All three are good and made while you wait.
We stayed one week in the 2BR and I would do it all over again renting points.
We were anxious about the renting of points but did not have one hiccup. The person who rented us their points paid for the DDP and we reimbursed them. We also had her purchase our park hopper tickets and used our CC for that and got a nice discount.
We did the character breakfast at Tusker House with Donald. We did the lunch with Disney Channel characters. We did the dinner with Chip and Dale.We did the Winnie the Pooh character meal at Crystal Palace and the dinner with Chef Mickey. The food was good for buffet , plentiful and we went in knowing it was all about the characters. We were never disappointed with the amount of time spent with the characters, they signed the autograph book and waited patiently for the photographs.
We had no intention of using the photopass but got right in the swing of that and realized they had the correct lenses to capture the perfect photo.
If your child is interested in the Jedi in training show at DHS sign up first thing in the morning...the alternate list is very long and some kids miss out.
We spent one day at Sea World. What a special day that was. The shows are the best and we saw one evey hour from 10AM forward. Feeding the dolphins and stingrays was fun.
BWV had its own Halloween Party on the front lawn with a DJ and it was alot of fun.
We did the one at MK and that was really fun with the rides being so much easier to get on in Fantyasyland. No waiting. The parade and fireworks were fantastic. Fantasmic was great as usual and we did the package from Mama Melrose. The seating is very good if you get to the special section about 30-45 minutes ahead...it's a walk in and get seated. We had to eat at 3:30 which wasn't so hot.
My one complaint is that our park tickets kept demagnetizing and although they could still be read at the turnstiles they were not able to be used at the fast pass machine...a special trip to guest relations and we had a new card but lost out on the early time at fast pass. We kept them separate but one card had to be changed three times.
All in all we had a great time. Without kids we would once again revert to staying at the Swan or Dolphin for the lower cost and acess to the same boardwalk amenities, bus, boat and skip the DDP and package delivery.
We also ate at O'Hanas for dinner...food was ok but entertainment not so much...
We ate at Via Napoli and the food was very good.
We ate at The Biergarten and both the food and entertainment were good..
The food we had at Mama Melrose was excellent.
Our kids ate at California Grill and loved their meal.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hmmm, Friday at 3:30 PM is the turkey toss. Do they use like 20 pound raw turkeys??? That would be interesting!!

One week from today we'll be at BWV! Woo hoo! With Sandy and everything (just lost electricity a few nights, much better shape than many others), we're really looking forward to getting away.

Geez, I thought they used live ones

My husband and I enjoyed a long weekend in WDW as my birthday celebration this year. This was our first time staying at the BWI.

Our room requests, placed with the IPO, were that we would prefer a king bed room with a courtyard view near the Innkeeper's Club lounge.

On arrival to the resort, we were greeted by name by one cast member and then handed over to a bellman who tried to take us to the main desk. We mentioned to him that we were staying in the Innkeeper' Club and that resulted in our being turned over to another bellman who showed us to our room.

We stayed in room 4253 which is two rooms in from the door to the Innkeeper's Club, with two double beds overlooking the BoardWalk. The room was located above the sign for Kouzzina.

The room was nicely decorated, well maintained and clean. Housekeeping was great for our brief stay. The room was made up by 2:00 each day for our break and then turn down was lovely each evening with the pillow wishes and taffy. There was a towel "Mickey" on one of the beds with a birthday card for me from the fab five when we arrived along with a box of truffles.

We ordered tuxedo strawberries and champagne from private dining and was surprised by the gift of a white chocolate box shaped like a Mickey head that was filled with small dark and white chocolate Mickey heads.

We enjoyed the offerings in the lounge and there was plenty of seating available. Breakfast included standard continental fare each day. Snacks were goldfish and cookies. Appetizers over our three evenings included various cheeses and crackers, veggies, hummus, some interesting salads, seared salmon and hot items such as spring rolls and other phyllo dough wrapped tidbits. Wine was decent. Desserts were also nice and we enjoyed the cordials on offer.

Several times on our way in or out of the Innkeeper's Club we would encounter a bottleneck at the check-in desk and the Club door. Families would be checking in or out with strollers and luggage blocking the path to the door. Too much happening for the space available.

The staff of the Innkeeper's Club were all very friendly, helpful and polite.

