Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[gometros]

In the past they have had golf carts running to shuttle guests over to BC/YC to use Storm Along Bay.

The clown slide is now open, so no more pool hopping to SAB.

 

[bsutridelt]

If we have Akershus reservations at 8:25 tomorrow, can we still walk through the International Gateway since the park doesn't open til 9?

 

[dansdad]

If we have Akershus reservations at 8:25 tomorrow, can we still walk through the International Gateway since the park doesn't open til 9?

Yup!

 

[AngiTN]

Made it to FL. We are on ME waiting to depart. Got the text our room is ready. No idea if it's refurbed or not, it's room 2100

 

[psac]

Great view! We are booked in a BW view for our upcoming trip too! Can I ask what room you have?

We were in 2041. I don't like saying what room we're in when we're still there out of some weird paranoia. (Just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they aren't really out to get you! ). We requested high floor, near elevator. Then about two weeks before, I called again and added refurbished room. Then when we checked in we again asked if the room was refurbished. We like that location for BW view, we had 5041 twice, which is the same but three floors up. 2041 was more convenient because of the stairs going out (can't come back in that way) near the Wylan Gallery, it's good to learn those short cuts.

I love the new TVs and even asked at concierge I'd they knew what model Samsung they were. He promised to get back to me, but never did. While the picture was beautiful, I did have some problem hearing the audio.

I agree, the TVs had great video. The sound was low, we put them up to 30 volume to hear. Once they were cranked up, it was fine.

 

[psac]

Some other miscellaneous notes about our stay:

Like someone else just said, the boats were a wreck in the evenings. The crowds for the Osborne Lights were outrageous, way beyond what we've seen in past years. I'm sure the star wars fireworks aren't helping now either.

Speaking of which, the new Launch Bay in DHS was cool. Took pics with Chewy, a Jawa, and Darth Vader, and using the Disney Visa, we had literally no line for Vader. Chewy growls and Vader talks, both very awesome.

We did the Minnie's Holiday dinner at DHS in H&V, and it was way better than we were expecting. We've never eaten there before, and I think it had a poor reputation a while back, but they must have someone new in charge, because we liked a lot of it. (Like any buffet, some wasn't good, but you could go back for the good stuff.)

Yachtsman's was the best meal, again, with Flying Fish second. Narcoossee's was just so-so this time, but don't cancel because of me, because the last two or three times we loved it. Hopefully just a bad night.

We had a few lunches at the BW bakery, and finally tried the lobster roll. Really good, though it still feels funny spending that much for a CS sandwich that's on the small side. (Though I would have no problem spending more for a smaller appetizer at a signature! Odd isn't it?). I also really liked the meatball sub. That was huge and really filling. And I think the same meatballs as Tratorria, which we also enjoyed for dinner one night. The clam chowder at the BW bakery was also surprisingly good.

With the AP changes, our renewal turned into a Platinum, which meant it included the photo pass downloads. That was awesome, we downloaded a lot. Never considered the memory maker when we had to pay for it. The Tables in Wonderland for $150 is a tough increase. We saved a little over $160, so net $10 savings. BUT, we have a short stay in March and then next years' week in December, so those stays will be pure savings. Looking at it that way, it's still worth it.

Can't wait to go back, already hit by the Post-Disney Blues!!

 

[AirGoofy]

Yachtsman's was the best meal, again, with Flying Fish second. Narcoossee's was just so-so this time, but don't cancel because of me, because the last two or three times we loved it. Hopefully just a bad night.

We had a few lunches at the BW bakery, and finally tried the lobster roll. Really good, though it still feels funny spending that much for a CS sandwich that's on the small side. (Though I would have no problem spending more for a smaller appetizer at a signature! Odd isn't it?). I also really liked the meatball sub. That was huge and really filling. And I think the same meatballs as Tratorria, which we also enjoyed for dinner one night. The clam chowder at the BW bakery was also surprisingly good.

