Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[JanetMom]

GINGERBREAD HOUSE OPENS TODAY!


~AllEars:
The BoardWalk Resort's Holiday Gingerbread House opens at 5 p.m. on November 18. This year, the reimagined display is called "Ginger's Bread and Cookie Shoppe." Inspiration for the display came from concession stands that dotted the boardwalks of yesteryear, with architectural details reminiscent of seashore inns and bungalows and a color palette taken from Atlantic City saltwater taffy. Daily hours of operation with be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can take a video tour of the BoardWalk's previous holiday gingerbread display HERE.
(There are also photos in the CHRISTMASTIME chapter of the thread. I'll be back to multi-quote later)​

Does anyone know how long the display stays up after Christmas? We arrive on January 2 and I'm hoping we'll get to see some of the Christmas decorations.

 

[pas130]

Good to hear! We arrive about two weeks after you, so our luggage tags should be here soon. Yay!!

We didn't get ours yet, but I am not concerned as we are doing all carry on bags. I did reach out to the IPO who assured me all our info is in the Magical Express system. It was so cool going on the bus (we usually drive), and yes I wore my MagicBand on the plane My DS7 is thrilled, it's his first ME trip! And I have faith you'll get to see the Gingerbread house!

GINGERBREAD HOUSE OPENS TODAY!


~AllEars:
The BoardWalk Resort's Holiday Gingerbread House opens at 5 p.m. on November 18. This year, the reimagined display is called "Ginger's Bread and Cookie Shoppe." Inspiration for the display came from concession stands that dotted the boardwalks of yesteryear, with architectural details reminiscent of seashore inns and bungalows and a color palette taken from Atlantic City saltwater taffy. Daily hours of operation with be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can take a video tour of the BoardWalk's previous holiday gingerbread display HERE.
(There are also photos in the CHRISTMASTIME chapter of the thread. I'll be back to multi-quote later)​

Must.see.pictures!!!

BlueSkies text pictures, LOTS of pictures

 

[AirGoofy]

AirGoofy, I'm feeling your pain. Tried to make a reservation for October this morning and the system was down. Finally got through to MS on the phone around 11:30 and Studio - Boardwalk view wasn't available for the first day of my trip at the 11 month window. Had to take pool/garden view and waitlist the other.

Sorry to hear you didn't get what you were looking for as well. I hope your wait list goes thru.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE OPENS TODAY!


~AllEars:
The BoardWalk Resort's Holiday Gingerbread House opens at 5 p.m. on November 18. This year, the reimagined display is called "Ginger's Bread and Cookie Shoppe." Inspiration for the display came from concession stands that dotted the boardwalks of yesteryear, with architectural details reminiscent of seashore inns and bungalows and a color palette taken from Atlantic City saltwater taffy. Daily hours of operation with be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can take a video tour of the BoardWalk's previous holiday gingerbread display HERE.
(There are also photos in the CHRISTMASTIME chapter of the thread. I'll be back to multi-quote later)​

If you pay for my flight and a room, I'll be happy to fly down, photo-confirm, and post a picture. I'm willing to suffer for the thread.

 

[JanetMom]

We didn't get ours yet, but I am not concerned as we are doing all carry on bags. I did reach out to the IPO who assured me all our info is in the Magical Express system. It was so cool going on the bus (we usually drive), and yes I wore my MagicBand on the plane My DS7 is thrilled, it's his first ME trip! And I have faith you'll get to see the Gingerbread house!
Must.see.pictures!!!

BlueSkies text pictures, LOTS of pictures

I've always dreamed of a December trip, just to see the Christmas decorations, so now that we are headed there on January 2, I hope to see as many decorated resorts as I can. Of course, in addition to the BWI on Saturday, we'll be popping over to the BC on Sunday, and we also have dinner reservations at Narcoosees on Sunday, so we will get to see the GF decorations too. I'd really love to see WL decorated, but I'm not sure we will fit that into our trip.

Can't wait to get down there, just in time to catch the Christmas decorations and the Osborne lights!

 

[pas130]

I've always dreamed of a December trip, just to see the Christmas decorations, so now that we are headed there on January 2, I hope to see as many decorated resorts as I can. Of course, in addition to the BWI on Saturday, we'll be popping over to the BC on Sunday, and we also have dinner reservations at Narcoosees on Sunday, so we will get to see the GF decorations too. I'd really love to see WL decorated, but I'm not sure we will fit that into our trip.

Can't wait to get down there, just in time to catch the Christmas decorations and the Osborne lights!

