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

[LuzzBightyear]

Probably a good idea. Honestly, most of the time it isn't too bad. But we've had some long waits and crowded busses. When they finally come, the crowd has built and you generally have the last people there charge up to the front of the bus.

I heard BW gets picked up after BC/YC, Dolphin and Swan...would be be better to walk over to one of those resorts to catch the bus to ensure a seat?

 

[suemom2kay]

We just got back yesterday from 10 days at BWV. Only shared with Swan Dolphin and BW was first pickup. Yacht & Beach had their own separate bus. I'm sure it depends on how busy it is. I wouldn't walk to the other resorts. Long walk and you wouldn't know the sharing situation ahead of time.

 

[Mome Rath]

We were there last weekend, only caught the bus to the MK, and we were the first on. We did wait around 10 min or so to get there, and then around 20 to get "home." It say the waits were average; not bad and not spectacular for buses.

 

[myrheille]

This has probably been answered in this 169-page long thread and I'll try to back-read, but in the meantime...

We're planning a trip this fall for ~10 days. We'll be three adults (husband and I, and my best friend) and one toddler (2 yo). We're thinking of getting a BWV studio. How cramped would the room be with a pack n play? Our other option is going to Pop, but we'd really like the Epcot location (food & wine!). Of course I know Pop would also be cramped, but it'd also be much much cheaper! We wouldn't want to do a moderate because location is our main reason for going deluxe. Thoughts?

 

[LisaCM614]

I heard BW gets picked up after BC/YC, Dolphin and Swan...would be be better to walk over to one of those resorts to catch the bus to ensure a seat?

I did not ever have to do that and wouldn't recommend it. Those resorts can be just as busy. Now we only shared with the Swalphin in October and BW was first so not an issue there. Coming back from the parks - I would go to the BC/YC bus if it was there or walk over to it if it came first and didn't want to wait for the BW bus. When we were headed to MNSSHP we did have to wait for 2 buses at BW but the second bus came very quickly after the first. I wouldn't worry!

 

[LisaCM614]

This has probably been answered in this 169-page long thread and I'll try to back-read, but in the meantime...

We're planning a trip this fall for ~10 days. We'll be three adults (husband and I, and my best friend) and one toddler (2 yo). We're thinking of getting a BWV studio. How cramped would the room be with a pack n play? Our other option is going to Pop, but we'd really like the Epcot location (food & wine!). Of course I know Pop would also be cramped, but it'd also be much much cheaper! We wouldn't want to do a moderate because location is our main reason for going deluxe. Thoughts?

Are you planning on using the little kitchenette? IF not - I think you might be fine in a BWI room. As far as space, the villa would have more space for the pack n play than the pop room. Even a BWI room would have more space than Pop. You can't beat BWI for location for a F&W trip for adults!

 

[CaptainEO71]

This has probably been answered in this 169-page long thread and I'll try to back-read, but in the meantime...

We're planning a trip this fall for ~10 days. We'll be three adults (husband and I, and my best friend) and one toddler (2 yo). We're thinking of getting a BWV studio. How cramped would the room be with a pack n play? Our other option is going to Pop, but we'd really like the Epcot location (food & wine!). Of course I know Pop would also be cramped, but it'd also be much much cheaper! We wouldn't want to do a moderate because location is our main reason for going deluxe. Thoughts?

As long as 2 adults share the queen & the 3rd adult sleeps on the sofa NOT pulled out into the sofa bed, you will be fine. If you pull the sofa bed out and try to get a pack & play in there its going to bed very tight. You could also try & put the pack & play up against the door to the hallway, if it fits.

 

[chskover]

We just got back from our first stay at the Boardwalk Villas and I have to say it was so nice. We were in a corner room so maybe that is why it felt bigger. I liked the long hallways because there were plenty of stairwells. I hope to stay there again soon. Walking to Epcot and Hollywood studios was better than taking a bus.

