BWI Review

[mbaker1277]

First of all please let me state that we were die hard WL fans. To us there could be no better place to stay. But I am a travel agent and in over 33 visits to WDW we had never stayed at an Epcot area resort. So we decided to split our December 13-20th visit between the BWI and the WL, putting our stay at the BWI first.
That was a mistake, because we never wanted to leave the BWI. We booked a standard view room, and it was maybe 5 steps from an elevator, but the view was of the front of the resort. Next time we will definately book a promenade view.
Check in was very quick, and the CM who checked us in was wonderful! She made sure that we had a room with a good location, and told us if it wasn't to our liking to be sure and come back because she wanted to make sure we had the best experience.
The christmas decorations were gorgeous! Garlands were hung everywere, and the gingerbread boardwalk was unbelievable. The location also couldn't be beat. It rained heavily on our first day and the walk to Epcot took 6 or 7 minutes at the most. We could see the fireworks from Wishes from the Boardwalk and we could also view fireworks from Illuminations from the bridge by the International Gateway.
The room itself was gorgeous. We had 2 queen beds and a cherry daybed, with tons of dresser, closet, and room space. The bathroom was roomy, with marble and a phone in the bath. Everything was sparkling clean and in very good shape.
Our dining options were great too. We ate twice at ESPN, and the Boardwalk bakery.
For us there is no going back to anything else. From now on it will be the Boardwalk forever!

 

[Laura1994]

pictures of the pool at BWI intrigues me. Problem for us is we like the easy transportation (boat) to MK & Contemporary from WL. So staying at BWI seems like a hassle to get back to MK side?

Also we took a stroll over on the boardwalk last time we visited, is this an easy walk from BWI?

What's restaurants/food are over at BWI?

Maybe we should be considering a change, lol!

 

[Tinkbell]

Thanks for the review. I'll be trying the BWI for the first time this summer. Can't wait!

 

[mbaker1277]

Since we split our vacation with a stay at the WL, we planned most of our activities around the Epcot resort area for that portion of our stay. The walk to Epcot was so quick and easy, and much faster than the ferryboat service. There is also boat service to MGM. We found it so convenient .
The Boardwalk is just off of the lobby, down a short flight of stairs. Since our room was close to the elevator, it was a very quick walk to the Boardwalk. At night time they had entertainment outside, with musicians and jugglers. You can also get face painting, hair wraps, temporary tattoos, and play games of chance for prizes.
One of the most fun things we did was rent a surrey bike. My 5yr. old daughter was not going to leave us alone until we did it. She sat up front in the basket seat and rang the bell everytime we came near to someone. This route took us around the boardwalk, past the Swan and Dolphin, and aroun to the Yacht and Beach Club, and back again. They were all within an easy walking distance, so your dining options are great. At the Boardwalk there is ESPN, Spoodles, Flying Fish, Big River, and the Boardwalk Bakery. Add that to the dining options at the other resorts within a short walk plus Epcot, and you've got alot of options!

 

[Lexxiefern]

We absolutely love the BW also. We split our stay the first time there and we did not want to switch over to the GF because we loved the BW so much! We now own DVC at BW

 

[palmtreegirl]

YAY! We're trying out the BWV this trip and your post has me so excited!

Thanks for the review!

 

[mbaker1277]

Since I am a travel agent I get to tour the resorts and see the rooms, and on this trip I toured the GF. Honestly, I did not see much difference in the rooms, except for the beds being 4 posters and the mini bar. It seemed to be of the same size, and the decor was on the same level as the BWI. I honestly couldn't see much difference except the price. Also we didn't really enjoy the vibe of the GF, mostly all we saw were older couples there. But honestly we enjoyed the BWI so much that every resort pales in comparison.

 

[AllyandJack]

Thank you for the review - I just posted a request for opinions on this resort since I plan to stray from my normal resorts and try this one.

One question: I want a standard view room because I don't want to be overlooking the actual Boardwalk.....is it noisy? Could you hear music until 2am?? That is my big fear about this resort, that it will be much noisier than, say, the Yacht Club, becuase of the Boardwalk.

Thank you for the review....I'm getting very excited about my trip and I may be changing my signature line to read "Boardwalk Inn."

 

[mbaker1277]

I did not think the Boardwalk was noisy at all at nighttime, but we had a standard view so I cannot comment on the noise level from the rooms. From what I have read the rooms are pretty well soundproofed, and I cannot imagine staying there without a Boardwalk view next time. Just the view across the lake to the Yacht&Beach Club and to be able to see Wishes from my room would be worth the extra cost.

 

[CalGal]

I had a standard view at the BWI last summer and faxed a request for a high floor with a view of the fireworks (if possible). We were assigned a room with a lovely view of the inner gardens that overlooked all of Epcot, including the fireworks. It was a beautiful view (at a standard rate)! The room was close to the elevator, which was great, but the elevator did make a little noise. Other than that, the room was very quiet. I loved everything about the BWI and would recommend it to anyone. My son (age 12 at the time) loved it as well. With younger kids, I'd still probably split between a monorail resort for convenience to MK. Getting back to the BWI from MK was a bit of a hassle when we left after fireworks with the masses.

 

[Cinderella37]

We are converts from the GF and will never, ever go back. The BWI is on par with any Ritz-Carlton we've stayed in. We had a Boardwalk view a few weeks ago and we didn't hear any noise. It was wonderful though to open the balcony doors and hear Christmas music! The only night we could hear voices was after a Monday Night Football game. Our room was close the ESPN Club, though and we were awake. If we had been sleeping, we never would have known.

I was nervous about the ride to the MK since I had only stayed in a Monorail resort ever since I was 3. The bus transportation was wonderful - we never waited more than 5 minutes for a bus at the BWI or the MK. Even after MVMCP (2 nights) we didn't wait for a bus. Can you tell I love this resort???

 

[franw]

My son's family spent five nights at the BWI in the room right over the Boardwalk Bakery. Not only did they love it but said that it was very quiet. The only noisy rooms there that I have ever had were over the valet parking area in the front. Bus noise and car noise caused us to ask for a new location the next morning.

 

[minster22]

The Boardwalk Inn is one of the best kept secrets at WDW !!! Now the word is getting out......... Our upcoming trip we are trying something new and staying at the GF for the first 7 nights but then over to our beloved Inn for the next 10 nights because we know that no matter now much we like the GF it will never surpass the Boardwalk. It is just sooo pretty and fun and has the Flying Fish(our favorite WDW restaurant),awesome Mousekeeping staff , the prettiest quiet pool at WDW ( never seen more than 10 people at the pool!!). We just bought DVC at the Boardwalk in Sept 2003 so we can stay there a lot!!!