They had MK decorated when we were there, so I am so excited as well. I will definitely pop into the BC to see the decorations (and Teena hopefully). My guess in the décor will magically disappear that Monday (just a guess )

 

[jlundeen]

it takes a while for all the Christmas décor to go away....it's the biggest decoration job they do all year. If you ever have the chance, take the behind the scenes "Yuletide Fantasy" tour. It's long, but wow...really does a nice job of showing how they go about getting everything ready to go, (a whole building and people dedicated to Christmas decorations!) and lots of details about things you don't even see, like how they can quickly replace every single item in case of mishaps. Worth the time and money.

 

[Disneytam]

I just noticed when I was looking at room availability at the BWI that they seem to be separating out Boardwalk view from standard view at the club level. When I booked our CL room I'm pretty sure there was only three choices a standard CL room, a deluxe CL and the garden cottages. Now when I look they have a standard CL priced at $596, a boardwalk view $696, a deluxe view for $719, and the garden cottages for $782. We have stayed at the BWI CL numerous times in the past and have booked the standard CL and requested a boardwalk view. Now it looks like we will have to pay an extra $100 to get a boardwalk view. For that price I think it makes more sense to pay the extra $23 and get a deluxe room that is much bigger with a large balcony that will be a boardwalk view.

Does anyone know anything about this? I"m wondering if since I booked standard CL will I even have the option now for the boardwalk view? We didn't have an option when we booked but I did request a boardwalk view.

 

[gwynne]

I just noticed when I was looking at room availability at the BWI that they seem to be separating out Boardwalk view from standard view at the club level. When I booked our CL room I'm pretty sure there was only three choices a standard CL room, a deluxe CL and the garden cottages. Now when I look they have a standard CL priced at $596, a boardwalk view $696, a deluxe view for $719, and the garden cottages for $782. We have stayed at the BWI CL numerous times in the past and have booked the standard CL and requested a boardwalk view. Now it looks like we will have to pay an extra $100 to get a boardwalk view. For that price I think it makes more sense to pay the extra $23 and get a deluxe room that is much bigger with a large balcony that will be a boardwalk view.

Does anyone know anything about this? I"m wondering if since I booked standard CL will I even have the option now for the boardwalk view? We didn't have an option when we booked but I did request a boardwalk view.

Just went to search and it looks like you are correct. That's new. I am in the same situation. I did not have the option of a boardwalk view when booking.
I wonder when they made the change?

 

[WDWKOOK]

WDWkook we went to ROFR yesterday. Fingers are crossed.

Any word yet?

A short trip report. On way home from airport after 8 days at BWI, got upgraded from standard room to boardwalk view, rooms 5275 & 5277. 5275 did not have a balcony. Bus service was excellent, never had to wait more than 10 minutes for a bus, however the bus to AKL and Disney Springs was shared, to MK was only BWI. Hot and humid but we had a great time, we will be back in Feb. More later, really tired, long travel day into Chicago. Feel free to ask questions.

Would you have preferred a balcony instead of the BWV upgrade?

I took a quick walk-through video of the room while we were checking out. It got cut short thanks to Housekeeping knocking on the door... but here is our club level, Boardwalk view room walk through from a couple weeks ago:

Thank you for posting your videos

We check in tomorrow night (well, technically Saturday morning I guess ), we are taking my son for his first Food And Wine where he can actually partake in the beverages! And of course my husband just called, and told me he got rear ended on his way to work, grrrrrrr. 3 years ago we had a hail storm the day before we left for F&W and his car got nailed. Seems to be a trend. Oh well, Disney here we come.

Is DH okay? What has been DS's favorite adult beverage? Hope your vacation was/is magical!

Three days late on my 11 month window, and I couldn't book Standard or Boardwalk view as some of the dates are already taken. I get it that Sat and Sunday are booked, but how did Tuesday get booked up but not Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri is still open?

We were going to look at a split stay at the beach again (Vero), but now I'll have to track and call to change booking.

Sounds very frustrating. What's the latest?

Ugh, me too! Sorry Kook and all my military friends!

My Grandpa was a WWII vet and his AF nickname was "mouse", he had big ears and a small head he said. Kind of meant to be I love a mouse, huh?? Miss my Grandpa <3

What a cute story and yesterday was his namesake's birthday

We just came back from a wonderful stay at the Boardwalk Villas! We had a 1 bedroom Boardwalk view. It was renovated and so beautiful. They did a great job! The couch and all the chairs were so comfortable. The bed was great as well. We lucked out and got a huge balcony which was great! Here are some pics!