With the AP changes, our renewal turned into a Platinum, which meant it included the photo pass downloads. That was awesome, we downloaded a lot. Never considered the memory maker when we had to pay for it. The Tables in Wonderland for $150 is a tough increase. We saved a little over $160, so net $10 savings. BUT, we have a short stay in March and then next years' week in December, so those stays will be pure savings. Looking at it that way, it's still worth it.

Can't wait to go back, already hit by the Post-Disney Blues!!

Still can't bring myself to go back to Flying Fish. Maybe one of these days. I didn't realize BWV Bakery had clam chowder and will have to try that one. As for the TiW, that increased price was significant. We'll have two or three trips on it this year, so we'll get the savings. But, just one trip? I might be reconsidering that one ...

 

[LisaCM614]

Very excited to be heading back to the Boardwalk Villas!
We're starting our trip at the Polynesian (6/25/16 - 6/28/16) with a Studio and then moving over to the Boardwalk for a 1 bedroom (6/28/16 - 7/2/16)
Now to start planning those ADRs!

 

[nono]

Just returned. Neither 1101 nor 2121, 1 bedroom villas on BWV side, are renovated. I didn't care -- like the old décor and will see the new next time! 1101 had a few problems all at once, but the big problem was $200 of Whole Foods food in the fridge that broke while we were still unpacking. Painting still going on as well. Busses all screwed up in the evening (as was driving) because of Osborne Lights love...did more commuting through Epcot than normal, but it all worked well. Had a nice small party (reason for a lot of the food) one early evening in our villa with some DVC friends...and then took advice from folks and walked in to see Osborne lights 30 minutes before close. Jumped into TSM line first and then did Osborne -- they were running full bore long after close. It was magical!

Carolers on the BWI/Villas lawn were great too! We played Pixar Uno on the Belle Vue balcony and enjoyed the carols, lights and atmosphere.

 

[gometros]

Some other miscellaneous notes about our stay:

Like someone else just said, the boats were a wreck in the evenings. The crowds for the Osborne Lights were outrageous, way beyond what we've seen in past years. I'm sure the star wars fireworks aren't helping now either.

Speaking of which, the new Launch Bay in DHS was cool. Took pics with Chewy, a Jawa, and Darth Vader, and using the Disney Visa, we had literally no line for Vader. Chewy growls and Vader talks, both very awesome.

We did the Minnie's Holiday dinner at DHS in H&V, and it was way better than we were expecting. We've never eaten there before, and I think it had a poor reputation a while back, but they must have someone new in charge, because we liked a lot of it. (Like any buffet, some wasn't good, but you could go back for the good stuff.)

Yachtsman's was the best meal, again, with Flying Fish second. Narcoossee's was just so-so this time, but don't cancel because of me, because the last two or three times we loved it. Hopefully just a bad night.

We had a few lunches at the BW bakery, and finally tried the lobster roll. Really good, though it still feels funny spending that much for a CS sandwich that's on the small side. (Though I would have no problem spending more for a smaller appetizer at a signature! Odd isn't it?). I also really liked the meatball sub. That was huge and really filling. And I think the same meatballs as Tratorria, which we also enjoyed for dinner one night. The clam chowder at the BW bakery was also surprisingly good.

With the AP changes, our renewal turned into a Platinum, which meant it included the photo pass downloads. That was awesome, we downloaded a lot. Never considered the memory maker when we had to pay for it. The Tables in Wonderland for $150 is a tough increase. We saved a little over $160, so net $10 savings. BUT, we have a short stay in March and then next years' week in December, so those stays will be pure savings. Looking at it that way, it's still worth it.

Can't wait to go back, already hit by the Post-Disney Blues!!

We must be on the same schedule, lol. We also have a short stay in March, but we're going to try out the Polynesian that trip. We have a longer stay at the Boardwalk planned for October.

