(CLOSED) Disney's BOARDWALK INN and VILLAS Information Thread ~2012~

[GAN]

The real hidden gem was the quiet pool and Community Hall. I loved that they were together so my kids could go back and forth. I never saw more than 10 people at the pool. Everyone was fighting for space in and outside of the main pool. The quiet pool was awesome for the kids when they really didn't want the slide anymore but they still wanted to swim. The pool was rather small but it really didn't matter at all for us. The staff at the CH was awesome and I know my kids absolutely adored them!

This is so true -and goes for some of the other resorts as well. It's nice to have the pools like SAB/Luna Park/High Rock but my kids(teens) always preferred the quiet pools, which try had mostly to themselves -they didn't like having lots of younger children that they had to look out for in the pool.

 

[Iowa Hawkeye]

Another awesome stay at the Boardwalk came to an end today, but not before my DW (sfbank) booked our room for next May!! We have been sitting at the airport in Minneapolis since 4:15 this afternoon and she pretty much has next years trip planned out already. Nascargirl you better speak up fast if you want to get any ADRs on the schedule because she is filling them up fast. Its only 277 days away you know!

 

[AirGoofy]

I just returned from my first stay at BWI/BWV and absolutely loved it!!! I want to thank everyone here for your advice and knowledge. If it wasn't for you, I know my stay would not have been as magical. The location and vibe could not be beat! We have stayed at BCV, AKV Kidani & Jambo, BLT, spent time at SSR with friends, but don't miss staying at this resort!

We stayed in a studio and it was very spacious, especially after we had just spent four nights at Pop! We had a small daybed where I would have thought a desk might go, which was the perfect size for DS and he was happy to not share a bed with his DSis. We had a rather large balcony compared to some of the others near us, but even those had ample space for the two chairs and table. One word of caution, be very careful on your room requests and I did my research. I asked for Village Green and close to elevators. The hallways are really long and there is only one set of elevators, so if you are on the top floor, watch out! We got our requests and we were close to everything! We could also see the top of Wishes from our balcony from the 4th floor. I think that was DS's favorite part of the day.

As I had read, the CS choices are very limited but we ate breakfast in the room most mornings but I can see why BW Bakery is a favorite. We could get pizza and use our CS credits from the take out window by Kouzzina when we were at the resort during the afternoon. We didn't eat at any of the TS locations at BW, but very convenient to EP and the BC.

The real hidden gem was the quiet pool and Community Hall. I loved that they were together so my kids could go back and forth. I never saw more than 10 people at the pool. Everyone was fighting for space in and outside of the main pool. The quiet pool was awesome for the kids when they really didn't want the slide anymore but they still wanted to swim. The pool was rather small but it really didn't matter at all for us. The staff at the CH was awesome and I know my kids absolutely adored them!

If you ever have a chance to stay at BWV, don't pass it up!!!!!!!! We have our next DVC already planned but I am really looking forward to planning another BWV vacation.

Glad you had a good trip. But, don't tell anyone about the quiet pool and CH. It was so nice over there.

 

[psac]

Glad everyone had great trips!

(jealous! )

 

[nascargirl]

Iowa Hawkeye I see your wife now has you on the boards. I hope both of you will be doing trip reports even tho I know how it went. The time will go by quick.

 

[DizDaD7]

As if i wasn't excited enough already. You guys / girls have me pumped up for this trip,more so than my kids i think lol. Now i only have 1 day left before my 1 st BWV stay.

BTW. With all these requests and all. We're staying in a standard studio. I just requested a middle to high floor. Is there a particular spot that would be a good spot to request? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated thanx.

 

[HARASW]

What is everyone's favorite thing about BW??

Being a New Yorker, the boardwalk has a familiar, homey feeling to me. Reminding me of Coney Island and even Atlantic City. Walking around or sitting and people watching during the day and enjoying different performers at night is so relaxing and lots of fun.

Having the ability to walk to Epcot or DHS at any time of the day or night, without waiting for transportation can't be beat.

The hotel itself is elegant with a very comfortable atmosphere.

But, after taking yearly trips to WDW and staying on CL at different deluxe resorts, for over 15 years, I have never encountered a group of cast members such as those in the Innkeeper's Club. When I arrive, I feel like I am being welcomed by my family members. They go out of their way to make each guest's stay a memorable and comfortable one. My family feels the same way. After our first stay at the BWI, we knew that we could never think of staying at a different WDW hotel again.

Hope that answers your question!

 

[Butterflygirl35]

Being a New Yorker, the boardwalk has a familiar, homey feeling to me. Reminding me of Coney Island and even Atlantic City. Walking around or sitting and people watching during the day and enjoying different performers at night is so relaxing and lots of fun.

