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

[WDWKOOK]

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.

I'm sorry, I think that I missed multi-quoting your post yesterday

Yes, a BWI rehab is currently underway and all rooms will be completed in September. But, your room still should have been well maintained, IMHO.

Thanks for all the great info. and your mini TR. Do you think you would return to BWI your next trip or would you try a different resort?

 

[WDWKOOK]

THANK YOU! You're always so kind to re-post what I miss!

Heading to Poly next weekend for a quick get-away, might pop over to BWI to check out whats going on on CL!

I know this is a bit OT, but I would love it if you could PM me or post here about your upcoming Poly stay and what you thought of the crowds and disruption. So many people on all my threads have been changing from Poly due to the construction and impending Nanea Pool closure that I am really curious if it's less crowded feeling now. On all my past stays and visits there, it always feels so crowded. We're staying at BWI and WL in a month, but whenever I keep looking to see what availability looks like, just to get an idea of capacity, all the Deluxes are either 100% full or nearly full. Poly, however, still has some availability which makes me wonder if fewer are booking it, which actually makes it more appealing to me.

Thanks for letting me go a little OT here.

Hi. We'll be staying at the BWV for 3 nights the 3rd week of August. We're staying in a standard studio using rented points. (I understand where these are located, that the elevators are near the lobby, this lobby area can be loud, and the hallways are long.) I'm looking for room request suggestions. Here's our situation.

- we'll only be going to HS and Epcot during this time; approx equal time for each (maybe a little more at Epcot)
- DD and DH are afraid of heights (so thinking 1st floor or maybe 2nd).
- DD has some special needs, so stairs are hard. She needs a quiet area that's not too far away from everything.
- was thinking about 1st floor, but I'm wondering about critters.
- DH likes waterways so I'm considering canal view down at the end, but worried about distance??

"On paper," it seems like I should ask for 2nd floor about halfway down hallway. I've never stayed here, though, so I'm not sure if that's the best choice and if that's even a legit way to request that. Any advice is appreciated

Welcome! I am not a BWV room request expert, so hopefully someone else will go into more detail, but it seems that you should ask for a ground floor. Don't worry about critters. I think your child's needs and yours and DH's fear of heights should make a ground floor villa a priority. When you wrote that you're worried about distance, can you elaborate?

We've offically moved our rez from the Poly to BW and I am thrilled because the CL staff at the poly have been less than helpful and kind of rude.

I was really bummed because I want my parents to experience the poly CL but now that I am in touch with the BWI CL CMs (is that enough acronyms for ya?) I am thrilled.

They responded to emails so fast and didn't just answer my questions, they went ahead and made arrangements based on my questions! Totally pro-active.

We'll be there 11/1 through 11/8. We have all our ADRs (even though I keep changing them) and my twin daughters' 10th birthday surprises set up at Akershus (b'fast) and Narcoossee's (dinner). Also doing the terrace dessert party for the first time.

can not wait!

Welcome and aloha! I'll put your dates in the BoardWalk Bulletin on the first page.

Just to clarify, the IPO or Itinerary Planning Office CMs are not the same as the CL CMs. The BWI IPO CMs are actually located at the BC. You won't have any contact with them after arrival. The Poly IPO is actually located at the Poly, but again, they are not the same as the KK staff who you would see after arrival. I'm glad that you've had a positive IPO experience after changing resorts and I hope you have a wonderful stay!

Just returned from our 5 night stay at Boardwalk Villas (5/12-517) in a standard 1BR. First stay in a villa & loved it. Third stay at Boardwalk (twice at the Inn in a standard room & garden view suite); the staff is lovely, friendly & accommodating. Asked for high floor, quiet area & it was perfect! Overlooked Swan/Dolphin & walking path/waterway to Hollywood Studios. Just a few feet to a stairwell, down a few flights & we were on that path or next door at Luna Pool. We are planning another stay for a few nights during F& W (bounce back offer at BWI).

Thank you for posting your mini BWV TR. It's great that you already have another trip planned

 

[BandontheRun]

Well be transferring to a 1 BR at BWV from a studio at BCV on August 19-22.

 

[MAO]

Hi. We'll be staying at the BWV for 3 nights the 3rd week of August. We're staying in a standard studio using rented points. (I understand where these are located, that the elevators are near the lobby, this lobby area can be loud, and the hallways are long.) I'm looking for room request suggestions. Here's our situation.