Thanks for posting your photos and I'm glad you got a rehabbed villa

Ok, so I am thinking I will put in for a 4th or 5th floor room on my on line check in. Is this a good idea to request these two floors since they are not that many standard rooms on these floors? Or, I would not mind at all a 2nd room floor, but with a good view. I don't want a view of the bus stop directly out of my balcony.

Also, it looks as if the 3rd floor rooms are the only ones with the long hallways. (according to room views on Touring Plans) Am I correct on that?

The 5th floor is all standard rooms and part of the 4th and most of the 3rd floor. If you've booked an SV room, most like to request a 5th floor facing toward Epcot. Bumping your "long hallway" question...

I have never posted a trip report before, but here goes-checked into BWI last wed 2 rooms overlooking courtyard/water.; upgraded from standard probably bc I complained in June about our dirty room. Dinner at Cali Grill- first time, awesome views, good food, on return list. Thursday am, CRT- kids loved it, on maybe list. Thurs pm The Boathouse- good food, fun. Friday am- breakfast at Ohana, every trip must do. No Ressies on Saturday; ran Jingle Jungle 5k and DD and DSIL ran W&D 1/2. Sunday- lunch at Teppan Edo, 2nd time this year, maybe list, MVMCP- fun, short lines. Monday, Y&Y at AKL, love this restaurant; Osborne lights desert party- would not have done if not last year. It was moved inside due to threat of rain. Lots of tables and places to sit, not many people. Lights were empty, great send off from our family. Tuesday- BOG dinner- will not do again, 2nd time for dinner, first time dinner was good, this time, service slow, food lukewarm, tasteless. Not worth time or money. Went to second MVMCP- last minute decision- great time.

We love the BWI, our preferred hotel. Never have anything bad to say about it. CMs awesome, location perfect. Can't wait to go back in Feb. We did fly into Chicago during storm last night, even flight home was good.

Thank you for posting about your stay. The Standard View includes all views except direct BoardWalk views so if you were facing the CY/pool or canal, then this was a Standard View. Sounds like you're ready for February to be here soon so you can return to your favorite hotel.

At the airport now about to board, will be at the Boardwalk to check in by 11:00 if all goes well! It will be a fast 2 nights, I'm sure. Can't believe I'll be at F&W and the Osborne lights in just a few hours!

How was your stay?

Our room is the one with the blue canopy. Love it here! 2nd floor 2335.

Thanks so much for posting your photos LIVE!

Ok. Still nothing to report! I'm kind of getting annoyed that this is the resort we want to stay at and it is the only one with absolutely no availability! At this point I'm wondering if Prince Harry chose to stay here for the Invictus Games and blocked off the whole resort! lol!

Are you sure he's not at ASSp?! Don't give up - yet...

The Belle View lounge is nice for a quick grab for breakfast. Danishes, bagels, fruit, fruit cups, cereal and beverages.

Then at 5pm there they have a bar. They put it in plastic if you want to take to your room. I did that so I could sit on my balcony Dd liked getting a bagel this morning. Then the brat felt guilty and made me "wake it off" taking the path to HS. Doesn't she know I'm over 50??? Lol! I don't need the extra steps.

So its3:30 and SHE IS ASLEEP! I'm sipping a wine and enjoying being here. Love the room and grounds. It's a bit tricky to navigate. We are resort experts and this is the hardest resort to navigate. I keep texting a friend for help! Luckily she doesn't mind

More fun pictures! Did they have a meat at breakfast? I've heard some CLs have been adding a meat, like GF has always had.

While not according to plans--looks as if we will be back at BWV for F&W Festival next October 6-14, 2016. We had originally planned on BCV, but couldn't rent points after a week of trying and there were another seven requests for points along with ours. Realizing how quickly BCV fills for F&W and not wanting to be shut out due to unavailability, we opted to switch our request to BWV. Within hours we had a DVC member who would rent. We are at BCV in May, so it appears we have a pattern developed--BCV in the spring and BWV in the fall--it works. . .

BWV is lovely in the spring. Congratulations on getting your rental

 

[Disneytam]

Just went to search and it looks like you are correct. That's new. I am in the same situation. I did not have the option of a boardwalk view when booking.
I wonder when they made the change?

When did you book? I'm glad to know I'm not crazy What are your travel dates? I did send an e-mail to the IPO but haven't heard back yet.

 

[gometros]

Sorry to hear you didn't get what you were looking for as well. I hope your wait list goes thru.

I think it will work out. Very weird. If I check at 9, the days at the 11 month window is already booked, but the past two days, I checked again and it was available. So I called MS and am moving my reservation from the pool view to the Boardwalk view one day at time.