Having the ability to walk to Epcot or DHS at any time of the day or night, without waiting for transportation can't be beat.

The hotel itself is elegant with a very comfortable atmosphere.

But, after taking yearly trips to WDW and staying on CL at different deluxe resorts, for over 15 years, I have never encountered a group of cast members such as those in the Innkeeper's Club. When I arrive, I feel like I am being welcomed by my family members. They go out of their way to make each guest's stay a memorable and comfortable one. My family feels the same way. After our first stay at the BWI, we knew that we could never think of staying at a different WDW hotel again.

Hope that answers your question!

Thanks!!! Can't wait

 

[Iowa Hawkeye]

Iowa Hawkeye I see your wife now has you on the boards. I hope both of you will be doing trip reports even tho I know how it went. The time will go by quick.

Saying you know how it went might be an understatement, a couple of days I think she talked to you more than she talked to me!

 

[Mary T in PA]

I've just been sitting here reading thru this thread and catching up. We are staying at the BW in mid Oct, cannot wait to go back! When we were there last year, my DH and Lorenzo were watching a wedding party outside of the lounge area, and he had us laughing so hard, that my DH is more excited to see the CL staff than anything, and that says alot for my DH.

 

[Cecile716]

Hi Weenie cat! I am going in March also! Maybe we should meet!!

 

[Notso]

We are going in February. I am so excited! However, I keep hearing about how bad the busses are. Obviously, we'll only take the bus for AK and MK days. Anyone have tips to make the ride easier...

Like where do the buses stop first going and coming, etc. Would we be better off grabbing it at the BW or Swolphin?

We will generally leave the parks well before closing and get there early. Are those times lighter?

Thanks!

 

[psac]

We are going in February. I am so excited! However, I keep hearing about how bad the busses are. Obviously, we'll only take the bus for AK and MK days. Anyone have tips to make the ride easier...

Like where do the buses stop first going and coming, etc. Would we be better off grabbing it at the BW or Swolphin?

We will generally leave the parks well before closing and get there early. Are those times lighter?

Thanks!

The BW is always the first pick-up, so you generally won't have to worry about seats. The problem is timing. Since the bus then makes pick-ups at the swan and dolphin (separately), it just takes a while before you're actually en route to the parks. Give yourself a lot of time if you want to make rope drop. On the way back, if you leave early it can be worse since BW is the last stop AND they sometimes also add drop offs to BC and YC on the way back, so BW is the fifth stop. In those cases, yes, it's sometimes better to get off at the swan (I think that's the closer one) and walk back to the BW. If its only the three stops on the way back, I would just stay on the bus.
Enjoy!

 

[Georgi Zhukov]

Hello everyone. Still planning for my first stay at the BWI in April '13. I usually stay at the Contemporary Resort and have come to enjoy the Walkway to the Magic Kingdom. It's a fairly short walk and much faster than taking the Monorail TO the MK - which is a plus for getting a decent pre-"rope drop" spot when running a little behind in the morning.

I have done the walk from the BWI to Epcot before - seems comparable to CR to MK walk? But I have never done the walk from BWI to DHS (didn't even know there was one until visiting this great thread ). From checking out a couple of maps of the property (and remembering boat shuttle rides during a stay at The Dolphin MANY years ago), it seems like that walk is significantly longer than BWI to Epcot.

Can anyone let me know for sure and let me know how they usually get to DHS from the BWI? Thanks in advance!

 

[elgerber]

Hello everyone. Still planning for my first stay at the BWI in April '13. I usually stay at the Contemporary Resort and have come to enjoy the Walkway to the Magic Kingdom. It's a fairly short walk and much faster than taking the Monorail TO the MK - which is a plus for getting a decent pre-"rope drop" spot when running a little behind in the morning.

I have done the walk from the BWI to Epcot before - seems comparable to CR to MK walk? But I have never done the walk from BWI to DHS (didn't even know there was one until visiting this great thread ). From checking out a couple of maps of the property (and remembering boat shuttle rides during a stay at The Dolphin MANY years ago), it seems like that walk is significantly longer than BWI to Epcot.

Can anyone let me know for sure and let me know how they usually get to DHS from the BWI? Thanks in advance!

Yes it is quite a bit longer than the walk to Epcot, but we always walk to DHS. It's so quiet and peaceful. In the morning, we usually meet some ducks walking on the path, and the occasional lizard. We usually walk back also, as we can't stand waiting for the boat. If there is a boat about to dock, we will take the boat, but most of the time we just walk.