- we'll only be going to HS and Epcot during this time; approx equal time for each (maybe a little more at Epcot)
- DD and DH are afraid of heights (so thinking 1st floor or maybe 2nd).
- DD has some special needs, so stairs are hard. She needs a quiet area that's not too far away from everything.
- was thinking about 1st floor, but I'm wondering about critters.
- DH likes waterways so I'm considering canal view down at the end, but worried about distance??

"On paper," it seems like I should ask for 2nd floor about halfway down hallway. I've never stayed here, though, so I'm not sure if that's the best choice and if that's even a legit way to request that. Any advice is appreciated

My personal opinion would be to ask for ground floor, as close to the very end nearest HS as possible. This would allow you to use the door right next to the parking lot to get out -- and if you come out that very last door and turn left, you'll be headed towards the bus stop. Turn right, however, and you're right there for the walkway to HS (though you'll want to turn left once you get on it.) And, technically, yes it puts you further away from Epcot. But only a (relatively) few steps and you can always take the boat instead of walking all the way. (I have a fairly.... definitive memory of a map showing the standard rooms *only* being the ones facing the parking lot. I could be wrong and there could be some in that portion NW of the main pool, behind the Boardwalk. Those would be closer to Epcot; I'm just convinced that those are not standard view. Even if they are, you might have concerns about noise from the dance hall and piano bar that are down that end of the Boardwalk.)

I also agree with a PP - I've never heard of any problems with critters. I travel alone and prefer to be above ground level, but it sounds like ground level would be best for you guys. WDW is always going to be a lot of walking, no matter where you stay, so I wouldn't worry overly much about middle of the hallway vs. the end. If you really like the idea of splitting the difference though between the two parks, your idea of asking for 'about halfway down the hallway' sounds fine to me. I daresay the people who allocate the rooms have heard plenty of requests and will be able to decipher that one just fine.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Latest RYDS Transportation Information from the DIS:

Transportation Info:

Buses from the Walt Disney World hotels will begin running at 5:15am on May 23 and be available for the duration of the event. Boat transporation will also begin at 5:15am.

The Ticket and Transportation Center will open at 4:30am on May 23 for guests arriving to the Magic Kingdom by car. Ferry and monorail service to the Magic Kingdom will begin at 5:15am.

The Express monorail, which runs from the TTC to the Magic Kingdom will be available from 5:15am on May 23 to 7:00am on May 24.

The Resort monorail, which runs in a loop between the TTC, the Polynesian, the Grand Floridian, the Magic Kingdom and the Contemporary, will run from 5:15am on May 23 to 3:30am on May 24, then from 5:30am on May 24 to 1:00am on May 25.

The Epcot monorail will run from 8:00am on May 23 to 1:00am on May 24 and from 3:30am to 11:00pm on May 24.

 

[gwynne]

Hiya Kook and Boardwalk Inn fans,
Because our dates are into the fall, we're beyond the mil discount offer that's currently available. DH wasn't all that happy with the idea of being out in the garden and making the wander back and forth to the lounge. It is his birthday celebration..so I had to come up with another plan.
It's amazing how limited the availability is at the Epcot resorts from mid Oct into Nov. Maybe it's because of rehabs, but I don't remember it being so booked this early.

Anyway, I called WDW again today, and we are now in a CL Honeymoon room at the Wilderness Lodge. 3 nights there, and then 7 in a CL standard at Boardwalk.

I was lucky to be able to use the BB on the first part, and for now we're using a AAA room only for the rest. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a better offer, but if not, I'm just glad to be booked.

I think this plan might be considered a kooktastic split!!
I made some dinner reservations at Artist Point, so my work is done. I hope!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hiya Kook and Boardwalk Inn fans,
Because our dates are into the fall, we're beyond the mil discount offer that's currently available. DH wasn't all that happy with the idea of being out in the garden and making the wander back and forth to the lounge. It is his birthday celebration..so I had to come up with another plan.
It's amazing how limited the availability is at the Epcot resorts from mid Oct into Nov. Maybe it's because of rehabs, but I don't remember it being so booked this early.

Anyway, I called WDW again today, and we are now in a CL Honeymoon room at the Wilderness Lodge. 3 nights there, and then 7 in a CL standard at Boardwalk.

I was lucky to be able to use the BB on the first part, and for now we're using a AAA room only for the rest. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a better offer, but if not, I'm just glad to be booked.

I think this plan might be considered a kooktastic split!!
I made some dinner reservations at Artist Point, so my work is done. I hope!

