Disney Boardwalk Studio Villa or Boulder Ridge Studio Villa?

[Mr. X]

Hi,

Family of 5 (15yo, 13yo, 8yo) going for 7 days next August, renting DVC points. Already have quotes but trying to decide between 2 resorts.

We've stayed a Wilderness Lodge before, but never in the Villas, we've never stayed at the Boardwalk but have stayed at Yacht Club in regular room. I know the WL has has lots of new construction,

I've been doing some research but still can't come to a decision. Hoping some folks can give me pros/cons to each.

Some concerns:
- Value (BWV is about $300 cheaper than WL)
- Transportation
- Eating in am (marketplace, quick service near resort)
- Pool
- Views from room (looking at standard view room)

Thanaks in advance!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

There are pros and cons to both depending on your park plans, IMHO. Here are my thoughts on your list of concerns:

1) Value is always a factor and, honestly, unless you are spending the majority of your time in MK, I would take that $300 savings and stay at BWV. With the age of your kids, there is far more for them to do in the Boardwalk area - walking to two parks, mini-golf, entertainment on the Boardwalk in the evenings.

2) Transportation - again, unless you are spending most of your time at MK, nothing beats simply walking (or taking a boat and now Skyliner) to two parks. From BWV, you have amazing access to both EP and DHS. Unless you are going to MK, I find the buses from WL a little frustrating if you happen to be going at a time where they share buses with Ft. W.

3) Eating in am - WL wins it for me here. Roaring Forks is a good QS, IMHO and it's inside WL which is a big plus. Boardwalk Bakery isn't the best for breakfast, IMHO and you have to walk outside in order to access it. Plus all seating is outside as well. When staying at BWV, we typically stock our room with breakfast foods since QS isn't readily available. Belle Vue Lounge does have some grab and go stuff, but mostly pastries, yogurt, fruit, etc.

4) Pool - your kids are on the older side, so I would recommend BWV in this case. The pool there is bigger and more lively and the slide is one of the best on-property, IMHO. I know some people are creeped out by the clown, but it doesn't bother us and the slide is fast! There is also a really great pool bar right on the pool deck making getting beverages and snacks super convenient. The pool at WL is small and the slide is super small - by 7 years old my DS was completely bored with the WL pool.

5) I've never stayed in a standard view at BRV, but I've stayed in standards many times at BWV. We are usually either overlooking the quiet pool or over the walking path to DHS with a view of the Swan. I'm not a big "view" person (I would rather save money!), so I've never really been disappointed with a standard view anywhere on property.

For me, again, if you aren't spending the majority of your time in MK, I would choose BWV hands-down. I think it's better suited for older kids.

 

[chainkid]

No question for anyone with older kids as they can walk and be independent and you don't have to worry about giving them abit of freedom

 

[_auroraborealis_]

View will be better at BRV. The view at BWV may be of the trash area.

 

[Lacoccinelle]

These are our two favorite hotels. Which parks will you do most. That may help your decision. We did a split stay at these last time and it was great. I hate having to go on the bus.

WL has better eating options IMO. We like both quick services and not sit downs and took the boat to Hoop de Doo.

 

[Rick195275]

Since you said you were renting, getting a standard view at boardwalk can be difficult at times for owners, could be really difficult renting.

 

[Jessica Geisler]

Mr. Kirk, the concierge at Boulder Ridge Villas, is the reason we stay there every time we rent DVC points! We do Beach Club for the pool when we book through Disney. I like the boardwalk area and being able to walk... but we find we don’t spend as much time there as we do exploring WL & FW - but my kids are more outdoorsy.

 

[Mr. X]

Thanks for the info all. We'e decided on the Wilderness Lodge. Our kids love the place and we've never stayed in the Villas before. Plus there have been lots of changes since our last visit.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for the info all. We'e decided on the Wilderness Lodge. Our kids love the place and we've never stayed in the Villas before. Plus there have been lots of changes since our last visit.

Make sure you book Boulder Ridge and not Copper Creek because CCV onky sleep four in both the studio and one bedroom.