(CLOSED) Disney's BOARDWALK INN and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD

[mastermind307]

Just returned for our first stay at BWV. I learned a lot reading this thread. I really liked it, and can't wait to come back. I was a little nervous about staying at a resort I had never been to before. Everything went smoothly. I did online check in and our room was ready when we arrived. I loved our room location. We were in 4085, a standard view studio. It wasn't too far from the elevators, some stairs were right across the hall and the ice machine was right next door. I was afraid we might hear noise from it, but we never did. Our balcony overlooked the front of the resort and we could see parts Illuminations. It took a little while to figure out the layout of the resort, 2nd floor for the lobby and bus stop, and 1st floor for boardwalk and pool. But once I learned my way around it was wonderful.
We walked to EPCOT and HS and rode the boat back a couple of times. Riding the boat back from EPCOT was nice because BW was the first stop, however from HS it was last stop. That made for a long ride and it was stuffy inside the boat. We took the bus to AK and MK. The only issue we had with the buses was when we rode it to AK. We didn't have to wait long for a bus, but by the time it made all the other stops (swan, dolphin, and waterpark) it took almost an hour to get to the park. The same things on the way home. The trips to and from MK were much better.
I hope next time we come we will have more time to explore around the resort. This time we were just too busy. We did go swimming a few times. On our last night we decided to go the quiet pool since we hadn't been to it and it ended up being movie night. So we got to swim and watch Mulan at the same time.
While it is always nice to be home, I am ready to go back. Unfortunately it'll be a few years until I can convice DH to go back and he didn't even go on this trip. He just doesn't like the Disney vacations like DD and I do. Until then I'll have to read the disboards to get my Disney fix.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Your hostess will be taking a vacation soon, so I might fall behind in posting for about a week

We will be at Boardwalk....from 7/14-7/19..staying in standard club room. 1st time doing the club level...but with 2 teenage boys...the extra food/snacks will be helpful!!!! Even with the dining plan..LOL

SOOOO Excited..it has been about 4 years since we were at WDW. This year we are celebrating our son's High School Graduation & about to depart for college in the fall!!!!!

He actually asked for this trip instead of a grad. present or party!!! WORKS FOR ME!!!!!

Plus the boys can park hop on their own (ages 18 & 13)....so gives my hubby and I some time to explore the parks more leisurely or the resort.

How exciting and congrats to DS! I'll add you to the BWB (BoardWalk Bulletin)

Add me to the Bulletin Please!!! We'll be there 11/1 - 11/8!! 141 days to go!!!

friend of TaraPA to the DIS and the BWI/BWV thread! I'll put you in the BWB

Back from another fantastic stay CL. We had a fantastic view of Paris and enjoyed the Illuminations nightly from our balcony. We are heading back the first week of Dec.

It's always great to have another trip booked before you leave

Welcome PoohCorner71!!!! Gang this is my good friend - she's been a Disney freak for a long time, but just now getting on to The DIS!!

We've vacationed together before but not Disney - not yet anyway! We will we will!

Poor girl will be run ragged with you

DVC member and BW lover here!! We will be going home 10/3-10/8 for the TOT race and to celebrate our 25th anniversary!

Happy anniversary and I'll add you to the first post, too

I agree, this was my issue with BC CL!! The whole hallway was worn and stained I was NOT impressed! Poly, GF and CR CL rooms and hallways weren't like that!!

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & BWI Sept 8-15, 2013

I think the contrast is even greater now since CR and WL just received soft rehabs and Poly is undergoing one right now. Usually the soft rehabs occur about every 6-8 years, so it could be another couple of years or more before another BWI rehab.

We last stayed at the BWI last Mar '12, and we'll be returning this August '13.

One of our kids described it as "like the GF... only funner"
(a lot of the room furnishings are very similar to the GF also)

We're a family of 6, so we stay in a Deluxe-club room on the BW side.

The best thing about BWI: the balcony view of the BW & Crescent lake, especially at night.

The worst thing about BWI: the lack of elevators makes for these ridiculous long walks down the hallways.


1940's? Actually according to the architects, it's supposed to be early 20th century:
http://www.ramsa.com/en/projects-search/hotels/disney-boardwalk.html

Because we're from near Philly, and familiar with the South-Jersey shore, to us the lobby of the BWI reminds of us Congress Hall in Cape May. Our kids also instantly recognize the small statue of Lucy in the lobby.