Sounds perfect to me. I can't recall if you've stayed at the OFC before? We can talk more about your WL booking over on that there other thread. I'm sure they will renew the Military discount, and hopefully with the same 40% discount

I'm as confused as you about so many Deluxes being at 100% capacity for our trip in one month. That's interesting that you're seeing a similar trend already for Fall. I can only guess that rehabs like BC, Poly and GF/SL are impacting availability. It's good you've secured something and I think it's a great split.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Well be transferring to a 1 BR at BWV from a studio at BCV on August 19-22.

I'll add your dates to the first page. Are you going to walk or boat over?

 

[marsh0013]

I saw somewhere upthread a question about king bed rooms on club level I think. I'm on the app so more difficult to quote. I stayed one time on CL at BWI and I'm almost positive I had a king bed. I know for sure it was a garden view, not a boardwalk view. It was a solo trip. I'll have to go back and find it in pictures to be sure.

Edit: yup room 4240 was a king bed when I stayed there in October 2009

 

[WDWKOOK]

I've been admiring my BWI ticker that reads, "ONE MONTH…"

I saw somewhere upthread a question about king bed rooms on club level I think. I'm on the app so more difficult to quote. I stayed one time on CL at BWI and I'm almost positive I had a king bed. I know for sure it was a garden view, not a boardwalk view. It was a solo trip. I'll have to go back and find it in pictures to be sure.

Edit: yup room 4240 was a king bed when I stayed there in October 2009

Thank you for confirming for the OP that there are in fact King rooms on CL

 

[ParrotBill]

Hi. We'll be staying at the BWV for 3 nights the 3rd week of August. We're staying in a standard studio using rented points. (I understand where these are located, that the elevators are near the lobby, this lobby area can be loud, and the hallways are long.) I'm looking for room request suggestions. Here's our situation.

- we'll only be going to HS and Epcot during this time; approx equal time for each (maybe a little more at Epcot)
- DD and DH are afraid of heights (so thinking 1st floor or maybe 2nd).
- DD has some special needs, so stairs are hard. She needs a quiet area that's not too far away from everything.
- was thinking about 1st floor, but I'm wondering about critters.
- DH likes waterways so I'm considering canal view down at the end, but worried about distance??

"On paper," it seems like I should ask for 2nd floor about halfway down hallway. I've never stayed here, though, so I'm not sure if that's the best choice and if that's even a legit way to request that. Any advice is appreciated

I own points here and know the resort very well. How high is too high? The standard units face the entrance and roadway (not the parking lot, really.) On the first floor they are actually slightly depressed at the end near the lobby so second floor is not very high at all. All standard rooms are quiet. No noisy areas except for late night sugar-charged children returning from the parks running down the halls.. or was that the parents? (you know who you are )

Although the distance to the end at BWV is not really farther than that of most other resorts at their ends, it is a long walk and far from the main pool, lobby, and boats. It is closer to the bus stop and long walkway to HS. Your choice... All these rooms are close to the leisure pool, which we love. I always request a first floor room near the Leisure pool. So I am usually half way between each end... best of both.

Oh critters... what kind are you worried about? It's Florida, so expect bugs once in awhile. Tame ducks will wander up if they think you will feed them. But if you are worried about snakes or lizards that is very, very rare.

 

[annmarieda]

Been lurking on this thread for a while. I have been dreaming of staying at BWV for some time. I was able to snag a few nights for our trip in October. We have a split stay.. but will end our time at WDW at BWV. Our dates are 10/6 to 10/9. (and we have waitlisted the night of the 5th...but I am starting to feel like that will not go through)

 

[WDWKOOK]

I own points here and know the resort very well. How high is too high? The standard units face the entrance and roadway (not the parking lot, really.) On the first floor they are actually slightly depressed at the end near the lobby so second floor is not very high at all. All standard rooms are quiet. No noisy areas except for late night sugar-charged children returning from the parks running down the halls.. or was that the parents? (you know who you are )

Although the distance to the end at BWV is not really farther than that of most other resorts at their ends, it is a long walk and far from the main pool, lobby, and boats. It is closer to the bus stop and long walkway to HS. Your choice... All these rooms are close to the leisure pool, which we love. I always request a first floor room near the Leisure pool. So I am usually half way between each end... best of both.

Oh critters... what kind are you worried about? It's Florida, so expect bugs once in awhile. Tame ducks will wander up if they think you will feed them. But if you are worried about snakes or lizards that is very, very rare.

Great answer to the OP's question (and I'll bet it was the parents)

Been lurking on this thread for a while. I have been dreaming of staying at BWV for some time. I was able to snag a few nights for our trip in October. We have a split stay.. but will end our time at WDW at BWV. Our dates are 10/6 to 10/9. (and we have waitlisted the night of the 5th...but I am starting to feel like that will not go through)

Glad you came out of lurkdom and I'll put your dates in the BB. I hope your wait-list comes through, if not, what's the back-up plan?

