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

[AirGoofy]

I love sitting on my balcony, reading DISBoards while everybody gets ready

That is the best. I enjoyed the balcony, but I also enjoyed walking down to the lobby or outside over the green space and posting as well. It is fun watching the resort "wake-up" in the morning. I need to bring a mug from home so I can enjoy a bigger cup of coffee there.

Also, I'm with you on the whole food thing. A major part of my WDW vacation (or, sadly, any vacation) is our dining experiences. How I wish I could be a person who forgets to eat or doesn't care about food. Or, maybe not.

I'm staying in the food category. Schools are out for the summer, and oldest started summer swimming, youngest had indoor soccer camp, and I played tennis twice. DW went to work this AM and it was just the three of us. We all enjoyed a relaxing day at home, and we made homemade pizzas (crust and sauce). We had a fun day together, enjoying the downtime and food.

 

[gometros]

That is the best. I enjoyed the balcony, but I also enjoyed walking down to the lobby or outside over the green space and posting as well. It is fun watching the resort "wake-up" in the morning. I need to bring a mug from home so I can enjoy a bigger cup of coffee there.

We still have our mugs from the old system. We just joined Owner's Locker this trip and will keep two mugs down here.

Another reason I love BW and staying onsite in general. Went to MK in the morning (Btw, lots of Frozen merch out now. We bought two Olaf plushes.) We got to meet Anna and Elsa with Aurora thrown in for good measure, saw the Fantasy parade and rode BTMRR on our Fastpasses. After lunch at LTT, we went back to the Boardwalk to swim for an hour. Feeling refreshed we hit EPCOT for EMH. Man for a park that easywdw said to avoid, it was relatively empty. We hit Futureworld after 9:00 while everybody was watching a Illuminations. We did TT single rider. The posted wait said 30 minutes. It was more like 30 seconds. And my daughter and I were in the same car. Spaceship Earth was a walk on. There was nobody on Nemo. I think the 10 minute wait was the time it takes to walk that queue. We had a private visit with Crush, maybe 15 of us? Mostly teens and adults, one kid. Soarin' was pretty much walk on by 10:30pm.

Sandy
Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

 

[digiMom]

Looking for some thoughts. I'm trying to decide what to do for lunch on the day we arrive. Our flight lands around 10:45 on a Saturday morning (Aug 16). I don't want to make ADRs, just a quick service. (no DDP and want to get into Epcot) I'm assuming by the time we get to BWV and check in, it'll be around noon. We'll probably head over to Epcot at the peak of lunchtime. I'm trying to decide if we should grab a quick bite on the Boardwalk, maybe even getting our refill mugs and use them right away. The problem with this is that we'll have to drag our mugs around then and we'll be eating outside. The other option is wait until we get in Epcot and eat at Sunshine Seasons or something, but I suspect that will be very busy at that time. Any advice? Thanks..

 

[epsmith921]

You could go to the boardwalk bakery out on the boardwalk. It's your closest option. Amazing lobster rolls!

You could also head over to dolphin to picabu, their quick service. It's pretty good.

Hope you have a great trip!

And you're so close to Epcot you could still pretty easily go hit the Yorkshire fish place or even Les Halles in France.

 

[digiMom]

You could go to the boardwalk bakery out on the boardwalk. It's your closest option. Amazing lobster rolls! You could also head over to dolphin to picabu, their quick service. It's pretty good. Hope you have a great trip! And you're so close to Epcot you could still pretty easily go hit the Yorkshire fish place or even Les Halles in France.

Thanks for the help! Part of my problem is although the bakery sounds great for DH and me, DD and DS are teenagers that don't stray too far from chicken/burgers/pizza/macncheese/etc. Are the pizza window and boardwalk to go decent or should they be avoided? Are they only cash, or could I use my Disney Visa Redemption card here (not the visa, the card you get for your points)?

 

[gometros]

Looking for some thoughts. I'm trying to decide what to do for lunch on the day we arrive. Our flight lands around 10:45 on a Saturday morning (Aug 16). I don't want to make ADRs, just a quick service. (no DDP and want to get into Epcot) I'm assuming by the time we get to BWV and check in, it'll be around noon. We'll probably head over to Epcot at the peak of lunchtime. I'm trying to decide if we should grab a quick bite on the Boardwalk, maybe even getting our refill mugs and use them right away. The problem with this is that we'll have to drag our mugs around then and we'll be eating outside. The other option is wait until we get in Epcot and eat at Sunshine Seasons or something, but I suspect that will be very busy at that time. Any advice? Thanks..