 

[Sandi]

DD and I arrived on Saturday after a not so magical mechanical problem with our Delta flight. We resolved that by dashing over to GRR for a morning flight. We have a 5th floor room and are pleased with it. Transportation has been fine. Tonight we did Osborne then the awesome fireworks. Walked out and saw the line for the boat was short, so boated to Swolphin rather than our planned walk. (Still had over 32,000 steps today.). We had a fabulous dinner at Yachtsman yesterday and will dine at Flying Fish tomorrow. Enjoyed Jellyrolls last night, but it was slow, so a less fun atmosphere than I've experienced in the past. Even though crowds are big, people seem to have a friendly spirit. Weather is perfect for us. So fun to not be sweating and changing clothes three times a day. I'll post more when we return.

 

[Andipandi]

Hello, I wanted to write how much we loved staying at the BWV. This was our first visit to BWV and we will be coming back for sure! I forgot to write down our room number but we were right off the lobby. We overlooked the pool with the slide. Our balcony was center right above the underpass to the pool. We thought it was a great room! It was renovated and had the pull down bed from the wall. My son loved the sleeping Dumbo on the beds wall. Very cute!! We were there from December 6th to the 12th. We loved how convenient it was to get to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I would love to write a trip report and tell about our wonderful vacation. I will try if I can find the time. When we arrived the pool slide was closed but on Thursday, December 10th the slide was opened and we went to the pool. We had a blast going down that slide. At first my son didn't want to try it but after seeing mom and dad come down and have a great time he then wanted to try. Then we couldn't get him out of the pool. LOL Everyone at BWV was kind and helpful. We even got a new mattress when we were there. I guess they were putting all new mattresses in the rooms and they were very quick and efficient about doing it. Can't wait till our next vacation. Time to book for next year!!

 

[Donald Duck888]

Well we are back from our first ever stay at BWV and the trip was awesome. There were a couple of disappointments but nothing that interfered with it being an awesome trip. When we were on DME we got a text that our room was not ready then when we got there we got another saying we would have to see the front desk to check in. We did that and although we requested a high floor with a boardwalk view we ended up with a ground level quiet pool view over by the convention center and cottages. At first I was really bummed by this but by the end it worked out ok since it was so hot (Dec? go figure) and my daughter wanted to swim so being so close to a pool was nice.

Also somehow when we first got to our room my daughters band would open the door but not mine. This was not surprising as the person who checked us in had lots of trouble with the bands at check-in. So we went back to the desk and got that straightened out.

I agree with those on here who said the Osborn lights thing was crazy busy it was totally a mob scene when we were there.

Candlelight processional was awesome

MVMCP was lots of fun too.

All in all a great week.

 

[Tess]

Well we are back from our first ever stay at BWV and the trip was awesome. There were a couple of disappointments but nothing that interfered with it being an awesome trip. When we were on DME we got a text that our room was not ready then when we got there we got another saying we would have to see the front desk to check in. We did that and although we requested a high floor with a boardwalk view we ended up with a ground level quiet pool view over by the convention center and cottages. At first I was really bummed by this but by the end it worked out ok since it was so hot (Dec? go figure) and my daughter wanted to swim so being so close to a pool was nice.

We love this area--quiet and peaceful and then there is the quiet pool which is rarely busy. . . Glad it worked out for you in the end.

 

[TaraPA]

Just back from a quick trip, only stayed 1 night at BWV before transferring to VWL then Poly (hard to get a DVC room last minute!). We were in studio 1107 & it was not refurbed which was fine but the smell of mold & dampness hit us as soon as we opened the door. There was a 6"x3" water stain on the ceiling clearly with black mold on it. We took a picture & headed to the front desk to ask to be moved, but the resort was full. They seemed to be very unconcerned about the mold. Since we were only there one night we didn't put up a fuss, but I would have if we had been there any longer or had allergies! The carpeting in that hallway was also in much needed state of repair, 2 areas were taped up. Otherwise the rest of the resort was as gorgeous as ever, the Boardwalk overall did not disappoint! We had no issues with the Friendship Boats or the buses.

