Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[WDWKOOK]

As we suspected, AllEars confirms:

The Boardwalk Ballyhoo Tour at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas has been discontinued.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I finally booked our stay for March 26th-30th at the BWI a few days ago. We stayed there for the first time back in 2015 and we are sooo excited to be heading back (even if it is during the heavy crowds of spring break!!)

Welcome back and I'll log your dates in POST 1

Just checking in with our recent stay and an update that may or may not have been posted already from others.

Hurricane Matthew was a breeze compared to other hurricanes and tropical storms we have dealt with over the years (our third hurricane and we have also been through three tropical storms--over a 25 year period--not such awful luck and a matter of perspective). Some guests were really in a panic on Wednesday, but for the most part everyone weathered it well. We were prepared with sandwiches and sweets from Les Halles prior to EPCOT closing.

The Belle Vue Bar opened on Friday at 11:00 a.m. and Mickey bought us a Bloody Mary which was lovely. Belle Vue offered its normal continental breakfast prior to 11:00 a.m.

Abracadabar opened at noonish and there were buffets on Thursday and Friday at Flying Fish/Tratoria. It is my understanding the first dinner buffet was rather nasty for the price ($23.99 adults) and fairly inedible. As I said, we had yummy sandwiches and didn't need anything on Thursday evening. The Friday morning breakfast buffet was priced way lower at $15.99 (adults) and lunch at ($18.99). Breakfast was the usual fare and lunch included pizza and sandwiches. While the food was not particularly on par (from other guest reports--we had our own food ) with either restaurant offerings--people survived on it. ESPN opened around 5:00 p.m. and the Boardwalk was alive by 6:00 p.m. on Friday.

We had characters in the lobby, board games, etc. for families--people were sprawled out there and it seemed the BWI/BWV were able to accommodate those who were unable to depart as scheduled and needed to extend stays. Obviously, not everyone, but for the most part--there were no disgruntled guests in that regard.

Now to backtrack a bit. We arrived around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Beautiful weather and a lovely room at BWI (3286--standard with CM discount) before our transfer over to BWV. The room was fine and we enjoyed our one night there (we have stayed on the Inn side many times before and have had the same experience).

There has been much consternation about the construction, noise, etc. and we witnessed it near the leisure (quiet) pool on the Inn side. We watched a painting crew paint the pergola over the entrance to the pool every. . .single. . .day while we were there (but for the 24 hour hurricane). The fence is completed around all pools with gates as well. The gates are accessible from the outside and no need for a magic band to open them--not sure how it works after hours, but we did watch people swimming in the clown pool (during our Villa stay) very late at night and early in the morning so I guess you can open the gate all hours despite the "pool closed" signs.

When we arrived at BWI on Wednesday, nearly all sod was removed from the courtyard area and the plant areas were being replanted. By the time we left on Friday, October 14, 2016, the sod was replaced and plantings, for the most part, complete--the painting did continue throughout our stay on said pergola and quite a few balconies in the center courtyard wing.

I will take a break and hopefully get back with our Villas portion of the stay--pretty uneventful but for a few water issues (general maintenance).

What a great report and thank you for posting it

We're here! Made the move from CSR painlessly. We checked out, spent the day at Typhoon Lagoon and by the time we left got notified or room was ready. Coincidentally the same room number we had in March at Poly. We're right above Big River. I want to drop a line down and steal somebody's beer

OMG sitting on our balcony. There's a delightful breeze and the weather is delightful. Wish it were like this all year.

Glad you made it safely. Did you ever figure out a way to get the tap line into your room?

Just got back from our stay at BWV. Absolutely loved it! It's definitely on my list of favorite resorts. We stayed in a preferred studio on rented DVC points. I requested upper floor and near lobby and we got just that. Our room overlooked the main pool but fortunately for me, a tree blocked the creepy clown It was so nice having all the food options on the boardwalk and being within walking distance of two parks. All the CMs we ran into were very friendly and helpful. Overall a wonderful stay.

Thanks for posting about your stay and your villa location

If anybody ever wants a concierge experience without paying BWI rates, I highly recommend Coronado Springs business class. The building is closest to El Centro, lovely rooms with two queen (not twin) or one king bed. The lounge is open 7 to 10 in the morning for breakfast (cereal, bagels, pastry, fresh fruit) and 5 to 10 for evening snacks.

Glad you enjoyed your stay at CSR BC. I think only the Values have Double beds and all the Deluxe and Moderates have Queens.

