Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[Deb & Bill]

Can you decorate the doors at all? Nothing crazy, I just wanted to surprise my DD5 for her birthday when she comes back from HS. Mainly just a sign. I know you can order the packages from WDW floral but I'm not about to spend that kind of money!

Not at DVC resorts. Nothing that can be seen from the outside. You can decorate the inside of the door (no tape or tacks, though).

 

[MisterGoofy1]

If you were to upgrade in some way, would you choose to upgrade to a 1BR villa or Club Level Standard room?

6 nights in June for SWW - DH, me, DS(8), and DD(4) - on the Deluxe Dining Plan with Park Hoppers (if that matters)

1 BR and it isn't even close. The washer/dryer, the separate room, the nice walk in shower and huge tub as well as a full kitchen. Can't beat it.

 

[Autumnslight]

We've booked our very first stay at Boardwalk! We'll be in the Villas, in a standard view studio, from 4/22-4/24. We've been wanting to try Boardwalk since our last visit, and I found a great deal on this reservation, so we'll be there for two nights before heading off on our very first Disney Cruise. I'm so excited to get up in the morning and have my coffee (and a pastry!) while sitting on the boardwalk, and I think my kids will love the slide. We're planning to request a room close to the lobby, so that we're as close as possible to the shops/restaurants, and the main pool. I'd be happy to hear any other tips on room locations or requests!

 

[elgerber]

We've booked our very first stay at Boardwalk! We'll be in the Villas, in a standard view studio, from 4/22-4/24. We've been wanting to try Boardwalk since our last visit, and I found a great deal on this reservation, so we'll be there for two nights before heading off on our very first Disney Cruise. I'm so excited to get up in the morning and have my coffee (and a pastry!) while sitting on the boardwalk, and I think my kids will love the slide. We're planning to request a room close to the lobby, so that we're as close as possible to the shops/restaurants, and the main pool. I'd be happy to hear any other tips on room locations or requests!

I'm not sure if you are light sleepers or not, but standard view close to the elevator is often right by the front entrance where the magical express luggage area is. It can be very noisy! Lot's of beeping reversing trucks and clanging luggage carts. We prefer to walk a bit further to have a room farther away from the front entrance.

 

[Autumnslight]

I'm not sure if you are light sleepers or not, but standard view close to the elevator is often right by the front entrance where the magical express luggage area is. It can be very noisy! Lot's of beeping reversing trucks and clanging luggage carts. We prefer to walk a bit further to have a room farther away from the front entrance.

Good to know, thanks! Luckily, we are not light sleepers. We'd like to be as close to the main pool and lobby area as possible, especially since we're only going to have two nights there!

 

[AirGoofy]

I think the hallways get a bad rep at BWV, but I find the walk shorter and much more pleasant than the walks from the bus stops at the value resorts (All Stars & Pop). I don't care for the walks at OKW to HH. The walks were long at SSR, but the bridge over the water from the Paddock to the Springs was ok.

Being inside the AC hallways is nice on a hot or rainy day.

 

[LovemesomeDW]

I'm so excited! I just booked a 1 bedroom at BWV 10/17-10/24 for our family of 5. Let me start off by explaining that in 2013, I had a 1 bedroom at BWV booked but after looking at pictures of Stormalong Bay, my oldest son begged me to switch to BCV. While there, we would often walk the boardwalk and we really enjoyed it. One day I decided to quickly check out the lobby of the BWI and to be honest, I was kind of underwhelmed. I don't know what it was, but it seemed cramped to me. Now granted, I didn't walk around the resort at all (which I wish I would have done now), plus we were in love with the Beach Club so maybe it was just me being too picky.

Anyways, fast forward to 2015, I had the Polynesian booked through a travel agent who was offering a fantastic deal. However, the more and more I researched, it was obvious that construction was still going to be in full swing in October (quiet pool refurb). I began researching other resorts and I started leaning towards the Boardwalk due to proximity to EP & HS. I have read countless reviews and looked at every picture I could find of the Boardwalk and I have fallen in love! It's actually quite bigger than what I had realized!

My only concern of the resort is the long hallways I've read so much about. But I guess we will make due with whatever room we are given! I would have liked to book a boardwalk view 1 bedroom villa but standard view was the only option available. It didn't even seem to be an option on the website for boardwalk view.

 

[RAD]

I think the hallways get a bad rep at BWV...
Being inside the AC hallways is nice on a hot or rainy day.