Looking forward to August!

Great link that I'm going to add to the first page, with credit to you, of course

Just returned for our first stay at BWV. I learned a lot reading this thread. I really liked it, and can't wait to come back. I was a little nervous about staying at a resort I had never been to before. Everything went smoothly. I did online check in and our room was ready when we arrived. I loved our room location. We were in 4085, a standard view studio. It wasn't too far from the elevators, some stairs were right across the hall and the ice machine was right next door. I was afraid we might hear noise from it, but we never did. Our balcony overlooked the front of the resort and we could see parts Illuminations. It took a little while to figure out the layout of the resort, 2nd floor for the lobby and bus stop, and 1st floor for boardwalk and pool. But once I learned my way around it was wonderful.
We walked to EPCOT and HS and rode the boat back a couple of times. Riding the boat back from EPCOT was nice because BW was the first stop, however from HS it was last stop. That made for a long ride and it was stuffy inside the boat. We took the bus to AK and MK. The only issue we had with the buses was when we rode it to AK. We didn't have to wait long for a bus, but by the time it made all the other stops (swan, dolphin, and waterpark) it took almost an hour to get to the park. The same things on the way home. The trips to and from MK were much better.
I hope next time we come we will have more time to explore around the resort. This time we were just too busy. We did go swimming a few times. On our last night we decided to go the quiet pool since we hadn't been to it and it ended up being movie night. So we got to swim and watch Mulan at the same time.
While it is always nice to be home, I am ready to go back. Unfortunately it'll be a few years until I can convice DH to go back and he didn't even go on this trip. He just doesn't like the Disney vacations like DD and I do. Until then I'll have to read the disboards to get my Disney fix.

Thanks so much for letting us know how your stay went. Looks like you and DD may need to visit WDW without DH so you can go sooner

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well.... the day I leave for Cancun, you start the new thread....now I'm late! (you know how I hate to be late, Kook) Can't wait to go back and read every word of it!!!! I'm sure it's top notch as usual


Adios for now! The beach is calling my name
Heather

I started it in honor of your vacation - no, really. I thought you would have plenty of time in between Margaritas, swimming with the dolphins, lounging on the beach and doing your Stats homework to peruse the updated thread.

I've got to finish packing now

 

[LisaCM614]

Have a great vacation KOOK!

 

[nascargirl]

LisaCM614- We always rent a car. Sometimes we will take the MK bus to MK, then hop onto the WL bus. Then when we are ready to return, we take the DD bus and spend time there before we head back to the BWI.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Have a great vacation KOOK!

Thank you! I feel funny even mentioning vacation when it's not to WDW, but my next one is

Now, I really need to finish packing

 

[LisaCM614]

My next vacation isn't WDW either! OBX here we come!

 

[WDWKOOK]

My next vacation isn't WDW either! OBX here we come!

That is a really popular spot for Virginians. I hope you have great weather!

I still haven't finished packing, UGH.

 

[psac]

That is a really popular spot for Virginians. I hope you have great weather!

I still haven't finished packing, UGH.

Enjoy your trip! We'll be here when you get back.

 

[psac]

mademluc- BWI CL is our favorite resort. It is like a second home to us.
This trip was slightly layed back as DH was on crutches from an on the job injury 2 weeks prior. He didn't want to use a scooter. We love being able to walk or boat to DHS or Epcot. This trip we had to use the boats but we never had to wait long. We love being about to walk or yes take the boat to the BC and walk around. We only had to rely on bus transportation for AK and Downtown Disney. We had to wait 45 min to return back to the resort from DD Disney after Cirque. The entire bus was not happy. We had great meals all around. We hit Artist Point twice and had our 2 favorite waiters.
We are looking forward to returning in Dec. DH is facing a knee replacement so hopefully by the time Dec rolls around he will be much better.

Glad you enjoyed even with his injury and that you're going back soon.

We've never had good luck with a nighttime bus back from Downtown Disney to any resort. When we did the late Cirque show we took a taxi instead since there is a taxi stop really close by. Best decision, took less than 10 mins and wasn't too expensive.