 

[goofy4tink]

Hello everyone. Still planning for my first stay at the BWI in April '13. I usually stay at the Contemporary Resort and have come to enjoy the Walkway to the Magic Kingdom. It's a fairly short walk and much faster than taking the Monorail TO the MK - which is a plus for getting a decent pre-"rope drop" spot when running a little behind in the morning.

I have done the walk from the BWI to Epcot before - seems comparable to CR to MK walk? But I have never done the walk from BWI to DHS (didn't even know there was one until visiting this great thread ). From checking out a couple of maps of the property (and remembering boat shuttle rides during a stay at The Dolphin MANY years ago), it seems like that walk is significantly longer than BWI to Epcot.

Can anyone let me know for sure and let me know how they usually get to DHS from the BWI? Thanks in advance!

The walk from BW to HS is about 15-20 mins...depending on your pace. Cut through the pool area and then out to the walkway behind the pool area. Go left and you're on your way! I seldom take the boat to DHS from BW...the walk is too pleasant.......unless it's really hot/humid or rainy/stormy.
It takes under 10 mins to get to Epcot.

 

[psac]

Hello everyone. Still planning for my first stay at the BWI in April '13. I usually stay at the Contemporary Resort and have come to enjoy the Walkway to the Magic Kingdom. It's a fairly short walk and much faster than taking the Monorail TO the MK - which is a plus for getting a decent pre-"rope drop" spot when running a little behind in the morning.

I have done the walk from the BWI to Epcot before - seems comparable to CR to MK walk? But I have never done the walk from BWI to DHS (didn't even know there was one until visiting this great thread ). From checking out a couple of maps of the property (and remembering boat shuttle rides during a stay at The Dolphin MANY years ago), it seems like that walk is significantly longer than BWI to Epcot.

Can anyone let me know for sure and let me know how they usually get to DHS from the BWI? Thanks in advance!

We always take the boat. With all the walking we'll be doing (or have done) in the park, an extra mile walking each way isn't good for the feetsies. If we happened to be staying on the Villa side and were WAY at the end by the community center, then yes, we would walk.

 

[psac]

I've just been sitting here reading thru this thread and catching up. We are staying at the BW in mid Oct, cannot wait to go back! When we were there last year, my DH and Lorenzo were watching a wedding party outside of the lounge area, and he had us laughing so hard, that my DH is more excited to see the CL staff than anything, and that says alot for my DH.

The combination of the great BW atmosphere itself plus the incredible Club CMs (Lorenzo is the best) convinced us to buy resale DVC at BWV, which ironically means no more BW stays in club level. Thankfully there does seem to be excellent CMs all over the BW.

 

[Georgi Zhukov]

Yes it is quite a bit longer than the walk to Epcot, but we always walk to DHS. It's so quiet and peaceful. In the morning, we usually meet some ducks walking on the path, and the occasional lizard. We usually walk back also, as we can't stand waiting for the boat. If there is a boat about to dock, we will take the boat, but most of the time we just walk.

The walk from BW to HS is about 15-20 mins...depending on your pace. Cut through the pool area and then out to the walkway behind the pool area. Go left and you're on your way! I seldom take the boat to DHS from BW...the walk is too pleasant.......unless it's really hot/humid or rainy/stormy.
It takes under 10 mins to get to Epcot.

We always take the boat. With all the walking we'll be doing (or have done) in the park, an extra mile walking each way isn't good for the feetsies. If we happened to be staying on the Villa side and were WAY at the end by the community center, then yes, we would walk.

Thanks all! Very helpful as always.

 

[GAN]

We are going in February. I am so excited! However, I keep hearing about how bad the busses are. Obviously, we'll only take the bus for AK and MK days. Anyone have tips to make the ride easier...

Like where do the buses stop first going and coming, etc. Would we be better off grabbing it at the BW or Swolphin?

We will generally leave the parks well before closing and get there early. Are those times lighter?

Thanks!

We're staying here this week -I've got to say, the transportation has been very good. As mentioned, BW is the first stop outbound so no problem getting on -as well, we haven't waited more than 10-15mins(mostly less) for the buses to the parks. I did notice on the return from MK we have been the first stop(even better!), but we're last from AK but no big deal. Also haven't waited at all to get back from the parks -we've been fortunate that our timing has been near perfect. We mostly walk to EPCOT and take the boat to HS -those boats have been a little slow but at least predictable. We missed a boat by a minute and walked over to Swan/Dolphin to catch it and got there a few minutes before it docked -that was the ONLY issue we had and only because we didn't want to wait another 20mins for the next boat.