Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[debedo]

Just booked another trip to Boardwalk Villas!! Taking our two Granddaughters for their first trip. January 24 thru January 30. Buying DVC points was such a great idea.

 

[sfbank]

Tess--Thanks for the words of encouragement! I am excited to try it as I have heard nothing but good things. I am sure we will have a good time as always. Besides I will be at Disney instead of Iowa

 

[maxiesmom]

In the studios, is there any kind of door that shuts off the whole bathroom area from the rest of the room? I'm an early riser, and it would be nice if there is a door or something blocking any sound from the sink area and the rest of the room.

 

[Denise W]

In the studios, is there any kind of door that shuts off the whole bathroom area from the rest of the room? I'm an early riser, and it would be nice if there is a door or something blocking any sound from the sink area and the rest of the room.

No, unless they added it in the current refurb. The sink is outside and the toilet and tub are in a room with a door.
Denise

 

[pld5]

We have been here since Sunday and check out tomorrow morning. Can't say enough nice things about the Innkeepers Club. My parents, husband and son truly felt like royalty all week, as did I. Great cast member interactions here all week, especially with Lorenzo, Jim, Linda, Melanie and Pete. My son enjoyed meeting other kids to talk about the parks and Disney XD with and the rest of us enjoyed the continental breakfast, apps and wine and beer.

We saw a lot of construction workers on the floor this week, but didn't hear them much (but we were mostly in the parks from 10am on all week). I was only concerned with them the day they were taking measurements by the coffee station in the day I had not yet poured a cup. . But they stayed out of guests way, for sure. Saw lots of rooms with tape over their doors, so assumed they had some work going on.

We will definitely stay here again for a summer trip. Loved the access to DHS and Epcot and people watching options were widely available. Access for Star Wars Weekends was great and we got to see Jeremy Bulloch at the Innkeepers Club last weekend.

My son loved the Slide and pool, although today he encountered a 6 year old swearing, punching bully. Hope that is not his lasting memory of this place since we leave tomorrow, too early to swim again before our flight.

It was HOT this week but I tried the jogging trail one morning.

There is a mini fridge in the lounge now for soft drinks, juice boxes and during cocktail hour, beers.

We did get a Boardwalk View with a small balcony, room 4223. Loved the week. Thank you for the advice and information on this thread!

 

[SingleMomToSophia]

Kook, please add me for a Mom & Daughter trip 9/8-9/12/15. My DD will be turning 7 on our trip and cannot wait to stay here and use the pool. Oh and meet Elsa & Anna....

This will be our first trip, can anyone give me advice on the best view to request. Unfortunately, we have a standard booked, but who knows maybe we'll get a little pixie dust sprinkled our way...

 

[maxiesmom]

No, unless they added it in the current refurb. The sink is outside and the toilet and tub are in a room with a door.
Denise

Boo. I like that both the Poly and Bay Lake Towers have doors sectioning off those areas.

 

[WDWKOOK]

We stayed over Memorial week in room 3058. It was not a far walk from the hotel, but quiet (thankfully as that was my only request!) The ice machine was right next door, but apparently they insulated it well, because I never once heard anyone using it!

We could see the smoke and some light from the Epcot fireworks - and definitely the noise - but a tree blocked most of the view. We could see the parking lot from our room.

Didn't matter to us as we were only in the room for sleeping and bathing really!

The red mark shows where our room was:

(picture came from TouringPlans - I highly recommend using their site!) I also wish more people would share their views there!

I would assume on floors 3 & 4 room even numbered rooms from X100-X118 would see Tower of Terror.

Thanks for posting about your view from 3058

We never heard noise at the BC in our 2 stays there. I have been struck a bit about the noise that comes through the connecting door to the adjoining room here at the BWI. Unfortunately, there are a few screamers in that room- and they are not toddlers or babies, more like teenagers carrying on. I almost knocked on their door the other night but they finally did stop. I was thinking that I would add this to the my room request perhaps in the future. I am not sure if all rooms are adjoining or not. We have not heard noise from the hallway but we are near the end of the hallway, I guess you trade the longer walk for less foot traffic and less noise. Overall, have the our area of the resort to be fairly quiet.