I'm back with the BWV portion of the stay. We checked in bright and early on Thursday (10/6/16) morning--7:00 a.m. to be exact using rented points. We knew our room wouldn't be ready but we wanted to be sure our MBs would have charging privileges. When we arrived at BWI on Wednesday, we stored our luggage and went straight to EPCOT since I had not received a room ready text. Unfortunately, because we had not stopped by the concierge/check-in desk, our MBs did not yet have charging privileges. What is the point of online check-in, having your CC tied to your MDE and a PIN # if you can't charge until you have stopped at the desk? We felt our stopping early prior to park entry would be the answer to our MB charging issues--sadly, that was not the case. During our stay, we made four trips to the desk to "reset" the MBs so we would have charging. One day mine would work and one day my husband's would work, but neither worked at the same time and it required the aforementioned "reset" each time. After visit #4, both worked and we did not have any additional problems throughout the trip. I have to admit that it was rather annoying to make so many trips to the desk to fix what, according to the CMs, did not appear to be broken AND having our bands denied for charging--good thing I have never trusted them and always carry alternative payment methods. Our bands worked fine on our room doors and park entrances--it was simply a charging issue for us.

Our BWV room was ready fairly early--prior to 1:00 p.m. and one of our two requests was granted. We had requested Village Green view on lobby floor--we got the lobby floor but overlooked the clown pool. We were placed in room #2054 and initially I was a bit disappointed, with the balcony view, but it really was nice and dry when Hurricane Matthew was kicking up a bit of a fuss.

As mentioned in my prior post, it appeared most of the painting, planting and sod replacement was ongoing in the BWI courtyard area. I didn't see anyone working on the Villas side of BW and no activity on the Boardwalk itself other than workers moving from BC to the access gate next to ESPN.

The only maintenance type issues we had with our room was the water pressure in the shower and our entry tap lock was very loose. With regard to the water, we would turn the water on and be blasted out of the shower but within minutes the pressure would drop to a trickle that would barely rinse our hair. We would have to turn the shower off completely and restart it to gain the pressure back and occasionally that didn't work. There was also constant standing water in the tub--it never fully drained due to the shape of the tub. The water also found a way to escape and completely soak the floor behind the toilet stool. I pulled the shower curtain tight to the wall, plastered the liner to the wall and it still would flood. Finally, near the end of our trip, the entire resort went through routine water maintenance where no water was available between 1:00 and 6:00 a.m. When we did have water (6:00 a.m.), it was nasty brown and we had to run all faucets to clear the lines before showering--we were warned to do this as well. I liken it to routine fire hydrant flushing--when the city does that the water is often rusty for a period of time. Minor inconveniences.

We have stayed at BWI and BWV on many occasions and have never been disappointed. CMs were lovely and we enjoyed Abracadabar and ESPN after Matthew blew through on Friday. I can't say enough about the poise and caring exhibited by all of the "hurricane crew" who worked long hours from Wednesday evening through Friday evening. Patient, caring and bending over backward for the guests.

It was another wonderful stay and I look forward to returning at some point although our next two trips we will be at BCV (May) and BC (October). After that, who knows--guess I will worry about that when we return from the May trip and decide if we want to return the following May.

Thank you for posting your honest and detailed review of your BWV stay, @Tess

We have a standard CL room booked for September 2017. This is our first time staying at BWI. Do all of the CL rooms have balconies? Also, does the lounge close for some period during the day? We have stayed at BC CL where the lounge closed in between food offerings. We're so excited for our trip! I'm off to the Club Level Thread for more info!

Welcome! All the CL rooms have balconies and I believe the Innkeeper's Club does close in between service. I can't recall if this has changed.

So excited! I was able to apply the new Passholders discount to my marathon stay at BWV! I wasn't able to use the GP discount a few weeks ago and was afraid I would be stuck paying rack rate. Now I can start working on the NEXT trip at the end of January . . .

Congratulations on getting the new discount, @fla4fun.

