Boardwalk Inn Questions - specifically Garden Suites

[jollygreengirl]

Okay, so my family is moving overseas this summer with the military and I'm currently planning our final WDW hurrah for the first week in June. My dh has never gotten to stay in the Epcot Area, so I was hoping to stay over there @ club level. Well, there are a number of huge conventions (ahem, IBM) the week we want to go and YC and BC are booked out. BWI is my only option, which is fine since we've never stayed there and I like trying new resorts. They had a Garden Suite and a 1 BR Villa available. Since we're trying to live it up, I put a hold on the suite. However, after doing some reading I don't know if it'll be worth the $$$?

So my questions are:

Where are these suites exactly? I know they all have outdoor entrances. They are super cute and I love the idea of extra space for my ds, but being far-flung from the club gives me pause.

Are there shortcuts around and behind the boardwalk, like at BCV, where you can cut through to the walkway around Crescent? I've tried looking for more specific maps online, with no luck. I don't really want to trudge all the way back into the main lobby and then all the way back around to Epcot, kwim?

There's club level availability at WL, AKL and GF that week. My dh doesn't much care for GF and he said he wasn't all worked up about the animals (though I love AKL), so I'm thinking of maybe doing a split stay WL/BWI? Do our MK stuff early in the week, then move over to the more posh accommodations at BWI in time for Star Wars Weekends. That would be cheaper for us than doing all 8 nights at the garden suite. However, we've stayed at WL many, many times, just never at club level.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Thoughts? BWI lovers out there who can make me feel better about not being able to get BC/YC? We are planning on at least 2 days at the waterparks this trip, so I guess it's okay we won't have SAB.

 

[abk96]

"Are there shortcuts around and behind the boardwalk, like at BCV, where you can cut through to the walkway around Crescent? I've tried looking for more specific maps online, with no luck. I don't really want to trudge all the way back into the main lobby and then all the way back around to Epcot, kwim?"(quote jollygreengirl)


I had this exact question because we stayed at BC last year and there was an exit at the end of the resort that was closer to Epcot and very convenient. But unfortunately the answers I received all said no short cut from courtyard to the Boardwalk. It is for privacy reasons. So I guess the only way out is through the lobby or near Flying Fish.

We have stayed at BWV a few times but will be staying in the Inn side of the resort this summer and I can tell you the resort is beautiful and relaxing. We love it there. It's our favorite resort.

Good luck deciding and thank you for your service to our country. Stay safe.

 

[goofy4tink]

The area where the garden suites are is just beautiful...so quiet and pretty. I found it, finally, by wandering around on my last day. And I stay at BWV a lot, but never get over to the Inn side very often.
In order to get to them, you have to walk over past the BelleVue Lounge area, and go to the end of the hallway. There is a doorway, go out and down the stairs. The suites are right there.
But, I have yet to find a shortcut to the boardwalk area from the suites. There could very well be one....I just haven't found it, but haven't spent a ton of time looking!!!
But they are beautiful!!

 

[Sandi]

There are no shortcuts out of the garden area where the cottages are located. You have to go back into the main building to get to the boardwalk. I wouldn't call it "trudging" though. You would have a bit of extra walking, but the garden area is simply beautiful and you will appreciate that there aren't lots of people wandering around from the boardwalk. It is like having a private garden.

 

[jollygreengirl]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone know what side the club is on? Is it closer to the middle (lobby) or down on the ESPN end?

I am really excited about it. I do think we are going to split stay, either at GF CL or WL CL. We LOVE WL and would like to try the club there. I've only ever stayed at Yacht Club CL, but loved all the perks. We don't normally go this crazy on a trip, but since our next Disney trip will be Tokyo Disney or HK Disney, we are going to enjoy Disney in English one more time. Ha ha.

 

[Pakey]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone know what side the club is on? Is it closer to the middle (lobby) or down on the ESPN end?

I am really excited about it. I do think we are going to split stay, either at GF CL or WL CL. We LOVE WL and would like to try the club there. I've only ever stayed at Yacht Club CL, but loved all the perks. We don't normally go this crazy on a trip, but since our next Disney trip will be Tokyo Disney or HK Disney, we are going to enjoy Disney in English one more time. Ha ha.

While not as far down as ESPN the club is closer to there than the lobby. It's a bit of a hike from the lobby elevators. We had a boardwalk view club room closer to ESPN and we went past the club to get there.

The Innkeepers Club is my favorite except for RPC. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks everyone! Does anyone know what side the club is on? Is it closer to the middle (lobby) or down on the ESPN end?

I am really excited about it. I do think we are going to split stay, either at GF CL or WL CL. We LOVE WL and would like to try the club there. I've only ever stayed at Yacht Club CL, but loved all the perks. We don't normally go this crazy on a trip, but since our next Disney trip will be Tokyo Disney or HK Disney, we are going to enjoy Disney in English one more time. Ha ha.

Hong Kong Disney has English - all of Hong Kong does.
You mentioned a 1 BR Villa as available. That is what I would do. The extra space is fantastic. You would have a fully stocked full kitchen, and a stackable washer and dryer. The Master BR has a King size bed and a jacuzzi tub. The LR has a pull out sofa that is very comfortable.
DS and his family stayed in a Garden Suite in Dec. They loved it and used the lounge a lot. I do not know exactly where it is, but I asked if it was a problem to go there from the Garden Suite and he said no. The bed in the Garden Suite is on the "balcony" over the living area downstairs, so not so much noise separation.
Good Luck