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

[WDWKOOK]

I stand corrected, I just went back and clicked edit for the online check-in and it says I may select up to 2 requests, floor being one and BoardWalk View being the other. We are booked in a standard room. Now I'm a bit confused

I'm confused, too. Well, just make sure that since you'd like an Illuminations View, call to request "5th floor and Epcot View" and ask again when you check-in if they were able to accommodate your request.

Thank you!! Yes, originally we had booked months ago with a room pin code of 35% off a deluxe resort. But, for us, we are saving $950 by letting that offer go, and take the free dining offer. It works for us. :-D

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I'm glad this worked out better for you and your family. Enjoy!

You will only get a BW view villa if you specifically book it with DVC points. The BW view is about 20% of the villas and is a booking category. Plus it is only available for points stays.

Did you book with points and book the Preferred view/BW view?

As usual, thanks for your DVC expertise, Deb

 

[Pete W.]

I just found out I am going to be staying at the Boardwalk for a week at the end of June! Any advice for a Boardwalk newbie?

If you've never stayed in the Epcot Resort Area, you'll discover how easy it is to walk to Epcot, and DHS is not that much farther from the Boardwalk. Since you're staying a week, I strongly recommend park hopper tickets since it would be very limiting to not be able to make quick trips to Epcot to visit all the great World Showcase restaurants, shop, enjoy the entertainment, etc. even when your primary plan on a given day is to visit another park.

And if you're heading to/from the MK, you can also use the monorail to travel between the front entrance of Epcot to the Transportation and Ticket Center. That trip is longer than taking the bus from the Boardwalk, but still fun if you don't mind the extra walk through Epcot especially if you enjoy riding the monorail.

 

[Jacqui]

I'm confused, too. Well, just make sure that since you'd like an Illuminations View, call to request "5th floor and Epcot View" and ask again when you check-in if they were able to accommodate your request.


I'm glad this worked out better for you and your family. Enjoy!


As usual, thanks for your DVC expertise, Deb

On the phone now and the cast member is laughing at me because I requested Epcot view!! She says you can't see Epcot from BoardWalk. I politely told her I've seen pictures of the view She went on to say maybe you will see some of Illuminations but didn't understand why I wouldn't just walk over to Epcot if that's what I wanted to see!! Is there any chance that we won't have a balcony?? I didn't want to ask the cast member.

 

[WDWKOOK]

On the phone now and the cast member is laughing at me because I requested Epcot view!! She says you can't see Epcot from BoardWalk. I politely told her I've seen pictures of the view She went on to say maybe you will see some of Illuminations but didn't understand why I wouldn't just walk over to Epcot if that's what I wanted to see!! Is there any chance that we won't have a balcony?? I didn't want to ask the cast member.

Ugh. The BWI room assignor knows what an Epcot View is, so don't you worry. You can see part of the Eiffel Tower and why walk over when you can see Illuminations from your balcony?! BTW, the photos I have posted on the first page of a STD room is a 5th floor Epcot View just like you'd like to have.

 

[Jacqui]

Sorry to be a pain but I just looked at my reservation and nothing is requested now. Originally it showed highest floor and now shows "no requests." Should I call back now?? Wait a while to see if it changes??

Should I call the number in the first post on this thread or the regular Disney number??

 

[WDWKOOK]

Sorry to be a pain but I just looked at my reservation and nothing is requested now. Originally it showed highest floor and now shows "no requests." Should I call back now?? Wait a while to see if it changes??

Should I call the number in the first post on this thread or the regular Disney number??

No problem. For peace of mind, call the WDTC @ (407) WDISNEY and ask the CM to tell you what room location request is in your reservation, revise if needed, then report back to us!

 

[pink5683]

I would suggest that both of you read through the first several posts of this thread. WDWKOOK has done an amazing job of covering all of the highlights of the Boardwalk and anticipating questions/issues. Then, go ahead and ask specific questions. BWI is absolutely lovely and has a lot to offer.

I have been reading through it all and it is great! I think my big question is what are some of the small things that make BWI special that I should make sure I don't miss?

I have been Just never made a change this close to a trip before. I usually have months to plan and and find out as much as I can about the resort we will be staying at. Kind of freaked that I only have a little over a month to get to know BWI a little better.

This is me too! Usually I spend over a year planning my trip and getting to know my resort before I arrive, this I had no control over, and it's SO SOON!

Welcome and yippee! What did you book - Inn or Villas and what view?

Thanks for the welcome! I am staying there as part of an AEP, so I am assuming we are going to be in the Inn. No control over view or anything, just have to see what I get when I get there!

 

[dabneywm]

Hi!
I have been reading these posts trying to figure out exactly how to make a room request for our stay coming up on June 1st in a 1 BDRM Villa at BWV. We have three young children so likely will not be out late to see the fireworks and would love to see them from our balcony if possible. We paid with cash for a Standard View room as that was our only option I think?

I have read on here to request 5th Floor Epcot View for BWI. Does that also apply to BWV? I thought I had put in a request a few weeks back on the phone with a CM for a high floor, near elevator, Illuminations view. She said that with a standard view room there was no way we would see fireworks. I was confused because I thought it was possible when you pay with cash.

