BWV needs.....

[DeeCee735]

Hi all. Just got back from a fantastic stay at the BWV. 2 bedroom lock off with myself, DH, DD, DSIL and 4 grandkids, ages 5 months to 8 years old. The BW renovations are gorgeous, the room was really amazing.

So, as many who have been there in the last couple of years know, with Big River Grille gone, Jellyrolls on the way out, and Atlantic Dance rarely used, we discussed what we think the boardwalk needs to replace all this space. It seems to me, at least, that Disney is going for higher end...(as in the Cake Bake).

We decided if we are to weigh in on what we would like to see, it would be a hibachi/sushi place and a food court type of place.

We ate at Trattoria Al Forno for dinner, yummy....and at Cake Bake for breakfast one morning, plus the pizza window and pool bar for lunches.
My husband thought the prices for breakfasts at the Cake Bake weren't as bad as some opinions about it, we get charged
$16 ish for pancakes and bacon in our favorite diner here at home (NY). Husband and daughter thought it was delicious, I think I picked the wrong thing (the custardy quiche) and wasn't crazy about it - may try something else next time, if there is a next time there. We did have our 10% discount.

Anyway, all that said, we were tired of those choices and with a 3/6/8 year old and an infant FF was not an option. So we strolled over to the Swan/Dolphin and really enjoyed the burgers at the Fountain one night for dinner, followed by another dinner at Rosa's Mexicana restaurant. It was okay, not great.

Then on our last night we moved over to Port Orleans Riverside (last minute change due to NY incoming weather). We LOVED the food court there and wondered why the BW doesn't follow suit. The prices were actually better than the BW Deli (which just doesn't offer enough choices), the quality very good and the choices for picky eaters (DH) and kids were great. I, personally, would love to see a food court type place, like at Coronado or Port Orleans Riverside, open at the BW. Something that offers choices for many and a little bit more affordable for big families.

What are your thoughts on what the BW could bring in to make most happy and fill all that upcoming empty space.

TIA,

Dee

 

[tjkraz]

Problem is if you open another space, you're mostly just taking business away from other venues. For quick service, BW already has the Deli, pizza window, corn dogs and food at the pool bar. There are snack options at the ice cream shop, Cake Bake shop and carousel coffee. And TS in Flying Fish, Trattoria and Cake Shop. Plus literally dozens of other options a short walk away at Beach, Yacht, Dolphin, Swan and Epcot.

Logistically, I can see the argument for a more traditional QS option with diverse menu. Especially if there were a way to connect either the BRG or Jellyrools space so that it could be reached without going outdoors.

But the smaller, more specialized venues also plays into the theming of the BoardWalk. I'm not convinced that an 800-room hotel--with more than half of its rooms having kitchen or kitchenette--can support yet another dining option.

 

[dvc lover 1970]

Agree that it would be great to have some sort of quick service food court area like Corondo or Port Orleans, but I think the BW area is prime real estate. Disney will probably look to rent out that area for a premium. I love the idea of hibachi. There really aren't many choices there and I am sure disney charges top dollar rent there. the problem with BW vs. DS is parking. So while they might charge top dollar for real estate, they are somewhat limited to guests at BW BC Swolphin area and those on the skyline. Last year we booked a dinner at Narcoosees at GF and we either had to valet or park down the street instead of self parking. Now we opt not to go unless staying on MK side as parking is too much of a hassel and I really do not like to valet my car. I think we will see more cake bake type shops or specialty quick service.

 

[crazycatlady]

I agree with you. It would be nice to see a food court type place go in there, but with more elevated dishes than the value/moderate resorts, but not super expensive, either. I was not a huge fan of the food at the resort food courts when we used to stay there, because it was so boring and bland. Instead of all the boring burgers, pizza, etc like at most of the other DW food courts, the choices could be a little more inspired. I would definitely love a Panera type place selling specialty salads, soups, and sandwiches. Or maybe a "snack" type area with Mickey pretzels, Dole Whips, mozzarella sticks, etc. DH and I love the Mexican counter service places at DL, so why not bring some of that food to DW? All of these in a food court setting or just one of the above would be my top choices.

 

[LoveDaisy]

I agree I think Boardwalk is going for a boardwalk feel by having their QS spread out at little booths. I do wish the deli offered a few more entree options and that they had more outdoor seating (covered would be lovely.)

I believe BRG could not have a fryer so to me that rules out the space as a QS. I can’t imagine the complaints about no chicken nuggets and fries.

I do wonder if the area can support more restaurants as they didn’t keep the food trucks there when BRG closed. I am guessing there wasn’t enough demand but only Disney knows why they made that decision.

I do hope something goes into these locations and it happens sooner rather than later. I heard a jazz club is going into jelly rolls but have heard zero rumors for BRG. I also feel like they could do something with Atlantic Dance area. I never see anyone there.

 

[DeeCee735]

Thanks for your input. Interesting points of view. I am still hoping to see a quick serve (granted a little more eclectic would be nice) in perhaps the Atlantic Dance Hall space, inside, cool and covered, or a hibachi. I really don't think filling either up would be a problem considering that it can be difficult to get into any of the restaurants in the BW area even at 30 days out. I also don't think (just my opinion) some of the restaurants over at Y&BC are all that good. BRG was going downhill with quality and cleanliness. The pool bar doesn't have much of a selection nor does the BW Deli. Corn dogs and pizza can only go so far...not a repeat on any trip. Chicken nuggets and fries, maybe mac and cheese should be easily available for the kiddies, as they are pretty much a go to for the little ones when we can't get them to eat!