 

[dansdad]

I just noticed when I was looking at room availability at the BWI that they seem to be separating out Boardwalk view from standard view at the club level. When I booked our CL room I'm pretty sure there was only three choices a standard CL room, a deluxe CL and the garden cottages. Now when I look they have a standard CL priced at $596, a boardwalk view $696, a deluxe view for $719, and the garden cottages for $782. We have stayed at the BWI CL numerous times in the past and have booked the standard CL and requested a boardwalk view. Now it looks like we will have to pay an extra $100 to get a boardwalk view. For that price I think it makes more sense to pay the extra $23 and get a deluxe room that is much bigger with a large balcony that will be a boardwalk view.

Does anyone know anything about this? I"m wondering if since I booked standard CL will I even have the option now for the boardwalk view? We didn't have an option when we booked but I did request a boardwalk view.

Just went to search and it looks like you are correct. That's new. I am in the same situation. I did not have the option of a boardwalk view when booking. I wonder when they made the change?

When did you book? I'm glad to know I'm not crazy What are your travel dates? I did send an e-mail to the IPO but haven't heard back yet.

I do not know about the Boardwalk specifically, but I do know how WDW has worked in the past. Once enough people request a certain view/area WDW changes those rooms to a new category that they can charge extra $$$$ for. This has happened at every WDW that I can think of. When most of the resorts first opened, there were no Water View or Lagoon View rooms.

 

[WDWKOOK]

It's funny when we were there in August and moving over from the Poly our room wasn't ready until 4:45. Tonight we don't land till almost midnight and I got a text at noon that our room was ready

Ugh, of course

Hi everyone! My fiance and I just booked a BWV 1 bedroom for our honeymoon next June. I booked the garden/pool view because two days were not available for the Boardwalk view room. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice about room views?

Welcome to the thread and congratulations on your engagement.

We just rented points from a dvc member at bwv. Booked a garden view studio for oct 12-19. My wife and I are going to wdw for the first time without the kids to enjoy food and wine fest. We can't wait, it will be our first time staying at bwv.

Yippee! I'll add your dates to the BoardWalk Bulletin.

Just returned from a 2 night 48 hour adults only whirlwind trip. We were upgraded from standard club level (on an AP discount) to a cottage. We LOVED it. Obviously it made getting to the lounge more work but that was okay for the most part. We really did love the space! 2 bathrooms was nice too. (It had 1.5 baths.) we LOVED the proximity to Epcot and HS. We previously stayed at the yacht club but liked this location better.

What a great upgrade. You'll have to stay longer next time

AirGoofy, I'm feeling your pain. Tried to make a reservation for October this morning and the system was down. Finally got through to MS on the phone around 11:30 and Studio - Boardwalk view wasn't available for the first day of my trip at the 11 month window. Had to take pool/garden view and waitlist the other.

Has your wait list come through yet?

Got my Magical Express envelope yesterday with the yellow luggage tags. I like that they stopped with the little booklet and just put everything on an 11.5 x 8 inch sheet of paper. Much more green and handy (I think). Now we wait for the magic bands. It's getting closer . . .

@trishadono Love the photos! Thanks for posting them.

Does anyone know how long the display stays up after Christmas? We arrive on January 2 and I'm hoping we'll get to see some of the Christmas decorations.

I believe they start taking them down the week after NYD. You'll definitely see them when you arrive

If you pay for my flight and a room, I'll be happy to fly down, photo-confirm, and post a picture. I'm willing to suffer for the thread.

Wouldn't hear of it, I'll use your ticket and room and you can just sit and relax at home. You were just at WDW and I wouldn't want you to get tired of it

I just noticed when I was looking at room availability at the BWI that they seem to be separating out Boardwalk view from standard view at the club level. When I booked our CL room I'm pretty sure there was only three choices a standard CL room, a deluxe CL and the garden cottages. Now when I look they have a standard CL priced at $596, a boardwalk view $696, a deluxe view for $719, and the garden cottages for $782. We have stayed at the BWI CL numerous times in the past and have booked the standard CL and requested a boardwalk view. Now it looks like we will have to pay an extra $100 to get a boardwalk view. For that price I think it makes more sense to pay the extra $23 and get a deluxe room that is much bigger with a large balcony that will be a boardwalk view.

Does anyone know anything about this? I"m wondering if since I booked standard CL will I even have the option now for the boardwalk view? We didn't have an option when we booked but I did request a boardwalk view.

Very interesting discovery and thanks for posting!

Just went to search and it looks like you are correct. That's new. I am in the same situation. I did not have the option of a boardwalk view when booking.
I wonder when they made the change?

