BoardWalk Inn: Club Level Review and Photos

[bowbat]

OP.....I enjoyed your review and am IN one of your pictures!!! Well, my back end is!! I'm in white shorts, flowered top and tan sandals--I'm getting coffee in the lounge

OMG, how funny! Small world.

 

[pas130]

I am so glad you posted a review. You know I do value your opinion It sounds like BWI just wasn't your thing, and that's OK. And I am glad you reviewed with such detail and honesty, because I never felt "settled" when I booked at BWI and those issues would've bothered me as well. I am definitely a MK kind of gal. But the location is perfect for say...F&W There's just a different feel to the Epcot side...JMHO. Beautiful CL balcony pics BTW

 

[SRUAlmn]

I have to say that your review of the BWI CL is one of the few that I have agreed with 100%

We also felt that the lounge staff were somewhat inattentive and more focused on their personal conversations on many occassions. We found often that food would be empty and they'd all just be standing around laughing and talking. When we asked for something, it seemed like a chore for them to get it. We even asked for a few things that weren't anything difficult and we were just flatly told no. (We are coffee lovers, but it was June, so we asked for cups of ice so we could make iced coffee.) It wasn't the experience we've had at other CLs. You, however, were lucky in the fact that it looks like your breakfast and dessert offerings were MUCH more substantial than when we were there. Breakfast was toast/bagels, fruit, yogurt. That's it. Dessert offerings were normally 3-4 choices, and nothing "interesting" or unique. We were surprised with the bakery being RIGHT there.

We were in the room around the corner from you (right inside the CL door- first room on the left) and I totally agree about the boat horns. Although, after about the 3rd day, we were so tired that we didn't notice it as much, but it was loud.

Sounds like (based on our similar feelings) maybe we should give the WL a try. It's just not really our decor style, and the rooms seem to be really dark, but maybe we should give it a shot!

 

[DonaldDuckFamily]

Love the trip report Kook...sorry we didn't get a chance to meet up . Just to add on to some of what Kook reported, I had issues with BWI WiFi. I ran into a lot of connectivity issues.

As for buses we used them for MK, DDT, TL and AK. Of course it was Easter Break so they were crowded. On the returns from MK, BWI was the first stop, but AK and DDT/TL the first stop was the Swan. So what we realized after the first time was to get off at the Swan and walk back to BWI. It only took less than 5 minutes and we were on the Boardwalk. Otherwise the next stops were Dolphin, Yacht, then Beach.

We also tipped our mousekeeping everyday, but didn't get any special towel designs. We were able to watch on the tv outside of ESPN the NCAA Basketball tournament with no issues. I even had a place to sit and didn't have to buy any food or drink. We did eat there with my DH mother and SIL since they live in Florida. I have to agree with BWI Fan 4 EVER (love the name change btw) that it was good food.

We had a great courtyard view room #2270. I did request courtyard view and specifically not a view of the parking lot. We were the first hallway to the left from the Bell Vue Lounge. Perfect for us with all the walking we were going to be doing over 11 days. Just to mention also, I did online check in after making the room request and it was not lost. We also did laundry one day and I was pleased to see a tv in the laundry room while I waited.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi KOOK . Thanks for your detailed and honest review of BWI CL. I'm sorry your CL experience wasn't what you thought it would be, but glad you thought the resort itself was nice. In the beginning of your post you mentioned having stayed YC CL in the past. That is another one I have been wanting to try and I was wondering how you would compare that to BWI CL? Would you stay YC CL again? I know everyone has to try things for themselves to see if they like it or not, but it is always nice to hear other people's opinions. I'm glad you were able to try BWI. It won't be long, though, before you're back in your happy place at WL CL in August .

 

[pas130]

As for buses we used them for MK, DDT, TL and AK. Of course it was Easter Break so they were crowded. On the returns from MK, BWI was the first stop, but AK and DDT/TL the first stop was the Swan. So what we realized after the first time was to get off at the Swan and walk back to BWI. It only took less than 5 minutes and we were on the Boardwalk. Otherwise the next stops were Dolphin, Yacht, then Beach.