We stayed in a studio at BWV and loved it, our room faced the clown pool. The room was clean, quiet, and great location. I would stay here again in a heartbeat, you really can't beat the location. The bus transportation was so good here, never really crowded and the resort and parks were very crowded and the ability to walk to Epcot and DHS was so awesome. The staff was wonderful and helpful so this was a plus as well. The Boardwalk atmosphere was so fun as well, very lively and the ability to see fireworks from two parks was also a plus. Here is a picture of our room view, we were in 2060.
View attachment 202516

Thanks for posting about your stay and for posting your photo. I hope you get to book another stay soon

Hey everyone. First want to say thanks to all who post it helps so much getting information. So here is my question. My wife and I are thinking about going mid January. We have been to Disney World several times and fell in love with the Boardwalk. We stay in the Garden Cottage club level. However, the last time we were there we called about the construction and was told not to worry it is no where near our room. (Mid July) They either lied or the CM was miss informed. We still had a good time and loved the room but it is was a little noisy outside by the pool, and there was construction material all around the outside of out room. Can someone tell me is the construction over? The website still has a notice. Thank you everyone.

Welcome to the thread, @Robyonkers. Last I heard there was still general maintenance going on around BWI and BWV and AllEars is reporting there is still BWV room work being done, but I thought that was completed? If you're staying CL, the IPO may be better able to answer that for you.

I have reservations at Boardwalk Villas for 12/10 to 12/14, 1 Bedroom Villa - Standard View. Any recommendations regarding room requests? (I do that when I click 'online check-in' right?)

Also, a question about campfire (smores?), as well as movies. Do those happen every night and if so, where can I find the schedule for them? (in fact, schedule for any other resort specific activities?)

Congratulations and I'll log your dates! Yes, the campfire and movies are every night. The schedule is listed in the Resort Activity Calendar which is linked in POST 1 of this thread and will be given to you upon check-in. It's published monthly.

Hi everyone joining in we just switched our March trip from the YC to the BWI with the Disney Visa promotion and saved some money. So excited to be staying at the BWI again.
Could you please add us to the list

Saving $$ is great! What are your BWI dates?

We are still a long way away, but we will at BWV in a 1 Bedroom suite from September 13-23, 2017

It'll be my wife, 3 boys (5,3,1) and myself! I'm looking forward to being within walking distance to Epcot and HS!

It's never too soon to start planning. I'll log your dates

My husband, daughter, and I will be at Boardwalk Villas in December in a 2 bedroom and we have also heard to request a room near the elevators. Let me ask one question, though. Since they allow you to give two requests, do you know if they give your first request top priority? We would love to have a room near an elevator and that is definitely a top priority. It would also be nice to have a top floor room, but that's not nearly as important. If we request a room near an elevator first, if that is absolutely the most important, should we leave our second request blank or go ahead and request a top floor. I would hate for them to say, "Well, we don't have a top floor near an elevator. We have a second floor kind of near an elevator, but not really close enough to be considered "near" and a top floor far from the elevator. Let's give her the top floor." I'd rather be as close to an elevator as possible. Does that make sense?

It's often recommended to place requests in order of importance. You can make more than two requests. If you booked a cash reservation, just call the WDTC to have your requests added to your reservation.

 

[wdwnut61]

Saving $$ is great? What are your BWI dates?

3/10/17-3/19/17 BWI

 

[WDWKOOK]

3/10/17-3/19/17 BWI

Oh my, that was supposed to be an ! not a ?. Saving money is definitely great!!! I'll add your dates to the BoardWalk Bulletin

 

[gometros]

As we suspected, AllEars confirms:

The Boardwalk Ballyhoo Tour at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas has been discontinued.

I asked at the desk and was told the same thing . I knew I waited too long .

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

You can add me to the Bulletin! My husband,DD6, and I will be in a 2 bedroom from December 4-10!

 

[gometros]

Glad you made it safely. Did you ever figure out a way to get the tap line into your room?

Nope. The tables weren't exactly directly below us and I couldn't throw the line out far enough to snag anything

 

[WDWKOOK]

You can add me to the Bulletin! My husband,DD6, and I will be in a 2 bedroom from December 4-10!

I'd be happy to add you. Lots of room for the three of you

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

I'd be happy to add you. Lots of room for the three of you

True words. Originally, my mother-in-law and father-in-law were going to join us but stuff has happened since then that's made things more complicated. My mother-in-law might still join us for a night or two and my father-in-law might be able to come hang out in the room, but likely won't be spending the night. No matter, though. Whether it's 3, 4, or 5 of us, I know we are going to love our first stay at Boardwalk!

 

[wdwnut61]

Oh my, that was supposed to be an ! not a ?. Saving money is definitely great!!! I'll add your dates to the BoardWalk Bulletin

Thanks

 

[Luisfba]

Any further insight on room recommendations for a 1BR standard villa? Should I just request 'near elevators' and 'upper floors' - or should I ask for front of bus area?