 

[Disneytam]

I saw somewhere upthread a question about king bed rooms on club level I think. I'm on the app so more difficult to quote. I stayed one time on CL at BWI and I'm almost positive I had a king bed. I know for sure it was a garden view, not a boardwalk view. It was a solo trip. I'll have to go back and find it in pictures to be sure.

Edit: yup room 4240 was a king bed when I stayed there in October 2009

Thank you so much. I was the original poster that asked about King beds at the BWI CL. Now I have to decide what is more important to us Boardwalk view or King bed. I've always requested Boardwalk view but haven't been very lucky though they did move us halfway through our trip to a Boardwalk view during our Feb. trip. A new kind of split stay!

 

[goofy4tink]

I own points here and know the resort very well. How high is too high? The standard units face the entrance and roadway (not the parking lot, really.) On the first floor they are actually slightly depressed at the end near the lobby so second floor is not very high at all. All standard rooms are quiet. No noisy areas except for late night sugar-charged children returning from the parks running down the halls.. or was that the parents? (you know who you are )

Although the distance to the end at BWV is not really farther than that of most other resorts at their ends, it is a long walk and far from the main pool, lobby, and boats. It is closer to the bus stop and long walkway to HS. Your choice... All these rooms are close to the leisure pool, which we love. I always request a first floor room near the Leisure pool. So I am usually half way between each end... best of both.

Oh critters... what kind are you worried about? It's Florida, so expect bugs once in awhile. Tame ducks will wander up if they think you will feed them. But if you are worried about snakes or lizards that is very, very rare.

We own there as well....standard views are my favorite views...great point usage. Anyway....I've been on the ground floor before, it was nice. You're able to exit the bldg and just walk down the path to the buses, or out an door on the other side of the hall and exit by the quiet pool, which gives you immediate access to the walkway to DHS. I also like the second floor as well. It's really the floor that is on the same level as the lobby...and the balcony isn't that far off the ground. You could jump and not be hurt unless you are at the far end of the bldg!
I never had 'critters' on the ground level...maybe a lizard or two, but that's it. I did have a somewhat crazed squirrel on the 4th floor though! There was a tree right in front of our balcony (no view of anything other than that darned tree!!). That squirrel was nutty in the tree....swinging from branch to branch. I actually thought he was going to hop onto the balcony and knock on the door!!!!
The elevator will take you down to the ground level, dropping you off just by the main pool area. I would think that perhaps the 2nd floor (lobby level) would be your best bet. You don't seem to be taking many buses, so you'll want equal access to both Epcot and DHS. I would ask for the 2nd floor, halfway down the hall due to mobility issues. I have never had any noise issues at BWV...the lobby is usually fairly quiet.

 

[disney stuart]

Great info,staying in a villa mid July, I like your info about the ground level location. what is the exact terminology to request?

 

[The Sunrise Student]

I will be arriving to BWI 6 days from now for my FIRST stay at this resort!

I am hoping to get a room facing EPCOT, how do I ask for such a room. I noticed in pre-checking the best I could do is ask for Highest Level. Should I call in to ask?

 

[disfanforlife]

We are BWV owners as of 2013 and stayed for our first time there in March. We had a one bedroom standard view. I was blown away - thought the view was great! Loved watching the fireworks and we had one of those lucky rooms that some people wrote about on the corner that was quite roomy. We had a two bedroom booked for December for a split stay with our other home resort 3 nights there and 4 night AKV, but the family voted when our 7 month window opened up and I could book 7 nights at BCV we decided to switch our ressie there. I do plan to go back to BWV again on our next visit after that!

 

[MAO]

Great info,staying in a villa mid July, I like your info about the ground level location. what is the exact terminology to request?

I suspect 'ground level' or 'first floor' or 'want a patio, not a balcony' would all work. I email Member Services with my requests, so you should be able to take all the space you need to explain what you want if you were to use the same method.

 

[annmarieda]

Glad you came out of lurkdom and I'll put your dates in the BB. I hope your wait-list comes through, if not, what's the back-up plan?

Thanks! I hope it comes through. I am crossing my fingers but also trying to be realistic. Right now we have a 2 bedroom at OKW for the first 4 nights.. 2 studios at OKW for the one night and then a 1 bedroom at BWV for 3 nights. I hate having that one single night that I feel is "in limbo". It won't be the worst thing I suppose. I mean.. at least we do have a place to stay should the waitlist not come through.