Boardwalk Inn Questions

[grumpyandbashful]

OK, I'm an old WDW vet, but have never stayed at the BWI (most other deluxes, though, including BC and YC). My 16 yo DD and I will be staying there in late early August in a standard room. We've requested a garden view with a fireworks view if possible. Will we possibly have a long trek to the lobby? Is it better to ask for a garden or courtyard view close to the lobby?
How is bus transportation to the MK and AK?
How is the continental breakfast in the lobby? What is offered?
We are staying at the BWI mainly for the convenience to Epcot and MGM and just because we love the Epcot area and want to try a new resort. Any other tips and suggestions greatly appreciated - thanks!

 

[grumpyandbashful]

That's supposed to be late July/early August!!

 

[Tara]

OK, I'm an old WDW vet, but have never stayed at the BWI (most other deluxes, though, including BC and YC). My 16 yo DD and I will be staying there in late early August in a standard room. We've requested a garden view with a fireworks view if possible. Will we possibly have a long trek to the lobby? Is it better to ask for a garden or courtyard view close to the lobby?
How is bus transportation to the MK and AK?
How is the continental breakfast in the lobby? What is offered?
We are staying at the BWI mainly for the convenience to Epcot and MGM and just because we love the Epcot area and want to try a new resort. Any other tips and suggestions greatly appreciated - thanks!

Maybe it's just me -- I've never felt like even the more distant rooms were all that far from the lobby. I've always thought the real hikes were on the Villas end, but that's just MHO.

I recall bus transportation to MK/AK being fine, though the AK route is shared with other Epcot resorts so it can be a bit slower. (Maybe MK route is shared, too -- it's been a while since I stayed there.)

For breakfast, you can purchase coffee, soda, juice, milk and pastries at the Bellevue Room, which is off the main lobby.

BWI is an excellent resort choice -- I adore it. Take some time to walk around and look at the antique midway games and displays.

 

[WickedWench]

How is bus transportation to the MK and AK?

The problem with the bus transportation is that the BWI shares the bus with the Swan, Dolphin, BC and YC resorts. Keep in mind that the BWI is the LAST stop, both going and coming. When heading to the MK or the AK, you'll go straight to the Park, which is very nice. We never encountered a full bus, which was something I was concerned about.

When coming home, however, you'll have to wait through all the stops. When I was there, a number of BWI guests would get off at the Swan or Dolphin (I forget which came first on the loop), and would walk to the BWI from there. The first night I came back from the MK, I did not know this, and it took over an hour to get back to the room from the time we left the MK. After that, I drove to the Contemporary and parked there to go to the MK, which I've since learned is a no-no. *shrug* The Contemporary parking attendents just waved me through without stopping when they saw the BWI parking pass.

Anyway, the hour-plus trip was made at park closing. When we came back from the AK around mid-afternoon, it wasn't quite as bad.

Another thing you can do is to go through Epcot and take the monorail to the MK. I did that the first day, but decided it was too much walking. I think it's only worth while if you're going to be spending time in both parks on the same day.

When returning from MGM, the majority of BWI guests got off the boat at the Swan/Dolphin stop, since it's just across a bridge to the Boardwalk, then walked along the Boardwalk back to the hotel. I was lazy (plus I enjoyed the ride, seeing the resort all lit up at night) and stayed on the boat through all the stops. The boat generally took about a half hour to/from MGM, and 10 minutes to/from Epcot. You could probably walk to both places faster, but I'd rather relax while on vacation. :>

This was my first trip where I did not stay at a monorail resort, and I have to say I really missed the convenience.

Otherwise, I loved the resort. The Boardwalk was wonderful at night. It was great having so many dining options on Boardwalk, plus with the YC, BC and WS just a short boat ride away.

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

We stayed at the BWI for 8 nights last month. We had a standard room (4278) and we overlooked a quiet courtyard and had a great view of the Epcot fireworks. It was real close to the elevator also. We tried the Yacht Club Galley and Spoodles for breakfast. Pretty good but was disappointed that Spoodles removed our favorite from their menu....breakfast pizza. Because of this we ate there only once. We tried the bakery but it was expensive and just OK. We finally tried the Bellevue room since we walked past it every day. It was the best deal in the area. They had a nice selection of bagels, muffins and donuts. It was so convenient not having to go outside to have breakfast. If you are a coffee drinker let me give you a tip. The coffee in the room is really weak. I tried putting two of the coffee bags into the coffee maker and it was better. Not great, but definitely better.
As for the buses, we only shared with the Swan and Dolphin last month for the MK and AK. The Yacht and Beach clubs were only on our run for Downtown Disney. We really loved our stay and would definitely stay there again.....the same room or that area would be great.

 

[TLinden16]

I was almost to the end of the hallway when I stayed there, and it took me maybe four minutes to walk to the elevators. My room overlooked the Garden Suites, and had a fireworks view.

Karen