(CLOSED) Disney's BOARDWALK INN and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD

[polyfor4]

Is there any word on a start date for room remodels? We're arriving May 31st- just curious!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Is there any word on a start date for room remodels? We're arriving May 31st- just curious!

All I know about the BWI rehab is what I posted back in October:

I accessed the actual Permit/Notice of Commencement dated 10/17/13 and the only description in the permit is "Room Rehab." The land description is: BoardWalk Inn Guest Rooms.

It also states: The expiration date may not be before the completion of and final payment to the contractor, but will be 1 year from the date of recording unless a different date is specified... 09/27/2014. I interpret that as meaning the expected completion will have to be before 9/27/14, but an actual start date is not given. The last BWI room rehab was in 2009.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I feel like such a traitor. Last minute trip to Orlando to help move my daughter who got a job with the Mouse. There were no studios available ANYWHERE, so rather than spend points on a one bedroom, I booked Port Orleans for the two nights.

How exciting that now you can book the CM room rate. Oh, and congratulations to DD, (but really, that CM rate is great). Have fun at POFQ and enjoy the beignets

Thank you so much! We're so excited about staying at BWI. We've visited many times, but have never stayed onsite. I think it will be perfect for Mom. At 83 she's still the ultimate Disney fan, but doesn't walk as well as she used to (though won't even consider a wheel chair or scooter), so the proximity to Epcot and DHS will be wonderful. Flower and Garden Festival time is our favourite time to visit as well! I think it will be a shock to see something other than ice and snow

We've never been to Jellyrolls, so we're especially looking forward to a visit there.

Thank you to everyone for all of the wonderful advice and beautiful photos!!

Laura

Sounds like a great trip and Mom sounds like a really spunky trooper. Maybe she'd enjoy renting a Surrey bike to go around the BW

Our last trip to BWI was last March. It seems like forever though. So now the 4 of us are starting our plans for April 2015 trip home to BWI and WDW.

Cecile, Jane, Colleen and Lauren ... Disney here we come!

Cannot wait!

You can never start your planning too soon

In the health Club? When we recently stayed at the AKL I saw one there. I never knew it was there, so I am wondering if BWI might have one as well?

Thanks!

Yes, there is a sauna at Muscles and Bustles. At least there used to be...

Hi all, we arrived on Saturday evening. The room we were assigned was very loud -- we could hear the elevator all the time. Every couple of minutes, we'd hear the mechanical whir and then a click. We weren't next to the elevators and it didn't seem like we were near the service elevators, but it was terrible. I slept maybe 3 hours the whole night. I stayed in bed until 6:00, took a shower, and went to the desk to plead my case. They asked a lot of questions about what I was hearing, but they really need to have a member of management spend 30 minutes in the room at any time of the day to experience what their guests are experiencing. In any event, we had to vacate the room by 11:00 and they said we wouldn't have a room until 3:00. All I wanted was a quiet room.

We were out by 8:00 and, while they said they would text us when the room was ready, we came back to the resort at 2:45 because I was exhausted. Our room was ready and we were given a very nice room on the 5th floor that is quiet. We have a nice garden view to boot.

Anyway, I still think the original room was not suitable for anyone. But, I'm glad my issue was addressed.

The rest of our trip has been going great. Very enjoyable.

Glad you spoke up and got an acceptable room location.

I'll try to bring back some warmth, but I'm thinking it's not going to work. We've been checking in with my husband in East Lansing every evening and he has been giving us the weather report. He has been doing lots of snow shoveling and we are not looking forward to going back on Saturday.

This morning I am sitting in the Bellvue Lounge to check in on my office and do other stuff (like Disboard'ing). The lady behind the breakfast bar is the most delightful morning person I've ever observed. She is so friendly and helpful to the caffeine-needy guests. Definitely emodies the Disney spirit!

