BoardWalk was just ok... did I miss something?

[CawfeeGuy]

"I can see where the draw would be if you planned to be in HS or Epcots world showcase everyday. But other than that What's the benefit of staying at the boardwalk?"

the huz and i stayed there last year (we split between Boardwalk and BLT) it was fantastic. i loved being able to walk or hop the boat to Epcot and/or Hollywood Studios. it was a particularly great spot because we were there for Food & Wine Festival.
personally, i also like the decor/aesthetic of the place more than some of the other resorts and that everything is on the boardwalk, itself.

 

[deedisneydream97]

We just returned from our 1st spilt stay...
My family of 4 stay at BWV studio for 5 nights before moving on to the VGF

I was so excited when our Waitlist for the BW view came through. I read all the hype and how difficult it is to get into. Although we enjoy the view, I don't think we will be going back anytime soon.

There is as a few things I didn't realize...

1.When the reviews say LONG hallways... They mean LLLLOOONNNGG hallways!
We had a young child and stroller with us, so 4 flights of stairs were not an option most days.

2. Everything is on the board walk... Other than a small shop inside. We had to walk out the boarwalk to get something to eat. Lack of seating is another issue once you get something to eat or drink.

3. Can be a long walk for little legs to/from Epcot or HS.
Since your choices are boat or walk. We often found ourselves walking (seemed faster then boat by the end of the day) My two DDs found walking to the parks harder has the week went on..


I can see where the draw would be if you planned to be in HS or Epcots world showcase everyday. But other than that What's the benefit of staying at the boardwalk??????????? other than getting a good work out..

Ps. My girls did love the pool... But they love the pool and splash zone at AKL better.

A difference in nightly points of between 8 - 10. And that's Lakeview vs BoardWalk for starters (VGF vs BWV). If you had BoardWalk view the elevator is very convenient. Don't know why you would take the stairs.

You definitely don't want to stay at beach club because the theme pool is a long hike from the villas. Or Saratoga springs. Food options are quite a hike. Kidani has the longest halls .. but I guess those didn't bother you? Unless you were close to the lobby but you won't always be that lucky.

I do think there should be some indoor seating for quick service, but don't know where they would put it.

 

[DougEMG]

BWV is my favorite resort and my top 3 reasons are:

1. standard room point cost
2. standard room point cost
3. standard room point cost

If not for that, I'd rather stay at BCV and have access to SAB and be able to walk to the restaurants without going outside and getting wet.

 

[JoeA]

Reading this just reminds me of how different touring plans are for different people.

I haven't carried a sleeping child down a hallway in >20 years. I love the walk to HS and EPCOT. I enjoy a glass of wine with my view so no worries about the soda machines.

And other than the boats waking me up each morning, the only time the boardwalk "noise" woke me up is when some drunk lady was walking down the boardwalk at 2:00 am screaming "Ohio State sucks" after Miami U beat them several years ago (I happen to be a buckeye so that aggravated me double!).

There's no "right or wrong". Just "right for me and wrong for you" or vice versa. That's the beauty!

PS: the last words I heard from that lady were, "oh 'poop', here come the cops...run!"

 

[Illini Al]

We just had our first there in February. I completely agree with the OP. We won't be back there. We stayed there due to the walking distance to HS and Epcot. As it turned out, we decided to drive anyway. For Epcot, we decided we wouldn't go directly back the villa at the end of the day, and for the next day at HS, we were too tired to walk there and use up the little energy we had.

 

[Nanajo1]

DH was a walker. He loved the walks to and from EP and DHS. His favorite thing was "Let's beat the boat!". DGKs love the nighttime activities. It is nice to end the day close to your villa. We are long past strollers. Maybe when OP is they will appreciate BWV more.

 

[cluvsdisney]

There's indoor seating with tables by the Belle Vue Lounge on the main floor on the inn side of the resort. I know it's not as convenient as the food courts in other resorts but it's an option.

 

[bwvBound]

His favorite thing was "Let's beat the boat!"

I say the same!

 

[JoeA]

DH was a walker. He loved the walks to and from EP and DHS. His favorite thing was "Let's beat the boat!". DGKs love the nighttime activities. It is nice to end the day close to your villa. We are long past strollers. Maybe when OP is they will appreciate BWV more.

I say the same!

My wife loves the boat rides but I prefer to walk, myself. I consider it a personal failure if I can't not only beat the boat, but get inside the park and start on my first beer!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We've stayed at BWV twice in our nearly 18 years of owning DVC. When we bought in 1997, our guide tried to get us to buy BWV, but we took OKW instead. I am glad we bought OKW instead. The parking is the deal breaker for me at BWV. When we had free valet, it wasn't so bad. But self parking, hate it.

 

[Judique]

We've stayed at BWV twice in our nearly 18 years of owning DVC. When we bought in 1997, our guide tried to get us to buy BWV, but we took OKW instead. I am glad we bought OKW instead. The parking is the deal breaker for me at BWV. When we had free valet, it wasn't so bad. But self parking, hate it.