Agreeded. I've had much longer walks from the lobby in BCV then at BWV.

 

[happymommy]

If you were to upgrade in some way, would you choose to upgrade to a 1BR villa or Club Level Standard room?

6 nights in June for SWW - DH, me, DS(8), and DD(4) - on the Deluxe Dining Plan with Park Hoppers (if that matters)

If it were me, I'd personally do the one bedroom for the space! The washer/dryer, two bathroom areas to get ready, and the full kitchen are all so nice to have! Plus, the sofa sleeper is really not bad - my DD slept on it with her friend and they were both 15 years old.

Deluxe Dining - to me even the regular dining plan was too much! I'd drop it completely if I had the one bedroom - you can make breakfast early in the room (we cooked a lot last spring break & we were in a one bedroom there, simple stuff but my DD enjoyed eating frozen pizzas or chicken strips while resting rather than having to sit in a restaurant & I could have wine & cheese with my friends at the same time). My kids will do maybe one sit down meal in a week, but the time we had the dining plan it was just too much. We threw out so many desserts. Wasteful I know. I don't order dessert at lunch!

If you do the club level, I'd also drop dining. We did club at AKL once, and it was breakfast daily for us, plus dinner many nights (their food was so filling and nice).

 

[psac]

I'm so excited! I just booked a 1 bedroom at BWV 10/17-10/24 for our family of 5. Let me start off by explaining that in 2013, I had a 1 bedroom at BWV booked but after looking at pictures of Stormalong Bay, my oldest son begged me to switch to BCV. While there, we would often walk the boardwalk and we really enjoyed it. One day I decided to quickly check out the lobby of the BWI and to be honest, I was kind of underwhelmed. I don't know what it was, but it seemed cramped to me. Now granted, I didn't walk around the resort at all (which I wish I would have done now), plus we were in love with the Beach Club so maybe it was just me being too picky.

Anyways, fast forward to 2015, I had the Polynesian booked through a travel agent who was offering a fantastic deal. However, the more and more I researched, it was obvious that construction was still going to be in full swing in October (quiet pool refurb). I began researching other resorts and I started leaning towards the Boardwalk due to proximity to EP & HS. I have read countless reviews and looked at every picture I could find of the Boardwalk and I have fallen in love! It's actually quite bigger than what I had realized!

My only concern of the resort is the long hallways I've read so much about. But I guess we will make due with whatever room we are given! I would have liked to book a boardwalk view 1 bedroom villa but standard view was the only option available. It didn't even seem to be an option on the website for boardwalk view.

Did you book through DVC or is it a regular cash booking? If it's a cash booking, that's correct, you can't book a BW view, you can only book those DVC. Instead, the "standard" view when booking cash is actually the "preferred view" that DVC members book. Those are views of the pool, the canal to DHS, etc. usually nice views! If you did book DVC, nevermind.

Aside from that, yes, the lobby is underwhelming, but to us, the whole Boardwalk makes up for it. Kind of like one huge giant outdoors lobby!

 

[WishingAndDreaming]

I'm still trying to figure this out, so hopefully, I am posting in the right place. We have a trip coming up soon and booked a standard room at Boardwalk Inn for the first time. On previous trips we have stayed at POR and once at WL and while we enjoyed both of these resorts, the kids wanted to try something new. I've tried reading up on the resort as best as I can. Our time for on-line check-in just opened. I have no idea what do to. I've tried looking at TouringPlans and was a little confused by it. I would love input on what to request. I think a view of Epcot would be amazing, but I am open to suggestions. The check list listed floor numbers and high floor. At first I thought I should check off high floor, but then wondered if I should check off floor five. It also said Boardwalk view (I didn't think this was part of standard view). And on another note, is on-line check-in the best thing to do? We've never done it before. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[LovemesomeDW]

Did you book through DVC or is it a regular cash booking? If it's a cash booking, that's correct, you can't book a BW view, you can only book those DVC. Instead, the "standard" view when booking cash is actually the "preferred view" that DVC members book. Those are views of the pool, the canal to DHS, etc. usually nice views! If you did book DVC, nevermind.

Aside from that, yes, the lobby is underwhelming, but to us, the whole Boardwalk makes up for it. Kind of like one huge giant outdoors lobby!

Regular cash booking - Thanks for explaining the "standard" and "preferred view"....now I'm even more excited!!

