Boardwalk Inn

[buzz1fan]

What does everyone think of the BWI? I saw a pool picture and it looked so cool. We are staying at the Poly, but I am wondering if this is one we should think about instead.

 

[marksor]

Great place. Stay there if you can afford it. You won't be disappointed. Location and theming are the best.

 

[paladin]

We love BWI; we'll be there again in December. You just can't beat the location IMHO - being able to walk out of Epcot via the International Gateway after Illuminations is great.

 

[AJKMOM]

I would say you can't go wrong with either resort. I have heard wonderful things about the Poly, too. some people are afraid of the clown slide at the BWI.

 

[Castle crazy]

You'll love the Boardwalk. We have stayed there the last 4 years at all different times of the year and have never been disappointed. If pools is what you are after look across the lake at the Beach Club. Their pools are the best at WDW. But, the Boardwalk is my favorite of all the hotels.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

I'm a big fan of both.

At the BWI, you have the option of walking into the International Gateway entrance at Epcot, and walking or hopping on a boat to the Studios. There are lots of great dining options - from World Showcase being so close, restuarants on the boardwalk, and the other Epcot area hotels. I liked the theming, and the amenities are very nice. It's a beautiful place to wander, especially in the morning.

But the Poly is still my favorite. Love the monorial to the MK and walking to the TTC for the direct monorail to Epcot. I love having easy access to the GF and CR for dining and watching the fireworks from the beach at night. The theming is so well-done, and I feel like I never really leave the magic until I'm in the car and heading home. I really like the Volcano pool area, too.

You might consider where you expect to spend the most time and what transportation situation is more to your advantage. At the end of the day, I always pick the theme I like best! You can't go wrong with either.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

BWI is fabulous.

 

[CMASmom]

I stayed there a few years ago and loved it! I really enjoyed being close to Epcot and walking in through the international gateway. I think it really depends on what park you want to spend more time in - MK or Epcot.

 

[LukenDC]

I really enjoyed the BWI. The resort has a good location and the theming is quite pleasant. The hallways are filled with turn of the century knick-knacks that are interesting to look at. In the mornings I enjoyed sitting on the verandah at the front of the resort while I had my coffee and pastry.

As much as I liked the BWI, the Poly is still my favorite and I will be returning to the Poly again in Sept.

 

[MickeyNicki]

We are booked here for the second part of our week in Oct so when we were at the YC last month we walked over and checked it out. We liked the quiet pool, that is mega important to us....this was a large area with a big hot tub and a ton of umbrella tables. The resort (not the DVC side) was nice and quiet and just a short walk to the main lobby area. They have rocking chairs that sit out overlooking the BW main area, nice coffee bar off the lobby...we are super excited about staying there

 

[disney777]

I stayed at Boardwalk Villas, and my room overlooked the clown pool. I watched the kids running up the stairs to go down the slide. I had the greatest view! I could see TOT and part of the Hat from my balcony. I enjoyed watching the boats on their way to and from DHS. One day, there were a bunch of hot air balloons I could see floating in the distance. I really lucked out, since I had just paid for the standard view.
The location was great, since I could walk to EPCOT and DHS. I love using the "back door" to EPCOT. This worked out great, since EPCOT is one of my favorite resorts. The bus system was nothing to write home about. I didn't like stopping at a couple resorts before heading off to MK or AKL. But I just chilled and appreciated that I only needed to take a bus for 2 parks, instead of 4.

 

[antmaril]

BWI is our favorite Disney resort. I LOVE the theming of BWO and being able to walk to Epcot. Nothing beats a relaxed stroll back to the Boardwalk after Illuminations. Love it!

 

[Glampire31]

the boardwalk inn and Villas are my favorite... I also like the Polynesian but the last couple of years we have stayed at the Boardwalk.... I especially love how at night it seems to come alive with activity.. From magicians to jugglers etc..

 

[fall08CP]

I work there!

 

[kbtennant]

We love staying at the Boardwalk!! It is by far our favorite Disney Resort. The location is great. You can walk or take a boat to Epcot & Hollywood Studios. You can walk across the way to the Yacht & Beach Club, as well as the Swan & Dolphin. Lots to do on the boardwalk....games, restaurants, magicians in the evening, etc., so much fun. The theming and atmosphere is fantastic. The pool is a lot of fun as well.

 

[Disneymooner12/08]

Aww I am so glad to hear all these wonderful comments everyone has been giving you about the boardwalk inn! I am honeymooning there this december and I chose it because it really looked like a nice romantic hotel and I really like that I will be able to walk to Epcot! Hopefully I will not be disappointed!

 

[nurse.darcy]

I haven't stayed there but had friends staying there during our magical gathering. I got a good look at the place. I always thought I would love this hotel and now I know I absolutely adore this place. I will be staying there in August and cannot wait.

 

[tiger4me2]

BWI is great but I like the Yacht Club as well but got two that I like in Epcot area Can't go wrong with the BWI

 

[ReneeDisney]

Another vote for the BWI!
We'll be there in October for 9 days and I'm looking forward to enjoying the quick walk to EPCOT and fun boatride to DHS.

 

[Clotho]

I love both! Stayed at both, and here is my rundown:

Decor:
I prefer Polynesian. I like the dark woods, huge rooms, flat screen TV's, large bathrooms, the beautiful grounds.

BWI is due for a renovation (which it is starting this summer, apparently), and I found the rooms a bit to pastel for my tastes. But that's me.

Staff:
The staff at BWI was amazingly friendly and helpful.
I found the desk staff at Poly to be below my expectations.
BWI FTW on this one.

Food:
Poly has a 24 hour snack shop, which was important to us, who are night owls. We were so-so on Kona Cafe, and had to cancel our 'Ohana ressies. Did NOT like the luau (but that isn't a "drop by and have dinner" place anyway)

BWI has many many options during regular meal hours, including Spoodles. Flying Fish, ESPN, and Big River Grille. Lots of options. But their only 24 hour food is room service, which is expensive and, at least when we went, limited and not good bang for your buck.

Winner here depends on what time of day/how you like to plan your meals.

Transportation:
You can't beat the monorail to the MK at Poly. It was amazing. And being able to walk to the TTC to get to ride to Epcot was double plus good. Bus service seemed fine, and only shared with the monorail resorts.

That said, we love World Showcase, and getting to walk there from the BWI was fantastic. We are so looking forward to that again this year when we return to the BW--we felt we didn't get enough time in World Showcase last trip (though we got tons of MK time!), because it was such a pill to get there--walk to the TTC, take the monorail, then the long walk across Epcot to get to WS, and reverse it all to get home.

Oh and don't forget the quick boat ride to DHS, too.

We did find the buses a little tedious at BWI, since we had stops at Swolphin and Bacht Club before going to DTD and MK. But it was never too overcrowded, as some resorts complain about.

We opted for BWI this trip because half the trip there will be MVMCP going on at MK, so the bonus of having the monorail to get to MK is lessened since most nights we won't be able to go to MK. So BWI it was on this alone.

Hope that helps you with your decision!