There are a number of good counter service restaurants all around the World Showcase that ain't need ADRs. ADRs are tricky anyway on day of arrival since you have to guarantee with a credit card and if you arrive late you'll lose your deposit.

Sandy
Sent from my SCH-I535 using DISBoards

 

[gometros]

Best way to end a vacation at the BWV is with a dip in the Luna Pool before hopping on ME to the airport.

Sandy
Sent from my SCH-I535 using DISBoards

 

[southernfriedmom]

So I am reviewing & editing my plans like I always do about a month out and would love opinions on two things...
1. Anyone done or heard about RD at the International Gateway recently have tips? (Such as is it same/better/worse access than front of park, do you need to arrive as early, etc)

2. Do you all usually walk to/from Epcot & DHS from BWI? What situations do you prefer the boat?

Thanks so much for all the information & positive interaction on this thread- love it!!!

 

[AirGoofy]

Thanks for the help! Part of my problem is although the bakery sounds great for DH and me, DD and DS are teenagers that don't stray too far from chicken/burgers/pizza/macncheese/etc. Are the pizza window and boardwalk to go decent or should they be avoided? Are they only cash, or could I use my Disney Visa Redemption card here (not the visa, the card you get for your points)?

I'll second those lobster rolls at Boardwalk Bakery. The pizza is by the slice and is good enough. I'm not sure if they take the rewards redemption card. The other option is to just go to Epcot. Instead of sunshine seasons, there are so many options to grab and go from the WS. I'm not sure which ones take the Rewards redemption card.

 

[WDWKOOK]

DH & I have a current YC CL reservation for October and today he's decided we should extend our stay an extra night but would have to switch resorts as YC has no availability. Want to stay in Boardwalk area because of F&W & there is availability at BWI. What can we expect as far as the offerings at BWI CL? If it matters, we've only stayed CL at BC...are the food options at BWI better? TIA

My recollection of both the Regatta and Innkeepers clubs is that the food was very similar. At least compared with the MK Resorts, the Innkeeper's Club seemed to consist much more of fried apps. and was more repetitive. Most of the fried items tasted very similar night to night, with only the shape changing.

Kerry is correct that the food is from Kouzzinas so there are some Greek inspired dishes. I recall many cold rice-based dishes along with the fried apps.

The Magic of the DISBoards. Just got to meet frequent poster, goofy4tink and her daughter. Always a pleasure to meet another BWV denizen and Disney fan.

Sandy
Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

Hey everyone!

WDWKOOK I wanted to let you know we changed our ressie from a deluxe to the 2 bedroom suite at BWI. Same dates! Very excited.

It is the one with 2 kings and a queen sleeper sofa with a garden view. Has anyone stayed in this one?

The CM stated it was on the same floor as the CL. Can someone verify?

Thanks!

WOW! From Deluxe to extra, extra deluxe! You sure upgraded yourselves and you must be very excited.

It is my understanding that the two-bedroom suites have 3 balconies all with views of the courtyard/garden/Epcot. There are photos HERE in the thread, courtesy of i_heart_the_mouse and at the end of that post are links to more two bedroom photos and a BC/BWI two bedroom comparison by pixarmom.

It was great to meet you and your family as well! I love putting faces to those names I see so frequently. And, I love meeting fellow DISers anywhere I can.....having them 4 doors down the hall doesn't happen often!

I'm staying in the food category. Schools are out for the summer, and oldest started summer swimming, youngest had indoor soccer camp, and I played tennis twice. DW went to work this AM and it was just the three of us. We all enjoyed a relaxing day at home, and we made homemade pizzas (crust and sauce). We had a fun day together, enjoying the downtime and food.

Another food vote here. We love talking about where we're going to eat on vacation and looking at menus in advance. DD loves to cook after school and we're old fashioned and eat dinner together every night. Your summer sounds like it's off to a great start and you're making great memories for your children. Teaching them how to cook is an indispensable skill.

Looking for some thoughts. I'm trying to decide what to do for lunch on the day we arrive. Our flight lands around 10:45 on a Saturday morning (Aug 16). I don't want to make ADRs, just a quick service. (no DDP and want to get into Epcot) I'm assuming by the time we get to BWV and check in, it'll be around noon. We'll probably head over to Epcot at the peak of lunchtime. I'm trying to decide if we should grab a quick bite on the Boardwalk, maybe even getting our refill mugs and use them right away. The problem with this is that we'll have to drag our mugs around then and we'll be eating outside. The other option is wait until we get in Epcot and eat at Sunshine Seasons or something, but I suspect that will be very busy at that time. Any advice? Thanks..