Lol! Self parking for me - love it! I was in the last rooms at BWV standard last trip and always parked by the tennis courts, even when I got a nail in my tire which was probably from driving by the reno guys area. I was 4th floor also, and it's getting harder to climb those flights, but I figure use it or lose it.

Valet parking is literally 2 cars away from where I would park.

Location for me - Down to the first floor, turn left and there is the walking path to DHS out the door that is closest to DHS.

Down to the first floor, turn right and out the door by the little pond, follow the path up the hill to right of BW entrance and down the stairs by BWI to the walkway to Epcot.

Down to the first floor, turn left and out the door, right on the path a little bit to Community Hall and the quiet pool.

Cut around Community Hall and walk across Clown pool area to the Boardwalk for the Screen Door to get groceries or whatever.

No long halls involved. Probably not suitable for double wide strollers so I don't see many.
Probably not suitable if you can't climb stairs. I'm fighting at my age to keep this ability.

I hated the long halls at Jambo because there was no other escape option. At Kidani I had the room above the entrance area so no walk except to find car. So, I watch for AKL concierge - less of a hike to the parking. VWL - don't even search for a room there after 3 stays where it was either at the end of the long hall, looking at the dumpster or an unwanted HC room.

OKW - I miss the sofa. A studio there makes me feel as if I'm in bed all day if I spend any time in the room.

 

[crisi]

We just returned from our 1st spilt stay...
My family of 4 stay at BWV studio for 5 nights before moving on to the VGF

I was so excited when our Waitlist for the BW view came through. I read all the hype and how difficult it is to get into. Although we enjoy the view, I don't think we will be going back anytime soon.

There is as a few things I didn't realize...

1.When the reviews say LONG hallways... They mean LLLLOOONNNGG hallways!
We had a young child and stroller with us, so 4 flights of stairs were not an option most days.

2. Everything is on the board walk... Other than a small shop inside. We had to walk out the boarwalk to get something to eat. Lack of seating is another issue once you get something to eat or drink.

3. Can be a long walk for little legs to/from Epcot or HS.
Since your choices are boat or walk. We often found ourselves walking (seemed faster then boat by the end of the day) My two DDs found walking to the parks harder has the week went on..


I can see where the draw would be if you planned to be in HS or Epcots world showcase everyday. But other than that What's the benefit of staying at the boardwalk??????????? other than getting a good work out..

Ps. My girls did love the pool... But they love the pool and splash zone at AKL better.

I own BWV. I felt similarly about our BCV stay. The room was OK, but the hallway wasn't that much shorter and the walk to SAB was a LOT longer than any room we've had at the BW. I didn't like walking through the lobby to get to SAB in my swimsuit. The view - we had the coveted Epcot view - seemed more of a service road view to me. And my kids wanted to hop back to the BWV pool.

We do like the Epcot resort area - our kids stopped being little ten years ago, so the stairs aren't an issue, nor is carrying them back to the room. We are more Epcot fans than any other park, and usually end our days there - so for that reason BW is nice.

We've had rooms farther away from the lobby at Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom than we've ever had at BWV - Disney has lots of long walks, the BW hallways don't even make my list (Carribean Beach Resort or SSR or POR, getting to the feature pool or restaurants from the back ends of those resorts.....)

 

[Sir William]

Our #1 reason for enjoying Boardwalk Villas: Easy walk to the Dolphin Conference Center, the Swan Conference Center, the Yacht Club Conference Center and, should the conference need it, the Boardwalk Conference Center. We've attended so many events in these facilities over the past 20 years that we view this collection of hotels as a "campus" -- we get excited for learning just by seeing the Dolphin! Meeting up with friends, attending the large Keynote/General Sessions or smaller breakout sessions, sigh ... Heaven!

While we aren't thrilled with the Boardwalk dining options, we do pop into Epcot for dining provided we have active APs.

Reading this just reminds me of how different touring plans are for different people.

I haven't carried a sleeping child down a hallway in >20 years. I love the walk to HS and EPCOT. I enjoy a glass of wine with my view so no worries about the soda machines.

There's no "right or wrong". Just "right for me and wrong for you" or vice versa. That's the beauty!

Stayed at BWV once while attending a conference at the Dolphin. Very convenient, and I liked being able to use points at BWV instead of paying cash for a room at the Dolphin. I also liked being able to walk to the back entrance of Epcot and being instantly in the World Showcase. Otherwise, BWV and the Boardwalk in general does little for me, and I'd rather stay at SSR and enjoy DTD.

 

[CindeBella]

Our DVC is also at BWV. For us, we love the Boardwalk area, always have, watching the entertainment in the evening, fireworks from our balcony, bike rental, and being able to walk to the back entrance of Epcot. Also, the dining options are good, we love Flying Fish, Big River Grille for a quick bite to eat, Boardwalk Joe's margaritas, Boardwalk Bakery and Seashore Sweets. We can't wait to try the new Trattoria. An added bonus, the World Showcase restaurants are a short walk... I especially love to go to Les Halles for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Any day without riding the buses are a good day for me.

