Returned from a conference/girls' weekend at BWI and have lots to report! It was a great stay and I'm so glad we chose BWI. This was my 4th stay at BWI, but the first time staying non-CL. A few thoughts:
Location for Conference. BWI is perfect when attending conferences at Swan or Dolphin. Includes Magical Express, no extra fees (like at S/D) very "Disney," and feels far less "conferencey" than Swan/Dolphin. It's close enough to make the conference convenient, but provides a little extra space away from the conference during breaks and in the evening. Perfect.
Upgrade. We booked standard view and were prepared to see the parking lot. Against all conventional wisdom, and since I didn't have any strong preferences for location/view among the standard options, I checked "boardwalk view" during online check-in. Typically, I'd consider that a waste of a request. But in this case, I had no real requests so it was worth a shot. Turns out our room was not standard. We had an amazing Boardwalk view and a huge balcony.
Yay!
Boardwalk View. I still prefer the Boardwalk view over garden. It's not particularly quiet, but not loud either. The noise from the boardwalk never kept us awake, but with just adults and no kids this time, we were up late anyway. Smokers next door - not happy about that. But when we called the "front desk" or wherever that call goes, the smoking stopped. We planned to stop by the real front desk, but the call always worked.
Check In. Direct-to-room works again! Got the text with the room number when we were at the airport. Went direct to room and opened it with magic bands. So convenient - just love it.
Quick Service. Quick service options are fine. I did miss something like Captain Cook's when we needed post-11pm quick food and didn't feel like walking back to Dolphin for Picabu. (Picabu, by the way, is looking sort of sad. Not kept up as well as it was a few years ago.) Quick service wouldn't be a problem if I were casually dressed - I love to walk. But in heels for the conference - different story. On the other hand, Belle Vue lounge is wonderful. Loved getting coffee and later, soda/water in the refill mugs without going down to the Boardwalk. Always relaxing and quiet in there at any time of day. It's my single favorite location on property to fill mugs. Other places we filled mugs: Boardwalk Bakery, the clown pool and the pizza window. Note regarding pizza window - they only refill mugs after 11pm when Boardwalk Bakery is closed.
Pools. Quiet pool is wonderful as always. Was able to swim something like laps there and it was peaceful and serene. Clown pool is still hopping - not quiet, lots of games, etc. But that's to be expected. Plenty of chairs to go around. Not my favorite main pool, but they are all getting so crowded and crazy these days.
Room. The decor is SO much better in person than in the photos. Love the bathroom area - very clean and nicely updated. The carpets are in great condition. Beds are super comfy.
Weather. Wow - I forgot how hot the Boardwalk can be in the summer. Really hot.
Happy to answer any questions!
Especially a review of the lounge offerings...you know its always about the food! ! 
....
Oh well, EMH at Epcot on Dec. 3rd (Thursday), Christmas party at MK Friday night, and Flying Fish Saturday night ...and all without kids! I'm pretty happy
and plan.
only 20 days to go...