Great tip

Hi KOOK . Thanks for your detailed and honest review of BWI CL. I'm sorry your CL experience wasn't what you thought it would be, but glad you thought the resort itself was nice. In the beginning of your post you mentioned having stayed YC CL in the past. That is another one I have been wanting to try and I was wondering how you would compare that to BWI CL? Would you stay YC CL again? I know everyone has to try things for themselves to see if they like it or not, but it is always nice to hear other people's opinions. I'm glad you were able to try BWI. It won't be long, though, before you're back in your happy place at WL CL in August .

Hi! not to hijack kook's thread (I do that a lot ) we did stay YC CL, they were extremely nice and helpful, but the lounge was small and always packed...JMHO. There was a group of adults who camped out by the TV watching football...IDK if they ever left the lounge, one woman took her shoes off and had hem on the coffee table, nothing was said bu that could be anywhere...the location was fab for F&W...OK back to our scheduled programming (BTW no Poly CL review...switched back to GF for now)

 

[padawans]

Thanks for your great review. I have often questioned the value in Club level. Your review didn't make me feel any better about my descision to try it. Oh well, what's done is done. I'm leaving in 2 weeks. I'm glad you enjoyed the BW resort. It's one of my favorites. Thanks for the advice on the horn honking. If we ever stay there again I won't spring for the water view room.

 

[Buffalo2Disney]

Nice review, I enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures a lot. After looking at the pictures though I have one quick question. I noticed in your photos that you took from the CL balcony there were what looked like rooms on the first floor that had white fences going around them and almost looked like each room had its own "yard" of sorts. The one picture had a women sitting in a white chair reading in one of these areas. Are those actual rooms that you can book that has these "yards" with white fences around them or are these public locations that anyone can come sit in and relax?

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Hey Kook!

I am sorry you didn't care for your BWI CL stay! But ITA with some of the concerns you had! While we also had a BW view room, we were WAY down the hall, across from the lounge, so we didn't have the similar noise issues. But I hated using the key to access the CL area down the hall from the elevator. And the desk CMs really did seem put out sometimes to push the button while we were hunting for the forgotten key. I also agree with the PPs who blamed the over friendliness of the lounge CMs for letting other things go unnoticed. I would say that is a fair assessment.

We will stick with our happy place across the lake going forward.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Nice review, I enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures a lot. After looking at the pictures though I have one quick question. I noticed in your photos that you took from the CL balcony there were what looked like rooms on the first floor that had white fences going around them and almost looked like each room had its own "yard" of sorts. The one picture had a women sitting in a white chair reading in one of these areas. Are those actual rooms that you can book that has these "yards" with white fences around them or are these public locations that anyone can come sit in and relax?

Those are the Garden Suites. They also have CL access, but its kind of a PITA to get up there from down there.

 

[mirage0306]

Huh--so weird! I could have sworn I posted a reply last night. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for such an honest review. I'm going to request a garden view room, with a balcony, down the hall. Anyone know how best to phrase that?

 

[WDWKOOK]

OP.....I enjoyed your review and am IN one of your pictures!!! Well, my back end is!! I'm in white shorts, flowered top and tan sandals--I'm getting coffee in the lounge

I concur with many of your observations and have stayed in the very same room you had on our first BWI stay a few years ago. We've decided to give AKL CL a try this October with the grandkids and DD and DSIL--just for a change and to have something to compare BWI CL.

OMG! What a coincidence! Why didn't you say 'hi'? Well, at least you have great legs. I always worry when posting my photos publicly that I might post a photo that includes a person in the background who will be upset that they're in the photo. I'm relieved that you're not angry with me. I might have to have people sign releases from now on

I've never tried CL at AKL and would love to read your impressions. Will you be posting from AKL or after you get home?

This was a great review to read. Thank you for your honesty. With the high price of disney resort CL's, I find it extremely helpful to read reviews here on the Dis. We just returned from another BC CL stay (loved it!) and have also stayed at Poly CL. I just booked a bounceback for CR CL (our first CL stay at CR), so I'm off to search for your review as I'm sure it will be a good one to read!

As far as food offerings, BC tends to repeat hot appetizers every 3 days or so. The cold offerings are normally the same except for an item or 2. We assumed this was the norm until we tried Poly CL and noticed they had different offerings every night and also seemed to have quite a bit more selection. BC is still our overall favorite, though. We are curious to try CR out!