Our impression of the resort itself is that it has a confusing wide-spread layout and is not the easiest resort to navigate on foot. I believe that it could be difficult for those with limited mobility or strollers. We did not use the pools but did take a walk around to see the amenities of the resort and enjoy the BoardWalk entertainment. We took a wrong turn somewhere behind the Clown pool and ended up walking all the way around to the parking lot in the front of the resort.

We would hear the entertainment and guests from the BoardWalk from our room with the balcony door shut, especially the one act that used a synthesized "voice" as part of his act. Our balcony was small, chairs had to be turned sideways for leg space, and set back from the rooms on either side therefore we had limited view to the left and the right but could see directly across to the Yacht and Beach Clubs.

We loved the location for easy access to Epcot. On our second day, we waited 30 minutes for a bus to the Magic Kingdom, and after stops at the Swan and Dolphin, made it thru the gates at the MK just minutes before the opening show started.

We ate at the Flying Fish on our first night. We were very excited to try this place as we had read some very positive comments. We were seated in a noisy/busy location, the service was adequate and except for the crab cake appetizer, the meal was overcooked and over-hyped,. We both tried the steak and potato wrapped snapper combo that was being offered and neither of us were impressed. We were disappointed in the experience.

Overall it was a pleasant experience but I did not have the same sense satisfaction that I have gotten from other deluxe stays at Disney. This was our second try at an Epcot area resort and most likely our last. We just prefer the Mk area resorts.

Thank you for your very thorough and informative review. I bolded your last paragraph because that's exactly our experience, but if you're doing a long split stay, it can be nice to do both an Epcot and MK resort. Having said that, we did two MK resorts our last split

We stayed in a BWV studio, standard view, using rented points on October 24,25,26. The ground floor room was 1025 and the outdoor space was looking at the parking lot and tennis courts. A very quiet area and way to far from the elevators but not an issue.
We could hear the people on one side of our room but not the other.
Our kids stayed one night in a preferred view studio using rented points and it was room 2015...it overlooked the ring toss etc game area and had a great view of the Epcot fireworks and Fantasmic fireworks. The balcony was nice.

We then all moved to a 2BR villa, using rented points and had a preferred view of the lake and boradwalk...room 5015/5017; October 27-November 3.
The balcony was the full length of the 1BR portion and living area, the studio attached had a smaller balcony with 2 chairs.
The larger balcony was able to handle all 6 chairs and 2 small tables. It was a covered roof balcony so in the wind and some rain we were still able to be outside. The view overlooked the lake and the ring toss game area.
We could see all the boardwalk performers, we could see Epcot fireworks and not Fantasmic from the larger balcony due to the end wall separating the larger baclony from the studio balcony.
The larger balcony was very private to either side. We never saw the neighbors nor could they see us.We could hear them both inside and out.
The couch in the 1BR portion was more comfortable than the studio pull out.
The washer dryer took forever to dry clothes.
The kitchen had real dishes etc...not paper as in the studio portion.
We used Garden Grocer to deliver groceries on our arrival and it was convenient and easy.
The Luna Park Pool was full every day and they have continual activities for the kids. They also have a full bar and limited food at the pool.
The refillable mugs are gotten from the Boardwalk Bakery. At the pool area they give you your choice of beverage and then you put it in your mug. The colors are black ,pink and light blue lids with no date.
We used DDP for the first time and were very happy with the meals we had, and the places where you could use the snack credit were everywhere.
We loaded up the last night at the bakery.
We also used it for snacks at the Main Street Confectionary at MK and all the stuff under 5.00 was considered a snack credit.
However, we did leave 15 quick service on our card unable to use. We had our table service meals at odd times and found it not so easy to then eat at a quick service place.
We were a party of 4 adults and 1 child(5).
The Pizza Window at Boardwalk sells a whole pie(8 slices) for 2 quick service and 1 slice for 1 quick service...the pizzas are pepperoni, cheese or veggie. All three are good and made while you wait.
We stayed one week in the 2BR and I would do it all over again renting points.
We were anxious about the renting of points but did not have one hiccup. The person who rented us their points paid for the DDP and we reimbursed them. We also had her purchase our park hopper tickets and used our CC for that and got a nice discount.
We did the character breakfast at Tusker House with Donald. We did the lunch with Disney Channel characters. We did the dinner with Chip and Dale.We did the Winnie the Pooh character meal at Crystal Palace and the dinner with Chef Mickey. The food was good for buffet , plentiful and we went in knowing it was all about the characters. We were never disappointed with the amount of time spent with the characters, they signed the autograph book and waited patiently for the photographs.
We had no intention of using the photopass but got right in the swing of that and realized they had the correct lenses to capture the perfect photo.
If your child is interested in the Jedi in training show at DHS sign up first thing in the morning...the alternate list is very long and some kids miss out.
We spent one day at Sea World. What a special day that was. The shows are the best and we saw one evey hour from 10AM forward. Feeding the dolphins and stingrays was fun.
BWV had its own Halloween Party on the front lawn with a DJ and it was alot of fun.
We did the one at MK and that was really fun with the rides being so much easier to get on in Fantyasyland. No waiting. The parade and fireworks were fantastic. Fantasmic was great as usual and we did the package from Mama Melrose. The seating is very good if you get to the special section about 30-45 minutes ahead...it's a walk in and get seated. We had to eat at 3:30 which wasn't so hot.
My one complaint is that our park tickets kept demagnetizing and although they could still be read at the turnstiles they were not able to be used at the fast pass machine...a special trip to guest relations and we had a new card but lost out on the early time at fast pass. We kept them separate but one card had to be changed three times.
All in all we had a great time. Without kids we would once again revert to staying at the Swan or Dolphin for the lower cost and acess to the same boardwalk amenities, bus, boat and skip the DDP and package delivery.