BTW, there are now dole whips at the margarita bar on the BW! Yum!

I am curious as to when and what it will become....

Thanks for joining the conversation!

Dee

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I think if they had a proper quick service it would need to be adjacent to the lobby (or the pool) and not out on the boardwalk for it to work.

 

[Jwaire]

We just stayed four days last month at Boardwalk. This was our first stay since the refurb and it was cold and rained three of the four days.

Because of the weather, we ate quick service for lunch and dinner multiple times throughout our stay. Generally, we just eat at Epcot.

I wasn't impressed. The food from the pizza window, corn dog stand and deli was mediocre at best and greasy/cold at worst depending on the time and day. All the quick service places were extremely crowded and there was no place to sit. At one point, I waited 30 minutes for two corn dogs with no place to sit.

Service at the deli and ice cream shop was pretty bad and they were overrun and understaffed. On the other hand, service at the pizza window was top notch and they were churning out pizzas left and right with very little wait.

With Jellyrolls going, it would serve the Boardwalk well to have a larger quick service space, but there's no kitchen in that building and it still wouldn't fix the ultimate issue—being able to get food without getting soaked.

Last time we stayed, they let you refill your mug at the pool bar, but they've stopped that too. You can tell the servers are tired of being asked that because they got snippy about it. Why isn't there a Freestyle machine at Carousel Coffee? And why isn't Carousel Coffee open most of the day with small bites/pastries, etc?

We also got stuck at the very back of the "South building" at the end of the hallway facing the quiet pool even though we were pool/garden. I've never been stuck back there before. Talk about a distance from food and boat transportation! I joked that we were closer to Hollywood Studios than Epcot.

 

[DeeCee735]

The lack of quick service, easy to get to food at BWV had been an issue for too long for it to still be a problem. I don’t see why they can’t can’t have indoor access if they use the Big River Grille space. There are doors (not open to public) from the model room into the hallways. With a remodel couldn’t they use to access BRG and Jellyrolls space? Wish it was done already.

Dee

 

[DeeBee3]

Would agree they need a closer option for quick service, as in the traditional ones you find at other Deluxe resorts. I know I can walk over to Beach/Yacht. I used Carousel Coffee a lot, but I would like something with eggs and more allergy options. I know you can get breakfast sandwiches at the deli, but again it is limited with allergy options and I have to leave the building to get there. Same with the bakery inside the lobby. I can only eat so many muffins or pastries before I want a proper breakfast. They did have 1 muffin that my daughter could eat with her nut allergy, but that was it.

 

[Dano1182]

I would like to see a place simular to the city works at DS.
We have never been to dance hall and would not miss it.

We were regulars at ESPN and enjoyed going there.
However it went considerably down hill in its last few years.

Corporate micro management ruined the vibe.

 

[Ronaldo17]

A proper QS restaurant, for when the weather is either blazing hot or cold and rainy.
You need somewhere indoors where you can enjoy your meal IMO.

 

[Genie+]

One important factor I learned when Big River Grill closed:

Those commercial spaces underneath the rooms cannot have fryers. That’s why the grill had no chicken fingers or french fries. They offered potato chips or mashed potatoes as a side.

For insurance purposes or whatever, it’s possible many limitations exist for what kind of menus can be developed in those prime spaces in the Boardwalk’s building.

 

[DVC Deac]

A QS would be nice. A QS with indoor seating would be better. A QS with indoor seating and a covered walkway or access from the interior of the main building would be best. Realistically, something similar to the Market at Ale & Compass over at YC is probably the best case scenario.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Indoor QS or food court would be nice.

Is the Cake Bake Shop operated by Disney? Big River Grille was not. I believe ESPN Zone was.

I think it’s hard for adult-only venues like Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Hall to operate in the Disney bubble right now. However, Hibachi is already covered nearby at Teppan Edo in Epcot and doesn’t really fit with the Boardwalk theme to me.

 

[Jwaire]

Is the Cake Bake Shop operated by Disney? Big River Grille was not. I believe ESPN Zone was.

I think it’s hard for adult-only venues like Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Hall to operate in the Disney bubble right now. However, Hibachi is already covered nearby at Teppan Edo in Epcot and doesn’t really fit with the Boardwalk theme to me.

No. Gwendolyn Rogers.

https://thecakebakeshop.com/pages/o...aiDr0sML-dGLYFli9QittRVUD4kBt2cD9y2QoZv-2vq2_

 

[pinkxray]

We stayed at BWV in Nov. and really loved it. Probably won’t stay there again though because of the lack of a real quick service. Even just something like Hurricane Hannah’s, that has the typical burgers/chicken tenders. Also miss the breakfast platter at breakfast time. We did end up walking to Hurricane Hannah’s a few times, which was good but there is never anywhere to sit because they only have like 5 tables. We were also lucky that we had beautiful weather so walking across the bridge was fine.

 

[Dano1182]

DW and I often take the walk and eat and have drinks. at hannahs.
Decent food friendly bartenders.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

DW and I often take the walk and eat and have drinks. at hannahs.
Decent food friendly bartenders.

It’s a favorite for our arrival day lunch. Unfortunately, currently closed during the Stormalong Bay pool renovation. For our visit in January, we had to settle for lunch from the BW Deli.

 

[patm95]

I agree with others that we need more/better quick service there. As someone who is gluten free, there are very limited options and the ones we have now are not that great. When we stay, we nearly always eat somewhere else.