There are so many QSs at Epcot that I would go right into Epcot, sans refillable mug, and head to one of the QSs. One of my favorites is Les Halles in France. They have a wonderful selection of sandwiches, desserts and drinks - HERE is the menu. There is also a new restaurant in Morocco, SPICE ROAD. It's a TS that doesn't take reservations. I haven't tried it yet though, so I can't personally recommend it, but we plan on trying it in a couple of weeks.

 

[WDWKOOK]

So I am reviewing & editing my plans like I always do about a month out and would love opinions on two things...
1. Anyone done or heard about RD at the International Gateway recently have tips? (Such as is it same/better/worse access than front of park, do you need to arrive as early, etc)

2. Do you all usually walk to/from Epcot & DHS from BWI? What situations do you prefer the boat?

Thanks so much for all the information & positive interaction on this thread- love it!!!

I can answer number two with a resounding YES! We always walk so once last year "for fun," DD asked to ride the boat from DHS back to Epcot - she was a very tired teen. It seemed so very slow and made a couple of stops before even getting to Epcot and it was kind of hot, too. I think she got the Friendship Boat out of her system after that.

We haven't done IG RD (we're not Rope Droppers), but the IG is always better than the front of Epcot. We've never even really had a line at all and the Guest Services booth there is fantastic. So fast and easy to get our AP vouchers converted there. Love the IG.

 

[AirGoofy]

So I am reviewing & editing my plans like I always do about a month out and would love opinions on two things...
1. Anyone done or heard about RD at the International Gateway recently have tips? (Such as is it same/better/worse access than front of park, do you need to arrive as early, etc)

2. Do you all usually walk to/from Epcot & DHS from BWI? What situations do you prefer the boat?

Thanks so much for all the information & positive interaction on this thread- love it!!!

When we've been there at IG for RD, there really hasn't been anything special. But, it is a short walk from Epcot. We usually always walk from BWV to Epcot. The boat has a really cool turnaround at the Epcot boat dock to ride or just watch. The walk from the Inn side to DHS is a bit longer, but it is an easy walk. We may take the boat from DHS back to BWV if we are tired at the end of the day.

 

[pixarmom]

Looking for some thoughts. I'm trying to decide what to do for lunch on the day we arrive. Our flight lands around 10:45 on a Saturday morning (Aug 16). I don't want to make ADRs, just a quick service. (no DDP and want to get into Epcot) I'm assuming by the time we get to BWV and check in, it'll be around noon. We'll probably head over to Epcot at the peak of lunchtime. I'm trying to decide if we should grab a quick bite on the Boardwalk, maybe even getting our refill mugs and use them right away. The problem with this is that we'll have to drag our mugs around then and we'll be eating outside. The other option is wait until we get in Epcot and eat at Sunshine Seasons or something, but I suspect that will be very busy at that time. Any advice? Thanks..

Another vote for Les Halles in Epcot. Even during lunchtime, we've never experienced much of a wait and it's right inside World Showcase, so your travel time from resort to lunch would be minimal. The sandwiches are outstanding and even our pickiest eater enjoys the ham and cheese. We rarely eat CS, but Les Halles is an exception and on our list for every trip!

It is my understanding that the two-bedroom suites have 3 balconies all with views of the courtyard/garden/Epcot. There are photos HERE in the thread, courtesy of i_heart_the_mouse and at the end of that post are links to more two bedroom photos and a BC/BWI two bedroom comparison by pixarmom.

Thanks for posting the link, KOOK! You know how I always forget I already posted photos, so I'm glad you were able to provide it! Happy to answer any questions regarding our 2-bedroom suite stay at BWI - just this February for Princess Half Marathon weekend. I didn't realize how much we needed that space on race weekend until we were actually there!

Yes, we had three balconies and a view of the gardens. I prefer a boardwalk view (so beautiful and peaceful, in my opinion) and my husband prefers the garden view (so quiet.) Although I have to say the garden view was perfect for the night before the half marathon - no noise at all and I was able to see the Illuminations fireworks from our balcony. Our 2-bedroom suite was right along the hallway between the Innkeepers Club door and the club lounge. Very convenient location!