Anyway, bottom line...should I request 5th Floor Epcot View for an Illuminations view at BWV? Do I call and do that or check in online and try to do it?

Thanks so much!

 

[kmermaid]

Do they sell pool noodles at the main or community pool? And if so are they the same ones they have sold at SAB? In the past I have gotten my own at Target when we have had a car and did our food run but will not have a car this time. The ones at Target are fatter and where much better than the ones they offered at SAB.
Does anyone know if there is a grocery service that will to the shopping at Target and will get me the noodles?

 

[harv0033]

You will only get a BW view villa if you specifically book it with DVC points. The BW view is about 20% of the villas and is a booking category. Plus it is only available for points stays.

Did you book with points and book the Preferred view/BW view?

Yep I get the DVC points part. Will be renting points for this trip (hopefully). I know to book boardwalk view. would love to get a high-level room with balcony with view of Epcot/Illuminations. I don't know if that exists, how few are there, what other potential room requests to add on, things to avoid, etc, etc.

Just little things like "if you want to avoid a long walk, make sure to request xxx and yyyy and avoid zzzz"...things along those lines.

I understand this are all non-guaranteed requests but I've had pretty good luck in the past with these sort of things.

 

[vicki_c]

Yep I get the DVC points part. Will be renting points for this trip (hopefully). I know to book boardwalk view. would love to get a high-level room with balcony with view of Epcot/Illuminations. I don't know if that exists, how few are there, what other potential room requests to add on, things to avoid, etc, etc.

Just little things like "if you want to avoid a long walk, make sure to request xxx and yyyy and avoid zzzz"...things along those lines.

I understand this are all non-guaranteed requests but I've had pretty good luck in the past with these sort of things.

Ask your question on the DVC board as well, you will probably get better answers about the Villa locations.

 

[Sandi]

I have been reading through it all and it is great! I think my big question is what are some of the small things that make BWI special that I should make sure I don't miss?

Here are some things I like to enjoy: (1) Playing checkers in the Belle Vue Lounge in the afternoon. DD (who is now 18) still enjoys this quiet, cool down time with me. We get a soda and laugh when she whips me three games in a row. It's a lot more fun to play with real checkers than to play on an iPad. (2) Checking out the display cases in the elevator landings on the various floors. This is more of a 'me' thing than interesting to children or husbands (at least mine), but I love to look at the collection of sea shell frames, photos, tea sets, etc. from "the day." (3) Go into SeaShore Sweets and look at the photos of all the Miss Americas. (4) The quiet/leisure pool on the BWI side. It is a quiet escape. The gardens over there are quite lovely, too. (5) In the evening, the performers along the Boardwalk are fun. (6) Only for those 21 and older, but Jelly Rolls is a terrific dueling piano bar. Drinks are expensive, but the entertainment is fantastic. I believe it is $12 to enter.

 

[Jacqui]

No problem. For peace of mind, call the WDTC @ (407) WDISNEY and ask the CM to tell you what room location request is in your reservation, revise if needed, then report back to us!

I called back and it shows highest floor with an Epcot view. I have no clue why I can't see it online but the cast member said the request is definitely there.

Thanks so much for your help!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yep I get the DVC points part. Will be renting points for this trip (hopefully). I know to book boardwalk view. would love to get a high-level room with balcony with view of Epcot/Illuminations. I don't know if that exists, how few are there, what other potential room requests to add on, things to avoid, etc, etc.

Just little things like "if you want to avoid a long walk, make sure to request xxx and yyyy and avoid zzzz"...things along those lines.

I understand this are all non-guaranteed requests but I've had pretty good luck in the past with these sort of things.

If you haven't booked your stay yet, you'll want to book it at 11 months out to get that BW view.

 

[harv0033]

If you haven't booked your stay yet, you'll want to book it at 11 months out to get that BW view.

thanks...yep...I'm right at the 11 months right now...I know there is some available (as of yesterday) but David's (who we have used before) doesn't have the points for me. Negotiating a direct-from-owner rental right now!

 

[jackemail]

I called back and it shows highest floor with an Epcot view. I have no clue why I can't see it online but the cast member said the request is definitely there.

Thanks so much for your help!!

Told you that this was the place to come with BWI questions!!!

 

[Jacqui]

Told you that this was the place to come with BWI questions!!!

 

[Catira]

Hi we have a 2 bedroom booked at BWV with a garden/pool view for this June. We stayed there last year and loved the proximity to Epcot and HS. The only thing I did not like was our room was almost at the end of the last hallway from very far from the elevators. Lesson learned.. need to request (if possible a room closer to elevators).
Now, with my category view.. is it possible to request a room where we might be able to see the fireworks from our balcony. If not, can you all recommend a room close to the elevators with a nice view?

thanks so much

 

[gometros]

I have been reading through it all and it is great! I think my big question is what are some of the small things that make BWI special that I should make sure I don't miss?

For a week stay, I'd suggest getting the refillable mugs. You'll get your money's worth.