Excellent sleuthing, as always, @gwynne. I guess this enables a guest to guarantee a BWV and of course, generates more revenue. I wonder when WL-CL will follow suit?

 

[WDWKOOK]

I do not know about the Boardwalk specifically, but I do know how WDW has worked in the past. Once enough people request a certain view/area WDW changes those rooms to a new category that they can charge extra $$$$ for. This has happened at every WDW that I can think of. When most of the resorts first opened, there were no Water View or Lagoon View rooms.

Posted before seeing your reply, but yes, this is true. Remember not that long ago when CR Tower views were by-request?

 

[elgerber]

Is DH okay? What has been DS's favorite adult beverage? Hope your vacation was/is magical!

Yeah, he's fine, just annoying, and the 4th time this car has been in the body shop! No resale value for this car :-(
We had a great trip. I am not sure what his favorite was, he liked one of the beers in Germany, they had it twice. He also had some scotch and a frozen Chai Latte with Baileys, that he really liked. He also ate a lot of new foods, that he enjoyed.
They were assembling the ginger bread when we left, it sure smelled good, I wish we could have seen it all finished though.

 

[VbChristy]

Any word yet?


Would you have preferred a balcony instead of the BWV upgrade?



Thank you for posting your videos



Is DH okay? What has been DS's favorite adult beverage? Hope your vacation was/is magical!



Sounds very frustrating. What's the latest?



What a cute story and yesterday was his namesake's birthday



Thanks for posting your photos and I'm glad you got a rehabbed villa


Did they have a meat at breakfast? I've heard some CLs have been adding a meat, like GF has always had.

They did have meats at breakfast, as well as eggs.

And if you have a gluten allergy, they will give you extra special food. It was pretty awesome.

 

[trishadono]

Any word yet?


Would you have preferred a balcony instead of the BWV upgrade?



Thank you for posting your videos



Is DH okay? What has been DS's favorite adult beverage? Hope your vacation was/is magical!



Sounds very frustrating. What's the latest?



What a cute story and yesterday was his namesake's birthday



Thanks for posting your photos and I'm glad you got a rehabbed villa



The 5th floor is all standard rooms and part of the 4th and most of the 3rd floor. If you've booked an SV room, most like to request a 5th floor facing toward Epcot. Bumping your "long hallway" question...



Thank you for posting about your stay. The Standard View includes all views except direct BoardWalk views so if you were facing the CY/pool or canal, then this was a Standard View. Sounds like you're ready for February to be here soon so you can return to your favorite hotel.



How was your stay?



Thanks so much for posting your photos LIVE!



Are you sure he's not at ASSp?! Don't give up - yet...




More fun pictures! Did they have a meat at breakfast? I've heard some CLs have been adding a meat, like GF has always had.



BWV is lovely in the spring. Congratulations on getting your rental

My bwi room was not club level. The post about belleview was a tip Blieskies gave me. It is in the lobby. The morning offerings were just basic items, cereals, fruit, pastries etc. At 5pm it is a basic bar. Dd was happy to grab some items in the morning and I love my 5pm wine!

My bc cl stay was cl. They had hard boiled eggs, and 4 different cold meats at breakfast I posted pix on yc/bc thread.

 

[JanetMom]

it takes a while for all the Christmas décor to go away....it's the biggest decoration job they do all year. If you ever have the chance, take the behind the scenes "Yuletide Fantasy" tour. It's long, but wow...really does a nice job of showing how they go about getting everything ready to go, (a whole building and people dedicated to Christmas decorations!) and lots of details about things you don't even see, like how they can quickly replace every single item in case of mishaps. Worth the time and money.

That tour sounds fun! Like most things, Disney does a great job with their tours. We're going to do the Keys to the Kingdom tour for a second time this trip. So, I'm sure I'd love the Yuletide Fantasy tour!

 

[AirGoofy]

I think it will work out. Very weird. If I check at 9,the days at the 11 month window is anyway booked, but the past two days, I checked again and it was available. So I called MS and am moving my reservation from the pool view to the Boardwalk view one day at time.

I think there are some reservation walkers filling those dates. I'm not checking daily, but I've noticed some movement as well. I'll check back as well.

Wouldn't hear of it, I'll use your ticket and room and you can just sit and relax at home. You were just at WDW and I wouldn't want you to get tired of it
?

Oh, I won't get tired of it. I'm closing in on 20 trips now. If you change your mind, let me know.

 

[hill6]

Any word yet?

Got an email an hour ago that we passed ROFR. Closing paperwork should be sent in about 35 days. Just in time for Christmas.