 

[kittycruize]

Hi Everyone!
We are at our 60 day mark, and can now do our online check-in. We are staying at the Inn side. We would like to select a high floor with Boardwalk view. I see we can select 4th or 5th floor. Does anyone know the difference between the 4th and 5th floor? What are the differences? We also would like to be close to the elevators (we will be with 5 kids, 8 adults )! Any advice would be appreciated! BTW we have a standard room booked!

 

[Koh1977]

Hi Everyone!
We are at our 60 day mark, and can now do our online check-in. We are staying at the Inn side. We would like to select a high floor with Boardwalk view. I see we can select 4th or 5th floor. Does anyone know the difference between the 4th and 5th floor? What are the differences? We also would like to be close to the elevators (we will be with 5 kids, 8 adults )! Any advice would be appreciated! BTW we have a standard room booked!

I am assuming you have multiple rooms booked! lol Make sure you have requested connecting rooms (or adjoining rooms at least).

If you booked a Standard View room, more than likely you won't get a true Boardwalk view. Although I've seen others mention something about the Village Green view rooms (Standard, but with a side view of the Boardwalk and lake). But again, that would be something you would more than likely have to call in.

 

[DizDaD7]

I think the hallways get a bad rep at BWV, but I find the walk shorter and much more pleasant than the walks from the bus stops at the value resorts (All Stars & Pop). I don't care for the walks at OKW to HH. The walks were long at SSR, but the bridge over the water from the Paddock to the Springs was ok.

Being inside the AC hallways is nice on a hot or rainy day.

LoL try Staying at Kidani over at AKV. LoL although you get a great Savannah view, you may get unlucky & get 1 of the last 3 pods at the very end...These by far are longer than BWV.. But I could care less...Because I'm walking on these trips all day at parks & around the resorts, whats a lil more...Besides, as a pp stated you're indoors anyhow..LoL Cool A.C.

 

[ccbloom]

Hi Everyone!
We are at our 60 day mark, and can now do our online check-in. We are staying at the Inn side. We would like to select a high floor with Boardwalk view. I see we can select 4th or 5th floor. Does anyone know the difference between the 4th and 5th floor? What are the differences? We also would like to be close to the elevators (we will be with 5 kids, 8 adults )! Any advice would be appreciated! BTW we have a standard room booked!

Besides requesting joining rooms, if you have a Boardwalk View, you will be a bit away from the elevators. That's just how it is. BUT it's really NOT that bad. Be forewarned, there are some BW view rooms on the upper floors that do not have balconies. They put us in one of these on our trip last year, and we went right down to the front desk. I was NOT paying close to $500/night for a shut window.

 

[suebeelin]

I'm still trying to figure this out, so hopefully, I am posting in the right place. We have a trip coming up soon and booked a standard room at Boardwalk Inn for the first time. On previous trips we have stayed at POR and once at WL and while we enjoyed both of these resorts, the kids wanted to try something new. I've tried reading up on the resort as best as I can. Our time for on-line check-in just opened. I have no idea what do to. I've tried looking at TouringPlans and was a little confused by it. I would love input on what to request. I think a view of Epcot would be amazing, but I am open to suggestions. The check list listed floor numbers and high floor. At first I thought I should check off high floor, but then wondered if I should check off floor five. It also said Boardwalk view (I didn't think this was part of standard view). And on another note, is on-line check-in the best thing to do? We've never done it before. Thanks so much for your help!

Sounds like you are doing a cash booking vs dvc?

 

[Koh1977]

Sounds like you are doing a cash booking vs dvc?

I thought the pp was talking about a BWI room, not a BWV?

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi everyone! I am coming for my first stay ever at BWI 9/12-9/16 (followed by AKL CL 9/16-9/20). We are staying Club Level and I am so excited! I have wanted to stay on the BW since I was a kid! It just seems like such a fun area to be in and to be able to wake up and take a stroll along the BW enjoying the sights, smells, and sounds seems so fabulous.

~April

Welcome, April and congratulations on your nice split stay. I'll log your dates.

We've booked our very first stay at Boardwalk! We'll be in the Villas, in a standard view studio, from 4/22-4/24. We've been wanting to try Boardwalk since our last visit, and I found a great deal on this reservation, so we'll be there for two nights before heading off on our very first Disney Cruise. I'm so excited to get up in the morning and have my coffee (and a pastry!) while sitting on the boardwalk, and I think my kids will love the slide. We're planning to request a room close to the lobby, so that we're as close as possible to the shops/restaurants, and the main pool. I'd be happy to hear any other tips on room locations or requests!