 

[HBGdancermom]

Another vote for Les Halles in Epcot. Even during lunchtime, we've never experienced much of a wait and it's right inside World Showcase, so your travel time from resort to lunch would be minimal. The sandwiches are outstanding and even our pickiest eater enjoys the ham and cheese. We rarely eat CS, but Les Halles is an exception and on our list for every trip! Thanks for posting the link, KOOK! You know how I always forget I already posted photos, so I'm glad you were able to provide it! Happy to answer any questions regarding our 2-bedroom suite stay at BWI - just this February for Princess Half Marathon weekend. I didn't realize how much we needed that space on race weekend until we were actually there! Yes, we had three balconies and a view of the gardens. I prefer a boardwalk view (so beautiful and peaceful, in my opinion) and my husband prefers the garden view (so quiet.) Although I have to say the garden view was perfect for the night before the half marathon - no noise at all and I was able to see the Illuminations fireworks from our balcony. Our 2-bedroom suite was right along the hallway between the Innkeepers Club door and the club lounge. Very convenient location!

Thanks WDWKOOK.

Hi Pixarmom! I am thinking that the quiet gardenside would definitely be great for race weekend. I will probably be asking you bunches between now and then.

 

[psac]

Hey Boardwalk peeps. Nothing to add to the conversation, but I was away for a work trip (Chicago, they don't get the internet there ), and then next Sunday we're away for a week for a cruise to Bermuda, our first non-Disney trip in about six vacations!

Hope you enjoy your YC/CL trip, Kook! Totally get the switch.

Some Sunday Scenery

 

[KrazeeK120]

So I am reviewing & editing my plans like I always do about a month out and would love opinions on two things...
1. Anyone done or heard about RD at the International Gateway recently have tips? (Such as is it same/better/worse access than front of park, do you need to arrive as early, etc)

2. Do you all usually walk to/from Epcot & DHS from BWI? What situations do you prefer the boat?

Thanks so much for all the information & positive interaction on this thread- love it!!!

1. I find RD to be much less hectic at IG than at the front of the park. You don't need to arrive nearly as early. On my last trip, DH and I just stopped to look at the fountain with no one else around for a few minutes (and took photos and a video of it), since people hadn't gotten there yet from the front of the park. It was extraordinarily relaxing for RD!

2. I walk. I think it's faster and I dislike waiting for the boat. Plus, it's good exercise. I don't follow my normal exercise regimen while on vacation (because, hello, it's vacation!), so I don't really mind the extra walking.

 

[Denise W]

psac, are you taking the Celebrity Summit from Bayonne to Bermuda? We took that cruise 2 weeks ago, it was fantastic!!

Denise

Hey Boardwalk peeps. Nothing to add to the conversation, but I was away for a work trip (Chicago, they don't get the internet there ), and then next Sunday we're away for a week for a cruise to Bermuda, our first non-Disney trip in about six vacations!

Hope you enjoy your YC/CL trip, Kook! Totally get the switch.

Some Sunday Scenery

 

[southernfriedmom]

Thanks for all the answers to my previous two questions. I thought I was through with questions but I came across another two things while planning that I wanted to verify with someone with recent experience...

1. Is it still possible to get a pizza at the BW pizza window for 2 QS credits?
2. Is it still accurate that the BW performers are there Th-Sat. evenings?

Also, just curious... Have any families rented the Surrey Bikes & want to share your thoughts?

Thanks Again!!!

 

[psac]

psac, are you taking the Celebrity Summit from Bayonne to Bermuda? We took that cruise 2 weeks ago, it was fantastic!!

Denise

We're doing the NCL Breakaway out of manhattan, but my in-laws are doing that Summit cruise in a month for the second year in a row. Glad you liked it!

Thanks for all the answers to my previous two questions. I thought I was through with questions but I came across another two things while planning that I wanted to verify with someone with recent experience...

1. Is it still possible to get a pizza at the BW pizza window for 2 QS credits?
2. Is it still accurate that the BW performers are there Th-Sat. evenings?

Also, just curious... Have any families rented the Surrey Bikes & want to share your thoughts?

Thanks Again!!!

Not sure about the pizza, I thought it was one slice for one credit, but hopefully other people can answer.

The Thursday-Sat evening is NOT accurate. Now it's every night!! If the weather is bad (raining), they do it in the lobby instead of out on the BW. Enjoy!

 

[HBGdancermom]

Thanks for all the answers to my previous two questions. I thought I was through with questions but I came across another two things while planning that I wanted to verify with someone with recent experience...

1. Is it still possible to get a pizza at the BW pizza window for 2 QS credits?
2. Is it still accurate that the BW performers are there Th-Sat. evenings?

Also, just curious... Have any families rented the Surrey Bikes & want to share your thoughts?

Thanks Again!!!

I have not personally rented the bikes but am dying to. They look like so much fun!

We have not stayed at BWI but we have stayed at YC/BC and usually walk to Epcot and there are never any lines it seems when we go. Usually at night for dinner is when we tend to head over.
As far as HS goes, we always see if a boat is pulling away and then we walk.