 

[abk96]

We just got back from our first stay at the Boardwalk Villas and I have to say it was so nice. We were in a corner room so maybe that is why it felt bigger. I liked the long hallways because there were plenty of stairwells. I hope to stay there again soon. Walking to Epcot and Hollywood studios was better than taking a bus.

I'm glad you had a great trip! I love being able to walk to the parks too. It's one of the reasons why we can't give up staying in that area.

 

[myrheille]

Well, we booked! We'll be there Sept 23 to Oct 3rd! I hope I won't find it too soon after our last trip in January... but I wanted to bring my kid once more before she turned into a paying three year-old Last time at BLT we loved walking to Magic Kingdom every night after the nap, but the food options were lackluster... I don't think this'll be the case this time! Food & Wine festival, baby!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Checking out tomorrow 5/12/14. Have leftover Smirnoff Ice Mango, Raspbrry, Green Apple, Original.

Also 10 or more bottles of water. I can leave it at Bell Services if anyone is interested. Lemme know.

That was very nice of you. Just curious if anyone took you up on your kind offer?

Just booked BWV standard view for August 10th through 15th. First time staying at the villas, usually stay at the Inn. Can't wait!

Yippee! I'll add your dates to the BoardWalk Bulletin.

We just got back from our first stay at the Boardwalk Villas and I have to say it was so nice. We were in a corner room so maybe that is why it felt bigger. I liked the long hallways because there were plenty of stairwells. I hope to stay there again soon. Walking to Epcot and Hollywood studios was better than taking a bus.

Sounds like it may not be your last stay

Well, we booked! We'll be there Sept 23 to Oct 3rd! I hope I won't find it too soon after our last trip in January... but I wanted to bring my kid once more before she turned into a paying three year-old Last time at BLT we loved walking to Magic Kingdom every night after the nap, but the food options were lackluster... I don't think this'll be the case this time! Food & Wine festival, baby!

Congratulations on booking and I'll log your dates.

 

[happenin2you]

Congratulations on graduation, the new position, and the Disney vacation.

Thank you!

Congrats on being so close to graduation and disney. Hope u enjoy DC. I've lived here my entire life and I love, love, love it

Thank you, too! I'm very excited to explore our capitol

How exciting - congrats! This is sure to be a time in your life you'll never forget. Enjoy every minute (and book a Bounceback).

And thank you, as well! Booking a bounceback offer would be awesome!

And thanks to everyone for all the helpful information about this resort! I'll finally get to contribute responses after this trip.

 

[court139]

Staying at BWI for first time June 13-15! So excited! (My attempt at making birthday less painful!)

 

[WDWKOOK]

Staying at BWI for first time June 13-15! So excited! (My attempt at making birthday less painful!)

I see now where this birthday trip is heading...a tri-split stay perhaps or is it just two? I'll add this date, too.

 

[PrincessCathy]

Hi! My husband and I are booked at the BWI, Std view in November. When I booked, I figured most "Std" views would be the parking lot, so my only request was for a King bed, and not an accessible room.
But now, after reading some of the post on here, I went to the Disney site and found that the Std rooms may be Garden, Leisure Pool or Parking Area views. I also read on here, some have suggested requesting the 5th floor, and "Epcot View".
Would I be better off removing the King bed request and adding the 5th floor, Epcot?
If so, should I call back and change it? Or is that something to do at the online check-in?
Thanks for your help.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi! My husband and I are booked at the BWI, Std view in November. When I booked, I figured most "Std" views would be the parking lot, so my only request was for a King bed, and not an accessible room.
But now, after reading some of the post on here, I went to the Disney site and found that the Std rooms may be Garden, Leisure Pool or Parking Area views. I also read on here, some have suggested requesting the 5th floor, and "Epcot View".
Would I be better off removing the King bed request and adding the 5th floor, Epcot?
If so, should I call back and change it? Or is that something to do at the online check-in?
Thanks for your help.