What a great way to start the day

I need to subscribe to this thread We love BWV and always try to get a reservation here if possible. We own at OKW but have only stayed there once! Our next trip is 7/26 to 8/2 with DH's family - can't wait to hang with the in-laws in the sweltering heat, I'm sure it will do wonders for everyone's moods! Then after that we are heading back to DW 12/8-12/14 with BFF and her family Currently we have reservations at OKW but hoping to change them as soon as the 7 month window opens up

This is great thread. I don't know why I've never stopped to read through it!

Welcome! I hope you and your DH's family have a bicker-free vacation. If they start to get fussy, just take them over to the BW Bakery

Are they usually right about the dates or does it tend to take longer at times? I am wondering because we arrive on March 15th.

If anything, they usually overestimate the amount of time, so frequently, the closures end sooner than anticipated. If there is a delay, you still have the Luna Park Pool, but the BWV pool & spa should be open when you arrive.

 

[polyfor4]

Thank you WDWKOOK! This will be our first time staying at BWI but the rooms look good as is to me! Looks like both resorts we're staying out will have some remodeling going on.

 

[pixarmom]

Thought I'd share a few photos from our 2-bedroom suite and BWI last month! KOOK, please feel free to use elsewhere on the thread, if that's helpful. Really loved the space, and thought the layout was great! We had two bedrooms, a living room, three balconies and THREE bathrooms.

The living room:



(The sofa is a pull-out.)

Bedroom #1:



Hallway between bedroom #1 and bath:



Master bath:





Bedroom #2:



(In the corner of the photo, there is a pull out chair that converts to a small bed.)

View:





We've also stayed in a 2-bedroom suite at BC. To compare the two, the views from the 2-bedroom suite at BC were much better - lake, water and pool views from the various balconies. (Although the location of the suite at BWI was perfect for the night before the Princess Half Marathon - super quiet on the courtyard side!!!) The BC 2-bedroom suite seemed much larger and the balconies at BC were more spacious. On the other hand, the furniture in the BWI suite all seemed to "fit" the space well - like it was designed for that specific space. And the proximity of the BWI suite to the BWI lounge was wonderful - so close and so convenient - just a few steps down the hall! (At BC, the suite is not on the same floor as the lounge.)

 

[daisyx3]

We are headed to BWV June 17-24! We last stayed there in 2002 when the kids were 4, 7 and 10! We needed a 2br then. Now our home is SSR but we have also tried VWL, BLT, AKV-kidani plus some non-DVC. Now oldest DD is married and the younger DDis a college student who will be CP in the fall. DH and I scored a boardwalk view studio and will be with our 16 year old "baby" DS! It's kind of funny but I wanted to try VGF this time and the whole week was not available at 7 months. When I told DH I booked BWV he was beyond excited. He loves that area! Daisyx3

 

[RapunzelsGoodMom]

I'm joining too! So excited! Headed down 5/23 to 5/26 at BWV. First time staying here since the kiddos were born. A little sad about Star Wars weekend since my kids are still small, but think we might brave it for a day. Wish us luck!

 

[CAHarwell]

Well, you need to change us back to the WL thread. Due to a "restructuring" in the way DH's employer figures bonuses, we have decided it would be less stress on our budget to change our reservations back to WL. I know we will still have a great trip, but I am sad I will miss out on the BWI stay I was dreaming of! Maybe next time. Thanks!

 

[AirGoofy]

Thought I'd share a few photos from our 2-bedroom suite and BWI last month! .)

Thanks for the pictures and the reviews.

We are headed to BWV June 17-24! .... Now our home is SSR but we have also tried VWL, BLT, AKV-kidani plus some non-DVC. ...! It's kind of funny but I wanted to try VGF this time and the whole week was not available at 7 months. When I told DH I booked BWV he was beyond excited. He loves that area! Daisyx3

I wanted to try VGF for our October trip, but there were days missing. I may waitlist, but probably won't. And, I don't like split stays, so maybe next year. So far, BLT is my favorite as I like being that close to MK. However, BWV is second, and it is a lot cheaper in points. I doubt I will get to the DVC resorts outside of FL, although, we did enjoy HHIR.