 

[tiggerluver12]

Any further insight on room recommendations for a 1BR standard villa? Should I just request 'near elevators' and 'upper floors' - or should I ask for front of bus area?

I'd like to know the same. Traveling to BWV in September 2017 and we have rented 3 standard studio villas. Thanks!

 

[BlueSkies]

What kind of fence? Could you post a picture?

I have a few pics of the fencing going up around the main pool...as soon as I can I'll post some....

So excited! I was able to apply the new Passholders discount to my marathon stay at BWV! I wasn't able to use the GP discount a few weeks ago and was afraid I would be stuck paying rack rate. Now I can start working on the NEXT trip at the end of January . . .

Us too...gotta love a good pass holder discount.... thats why it pays to have an AP right! Disney logic!

We stayed in a studio at BWV and loved it, our room faced the clown pool. The room was clean, quiet, and great location. I would stay here again in a heartbeat, you really can't beat the location. The bus transportation was so good here, never really crowded and the resort and parks were very crowded and the ability to walk to Epcot and DHS was so awesome. The staff was wonderful and helpful so this was a plus as well. The Boardwalk atmosphere was so fun as well, very lively and the ability to see fireworks from two parks was also a plus. Here is a picture of our room view, we were in 2060.
View attachment 202516

Thanks for sharing that lovely pic...and for your feed back too!

EPCOT was nuts today. I knew weekends were bad, but Wynn they have to close the EPCOT lot and use Magic Kingdom as an overflow, it's really bad. We went in only four an 11:00 fastpass at Soarin' and the crowds are already building. I heard wait times of an hour at the Canada booth late in the afternoon. And don't forget, there are two queues!

Magic Kingdom was also pretty busy. What's going on? October used to be such a good month to go. I heard many states changed their school calendars which might have had an effect?

So sorry to hear this gometros ..I agree that October used to be a great time to be in the world...these days..I think its one of the busier times...

Hey everyone. First want to say thanks to all who post it helps so much getting information. So here is my question. My wife and I are thinking about going mid January. We have been to Disney World several times and fell in love with the Boardwalk. We stay in the Garden Cottage club level. However, the last time we were there we called about the construction and was told not to worry it is no where near our room. (Mid July) They either lied or the CM was miss informed. We still had a good time and loved the room but it is was a little noisy outside by the pool, and there was construction material all around the outside of out room. Can someone tell me is the construction over? The website still has a notice. Thank you everyone.

We have stayed at the BW a few times in the last year...and seen construction walls..and some equipment in various places..seen a little work going on...although have never felt that its been very obtrusive to our trips...Don't think that the construction is over yet..but we do have a stay coming up in December..and have not received a "construction" letter like we did for our summer trip...so...maybe it's winding down...finally...lol...

For the folks who have stayed at BW in the last few months, does anyone know if the the Bakery is still making egg sandwiches for breakfast? Menu does not seem to offer anything hot. I know they did in the past, and hoping they still do!

We did see the sandwiches at the bakery..but also..again..I will find pics...lol...Belle Vue Lounge is also serving a hot breakfast sandwich (I'm sure not as fresh as the one at the bakery...this is probably pre made...but an option) ..If memory serves correctly..a croissant with egg and cheese...didn't try it..but it looked good!

We are still a long way away, but we will at BWV in a 1 Bedroom suite from September 13-23, 2017

It'll be my wife, 3 boys (5,3,1) and myself! I'm looking forward to being within walking distance to Epcot and HS!

Never to soon to start planning!! Being with in walking distance to both parks is just wonderful!

As we suspected, AllEars confirms:

The Boardwalk Ballyhoo Tour at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas has been discontinued.

Ughhh... ..I'm sooo disappointed...this was a wonderful tour...DD and I did it last year..and were looking forward to doing it again with my DH....I'm hoping that as in the past...after being discontinued..that it will have a come back....fingers crossed....

I asked at the desk and was told the same thing . I knew I waited too long .

It's really too bad..it was such a great tour...so many interesting details and fun facts details about the resort..and the BW area..and in the past it ended in Seashore Sweets with a complimentary ice cream...I was hoping that now it would end in Ample Hills....lol...its always about the food!!

Our trip isn't too far off...and we are still tweaking ...lol...have added a sleigh ride at FW most recently...this is the trip of branching out...and trying new things I guess....Really looking forward to Jingle Bell Jingle Bam at DHS....

