Boardwalk Question

[princesslover]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but someone will move it if not.

Staying at BWV in December on a split stay with VGF. (Two nights each).

Have not purchased plane tickets so not sure of our arrival time so that could factor in. Assuming we arrive by mid afternoon, is it worthwhile to have a park reservation for Hollywood Stdios? Or just hang around the Boardwalk? Our other option for Hollywood Studios is a half day on our third day (we have MVMCP that evening). But wondering if it’s worth it to see HS at night during the Holidays Then again, I like the idea of just relaxing that first night. We will have a first time Disney visitor with us (My Mom). Which would you do?

 

[kristenabelle]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but someone will move it if not.

Staying at BWV in December on a split stay with VGF. (Two nights each).

Have not purchased plane tickets so not sure of our arrival time so that could factor in. Assuming we arrive by mid afternoon, is it worthwhile to have a park reservation for Hollywood Stdios? Or just hang around the Boardwalk? Our other option for Hollywood Studios is a half day on our third day (we have MVMCP that evening). But wondering if it’s worth it to see HS at night during the Holidays Then again, I like the idea of just relaxing that first night. We will have a first time Disney visitor with us (My Mom). Which would you do?

I'm biased, but DHS is my favorite holidays park. The retro decor, music, and snow/overlay show on Tower of Terror is amazing. I could spend all night just soaking in the holiday atmosphere. I'd recommend it over daytime during the holidays, absolutely

 

[princesslover]

I'm biased, but DHS is my favorite holidays park. The retro decor, music, and snow/overlay show on Tower of Terror is amazing. I could spend all night just soaking in the holiday atmosphere. I'd recommend it over daytime during the holidays, absolutely

Thank you. I’m kind of leaning that way too. HS will be a madhouse but it will be on the other half day too.

If we did that, we could explore the boardwalk on check out day. So our days would be:

Arrival day: DHS
Day two: Epcot (break in afternoon and coming back at night)
Day three: check out of BWV. Explore boardwalk a bit before heading to VGF. Go to MVMCP that night
Day four: MK regular ticket

 

[Best Aunt]

Day three: check out of BWV. Explore boardwalk a bit before heading to VGF. Go to MVMCP that night

I love staying in the Epcot resort area, but there really isn't that much to explore on the BoardWalk itself, especially during the day. There's a gift shop and Wyland Galleries. Other than that, there is the BoardWalk Bakery, some food kiosks, and table service restaurants. Abracada Bar doesn't open until 4:00. Jellyrolls doesn't open until 7:00. I'm not sure what the latest news is on the games and entertainers that were there pre-COVID, but I think those were evening also.

 

[princesslover]

I love staying in the Epcot resort area, but there really isn't that much to explore on the BoardWalk itself, especially during the day. There's a gift shop and Wyland Galleries. Other than that, there is the BoardWalk Bakery, some food kiosks, and table service restaurants. Abracada Bar doesn't open until 4:00. Jellyrolls doesn't open until 7:00. I'm not sure what the latest news is on the games and entertainers that were there pre-COVID, but I think those were evening also.

Those are good points too. Also, it seems like terms of nightlife at the boardwalk, it doesn’t seem like there is much that would appeal to my two teenage daughters. If my Mom or I wanted to check out Jellyrolls or Abracadabra Bar, maybe we could do that after getting back from either Epcot or DHS one of those nights.

I think on checkout day, we might explore a bit of the Boardwalk then maybe head over to Beaches and Cream at the BC for lunch. This is all tentative in my head though so I am open to different ideas!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I never make a park reservation on arrival day. You're assuming that the airplane will land when it's projected to. I've had airplanes arrive hours later than advertised, up to a full day late. You're more trusting than I am, thinking of a park reservation.

 

[Shellyred8]

I think HS is really great in the evening during the Christmas season. They really do a nice job with the decorations there. We can spend 30 minutes or so just watching the ToT projections!

 

[princesslover]

I never make a park reservation on arrival day. You're assuming that the airplane will land when it's projected to. I've had airplanes arrive hours later than advertised, up to a full day late. You're more trusting than I am, thinking of a park reservation.

No, I’m not assuming anything. . If you read my post I said “all of this assumes we land mid afternoon.” I see your point though about trusting. I guess I would have to plead my case to Disney to have my park day moved. Or see if I could use it for next trip. .

 

[BillPA]

You could relax and tour the other resorts to see the holiday decorations. Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian are our favorites. AK Jambo is really good also.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

Galaxy’s Edge at night is pretty cool. But I wouldn’t necessarily use a park ticket for it unless you have an annual pass.

I like the PP’s suggestion of touring the other resorts. Or you can visit Disney Springs. I also distrust airlines so wouldn’t make any reservations that will cost you $ if the plane doesn’t land on time.

 

[princesslover]

You could relax and tour the other resorts to see the holiday decorations. Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian are our favorites. AK Jambo is really good also.

Hmmmm. I briefly considered that, but kind of defeats the purpose of the split stay. We are literally staying at VGF the last two days. We were hoping to plan our activities according to location.

 

[Nabas]

You could relax and tour the other resorts to see the holiday decorations. Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian are our favorites. AK Jambo is really good also.

Since the OP is staying at BWV, they could simply tour the Crescent Lake hotels: Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, and Beach Club.

It sounds like the OP has 2 teenagers. Alternatively, those 2 could walk to DHS while the adults do the Crescent Lake hotels.

It’s the difference between buying 2 vs 4 tickets.

 

[princesslover]

Since the OP is staying at BWV, they could simply tour the Crescent Lake hotels: Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, and Beach Club.

It sounds like the OP has 2 teenagers. Alternatively, those 2 could walk to DHS while the adults do the Crescent Lake hotels.

It’s the difference between buying 2 vs 4 tickets.

I think since my Mom has never been to Disney I would prefer she be the one to go. My kids have been many times.

Seems like HS is out for us though. At least at night.

 

[Best Aunt]

Those are good points too. Also, it seems like terms of nightlife at the boardwalk, it doesn’t seem like there is much that would appeal to my two teenage daughters. If my Mom or I wanted to check out Jellyrolls or Abracadabra Bar, maybe we could do that after getting back from either Epcot or DHS one of those nights.

I think on checkout day, we might explore a bit of the Boardwalk then maybe head over to Beaches and Cream at the BC for lunch. This is all tentative in my head though so I am open to different ideas!!

Beaches and Cream can be a hard resie to get. The Fountain at the Dolphin has similar food and doesn't require reservations. Download the Swan/Dolphin app for more info.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, I've had trouble getting a B&C ADR in advance. However, once I got to WDW, I've been able to get a Beaches and Cream ADR a couple days out on the last two trips.

 

[princesslover]

Beaches and Cream can be a hard resie to get. The Fountain at the Dolphin has similar food and doesn't require reservations. Download the Swan/Dolphin app for more info.

Interesting. We’ve never had an issue right at the 60 day mark. Even last Christmas break.

 

[princesslover]

Beaches and Cream can be a hard resie to get. The Fountain at the Dolphin has similar food and doesn't require reservations. Download the Swan/Dolphin app for more info.

As I just said to the other poster, never have had an issue, even during busy times.

This last trip, we got stuck in the rain at Hollywood Studios and the boats were not running and it took the busses a while to get to us and get loaded. We were nearly two hours late and they got us right in.

 

[Nabas]

Beaches and Cream can be a hard resie to get. The Fountain at the Dolphin has similar food and doesn't require reservations. Download the Swan/Dolphin app for more info.

The walk-up window at Beaches & Cream is open again.