And, yes, we also had people show up in bare feet in our lounge at BC. First 2 kids alone came in for breakfast in their bare feet, dropped fruit loops all over the floor, spilled juice, and then ran out and down the hall. Then a woman came in (their mother?) in bare feet too. Very strange. The CM's were very quick to pick up the spills.

Again, thanks for posting re BWI CL. Will look forward to your WL CL review as that one is on our list too.

Yes, I think bare feet runs in families - must have been Mom...

I last stayed CL at CR in August of '10. I must have posted my review to the 2010 CR thread. If you can't find the review on the old CR thread, just PM me and I'd be happy to give you my impressions or if others want to read it here, let me know and I'll write one up for this thread.

I am so glad you posted a review. You know I do value your opinion It sounds like BWI just wasn't your thing, and that's OK. And I am glad you reviewed with such detail and honesty, because I never felt "settled" when I booked at BWI and those issues would've bothered me as well. I am definitely a MK kind of gal. But the location is perfect for say...F&W There's just a different feel to the Epcot side...JMHO. Beautiful CL balcony pics BTW

Yeah, you're here! Yes, it's a different feel at the Epcot Resorts, and that's neither bad nor good - just different. I think all WDW Resorts have their pluses and minuses and everyone values them a little differently. And, as YOU know BEST, what you value today, you might not value as much tomorrow...or in ten minutes...

I have to say that your review of the BWI CL is one of the few that I have agreed with 100%

We also felt that the lounge staff were somewhat inattentive and more focused on their personal conversations on many occassions. We found often that food would be empty and they'd all just be standing around laughing and talking. When we asked for something, it seemed like a chore for them to get it. We even asked for a few things that weren't anything difficult and we were just flatly told no. (We are coffee lovers, but it was June, so we asked for cups of ice so we could make iced coffee.) It wasn't the experience we've had at other CLs. You, however, were lucky in the fact that it looks like your breakfast and dessert offerings were MUCH more substantial than when we were there. Breakfast was toast/bagels, fruit, yogurt. That's it. Dessert offerings were normally 3-4 choices, and nothing "interesting" or unique. We were surprised with the bakery being RIGHT there.

We were in the room around the corner from you (right inside the CL door- first room on the left) and I totally agree about the boat horns. Although, after about the 3rd day, we were so tired that we didn't notice it as much, but it was loud.

Sounds like (based on our similar feelings) maybe we should give the WL a try. It's just not really our decor style, and the rooms seem to be really dark, but maybe we should give it a shot!

I'm glad you liked my review, SRUAlmn. I guess we were lucky at breakfast compared with your experience a few years ago. In case you don't know, all of the WL rooms have just begun being rehabbed. The rehab has started with one wing of the CL floor and will be completed by the end of September. I think you will find the new decor to be much lighter. We have been very happy with their CL, but we also love the theming and coziness. Maybe you'll join us on the WL thread sometime!

Love the trip report Kook...sorry we didn't get a chance to meet up . Just to add on to some of what Kook reported, I had issues with BWI WiFi. I ran into a lot of connectivity issues.

As for buses we used them for MK, DDT, TL and AK. Of course it was Easter Break so they were crowded. On the returns from MK, BWI was the first stop, but AK and DDT/TL the first stop was the Swan. So what we realized after the first time was to get off at the Swan and walk back to BWI. It only took less than 5 minutes and we were on the Boardwalk. Otherwise the next stops were Dolphin, Yacht, then Beach.

We also tipped our mousekeeping everyday, but didn't get any special towel designs. We were able to watch on the tv outside of ESPN the NCAA Basketball tournament with no issues. I even had a place to sit and didn't have to buy any food or drink. We did eat there with my DH mother and SIL since they live in Florida. I have to agree with BWI Fan 4 EVER (love the name change btw) that it was good food.

We had a great courtyard view room #2270. I did request courtyard view and specifically not a view of the parking lot. We were the first hallway to the left from the Bell Vue Lounge. Perfect for us with all the walking we were going to be doing over 11 days. Just to mention also, I did online check in after making the room request and it was not lost. We also did laundry one day and I was pleased to see a tv in the laundry room while I waited.