 

[DebbieB]

Well we are back from our first ever stay at BWV and the trip was awesome. There were a couple of disappointments but nothing that interfered with it being an awesome trip. When we were on DME we got a text that our room was not ready then when we got there we got another saying we would have to see the front desk to check in. We did that and although we requested a high floor with a boardwalk view we ended up with a ground level quiet pool view over by the convention center and cottages. At first I was really bummed by this but by the end it worked out ok since it was so hot (Dec? go figure) and my daughter wanted to swim so being so close to a pool was nice.

Also somehow when we first got to our room my daughters band would open the door but not mine. This was not surprising as the person who checked us in had lots of trouble with the bands at check-in. So we went back to the desk and got that straightened out.

I agree with those on here who said the Osborn lights thing was crazy busy it was totally a mob scene when we were there.

Candlelight processional was awesome

MVMCP was lots of fun too.

All in all a great week.

Sounds like you were at the Inn (BWI)? Did you pay for a boardwalk (water) view?

 

[BlueSkies]

Made it to FL. We are on ME waiting to depart. Got the text our room is ready. No idea if it's refurbed or not, it's room 2100

Hope that you are having a great trip!

Some other miscellaneous notes about our stay:

Like someone else just said, the boats were a wreck in the evenings. The crowds for the Osborne Lights were outrageous, way beyond what we've seen in past years. I'm sure the star wars fireworks aren't helping now either.

Speaking of which, the new Launch Bay in DHS was cool. Took pics with Chewy, a Jawa, and Darth Vader, and using the Disney Visa, we had literally no line for Vader. Chewy growls and Vader talks, both very awesome.

We did the Minnie's Holiday dinner at DHS in H&V, and it was way better than we were expecting. We've never eaten there before, and I think it had a poor reputation a while back, but they must have someone new in charge, because we liked a lot of it. (Like any buffet, some wasn't good, but you could go back for the good stuff.)

Yachtsman's was the best meal, again, with Flying Fish second. Narcoossee's was just so-so this time, but don't cancel because of me, because the last two or three times we loved it. Hopefully just a bad night.

We had a few lunches at the BW bakery, and finally tried the lobster roll. Really good, though it still feels funny spending that much for a CS sandwich that's on the small side. (Though I would have no problem spending more for a smaller appetizer at a signature! Odd isn't it?). I also really liked the meatball sub. That was huge and really filling. And I think the same meatballs as Tratorria, which we also enjoyed for dinner one night. The clam chowder at the BW bakery was also surprisingly good.

With the AP changes, our renewal turned into a Platinum, which meant it included the photo pass downloads. That was awesome, we downloaded a lot. Never considered the memory maker when we had to pay for it. The Tables in Wonderland for $150 is a tough increase. We saved a little over $160, so net $10 savings. BUT, we have a short stay in March and then next years' week in December, so those stays will be pure savings. Looking at it that way, it's still worth it.

Can't wait to go back, already hit by the Post-Disney Blues!!

Thanks for the detailed review psac (especially the dining reviews! ) ....Have enjoyed the BW Bakery on our last few trips...and now am looking forward to trying some new items there... We too have been pondering the worth of the renewing our TIW...But we do enjoy many of the signature restaurants...so maybe it will be worth it????...

Very excited to be heading back to the Boardwalk Villas!
We're starting our trip at the Polynesian (6/25/16 - 6/28/16) with a Studio and then moving over to the Boardwalk for a 1 bedroom (6/28/16 - 7/2/16)
Now to start planning those ADRs!

After many years of staying at monorail resorts...we have become enamored of the Epcot resort area ...and are doing our very first split between at MK and Epcot resort... I hope that we enjoy it as much as we think that we will....Hope that you do too!

So happy to hear about many fun BWI/BWV stays... thaks all for sharing your experiences...Enjoy reading about them..