Welcome to the thread and I'll add your dates to POST 1, too.

I'm so excited! I just booked a 1 bedroom at BWV 10/17-10/24 for our family of 5. Let me start off by explaining that in 2013, I had a 1 bedroom at BWV booked but after looking at pictures of Stormalong Bay, my oldest son begged me to switch to BCV. While there, we would often walk the boardwalk and we really enjoyed it. One day I decided to quickly check out the lobby of the BWI and to be honest, I was kind of underwhelmed. I don't know what it was, but it seemed cramped to me. Now granted, I didn't walk around the resort at all (which I wish I would have done now), plus we were in love with the Beach Club so maybe it was just me being too picky.

Anyways, fast forward to 2015, I had the Polynesian booked through a travel agent who was offering a fantastic deal. However, the more and more I researched, it was obvious that construction was still going to be in full swing in October (quiet pool refurb). I began researching other resorts and I started leaning towards the Boardwalk due to proximity to EP & HS. I have read countless reviews and looked at every picture I could find of the Boardwalk and I have fallen in love! It's actually quite bigger than what I had realized!

My only concern of the resort is the long hallways I've read so much about. But I guess we will make due with whatever room we are given! I would have liked to book a boardwalk view 1 bedroom villa but standard view was the only option available. It didn't even seem to be an option on the website for boardwalk view.

Congratulations on finally booking BWV! I'll add your dates to the BoardWalk Bulletin.

I'm still trying to figure this out, so hopefully, I am posting in the right place. We have a trip coming up soon and booked a standard room at Boardwalk Inn for the first time. On previous trips we have stayed at POR and once at WL and while we enjoyed both of these resorts, the kids wanted to try something new. I've tried reading up on the resort as best as I can. Our time for on-line check-in just opened. I have no idea what do to. I've tried looking at TouringPlans and was a little confused by it. I would love input on what to request. I think a view of Epcot would be amazing, but I am open to suggestions. The check list listed floor numbers and high floor. At first I thought I should check off high floor, but then wondered if I should check off floor five. It also said Boardwalk view (I didn't think this was part of standard view). And on another note, is on-line check-in the best thing to do? We've never done it before. Thanks so much for your help!

That online check-in can be confusing, but don't panic!

If you want a view of Epcot or anything that doesn't appear in the OCI choices, you'll need to have your request added to your reservation by calling the WDTC/CRO or your TA. Just as for an "Epcot View, 5th floor." That is the highest floor. The 4th floor has CL rooms, but it also has non-CL SV rooms. The Epcot view overlooks the quiet pool/garden area and you can see the Eiffel Tower and some of Illuminations.

You can still do OCI, but you don't have to do the room selection part if you don't want to. Often those choices are limited or not even applicable to your booking. But, if you do make some OCI room choices and you call in a request, the Room Assignor will see both - one doesn't override the other.

Hi Everyone!
We are at our 60 day mark, and can now do our online check-in. We are staying at the Inn side. We would like to select a high floor with Boardwalk view. I see we can select 4th or 5th floor. Does anyone know the difference between the 4th and 5th floor? What are the differences? We also would like to be close to the elevators (we will be with 5 kids, 8 adults )! Any advice would be appreciated! BTW we have a standard room booked!

OCI room requests are quite frustrating. You need to book a BWV to get a BWV. There are some Standard View rooms that have a partial BWV, but to get a full BWV you need to book that category. I would just call in a request (WDTC/CRO) and have them add "high floor, near elevator" to your reservation. The 5th floor is the highest floor and the 4th floor has Club Level rooms, but there are also non-CL Standard View rooms on the 4th floor, but the CL rooms are closest to Crescent Lake.

If you have multiple reservations, you might want to call and "link them" so that your chances of having adjoining/connecting rooms or rooms close to each other/same floor is greater.

 

[Ozzygirl]

seriously what planet do I live on???? I booked our trip on the same week as our school vacation week! I had no idea as I don't have kids. I was wondering why the airfares out of Boston were so crazy and some one told me at work yesterday! So here I am just about 60 days out and now I think I'm going to change our trip to the week before. It will save me over $300 on airfare and I can still get the BWV for the same price at Orbitz. I'm going to need to start over from scratch on my ADRs At least I hadn't gotten to FP 60 day make quite yet.

So is there anything going on 4/14-4/19 that I need to know about?