I know the Boardwalk is a deluxe, but the pictures of the grounds dont scream deluxe to me? Ive never seen it in person. We stayed at Animal Kingdom Kidani last (and first) visit, and we loved the rooms and grounds.
I've stayed at AKL, BWI, and BWV. I've also walked through AKV Kidani. To compare the two resorts. BW does not have a large lobby like AKL Jambo does, but you stayed at Kidani which also has a smaller lobby. If your kids really enjoyed the splash area at Kidani, I can understand why they would prefer CBR's pool over BW's.
Like AKL, the BW is very well themed. However, that only matters if you enjoy the theme they are trying to portray. If turn of the century Atlantic City is appealing to you, you'll like it's theme.
My husband isnt "feeling" the decor, so I am trying to outweigh that with other positives!
I'll admit, I'm not a big fan of the BWV room decor. It's not a big enough deal for me to not stay there.
I love the decor of the rest of the resort though, so again it comes down to personal taste.
We would do a studio at boardwalk. The pool definitely appeals to the kids much more at the CBR.
is the decor and interior of the BW better in person? I feel like pics may not do any justice.
It would be hard to say if the pictures you've looked at are just bad, since I don't know what you're looking at, or if the BW is just not the resort for you. I can tell you all day how beautiful I think the BW is all day, but you could still get there and think I'm a crazy person, and that it's hideous.
All things equal, I would choose BW over CBR. The convenience it provides to two parks, interior corridors, a balcony, and more dining options are what's important to me. I would be happy at either resorts' pool.
I would advise you to not stay at a resort you're leery about.