.Tara sorry to hear about your musty mold room though.....glad it was only for one night....what a very ambitious split stay..would enjoy hearing your thoughts on a triple split...

 

[TaraPA]

Hope that you are having a great trip!



Thanks for the detailed review psac (especially the dining reviews! ) ....Have enjoyed the BW Bakery on our last few trips...and now am looking forward to trying some new items there... We too have been pondering the worth of the renewing our TIW...But we do enjoy many of the signature restaurants...so maybe it will be worth it????...


After many years of staying at monorail resorts...we have become enamored of the Epcot resort area ...and are doing our very first split between at MK and Epcot resort... I hope that we enjoy it as much as we think that we will....Hope that you do too!

So happy to hear about many fun BWI/BWV stays... thaks all for sharing your experiences...Enjoy reading about them..

.Tara sorry to hear about your musty mold room though.....glad it was only for one night....what a very ambitious split stay..would enjoy hearing your thoughts on a triple split...

Blueskies - I love a split stay, I love to experience 2 resorts, and each resort always offers different theming, new restaurants, & proximity to a park so that's a plus. I wouldn't plan a triple split in 5 nights - there just wasn't any other DVC rooms available for my dates so we had no choice! I would do a triple split again if I had at least 2 nights at each resort though. It was actually a quad split - thank goodness 2 weeks before we left my waitlist opened up & we got 2 consecutive nights at Poly! We always spend some time at the resort, so we do enjoy doing that at the different ones. We never rush around, I think if we did we wouldn't enjoy a split stay. We actually don't even go to the parks every day which is a nice break. The transfers between resorts was easy peasy - we travel light - only with a carryon (we plan to do laundry while at DVC so we don't have to pack as much). In the morning of the move we just take the bags to Bell Services & have them transfer to the next resort. In the evening we return to the new resort & call Bell Services from the room to have them delivered. We had no issues with luggage transfers this trip. Now when travelling with the whole family, I don't plan a split stay, no one else enjoys packing up & moving, and I find myself having to do it for everyone. I just do the splits when its a girls trip, or if I have 1 kid with me. My tip for split stays - always save the Deluxe or your favorite for the last leg! Its no fun going from Poly to a value just sayin'! Good luck with whatever you plan Blueskies!

 

[psac]

Still can't bring myself to go back to Flying Fish. Maybe one of these days. I didn't realize BWV Bakery had clam chowder and will have to try that one. As for the TiW, that increased price was significant. We'll have two or three trips on it this year, so we'll get the savings. But, just one trip? I might be reconsidering that one ...

The BW Bakery has a soup of the day. You could get it in a cup or a bread bowl, didn't try the bread bowl. And you could get it as a side with a sandwich for half price or so (it seemed about $2 more instead of the full $4.50 for the soup. Seemed to be a better deal than the included chips.) one day it was Minestrone, which my wife really liked, and two days it was clam chowder. Don't know what the rest of the rotation is!

We must be on the same schedule, lol. We also have a short stay in March, but we're going to try out the Polynesian that trip. We have a longer stay at the Boardwalk planned for October.

We're also staying at the Poly on our March trip! We really wanted to try the bungalows, so we said what the heck... And then woke up and booked a studio! We did book a lake view, so at least we'll be able to see the bungalows! Close enough, right? But then we have our big Disney cruise to Alaska in May/June. And if you say you're on that, too, then I might have to call the cops for stalking!

 

[ariel1025]

Random question about the fridges in the studios, well, the "freezers" actually. I've never paid attention before, but was wondering how big the freezer space is, if there is one Since we are staying so long we are trying to avoid paying for a breakfast daily, so I'm trying to get creative with in room options without a kitchen. Was thinking of those microwavable Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich things, if I took them out of the box (individually wrapped) could I fit a 4 or 6 pk in the freezer space? Any other ideas for in room breakfast beyond bagels/toast etc TIA