This is a request I make at all WDW resorts. I've found that any and all noise will transfer through those doors. If you don't hear anything, then it's usually because no one is in the room next door. You can definitely request this at all resorts. Not all the rooms have connecting doors.

That is what I have found- no longer refills at Seashore Sweets but you can at the Bakery, Pizza Window and Libations.

Thanks for confirming this and I will remove it from the list.

ETA: Actually, I never had SS listed as a drink refill location in POST 1 or in the beginning of the DINING chapter.

I think we are totally sold on the BWI. Our stay has been very comfortable. Great Mousekeeping. Love the location. We moved from valet to self parking. Hubby said the self park is 1/8 of a mile and there was ample space when he parked.

We like having the Boardwalk for snacks, etc. We have had rain 2 evenings here and put a kink in our plans so we improvised a little for dinner. We had a decent pizza at the Pizza Window and grabbed a grilled chicken salad from the Bakery for a quick dinner. Last night I splurged(we are not on the dining plan) on a Lobster Roll at the Bakery and found it very good.

The transportation has been decent. It is a bit of a bummer that the BWI is the first in the line of pickups on the way to DHS and the last drop off. Nice to get off at the Swan/dolphin and do the short walk to the BWI instead of staying on the boat. Hubby has tendonitis in his ankle, if it wasn't for that, I would probably consider walking to and from DHS.

The buses have not been bad. There was a slew of people waiting for MK yesterday - thankfully, 2 buses showed at the same time. On the way to MK we stopped at S/D, Yacht, and the Beach before heading to the park. Just a word to everyone with strollers- be ready to get on the bus, have your stuff out of the stroller and the stroller ready to be folded. We waited quite a bit for someone to get everything out of the sides, the under side, cup holder, etc., the blankets, stuffed animals and the shade umbrella off, then try to get on the bus with the stroller not folded after being told to fold it. Bus driver had to make them fold it and they couldn't figure it out-maybe a rented one. Stressful moment for them. If you can't get it together, minimize your stress and let the bus go and wait for the next. I know it's a struggle - been there and done it with 3 kids, but it can be done efficiently if prepared. You can put the strollers on "as is"on the monorail, so that makes it easier when transporting on that.

The FP+ scene as taken a little getting used to from previous. They are nice to have but...
The kiosk lines that we have seen are very long, we have not gotten our 4th one on the same day yet. I was going to try to do it today but I haven't. We counted at Buzz Lightyear yesterday, for every 2 standby riders admitted, 50 FP riders were admitted. I find that we are a little too stressed over the FP- everyone asks me numerous times as to when our FPs are and worrying that we are going to miss them. For some reason today, we had the LMA stunt show at DHS (I think I couldn't get anything else that suited), I didn't look closely at the time window for this. We got there for the 1:20 show at 1:13, and was told the FP entry was over. I thought we had until the start of the show but the window was 1:00 to 1:10- tight, and the CM was not too friendly about it. Not sure what this FP was supposed to get us, preferred seating? Not sure, but advise not to pick this one if you can. Also the lines have been long when reporting up to FP entry- like BTMR extending to the area in front of the big drop of Splash Mountain. Not sure if people are struggling with their bands or what. Usually only 2 scanners at each entry. When we got to the scanners for BTMR, we were told to scan only one from our party.

Also have found that the posted wait times have been off more than previous trips. 4 times it was 30 min longer than posted. I also use the Lines app- that has been pretty reliable.

Ride breakdowns have been happening too for us- BTMR, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear

Had a peaceful time on the balcony typing this- heading back over to DHS to 50s Prime Time for dinner.

Any questions or need for pics, let me know!