Do visit Jellyrolls at night and check out the Boardwalk entertainment.

Between the Boardwalk, the Y&B Club and the Swan and Dolphin, you have a lot of dining choices within walking distance. So take advantage.

Yep I get the DVC points part. Will be renting points for this trip (hopefully). I know to book boardwalk view. would love to get a high-level room with balcony with view of Epcot/Illuminations. I don't know if that exists, how few are there, what other potential room requests to add on, things to avoid, etc, etc.

Just little things like "if you want to avoid a long walk, make sure to request xxx and yyyy and avoid zzzz"...things along those lines.

I understand this are all non-guaranteed requests but I've had pretty good luck in the past with these sort of things.

Walking distance is a subjective concept at BWV. There is only one bank of elevators, so the lower number rooms are the farthest walk. But then, you are closer to DHS. If long walk is an issue, ask for a room near the elevators.

Btw, little bit of trivia since kook mentioned being able to see the Eiffel Tower. France is the only pavilion in EPCOT where they had to decorate the backstage facing parts of France, since they realized when building the Yacht & Beach Club that the backstage areas are visible to guests staying there.

One week from today and I will be there

 

[psac]

For a week stay, I'd suggest getting the refillable mugs. You'll get your money's worth.

Do visit Jellyrolls at night and check out the Boardwalk entertainment.

Between the Boardwalk, the Y&B Club and the Swan and Dolphin, you have a lot of dining choices within walking distance. So take advantage.




Walking distance is a subjective concept at BWV. There is only one bank of elevators, so the lower number rooms are the farthest walk. But then, you are closer to DHS. If long walk is an issue, ask for a room near the elevators.

Btw, little bit of trivia since kook mentioned being able to see the Eiffel Tower. France is the only pavilion in EPCOT where they had to decorate the backstage facing parts of France, since they realized when building the Yacht & Beach Club that the backstage areas are visible to guests staying there.

One week from today and I will be there

Another bit of trivia is the back of Tower of Terror is painted and designed to match the Morrocan decor since you can see parts of it from Morocco. Not sure what that has to do with BW, so I'll give myself a

Hi we have a 2 bedroom booked at BWV with a garden/pool view for this June. We stayed there last year and loved the proximity to Epcot and HS. The only thing I did not like was our room was almost at the end of the last hallway from very far from the elevators. Lesson learned.. need to request (if possible a room closer to elevators).
Now, with my category view.. is it possible to request a room where we might be able to see the fireworks from our balcony. If not, can you all recommend a room close to the elevators with a nice view?

thanks so much

In that category, probably the closest to the elevators will be the Luna Park pool view. The canal views look like they would be nice, but those would be further. Personally I would probably just request high floor close to the elevators.

On the phone now and the cast member is laughing at me because I requested Epcot view!! She says you can't see Epcot from BoardWalk. I politely told her I've seen pictures of the view She went on to say maybe you will see some of Illuminations but didn't understand why I wouldn't just walk over to Epcot if that's what I wanted to see!! Is there any chance that we won't have a balcony?? I didn't want to ask the cast member.

There is literally one BWI room without a balcony (someone here got it a month or two ago), and if you were to get that room I would just immediately ask for a room change!!!

Hi!
I have been reading these posts trying to figure out exactly how to make a room request for our stay coming up on June 1st in a 1 BDRM Villa at BWV. We have three young children so likely will not be out late to see the fireworks and would love to see them from our balcony if possible. We paid with cash for a Standard View room as that was our only option I think?

I have read on here to request 5th Floor Epcot View for BWI. Does that also apply to BWV? I thought I had put in a request a few weeks back on the phone with a CM for a high floor, near elevator, Illuminations view. She said that with a standard view room there was no way we would see fireworks. I was confused because I thought it was possible when you pay with cash.

Anyway, bottom line...should I request 5th Floor Epcot View for an Illuminations view at BWV? Do I call and do that or check in online and try to do it?

Thanks so much!

The way the BWV is curved, and where the cash views are (the same as the non-Boardwalk Preferred views with DVC booking), I don't think there would be any or many rooms with any sort of Illuminations view. If anything, down far from the elevators with a canal view, you could probably see a little bit of the Fantasmic fireworks, but not nearly as much of it as Illuminations is up in the sky.

Yep I get the DVC points part. Will be renting points for this trip (hopefully). I know to book boardwalk view. would love to get a high-level room with balcony with view of Epcot/Illuminations. I don't know if that exists, how few are there, what other potential room requests to add on, things to avoid, etc, etc.

Just little things like "if you want to avoid a long walk, make sure to request xxx and yyyy and avoid zzzz"...things along those lines.

I understand this are all non-guaranteed requests but I've had pretty good luck in the past with these sort of things.

Yes, there are definitely many 1BR BW view rooms on the BWV side with nice views of illuminations. When you look at the BWV facade, you can see some buildings jut out further the the others. I know some of those rooms that are inset back do have the illuminations view blocks from the adjacent building, but I don't know which room numbers. Our last stay we asked for top floor near elevators and had a fantastic view.