Boardwalk Inn or studio at Boardwalk Villas?

[cutter44]

I think we've finally narrowed down our choices for our Disney vacation in August. There will be my wife and I, and out daughter (17) and son (15). Two years ago we stayed at the Fort Wilderness cabins and loved it. But we want to try something different and like the idea of being able to walk to Epcot, etc.

It appears that we can stay at either a room at the Boardwalk Inn or a studio at the Boardwalk or Key West Villas for about the same price. On the surface, it would seem that a studio would be a better value, but I was wondering if anyone knew of any particular reason it might not be.

Also, how do we know which rooms have the bigger balcony? Do the studios at the Villas have a decent sized balcony? Many of you seasoned travelers have favorite buildings or floors or even rooms. What would you recommend as far as asking for a particular location?

I've read the threads about the Boardwalk Inn and seen the pictures, but if there are hints to make this vacation even more special, they would be much appreciated.

 

[Desnik]

Having stayed at both, here's my view of it all. With 2 older kids you might want to stay at the Inn side because the room will have 2 beds. At the Villas, the studio will have a bed and pull out couch. The studio will have a kitchenette, the Inn will have a small fridge only. I believe the studio is bigger. Have you looked into renting points from a DVC member? This might sway your desision depending on when and how long you are going. Renting a villa might be way cheaper. For example, we have rented twice from these boards in the past. We go in Nov. so for us a 5 night stay at the BWV costs us $600 for preferred view or $450 for standard view. There is no tax either. We are now DVC members because we love DVC so much!! Let me know if you want more info on that.

To answer your other questions. At the Inn there are, I believe 3 different sized balconies. At the time you make your ressie just state your preferences in order. If a big balcony is most important, say that first. When we stayed at the Inn we requested non smoking, Epcot view, large balcony. Luckily we got exactly that. At the villas I do believe all studio balconies are the same size. They have 2 chairs and 1 small table. All 4 couldn't sit too comfortably, but you could all stand comfortably. If you are bothered by long hallways and walks to your room, request a room close to the elevator at the Inn, or Villas. We loved our BW view from our studio this last trip. Some people find it too noisy. We were fine once the door was shut. At 11pm it was really quiet. We could see Illuminations from our balcony at the Inn when we requested the Epcot view, and from the BW view at the studio. The rooms are so beautiful and we love the BW. Both the Inn and Villas are great, you can't go wrong! Let me know if I can help you further. Have fun planning!!

Oh, one more thing, I would pick the BW over Old Key West. Just my opinion. The location of the BW is fantastic. You can walk or take a ferry to MGM and Epcot. Also so many dining choices with BW, Swan/Dolphin, YC/BC all there together. Also the night life on the BW is great with families of all ages. Strolling entertainment, surrey bikes, BW games, etc...

 

[Deb & Bill]

OKW is just a boat or bus ride away from DTD. OKW studios have two queen sized beds. The balcony is a square with a small table and chair. It fits in the corner between the studio and the adjoining one bedroom. OKW studios are about the same price as the BWV standard view studio which can be hard to get unless you plan far ahead. OKW is very close to Typhoon Lagoon.

The Turtle Pond area is one of our favorite places at OKW.

That said, a one bedroom at OKW is only a bit more than the preferred view studio at BWV. And there is a lot of room, plus the full kitchen. You would get a king sized bed, plus the queen sized sleeper sofa. Plus the balcony is huge. It has a fullsized table, plus four chairs.

At BWV, you would only get a queen sized bed and a double sized sleeper sofa in the studio.

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