How informative - thank you! I'm going to post some of both of your reviews about your views to the first page.

 

[WDWKOOK]

From this week's AllEars Newsletter:




Overlooked Attractions:
Epcot Area Deluxe Resorts

by

Debra Martin Koma
AllEars® Senior Editor

This week, we're continuing our effort to update our lists of "overlooked attractions" around Walt Disney World. Just what do we consider an overlooked attraction? They are those little things that cause you to detour from your original plans, the additional touches that demonstrate Disney's well-known attention to detail and make the World the fascinating place that it is. Many of these items are of a "did you know that this was there?" nature, and a lot are "stop-and-smell-the-roses" details (often free!). In this issue, we focus on the "overlooked attractions" you can find at Epcot area's deluxe resorts: BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Beach Club and Beach Club Villas, and Yacht Club

====================
BOARDWALK INN
AND VILLAS
====================

When talking about the Epcot area resorts, I have to start with the BoardWalk. The BoardWalk itself is one of my favorite Disney areas outside the theme parks, and in my opinion is often overlooked as something to do or somewhere to just BE.

Try taking a walk along the BoardWalk in the cool of the morning -- on a sunny day, is there anything prettier than the sun sparkling on the bright blue water of Crescent Lake, with the gulls chattering as they glide by? Sigh. Oh, to be there right now, sipping a cup of coffee and munching on a fresh-baked goodie from the BoardWalk Bakery!

There are lots of other reasons to not miss the BoardWalk area, including all the shops and restaurants. For a fun night out, there's Jellyrolls with the dueling pianos, or there's the brew pub at Big River Grille, or there's the ESPN Club if sports are your thing. There are midway games for the kids, typical of those found in seaside resorts like Atlantic City -- shoot some baskets to try to win a big stuffed animal. And several nights a week, you'll find "buskers" or street entertainers, performing along the BoardWalk -- maybe a rope wrangler, a fortune-teller, or even a one-man band.

While you're walking the boards, be sure to stop in to Seashore Sweets'. Mix and match your own color combinations of M&M candies, ice cream treats... definitely worth a peek inside.

If you're feeling energetic, you might want to rent a surrey bike. Don't miss this chance to terrorize innocent pedestrians as you pedal your way around the BoardWalk!

Also along the BoardWalk is what I have found to be one of the most overlooked entertainment venues at Walt Disney World -- the Atlantic Dance Hall. If you're at least 21, stop in to listen to the music the DJs are spinning, have a drink, or even -- here's a concept -- dance! The ballroom is beautifully designed art deco and there are several balconies that afford a romantic view of Crescent Lake.

Inside the lobby that the BoardWalk Inn and the Villas share, be sure to notice how architect Robert A.M. Stern created the atmosphere of the 1920s and '30s Atlantic Seaboard with vintage furnishings. In particular, note the odd accent chairs over near the fireplace. If you ask me, their faces are creepier than that of the clown that adorns the resort's pool slide, which so many folks find nightmarish.