 

[Sandi]

For the person who asked about a sauna, Kook is correct. There is one in Muscles and Bustles. It is very nice and clean. There is also a steam room. Neither looked like they received a great deal of use.

 

[psac]

We are headed to BWV June 17-24! We last stayed there in 2002 when the kids were 4, 7 and 10! We needed a 2br then. Now our home is SSR but we have also tried VWL, BLT, AKV-kidani plus some non-DVC. Now oldest DD is married and the younger DDis a college student who will be CP in the fall. DH and I scored a boardwalk view studio and will be with our 16 year old "baby" DS! It's kind of funny but I wanted to try VGF this time and the whole week was not available at 7 months. When I told DH I booked BWV he was beyond excited. He loves that area! Daisyx3

We're doing a one night stay before our cruise in Oct, and we couldn't get VGF for one night either. Tried to get VWL, BCV, VGF, and ended up with BLT TPV. We didn't get BWV at 11 months because we're staying in Dec so we wanted something different. But BWV is still our favorite! Hope you enjoy!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thought I'd share a few photos from our 2-bedroom suite and BWI last month! KOOK, please feel free to use elsewhere on the thread, if that's helpful. Really loved the space, and thought the layout was great! We had two bedrooms, a living room, three balconies and THREE bathrooms.

We've also stayed in a 2-bedroom suite at BC. To compare the two, the views from the 2-bedroom suite at BC were much better - lake, water and pool views from the various balconies. (Although the location of the suite at BWI was perfect for the night before the Princess Half Marathon - super quiet on the courtyard side!!!) The BC 2-bedroom suite seemed much larger and the balconies at BC were more spacious. On the other hand, the furniture in the BWI suite all seemed to "fit" the space well - like it was designed for that specific space. And the proximity of the BWI suite to the BWI lounge was wonderful - so close and so convenient - just a few steps down the hall! (At BC, the suite is not on the same floor as the lounge.)

Great photos and information! I'm going to post a link on the first page - thank you!

We are headed to BWV June 17-24! We last stayed there in 2002 when the kids were 4, 7 and 10! We needed a 2br then. Now our home is SSR but we have also tried VWL, BLT, AKV-kidani plus some non-DVC. Now oldest DD is married and the younger DDis a college student who will be CP in the fall. DH and I scored a boardwalk view studio and will be with our 16 year old "baby" DS! It's kind of funny but I wanted to try VGF this time and the whole week was not available at 7 months. When I told DH I booked BWV he was beyond excited. He loves that area! Daisyx3

Congratulations in booking, I'll log your dates. How exciting that DD will be in the DCP! What a nice discount you'll get. Have you tried to book VGF on a cash reservation?

I'm joining too! So excited! Headed down 5/23 to 5/26 at BWV. First time staying here since the kiddos were born. A little sad about Star Wars weekend since my kids are still small, but think we might brave it for a day. Wish us luck!

Yippee! I'll log your dates, too. Happy planning!

Well, you need to change us back to the WL thread. Due to a "restructuring" in the way DH's employer figures bonuses, we have decided it would be less stress on our budget to change our reservations back to WL. I know we will still have a great trip, but I am sad I will miss out on the BWI stay I was dreaming of! Maybe next time. Thanks!

It's taken care of - see you back over on Bay Lake

 

[disfanforlife]

So excited for our first stay at BWV in just a few more days!

 

[Sandi]

We are back home after a wonderful 7 night stay at BWI. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the room we were first assigned (5293) was very loud with elevator noise that kept me awake all night. The next day, we moved to 5272 and found that room to be quiet and very beautiful. The floor plan was a little different between the two rooms. The first room had a connecting room door with the refrigerator credenza near the hallway door. The second room did not have a connecting door (which I think partly made that room quieter), and the refrigerator was in a cabinet near the sliding glass door. I actually liked that set up better.