 

[abk96]

Enjoy your vacation WDWKook!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Enjoy your trip! We'll be here when you get back.

Great photo - from near the Marina?

We've never had good luck with a nighttime bus back from Downtown Disney to any resort. When we did the late Cirque show we took a taxi instead since there is a taxi stop really close by. Best decision, took less than 10 mins and wasn't too expensive.

We've never had good luck returning from DTD at any time to any Deluxe. It has always been arduous and I've pretty much sworn off DTD because of it.

Enjoy your vacation WDWKook!

Thank you!

Still need to finish packing

 

[bluejasmine]

I guess we better plan on driving to DTD we have plans to spend a day at the resort swimming and then having lunch at WGPE around 1 using our free DQ vouchers and then meeting two other families at Ragland Road..

We have a reservation for a carriage ride at POR one evening too here I was trying to think of best way to get there and back... Not even thinking we will have our car.. I'm just so use to only using WDW transportation on our vacations! Lol

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & BWI Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[abk96]

A few years ago we were coming back from DTD around 9PM and it took us about an hour to get to the BW. We were the last stop and it seemed like everyone was going to the BW. When we finally arrived the whole bus applauded.

I do love DTD but we only go once a visit because of the bus situation.

 

[elgerber]

A few years ago we were coming back from DTD around 9PM and it took us about an hour to get to the BW. We were the last stop and it seemed like everyone was going to the BW. When we finally arrived the whole bus applauded.

I do love DTD but we only go once a visit because of the bus situation.

Yeah, bussing there is not great. We always rent a car, and we drive to DTD and usually AK also. Walk to DHS/Epcot, and bus to MK. We usually try to go to DTD during the day also, as it's less crazy.

 

[rebeccaariel]

I'm getting a bit nervous hearing about this DTD bus situation! We were intending to go on our arrival night so maybe we'll have to think about getting a taxi for the way back.

 

[tsme]

Last year we stayed at BC & it took over an hour to get back from DTD to BC & that was on a Saturday right after lunch! It was insane. First there weren't any buses pulling up for our resort, after watching multiple buses pull up for the same resorts, I went up to one of the drivers & ask him if he could get an ETA on the BC bus. By this time the area was FULL of people waiting to go to BC/YC, etc & we had been waiting a long time in the heat. He called in & one came by. We all got on & he went to the other side of DTD, stopped, picked up more people, then the bus driver got off to switch with another driver. Then waited as the inspection of the bus went on. And of course after finally taking off, they have to pass by one of the waterparks first, then the resorts. And BC was Last! All I could think of was "I should've taken a cab. I knew better. Why didn't I take a cab?" So for all those thinking of using Disney's bus service from DTD to their resort (no matter what day or time of day), DON'T DO IT! LOL. Take a cab.

 

[mademluc]

mademluc- BWI CL is our favorite resort. It is like a second home to us.
This trip was slightly layed back as DH was on crutches from an on the job injury 2 weeks prior. He didn't want to use a scooter. We love being able to walk or boat to DHS or Epcot. This trip we had to use the boats but we never had to wait long. We love being about to walk or yes take the boat to the BC and walk around. We only had to rely on bus transportation for AK and Downtown Disney. We had to wait 45 min to return back to the resort from DD Disney after Cirque. The entire bus was not happy. We had great meals all around. We hit Artist Point twice and had our 2 favorite waiters.
We are looking forward to returning in Dec. DH is facing a knee replacement so hopefully by the time Dec rolls around he will be much better.

Thanks, Nascargirl. You, sfbank and a few others were one of the biggest reasons we stayed BWI CL four years ago and you didn't steer us wrong. Previously, we were Polynesian CL fans, and I guess we still are, it's just Epcot location is so wonderful as the kids are older now.
Good luck to your DH, I've had a few relatives that have had knee and/or hip replacements and the key to success seemed to be to take the rehab seriously. The more work you put in then the better the success after.

 

[psac]

Great photo - from near the Marina?

Thanks, yeah, was going through old pics on the phone, and that was from the boat dock. Here is the matching pic towards the Inn side. Maybe its just me, but something seems a little off on it though.

Here is another "BW in the background" pic.

 

[TaraPA]

Love the pics psac!

Just posting to bump thread up & see my ticker.....