Your room will actually be assigned about 3 days or so prior to arrival. Any location changes would need to be made prior to then to assure the Room Assignor sees it. While there's no guarantee, your chances are greater if the request is in your reservation prior to check-in. Having said that, we prefer a better view and top floor over a king bed. There aren't many Kings so if you did get one, the likelihood is greater that you'd have a less desirable view, such as a parking lot view. You can always put several requests, including King, but best to prioritize. Then, at check-in, you can ask if any of your requests have been met, and determine from there if you want to pursue any unmet requests.

 

[PrincessCathy]

Thank you!
A couple of the posts I read said the CM didn't know what "Epcot" view meant. Just so I know what I am asking for, LOL, is that considered a Garden view? Are all the rooms on the 4th floor "club level" rooms? It looks like some sections do not have a 5th floor, is that correct?

We actually stayed there in Sept 2009, but I can't remember where our room was.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Thank you!
A couple of the posts I read said the CM didn't know what "Epcot" view meant. Just so I know what I am asking for, LOL, is that considered a Garden view? Are all the rooms on the 4th floor "club level" rooms? It looks like some sections do not have a 5th floor, is that correct?

We actually stayed there in Sept 2009, but I can't remember where our room was.

You're welcome and I think I forgot to you to the DIS and the thread!

The CMs who you speak to at the WDTC/CRO are not directly associated with the resorts. The Room Assignor who will review your requests and who assigns your room is physically located at the resort and will know exactly what you mean. Just make sure the WDTC CM repeats back to you just what you asked. If they do question your request, just politely say, "Thank you, but please still add my request to my reservation."

The Epcot view is also a "Quiet Pool/Garden/Eiffel Tower View." It's easier to ask for "Epcot" since that's exactly what you really want. That's what I requested for next month. But, just a reminder that requests can't be guaranteed.

 

[Dis703]

We've been back now for about a week and thought I'd pop in and give a little mini review of our stay at BWI. This was our first time staying there and we really liked the resort. We already knew we loved the Epcot Resort area because we stayed at BC and really its a tough choice between the two as to which is our favorite.

We did online check in and requested close to the elevators and Boardwalk view. We knew the view was highly unlikely but our room location was perfect. We were in 2296 so right on the same floor to head out to the buses and just around the corner from the elevator to go down to the Boardwalk. The view from our balcony was really nice as well. We overlooked a very well manicured courtyard area and could even see some fireworks through and over the trees at night.

The beds were comfy and Mousekeeping was good. For some reason we didn't get soaps but the day before we left someone came around asking about our satisfaction with housekeeping and I said they were doing great but mentioned not getting more soap. We came back that day to find a weeks worth of soaps, shampoos and lotions by the sink.

The room itself was in need of some updating which as I understand is coming soon? Just wear and tear. Paint peeling on the ceiling above the shower, stained grout, worn hardware, etc. but nothing terrible.

Buses were pretty good overall. We had maybe one somewhat long wait because we just missed an MK bus but they had a CM entertaining everyone while we waited which made the time go by faster. We shared with Swan and Dolphin only and we were the first stop both ways. Crowds could be crazy on the return buses but that's been the case everywhere we have stayed so far.

The lounge was a nice option for some fruit and a pastry on the go in the morning and of course we loved having the bakery right there outside the resort. The pizza was okay. Good when we needed a fast bite. Be aware the stand that sells burgers, corn dogs, etc does not accept Magicbands. I went down to grab some food without any cash before finding this out. No biggy we got pizza instead.

The CMs were mostly helpful and friendly and the nighttime entertainment is always fun. For TS in the area we ate at Captains Grille (probably the best meal of the trip, it was a very pleasant surprise) at the Yacht Club and Breakfast at Cape May Cafe which was also really good.

That's about all I can think of right now. All in all it was a very nice stay.

 

[PrincessCathy]

Okay, changed my room preference request from King bed, to 5th floor with Epcot view! Now I'll just keep my fingers crossed. LOL
Thanks again WDWKook!