Housekeeping was great. We are not messy people and kept our room tidy, but it was such a treat to come back to crisply made up beds and the bathroom and vanity area **** and span.

I got up very early just about every morning to get work done. I'd grab a quick shower and then head down to the Bellvue Lounge while my college freshman daughter slept. Mary, the lady who worked behind the bar for breakfast time, was the most upbeat and nice woman you could ever hope to meet. I never got any breakfast since I had ordered yogurt, etc. from Garden Grocer, but my daughter got pastries a couple of days and agreed that Mary is a keeper and a great Disney ambassador. I even enjoyed listening to Mary interact with guests while I was editing documents. My daughter and I would typically leave for a park between 8:00 and 8:30 and then return mid-afternoon for a pool and/or rest break.

The hot spa at the BWI quiet pool area was not hot while we were there. We used the one at the feature pool and it was fine. Just a little further walk.

We had dinners at Yachtsman, Jiko, Spice Road, Teppan Edo, and Le Cellier. Also did a lunch at Via Napoli. We had played with doing a dinner at Flying Fish because we've enjoyed it in the past, but after reading some comments on this thread chose not to change anything. There were several conferences going on at BWI and lots of those folks were dining at FF, so I was glad we stuck with our dinners. My favorite dinner was Jiko where we sat at the chef's table. DD's favorite was Yachtsman. She is a food science major and took photos of the meat on display to show a couple of her professors.

One day we rented a car from Alamo at the Dolphin and drove to visit an aunt in the Tampa area. The rental went great and it was very convenient to rent for a 24 hour period. Otherwise, we didn't need a car and were very happy with the transportation system -- mostly our feet. We waited at BWI for quite some time for an AK bus one morning, but otherwise even the bus transportation was pretty darn good (and I've complained about BWI bus transportation in the past). We did not take the bus to DTD, so cannot comment on that this time.

DME went very smoothly. From the time we got on the bus to the time we were delivered to the BWI, 58 minutes elapsed. (I set a timer.) We first stopped at Caribbean Beach and then went to BWI. I believe BC and YC were also on our bus. For the return trip, BWI was the first stop for 6 total passengers and then we went to Pop Century for a bus load! The drivers were very pleasant and professional. Both aimed to please.

I'm sorry my trip is over. DH says I need to book another WDW trip so I will be okay to live with. I do believe I will follow up on his suggestion.

If there are any questions you'd like to ask of a recent BWI guest, please feel free to ask.

 

[WDWKOOK]

So excited for our first stay at BWV in just a few more days!

Check-in with us if you can and have a great vacation.

We are back home after a wonderful 7 night stay at BWI. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the room we were first assigned (5293) was very loud with elevator noise that kept me awake all night. The next day, we moved to 5272 and found that room to be quiet and very beautiful. The floor plan was a little different between the two rooms. The first room had a connecting room door with the refrigerator credenza near the hallway door. The second room did not have a connecting door (which I think partly made that room quieter), and the refrigerator was in a cabinet near the sliding glass door. I actually liked that set up better.

Housekeeping was great. We are not messy people and kept our room tidy, but it was such a treat to come back to crisply made up beds and the bathroom and vanity area **** and span.

I got up very early just about every morning to get work done. I'd grab a quick shower and then head down to the Bellvue Lounge while my college freshman daughter slept. Mary, the lady who worked behind the bar for breakfast time, was the most upbeat and nice woman you could ever hope to meet. I never got any breakfast since I had ordered yogurt, etc. from Garden Grocer, but my daughter got pastries a couple of days and agreed that Mary is a keeper and a great Disney ambassador. I even enjoyed listening to Mary interact with guests while I was editing documents. My daughter and I would typically leave for a park between 8:00 and 8:30 and then return mid-afternoon for a pool and/or rest break.

