Boardwalk Inn vs. Villas

[Karabee]

I'm shopping around for early December (can you tell I'm excited?) and I am able to save a bit of money by staying at the Boardwalk Villas rather than the "Inn". Can someone tell me the difference between the two? I would just be looking at the Studio, not any with the separate bedrooms. Anything more other than the kitchenette?

 

[chalee94]

a studio always has 1 queen bed plus 1 double pullout sofabed (OKW has studios with 2 queens but it is the exception).

DVC studios are refurbished by the fees DVC owners pay, so they are not refreshed as often as the hotel side...not usually an issue but there it is.

DVC villa stays reserved directly with disney include daily housekeeping.

DVC villa stays reserved on points through a DVC owner include some form of housekeeping every 4th day but that is it. points stays through owners also do not generally allow for cancellations, and certainly would not qualify for disney-offered deals like free dining or "40% off" or whatever...

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

One difference is that the Boardwalk Villas rooms will have a kitchenette and etc. Plus check-in for them is 4:00 PM and you can't request a late check-out.

For the Boardwalk Inn rooms I believe the design of them is a bit different compared to the Villas, check-in is 3:00 PM, if needed you can request a late check-out and their rooms also come with a mini fridge.

 

[spiceycat]

well the studio has queen bed and a sleeper sofa

while the BWI has 2 queen beds.

you will get a balcony.

one of the problems with BWV is the elevators are all together in one area. So unless you are near these elevators either plan on a lot of walking. Or learn the staircases and use them.

there are no restuarants or even snack areas in BWV - there is a limit snack area in the main pool bar.

otherwise it is the BW.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

there are no restuarants or even snack areas in BWV - there is a limit snack area in the main pool bar.

Well even though it's loctaed just before elevators that go towards the BWI rooms, inside the lobby is the Belle Vue Lounge. Although the only food they sell is the continental breakfast each morning. However since all the other restaurants/quick service locations are located outside on the Boardwalk then the BWI guests are in the same situation as the BWV guests.

 

[francie57]

We love the BWVs. The studio will have the small frig, microwave, sink, coffeemaker area. You will have a queen bed and a sleeper. There is a table and 2 chairs and an armoir with the TV. The vanity for the bathroom is outside the bathroom so one can be getting ready while someone is in the shower. There is a full balcony with chairs and table. As far as the elevators being far away, we just use the nearest stairway and have never had any trouble coming out by the pool, by the boat area of the boardwalk, or to the walkway leading to The Studios. The villas were also completely refurbed about 4 years ago so they are really up-to-date and nice.

 

[Karabee]

Thanks all! I really think this would be a great stay for my sister and I. Let's hope there is a special in early December so we can go!

 

[ValpoCory]

Well even though it's loctaed just before elevators that go towards the BWI rooms, inside the lobby is the Belle Vue Lounge. Although the only food they sell is the continental breakfast each morning. However since all the other restaurants/quick service locations are located outside on the Boardwalk then the BWI guests are in the same situation as the BWV guests.

We ate breakfast 4 times in 8 days at the Belle Vue Lounge. Not having counter service dining options is one of the expectations you need to set for yourself when staying at the BWI/BWV. During a rain storm, a large number of people end up ordering room service, which can take upwards of 2 hours to get to your room. And I know it sounds petty, but if you have picky eaters for kids, set your expectations accordingly. The room service menu didn't even have chicken nuggets, and you can't get them anywhere on the Boardwalk except the ESPN Club, but they won't let you order to go.

Also, the BWV has a free laundry room, but as you would expect with anything free, the lines can be hours long to start your load, and thus most go over to the pay laundry room at the BWI.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The room service menu didn't even have chicken nuggets, and you can't get them anywhere on the Boardwalk except the ESPN Club, but they won't let you order to go.

Actually now you can take out food from the ESPN Club and it's something I did twice when I stayed at the Boardwalk Inn this past December. The only catch is they automatically charge 18% gratuity on all take out orders.

 

[ValpoCory]

Actually now you can take out food from the ESPN Club and it's something I did twice when I stayed at the Boardwalk Inn this past December. The only catch is they automatically charge 18% gratuity on all take out orders.

OK, thanks. I figured the reason they didn't was due to losing out on tips. But I'd pay 18% in a heartbeat if it's raining and I need to get my picky-eater kids some dinner.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

OK, thanks. I figured the reason they didn't was due to losing out on tips. But I'd pay 18% in a heartbeat if it's raining and I need to get my picky-eater kids some dinner.

You're welcome.

 

[fla4fun]

I've stayed at the villas a lot. So many people complain about the "long walk" to the elevators, but I've stayed at other Disney resorts that had walks that felt much longer (YC, BC, AKL come to mind right away). I also don't feel that the restaurants are any farther from the villas than from the inn - that all depends on your room location. I have been on the top floor, ground floor, and every floor in between, and never felt that the walk was bad.

It really depends on the number of people in the room and whether the larger fridge and the microwave are a benefit to you. If there are two adults willing to share the bed, or if they have small children, then the villa is a good fit. If you have more than two adults, or the two adults don't want to share, then you might prefer the two regular beds in the inn.

 

[MUFFYCAT]

I just came back fom my first time at the Boardwalk Inn and I loved it!!
Everything about it worked out perfect for us.
Probably the only fault was the room was smaller then what we're used to at the Polynesian.

 

[Karabee]

fla4fun - I'm not worried about the walk at all, so if that's the worst thing about the Villas I'll be thrilled!

MUFFYCAT - It's always good to hear from someone who has never stayed there and enjoyed it! As you can see from my signature, I've been trying out new places rather than just sticking with the same one.

Thanks!