Very informative post @PittPantherfan! Thanks for letting everyone know that there was plenty of self-parking spots available and that they really need to be on time for their FP+ window. Interesting about the posted wait times actually underestimating the wait. In the past, they seemed to overestimate the wait. It will be interesting to compare our April trip with our upcoming August trip.

Kook-we do have a lagoon view. I was and still am a little disappointed. It sucks we make plans so far ahead of time then a week before our trip we get moved because management decides it will be board members only on club level while we are there then the rest of the resort is full. We have stayed at the BW every year since 2002 except our second trip but if you can't change it don't worry about it. It will be a good exercise for me a compulsive planner right??

One week notice, to me, is not enough. It sounds like they are putting you in a more expensive room, but this wasn't what you booked and like you said, you planned on BWI CL. I hope you'll post a comparison of how you felt about BWI Vs. Poly.

Just booked another trip to Boardwalk Villas!! Taking our two Granddaughters for their first trip. January 24 thru January 30. Buying DVC points was such a great idea.

YIPPEE! How nice of you to take your DGs for their first trip - I bet it won't be there last. I'll log your dates.

We have been here since Sunday and check out tomorrow morning. Can't say enough nice things about the Innkeepers Club. My parents, husband and son truly felt like royalty all week, as did I. Great cast member interactions here all week, especially with Lorenzo, Jim, Linda, Melanie and Pete. My son enjoyed meeting other kids to talk about the parks and Disney XD with and the rest of us enjoyed the continental breakfast, apps and wine and beer.

We saw a lot of construction workers on the floor this week, but didn't hear them much (but we were mostly in the parks from 10am on all week). I was only concerned with them the day they were taking measurements by the coffee station in the day I had not yet poured a cup. . But they stayed out of guests way, for sure. Saw lots of rooms with tape over their doors, so assumed they had some work going on.

We will definitely stay here again for a summer trip. Loved the access to DHS and Epcot and people watching options were widely available. Access for Star Wars Weekends was great and we got to see Jeremy Bulloch at the Innkeepers Club last weekend.

My son loved the Slide and pool, although today he encountered a 6 year old swearing, punching bully. Hope that is not his lasting memory of this place since we leave tomorrow, too early to swim again before our flight.

It was HOT this week but I tried the jogging trail one morning.

There is a mini fridge in the lounge now for soft drinks, juice boxes and during cocktail hour, beers.

We did get a Boardwalk View with a small balcony, room 4223. Loved the week. Thank you for the advice and information on this thread!

Thank you for posting about your stay! That fridge took a long time, but it finally made it to the lounge. Very cool that you got to see some SW royalty on CL. Do you think it's the suites that are being rehabbed now? The std. rooms just finished a rehab last year, so maybe they're doing the suites?

Kook, please add me for a Mom & Daughter trip 9/8-9/12/15. My DD will be turning 7 on our trip and cannot wait to stay here and use the pool. Oh and meet Elsa & Anna....

This will be our first trip, can anyone give me advice on the best view to request. Unfortunately, we have a standard booked, but who knows maybe we'll get a little pixie dust sprinkled our way...

Welcome to the thread and congratulations on booking your big BWI birthday bash. The STD view encompasses all views except direct BW views. A popular request is a top floor (which is the 5th) facing Epcot. These rooms overlook the gardens and quiet pool area and look out toward Epcot where you can see some of Illuminations.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Oct is coming up so fast and we can't wait to try BWI CL!

I have checked out the BW area map and it looks like the CL are pretty far from the lobby and clown pool. Is it quite a hike to get to the buses, pool and lobby from the CL area?

 

[disneyquilter]

Leaving the day after tomorrow for a 10 night stay. Have never stayed Deluxe before so we are so excited!!! Will post photos soon!!

 

[PittPantherfan]

Oct is coming up so fast and we can't wait to try BWI CL!

I have checked out the BW area map and it looks like the CL are pretty far from the lobby and clown pool. Is it quite a hike to get to the buses, pool and lobby from the CL area?