Speaking of the resort's pool area, check it out, even if you're not a swimmer. The main, themed pool is called Luna Park. It's a 190,000-gallon pool that dates back to the days of the 1920s amusement parks. The slide is called Keister Coaster and is built like a wooden roller coaster. Swimmers are jettisoned from the slide through the aforementioned clown's open mouth. Nearby is the Leaping Horse Pool Bar, which is designed to resemble a carousel. Although this area can be loud when overrun with swimmers in the middle of the day, it's a nice, quiet spot in the early morning hours, a perfect place for a cup of coffee while reading the paper.

While you're strolling the pool area, why not circle the entire Boardwalk resort complex? It has been beautifully landscaped. You'll find colorful flowers, quiet surroundings, fountains and benches. Did you know that the BoardWalk is home to 14 two-story garden suites with private entrances? This off-the-beaten-path spot, accented with white picket fences, is the perfect place for a secluded respite -- bring a book or a light snack and park yourself on one of the benches to enjoy a quiet moment enjoying the landscaped courtyards and manicured rose gardens.

The Belle Vue Room on the BoardWalk Inn side of the resort is a great place to relax after dinner. It's normally quiet (though it can get crowded and loud if there's a convention), with overstuffed furniture and antique radios playing old-time radio dramas. There are also tables with checkerboards and backgammon, if you want some mental stimulation while you sip your after-dinner cocktails. And don't underestimate the relaxation of sitting outdoors on the balcony, overlooking the goings-on on the BoardWalk down below.

The BoardWalk's Community Hall offers a wide range of equipment for just about any interest, from ping pong to croquet and more. Community Hall also rents bikes, tubes, pool noodles, videos, and tennis racquets. There are two lighted tennis courts located on the Villa side of the resort, which are free to Boardwalk Inn and Villa guests.

Stand on the bridge that leads to the Boardwalk for a great view of the IllumiNations fireworks (if the wind's blowing in the right direction you can faintly hear the music, too). Walk over to the Boardwalk vending carts and you can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks, too!

It's hard to overlook the Friendships that sail between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, since they are the primary mode of transportation connecting the Epcot resorts to these locations. But don't miss the opportunity to treat the Friendships as an attraction on their own. If you're not in any hurry, try riding one for its entire circuit, or take it to one of the other Epcot area resorts and then walk back to the BoardWalk. It makes for a peaceful overview of the area.

You say you prefer to be ON the water, rather than in it or looking at it? Be sure to ask at Lobby Concierge about the guided fishing (catch and release, of course!) excursions. They aren't free, but, for some (like my husband) there's nothing better than a few hours on the water with a fishing pole in your hand.

If you're lucky enough to be visiting during the December holiday season, don't miss the awesome displays in the BoardWalk lobby. Annually, Disney chefs prepare an impressive edible display of some kind -- in the past they've had a gingerbread gazebo and a miniature confectionery theme park, complete with Hidden Mickeys.

 

[psac]

Thanks for posting! I'll be checking in tomorrow. Woo hoo!

 

[psac]

Some nice BW Grand Villa pictures here.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46625940&postcount=2008

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thanks for posting! I'll be checking in tomorrow. Woo hoo!

Some nice BW Grand Villa pictures here.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=46625940&postcount=2008

Thanks for the link. I'll have to put that up on the first page.

I hope you have a great vacation. Will you be able to check in with us from time to time?

 

[psac]

I'll write more later or tomorrow. Just wanted to try the Photobucket app first and see how it works.

Panoramic daytime

Nightime

Our room is in this picture.

More View

 

[TigerKat]

We ate at the Flying Fish on our first night. We were very excited to try this place as we had read some very positive comments. We were seated in a noisy/busy location, the service was adequate and except for the crab cake appetizer, the meal was overcooked and over-hyped,. We both tried the steak and potato wrapped snapper combo that was being offered and neither of us were impressed. We were disappointed in the experience.

I am really surprised to read this. We were there for 9 days, including your dates and went to FF on our first night. It's become a first night tradition for us. It was so good we went back on another night. They have been one of the most consistently good signature restaurants, in our opinion, for the past 5 years. Hopefully if you ever try it again you'll enjoy it!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I'll write more later or tomorrow. Just wanted to try the Photobucket app first and see how it works.

Panoramic daytime

Nightime

Our room is in this picture.

More View

Thank you for the beautiful photos! The new panoramic function on the iPhone5 is great or did you use something else?