Thanks so much for posting your review, DonaldDuckFamily. We did take the buses from WL to DTD and the MK and they weren't crowded at all. I think the difference is that WL is the first picked-up and dropped-off and for the MK, it doesn't share a bus with another resort. For the other parks it only shares with the GF. BWI shares with too many resorts, IMHO. But, you can walk/boat to Epcot and DHS and you figured out to get off at the Swan and walk back

So happy you got just the view you requested. I'm sorry, too that we didn't get to see each other. I'm glad you loved the review and thanks again for posting yours

Hi KOOK . Thanks for your detailed and honest review of BWI CL. I'm sorry your CL experience wasn't what you thought it would be, but glad you thought the resort itself was nice. In the beginning of your post you mentioned having stayed YC CL in the past. That is another one I have been wanting to try and I was wondering how you would compare that to BWI CL? Would you stay YC CL again? I know everyone has to try things for themselves to see if they like it or not, but it is always nice to hear other people's opinions. I'm glad you were able to try BWI. It won't be long, though, before you're back in your happy place at WL CL in August .

Yes, 4 months from today reads my ticker. You're so right that the only way you really know how you feel about a resort is to try it for yourself. And, there are so many factors that we can't control that can affect your stay such as crowd levels, CMs and the weather.

Thinking about our short YC/CL stay and comparing it with BWI, I would stay at the YC/CL again before BWI/CL.

~The lounges are about the same size and the food seemed about the same.

~I believe that YC had a fridge, which I prefer over a tub of ice.

~I much preferred being near the beach rather than near the BW.

~I liked the health club at BWI because it doesn't share with another resort, like BC/YC does.

~I like that YC has a QS and I also prefer the YC's theming/lobby and overall atmosphere over BWI.

~I didn't like looking out at the roof top when in the CL hallway at the YC.

~We prefer a CL where the entire floor is CL and not just part of the floor, like at BWI.

~Also, the YC's CL is on the top floor(5th), whereas BWI's CL is on the 4th. I like being on the top floor better because then there isn't any potential noise above us.

~I also appreciated that when I asked a CL/CM at the YC if they had Sprite Zero, she told me that they didn't and later when we returned to our room, there was a 12-pack of Sprite Zero on the desk. I thought this was great customer service on their part, and I didn't even ask them to get some for me.

I think an Epcot/MK split is great, but BWI just wasn't for us. I think it's great though to be able to walk to Epcot and DHS for a few days and then head over to a MK Resort to spend time on the beach and go to MK and FW. Best of both Worlds

Hope this helps you, mickeynut1. I hope you're having fun planning your trip!

 

[mirage0306]

Huh--so weird! I could have sworn I posted a reply last night. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you for such an honest review. I'm going to request a garden view room, with a balcony, down the hall. Anyone know how best to phrase that?

 

[tiger4me2]

Thanks for your trip report WDWKOOK on your recent stay at the BWI Club level.

I do love the BWI Club level & found the staff is to great. But not for everyone as everyone has different views which what make the world goes around. When my DH & myself have stayed there we never had a problem with the CMs but we go two times a year & they are like family to us. I understand your feelings about guests coming into the lounge with no foot wear. We had that happens as well. I think every club level we stayed at had guest coming in in PJ etc even the Wilderness Lodge sorry to say. The last time we were at the BWI several people came in in PJ's & one of the CM said something to them but the manager was there and the CM got a talking to so I think at times their hands are tied. But this is my view.

Again thanks for the great pictures & report. And sorry that the BWI is not for you

To mirage0306 ask for a room garden view facing the quiet pool or facing the Epcot area. or ask for even numbers room

 

[java]

We love bwcl, but different strokes for different folks I suppose. You actually have a photo of my favorite CM! He makes our trips so special. I only had one bad CM when we stayed cl and I politely asked what was up his.... Well you get the picture and once I called him on his attitude it changed. And now I love him too!

When we were last there though was two summers ago. Back then desserts where always from the Bakery downstairs, and my favorite cm would save us those yummy brownies every night!

I hope that it hasn't changed for the worse. We have always stayed inside the door down near the lounge with a boardwalk view. As we were on the 5th floor noise wasn't an issue for us. Sounds like the 4th floor would not be where I would want to be.

Sadly, this year is a budget trip so I am going from bwcl to AoA! Value first timer! It was about $1500 cheaper and this year(college) that matters!

 

[pas130]

Yeah, you're here! Yes, it's a different feel at the Epcot Resorts, and that's neither bad nor good - just different. I think all WDW Resorts have their pluses and minuses and everyone values them a little differently. And, as YOU know BEST, what you value today, you might not value as much tomorrow...or in ten minutes...