The hot spa at the BWI quiet pool area was not hot while we were there. We used the one at the feature pool and it was fine. Just a little further walk.

We had dinners at Yachtsman, Jiko, Spice Road, Teppan Edo, and Le Cellier. Also did a lunch at Via Napoli. We had played with doing a dinner at Flying Fish because we've enjoyed it in the past, but after reading some comments on this thread chose not to change anything. There were several conferences going on at BWI and lots of those folks were dining at FF, so I was glad we stuck with our dinners. My favorite dinner was Jiko where we sat at the chef's table. DD's favorite was Yachtsman. She is a food science major and took photos of the meat on display to show a couple of her professors.

One day we rented a car from Alamo at the Dolphin and drove to visit an aunt in the Tampa area. The rental went great and it was very convenient to rent for a 24 hour period. Otherwise, we didn't need a car and were very happy with the transportation system -- mostly our feet. We waited at BWI for quite some time for an AK bus one morning, but otherwise even the bus transportation was pretty darn good (and I've complained about BWI bus transportation in the past). We did not take the bus to DTD, so cannot comment on that this time.

DME went very smoothly. From the time we got on the bus to the time we were delivered to the BWI, 58 minutes elapsed. (I set a timer.) We first stopped at Caribbean Beach and then went to BWI. I believe BC and YC were also on our bus. For the return trip, BWI was the first stop for 6 total passengers and then we went to Pop Century for a bus load! The drivers were very pleasant and professional. Both aimed to please.

I'm sorry my trip is over. DH says I need to book another WDW trip so I will be okay to live with. I do believe I will follow up on his suggestion.

If there are any questions you'd like to ask of a recent BWI guest, please feel free to ask.

Thank you for posting your TR. I like your ADRs and Mary sounds like a gem. I'll have to look for her one morning when we're there in June.

DH is right - you need to book another trip SOON. One where you don't have to do any work

 

[happymommy]

Last minute change of our upcoming spring break plans, and now we're heading to the BWV! We were booked at the Marriott's Sabal Palms, but I found someone with a last minute rental of their one bedroom villa (they couldn't use it last minute) so we are renting it from them! We arrive on a Saturday, and the rental is Sunday to Sunday, so we'll spend the first night (on SPG points) at the Swan (I figured that's more fun and convenient, since we arrive in the evening and will just want to relax and have dinner somewhere along the Boardwalk).

I am so excited to be staying here instead! This is our favorite location at Disney! DH is excited as he loves this location too (even though he'll be working a lot). And DD has one of her best friends staying at the BWI, so she'll get to hang out with her some too! Another friend of mine will be a the BC too!

We usually grill once or twice when we stay at the Marriott, but it looks like hardly anyone does at the BWV. I understand they're charcoal grills, but last summer I bought some Bic Flamedisks for another trip, and I may actually bring a couple in case we do grill. Odds are we won't, since it's just the 3 of us this trip (DS is going to New Orleans on a service trip to help work on a house destroyed by Katrina).

Yippee! 6 days and counting!

 

[LSchrow]

Thought I'd share a few photos from our 2-bedroom suite and BWI last month!

ahhhh, those photos are just so pretty
we still have 48 days to go, but your photos are helping me get thru them

happy to hear you had a great time!

 

[The V Gang]

ahhhh, those photos are just so pretty
we still have 48 days to go, but your photos are helping me get thru them

happy to hear you had a great time!

We will be there in 46 days. Time is crawling!

 

[The V Gang]

Does anyone have a pool activity calendar for March?

 

[gometros]

How exciting that now you can book the CM room rate. Oh, and congratulations to DD, (but really, that CM rate is great). Have fun at POFQ and enjoy the beignets

Sorry I wasn't clear. I didn't even think of the CM rate, since she doesn't start until the 17th. I used points. But thanks for reminding me for the future! I assume she can book a room for us to use if we ever need it?

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