Never staying here- I was worried by this too, but I think the map overexaggerstes the layout of the resort. The clown pool is not really that far from the lobby and the Inn elevators. The whole place doesn't seem as sprawling as I expected it to be. I do wish there was a quick stairway or entrance on the Epcot side because we retrace our steps from room when you head to Epcot. The walk back from HS didn't seem as far as I thought it would be either. Definitely closer for villa guests but still not bad for the Inn side.

Buses are a short walk too.

 

[PittPantherfan]

Finally think I got the answer for the CL construction question. I asked several and none were sharing. Had a conversation today with someone on CL that seemed to be a supervisor.

I mentioned the new Nespresso machine that arrived and was sitting behind the coffee urns at the entrance to the lounge. She was very excited by it and said it it was is in other CL on property.

She went on to say they have to make room for it so they are building another serving credenza. She motioned to the wall with windows to the left. She said they will be installing refrigerators as well.

She said the new machine would be operational tomorrow but did not mention when the credenza was going in but got the impression it would be soon.

She said the would still have traditional coffee options.

 

[heidijanesmith]

Never staying here- I was worried by this too, but I think the map overexaggerstes the layout of the resort. The clown pool is not really that far from the lobby and the Inn elevators. The whole place doesn't seem as sprawling as I expected it to be. I do wish there was a quick stairway or entrance on the Epcot side because we retrace our steps from room when you head to Epcot. The walk back from HS didn't seem as far as I thought it would be either. Definitely closer for villa guests but still not bad for the Inn side.

Buses are a short walk too.

Thank you for the quick response! We really like YC, but we always get a room that is quite a hike from the lobby and pool. I am glad that the CL rooms are not as far as it looks.

 

[westfield13]

Recently booked an October trip and was excited to get a great discount at the Boardwalk Inn (we've never stayed there before). I've been researching the resort - and as best as I can figure, there don't seem to be that many rooms with king beds. Does anyone know @ how many king rooms are at the Inn? Also, any suggestions for a nice view for a king room - we are booked for a standard room, so I'm certainly prepared for a view of the parking lot, but was hoping that if we ask, we might have a chance for a nicer standard view. Thanks!

 

[EmilyS90]

We'll be there Oct 8-12th for our honeymoon! Can't wait!

 

[MsKatie]

Welcome and congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Are you getting married at WDW?

Thank you! We are actually getting married at the Swan's Crescent Terrace.

 

[Inkling]

Hi! Would you add us to the list? We are staying at BWV from 7/5 thru 7/11


Also, how far along are the refurbs at BWV? We are staying in a studio and I was hoping to possibly get a refurbished studio

 

[rea59]

Wow! Sounds like there's some exciting stuff going on in the Inkeeper's club. Can't wait to see the new mini fridge and Nespresso machine. Just 15 days.

 

[cmesq61]

We did get a Boardwalk View with a small balcony, room 4223. Loved the week. Thank you for the advice and information on this thread!

Glad you had a great trip! Loved the view from your balcony. When you say small, could 2 adults sit? It's just me & hubby, and we like to have coffee on the balcony in the a.m., I usually sit out in the afternoon while he naps, and then we usually sit out before bed. Last time at the BWI, we had one of the recessed balconies so the view was cut off on both sides. Trying to avoid this time.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

Oct is coming up so fast and we can't wait to try BWI CL!

I have checked out the BW area map and it looks like the CL are pretty far from the lobby and clown pool. Is it quite a hike to get to the buses, pool and lobby from the CL area?

I'm pretty sure I was on CL floor during our day this month (4th floor) even though I didn't stay in a CL room, and it took just a couple of minutes to get to the clown pool. Took the elevator to the lobby level, cut through the lobby and outside, down the stairs, and then there's a crossover to the clown pool. I don't think the crossovers are represented on the maps, but they're right by the fitness center.

ETA: If you look at the map on the first post, there is a crossover to the clown pool right by the yellow V on the map.