So true That's why I love WDW and the Dis. The TRs are very helpful (sometimes overwhelming for those of us who may be easily swayed )

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Thank you for the review and all the pics. We are staying CL @ BW in Dec.

 

[SRUAlmn]

I'm glad you liked my review, SRUAlmn. I guess we were lucky at breakfast compared with your experience a few years ago. In case you don't know, all of the WL rooms have just begun being rehabbed. The rehab has started with one wing of the CL floor and will be completed by the end of September. I think you will find the new decor to be much lighter. We have been very happy with their CL, but we also love the theming and coziness. Maybe you'll join us on the WL thread sometime!

Yay!! That is GREAT news! I can't wait to see pics of the new decor (Are there any on the DIS yet?) We always travel in the summer (since I'm a teacher,) and for some reason the WL has always struck me as a resort that would be more cozy and fun in the winter. Maybe we need a Thanksgiving trip this year

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi! not to hijack kook's thread (I do that a lot ) we did stay YC CL, they were extremely nice and helpful, but the lounge was small and always packed...JMHO. There was a group of adults who camped out by the TV watching football...IDK if they ever left the lounge, one woman took her shoes off and had hem on the coffee table, nothing was said bu that could be anywhere...the location was fab for F&W...OK back to our scheduled programming (BTW no Poly CL review...switched back to GF for now)

I have heard that about YC CL (as well as BC CL) that the lounge is small and can get packed, especially in the morning. I think there are alot of CL lounges where the CMs don't say much to people not acting appropriately . The CMs in RPC are amazing as far as service and being very friendly and courteous, but I've never seen any of them say anything to guests that didn't behave appropriately. That's ok about Poly CL......but just wanted to add that you will LOVE RPC.....it's amazing and the CMs are wonderful .

Yes, 4 months from today reads my ticker. You're so right that the only way you really know how you feel about a resort is to try it for yourself. And, there are so many factors that we can't control that can affect your stay such as crowd levels, CMs and the weather.

Thinking about our short YC/CL stay and comparing it with BWI, I would stay at the YC/CL again before BWI/CL.

~The lounges are about the same size and the food seemed about the same.

~I believe that YC had a fridge, which I prefer over a tub of ice.

~I much preferred being near the beach rather than near the BW.

~I liked the health club at BWI because it doesn't share with another resort, like BC/YC does.

~I like that YC has a QS and I also prefer the YC's theming/lobby and overall atmosphere over BWI.

~I didn't like looking out at the roof top when in the CL hallway at the YC.

~We prefer a CL where the entire floor is CL and not just part of the floor, like at BWI.

~Also, the YC's CL is on the top floor(5th), whereas BWI's CL is on the 4th. I like being on the top floor better because then there isn't any potential noise above us.

~I also appreciated that when I asked a CL/CM at the YC if they had Sprite Zero, she told me that they didn't and later when we returned to our room, there was a 12-pack of Sprite Zero on the desk. I thought this was great customer service on their part, and I didn't even ask them to get some for me.

I think an Epcot/MK split is great, but BWI just wasn't for us. I think it's great though to be able to walk to Epcot and DHS for a few days and then head over to a MK Resort to spend time on the beach and go to MK and FW. Best of both Worlds

Hope this helps you, mickeynut1. I hope you're having fun planning your trip!

You will be on your way again before you know it......4 months will go by fast . Thanks for your input on the comparison of YC CL and BWI CL, it helps alot . I still have a decision to make regarding BWI CL, but at least I have alot of time since that trip won't be until June 2013 . But I have to say that one thing I don't care for at BWI is that there are regular standard rooms on the CL floor and it isn't all just CL like the other deluxe resorts. I am having fun planning my trip. I am looking forward to the CR over New Years as well as the cruise next year with the Disney resort stays before and after .

 

[elaw]

.... I think there are alot of CL lounges where the CMs don't say much to people not acting appropriately . The CMs in RPC are amazing as far as service and being very friendly and courteous, but I've never seen any of them say anything to guests that didn't behave appropriately....

I have never seen CM's say much either ... and I've stayed at most of the Deluxe Resorts/CL and they all seem to have their fair shre of rude guests.
I wouldn't be surprised if they were instructed just "let it go"