 

[goofy4tink]

A difference in nightly points of between 8 - 10. And that's Lakeview vs BoardWalk for starters (VGF vs BWV). If you had BoardWalk view the elevator is very convenient. Don't know why you would take the stairs.

You definitely don't want to stay at beach club because the theme pool is a long hike from the villas. Or Saratoga springs. Food options are quite a hike. Kidani has the longest halls .. but I guess those didn't bother you? Unless you were close to the lobby but you won't always be that lucky.

I do think there should be some indoor seating for quick service, but don't know where they would put it.

I believe I had the same villa the OP did..or pretty close. It's 203 steps from the elevator! It's boardwalk view...but down by The Attic, very close to Jellyrolls! That is certainly not convenient to the elevators. I did use the stairs when we were there....the door to the stairs was two doors away. But I'll tell you...if you're on the top floor, that's a nasty walk up at night!!! And with a stroller? Nope, not happening.

A friend and I (both own at BWVs) stayed at Kidani once. We took a walk to the end of the building. And people think BW has long walks???? I stopped counting steps after 350!!! Need to pack a snack and water if you're at the end of that walk!!

There are long walks at every resort. The lack of inside quick service is a bigger issue for me. I really wish BW would put something in like they have over at BCVs....a smallish quick service area. They used to have a kids club at BW...wonder what that area is being used for now?

 

[Slakk]

I disliked BWV immensely when I had a young child. I promised I would NEVER stay there again. I am currently sitting in my 1BR pool view at BWV - go figure LOL. Now with an older teenager it is WONDERFUL. He loves Epcot so he comes and goes as he pleases. I think that is what is nice is as your kids age your taste changes. I will not stay BW view - way too loud for us but love the pool side.

 

[cluvsdisney]

I believe I had the same villa the OP did..or pretty close. It's 203 steps from the elevator! It's boardwalk view...but down by The Attic, very close to Jellyrolls! That is certainly not convenient to the elevators. I did use the stairs when we were there....the door to the stairs was two doors away. But I'll tell you...if you're on the top floor, that's a nasty walk up at night!!! And with a stroller? Nope, not happening.

A friend and I (both own at BWVs) stayed at Kidani once. We took a walk to the end of the building. And people think BW has long walks???? I stopped counting steps after 350!!! Need to pack a snack and water if you're at the end of that walk!!

There are long walks at every resort. The lack of inside quick service is a bigger issue for me. I really wish BW would put something in like they have over at BCVs....a smallish quick service area. They used to have a kids club at BW...wonder what that area is being used for now?

I thought I was the only one who counted steps. Ha!

We were assigned to the room next the attic once...oy that was a hike.

 

[southerngirl528]

Lorilais_mommie, I'm with Wdrl. I always tell brand new members who ask me what the "best" DVC resorts are (I've been a member 22 years), I always tell them this…….. you could stay at every single DVC resort and I would be willing to bet money your favorite will not be the same as mine!

Not to ruffle anyone's feathers, but BW is one of my very least favorite DVC resorts. Please don't' be offended, BW lovers. I'm just giving up some space for you to book! Folks either seem to love or hate my own home resort, OKW. I love it. Always have. Like wdrl said, there really is a DVC resort for everyone. I tend to book different ones depending on who is coming along, if anyone, and what the occasion is.

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

I believe I had the same villa the OP did..or pretty close. It's 203 steps from the elevator! It's boardwalk view...but down by The Attic, very close to Jellyrolls! That is certainly not convenient to the elevators. I did use the stairs when we were there....the door to the stairs was two doors away. But I'll tell you...if you're on the top floor, that's a nasty walk up at night!!! And with a stroller? Nope, not happening.

A friend and I (both own at BWVs) stayed at Kidani once. We took a walk to the end of the building. And people think BW has long walks???? I stopped counting steps after 350!!! Need to pack a snack and water if you're at the end of that walk!!

There are long walks at every resort. The lack of inside quick service is a bigger issue for me. I really wish BW would put something in like they have over at BCVs....a smallish quick service area. They used to have a kids club at BW...wonder what that area is being used for now?

Must have been same room.. My count was 207.. Although I'm pretty short.
For us, we could have over looked having to go our to the boardwalk for everything, only having one set of elevators, or even the long walks to Epcot and DHS.
But those 207 steps every day (414 if I forgot something) Was the straw the broke the camels back.

And your right.. There was no way I was climbing 4 flights of stairs carrying a stroller and a sleeping child.. While pushing my other child up the stairs.. Although I'd love to see the person who designed the building try it!

 

[Sammie]

It is a beautiful resort but not my favorite and I totally agree with you about all the walking. I have always been closer to a bus ride to any park at SSR or OKW than anytime at BWV, so I never understood the great appeal of being near a park if you have to walk to get there. I will take cold bus any day over another long walk after a long day at the parks.