Boardwalk Inn family-friendly?

[paradeofhomesgal]

I am kind of nervous about our 2nd WDW trip Feb '06. First time ('03) stayed at Wilderness Lodge and we (couple w/ 5-yr-old girl) had time of our lives. This time husband booked Boardwalk Inn and I'm having buyer remorse, thinking we'll miss WL, and somehow it will disappoint our now 7-yr-old. The thinking was we'll have more options for evenings/meals with Epcot, etc. She's not crazy about Epcot, but won't the days be about/for her? ha. Should we rethink our reservation? Still time, I think.

 

[goofy4tink]

I find that the one thing I miss about BW is the ability to get some quick food. At WL you had Roaring Forks. Not a huge area but at least you could grab a quick bite. That is the only issue I have with BW as far as families go. It's sometimes hard to have little kids eat when there are just regular restaurants available. But, we love BW. My dd stayed there for the first time when she was 10 and she loved it. Yes, it is a bit more adult in theme but there are a lot of kids around. If I had to say which one is better with kids, I guess I would have to go with WL but I'm sure there are a lot of people here that would disagree.

 

[lark]

I am kind of nervous about our 2nd WDW trip Feb '06. First time ('03) stayed at Wilderness Lodge and we (couple w/ 5-yr-old girl) had time of our lives. This time husband booked Boardwalk Inn and I'm having buyer remorse, thinking we'll miss WL, and somehow it will disappoint our now 7-yr-old. The thinking was we'll have more options for evenings/meals with Epcot, etc. She's not crazy about Epcot, but won't the days be about/for her? ha. Should we rethink our reservation? Still time, I think.

Well, first, don't forget that you're staying at a big hotel essentially appended to four theme parks, where people wear mouse ears and employees dress up like movie cartoon characters. So YES, I'd say stop worrying. It's family friendly.

But here's the "but." Of all the resorts at WDW -- with the exception of Swan and Dolphin when filled with mostly-no-park-going conventioneers -- I'd have to say that BWI is the least small kid oriented -- even more so than the GF. But again, it's a relative thing. The BWI has a much different feel from the WL. If you know and love the WL, and can still get in for your dates, you should consider it. If it's too late, I wouldn't give it another thought -- to use an overused expression -- it's all good.

 

[lagunaseca]

We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn last June with our 3 kids. They are a little older than your dd, we have ds's 9 and 11, and dd who was not quite 15 at the time. We have stayed at Wilderness Lodge, PO Riverside, the Beach Club, Dolphin, and All Star Sports. We are going back again in June and the kids have voted unanimously (which NEVER happens lol) to stay at the BWI again. They loved the pool slide. We loved the activities on the Boardwalk at night even just to stroll it was nice when we weren't up to going back to the parks to still have something to do and be a short way away from our room. Kids enjoyed the candy shop and bakery. We all enjoyed the short walk to Beaches and Cream which we love and I bet if your daughter likes ice cream she would too. But the best part for people of all ages is the location. It is nice to be able to walk or take the ferry to Epcot and MGM vs. taking a bus. Have a great time wherever you stay.

 

[paradeofhomesgal]

Thanks everybody .. I guess my worries are a little silly .. we're not able to go every year and I just wanted this second and possibly last trip (for a long time) to be wonderful for our dd. I'm sure it will be. I suppose if we picked WL again we'd wonder what we were missing at BWI. Looking forward to the adventure of something new, and surprising dd (7) at Christmas with a Disney care package, announcing the vacation ahead. I have a feeling we'll see WL again some day. This forum is so informative, thanks again.