Off to look for the promised pics.....

 

[HollyMD]

Is there and email address that I can email to add a celebration to our reservation for Nov? Or can I fax it? Or do I have to call(trying to avoid a phone call ha)? Thanks!

 

[100acreHiker]

Can someone tell me about the Belle Vue Lounge? Is it in the Inn side or the Villas? What floor? Is it only for club-level folks? We'll be staying next month and there will be three generations. I see they have a casual breakfast, so I'm assuming kids are welcome then. What about at night? If Grandpa and my husband are having a nightcap, can my 12 year old go along to keep them company and chat? Fingers crossed they have breakfast sandwiches in the mornings--that's what my boys live on!

 

[AJA55]

Back to the real world and missing WDW. We had a mostly wonderful time as always, eating and drinking through the Food and Wine Fest. But I would be remiss if I didn’t provide the follow information for you all. The first morning I noticed that near the sliding patio door the floor was a bit wet. No big deal we thought. A few days later after some really good rain storms came through the area, the same area was wet a full foot out from the door. Following a further inspection, we found that the area under the large sitting chair near the sliding door was wet a full two feet around the chair. After reporting the problem, we were visited by four employees (housekeeping and maintance). They used a heavy duty shop vac to pick up some of the water, maintance checked for the culprit, we were brought some towels and we refused the drying machine for the night because of the noise level. There is no way we could have slept through that noise. No one ever came back for the towels and no one checked in with us on how the carpet was fairing. It’s room 4064. Oh, and if you are porch dwellers as we are (2 to 5 hours a day is spent on the porch just chilling and people watching) do not pick this room it’s one with a solid wall on the balcony. So if you sit on the balcony all you see if solid wall. A great choice for families with small children but just not for us. We now know if we go back the first request on our reservation will be “no solid wall on the balcony”. They are rooms 4064 (our room 4064) through 4056/8 if I remember correct, on the Villa side. We are already rethinking our hotel choice for next time.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Can someone tell me about the Belle Vue Lounge? Is it in the Inn side or the Villas? What floor? Is it only for club-level folks? We'll be staying next month and there will be three generations. I see they have a casual breakfast, so I'm assuming kids are welcome then. What about at night? If Grandpa and my husband are having a nightcap, can my 12 year old go along to keep them company and chat? Fingers crossed they have breakfast sandwiches in the mornings--that's what my boys live on!

It's a normal resort lounge and is on the second floor on the Inn side close to the lobby and elevators. I'd believe your 12yo could go along but don't know 100%.

They do not have breakfast sandwiches - more continental breakfasts. This link to the Disney menu actually doesn't show everything as they do have rolls, croissants, bagels and such also. If you want breakfast sandwiches you will want to head to the Boardwalk Bakery - which is just a short walk from the lounge.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/board-walk-inn/belle-vue-lounge/menus/

 

[need2travel]

Hi 100acrehiker,

You asked about the Belle Vue Lounge, it's located on the Inn side on the same floor as the lobby. It's really just a few yards down the hall from the lobby & is one of DH's & My favorite spots. It's open to anyone & yes, your son can hang out at night w/ Dad & Grandpa. It's a great space with a few little tables & some great couches & comfy chairs as well as some tables outside on the balcony. We like to sit out there w/ a drink & people watch. We've also gotten lunch from the Boardwalk Bakery & had it up there several times-empty & quiet at that time of day.

The breakfast is really grab & go on a limited basis, mostly fruit, cereal, croissants, etc. No breakfast sammies-you can get those at the Boardwalk Bakery (bacon, egg & cheese croissant is sooo good-I got one almost every morning of our last trip-I know bad me!)

Have a great trip!!

 

[BlueSkies]

100acre..BelleVue as others have said is a great spot for a morning bite..there is a toasting station..bagels only..yogurt parfaits..fruit cups..and assorted muffins and pastries . .yum! and as of August a breakfast sandwich...maybe that has been discontinued??? I will happily check real soon!

Evenings in the Belle Vue ..it is a traditional pub...I don't really recall seeing children in there at that time. ..they just serve drinks..not even appetizers . ..just our observation though . ..

So during the morning..its a great breakast spot..and its attached porch is filled with comfy wicker furniture for relaxing..another great spot ..aside from the breakfast...and evening hours..there is nothing served there during the day...

Getting my pics together to post...

 

[BlueSkies]

The pool..with fencing ....