Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[Scott MC]

Hi Rosa!
I'm so jealous! BWI was our FAVORITE CL experience, by a mile (out of BWI, BC, YC, GF-RPC and AKL). The staff is sensational, the lounge is huge and comfortable, the food offerings were perfect, and that view! Oh my gosh! In a way, I'm glad they changed the booking options. When we stayed, we were told that for the same price, we could be facing the (beautiful) gardens and quiet pool, OR we could have a Boardwalk view. We lucked out both times and got the BW view, and let me tell you, it's the BEST view we've ever had at WDW. I still dream about it.

 

[mommyrosa2]

Hi Rosa!
I'm so jealous! BWI was our FAVORITE CL experience, by a mile (out of BWI, BC, YC, GF-RPC and AKL). The staff is sensational, the lounge is huge and comfortable, the food offerings were perfect, and that view! Oh my gosh! In a way, I'm glad they changed the booking options. When we stayed, we were told that for the same price, we could be facing the (beautiful) gardens and quiet pool, OR we could have a Boardwalk view. We lucked out both times and got the BW view, and let me tell you, it's the BEST view we've ever had at WDW. I still dream about it.

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OMG Scott...what an amazing view!!! We are so looking forward to our first BWI stay and even more excited to try their CL in October.

 

[Disneytam]

Hi Rosa!
I'm so jealous! BWI was our FAVORITE CL experience, by a mile (out of BWI, BC, YC, GF-RPC and AKL). The staff is sensational, the lounge is huge and comfortable, the food offerings were perfect, and that view! Oh my gosh! In a way, I'm glad they changed the booking options. When we stayed, we were told that for the same price, we could be facing the (beautiful) gardens and quiet pool, OR we could have a Boardwalk view. We lucked out both times and got the BW view, and let me tell you, it's the BEST view we've ever had at WDW. I still dream about it.

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Thank you so much for the pictures Scott! This view just screams vacation to me. We did try the YC once because I so loved the view looking over, common sense said I would love looking back towards the BWI, right? Yeah not so much. I felt like a home sick little kid! Once at the YC was enough and I can say I am ready to stop looking at any of the other resorts and just book the BWI CL for my at least once a year fix! On our last trip because they were just switching over to paying for the boardwalk view we ended up with a garden view for the first time. It wasn't as bad as I had feared and we had a nice trip but we are booked for a deluxe room for our next trip in Dec.

 

[Scott MC]

Thank you so much for the pictures Scott! This view just screams vacation to me. We did try the YC once because I so loved the view looking over, common sense said I would love looking back towards the BWI, right? Yeah not so much. I felt like a home sick little kid! Once at the YC was enough and I can say I am ready to stop looking at any of the other resorts and just book the BWI CL for my at least once a year fix! On our last trip because they were just switching over to paying for the boardwalk view we ended up with a garden view for the first time. It wasn't as bad as I had feared and we had a nice trip but we are booked for a deluxe room for our next trip in Dec.

Too funny...because, in the end, we prefer the YC overall! I say this because, we've only stayed CL at BWI and have stayed in all categories of rooms at YC, and are still happy. I'd have to stay in a non CL room at BWI to decide if it reigns supreme. We did the CL thing for a few years, and decided that it was an embarrassment of luxury, and one that we could do without, and throw the money elsewhere. To that end, we've stayed several times at YC (and BC) in non-CL rooms and been deliriously happy. We usually use the same discount offer each year, and BWI has yet to be included. At some point, I hope a non CL room at BWI pops up and we have the opportunity to try it. In the end, we're happy anywhere on the Epcot Loop, yes even at S/D, but by a tiny margin, and for various little reasons here and there, YC is our favorite, BUT I am still a HUGE fan of BWI.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Just returned yesterday from BWI standard club level room and I wanted to mention my experience with the construction. I believe how it affects you depends on your room location and where you spend your recreational time on the resort property. On a scale of 1 - 5, I would rate my experience a strong 3. The one afternoon at the Inn side quiet pool there was a crew of workers painting the building surrounding the pool. They were operating the small lift and the crew leader would yell the names of the crew members. At times, they were loud. However, I still enjoyed my time at the pool. This is one area of BWI that I have always found relaxing and peaceful so that's why I guess it stood out.

A balcony is always important to me while on vacation and our balcony was above where the walls are up on the side of Flying Fish restaurant. Our room was directly across the courtyard from the Wyland Gallery. Basically, the courtyard as you enter the hotel from the boardwalk. Looking down, I didn't see much but some cement blocks but on one evening, all evening, there was a very loud generator or motor running and it was loud. I did notice that the next night it was not running.

We didn't use the main pool to swim but we did walk around it several times to access the walkway to Hollywood Studios and there were sawhorses up at one small section. Looked like a broken sidewalk. No big deal just thought I'd mention it.

For anyone heading to the BWI, I wouldn't be too concerned about the construction especially if you are planning on being out and about most days. And, it appeared to be isolated to just certain areas at a time.

Great information for anyone arriving soon. Thanks for posting

We arrive on July 19th until July 27th. Bringing our Niece and her two kids for the first time ever to Disney...staying BWI

What an exciting trip for your niece and her kids. I'll log your dates

This trip will be a little shorter than last time, 7 nights instead of 8. My DH does most of the driving, around 12 the first day and 3-4 the next (including a stop at Super Walmart). After all that driving and time in the car, we really enjoy unpacking and settling in for the duration. I think the thought of packing and moving in the middle of our time in the bubble would be a stress, even if a small one, for my family. (especially DH!) So, to keep the peace, which has always been my role, we stay put. If I ever do a solo trip or a mother daughter trip, a split stay might be in our future!

I asked my DD to do some research and add her opinion, and she very thoughtfully came back to me with her preference. BCV seems like I would be doing less walking, so she wants whichever one would be less physically demanding for me.

From what I've read there's not a huge difference, but I thought that was sweet.
A new thought came to me yesterday as I was looking at an old link that showed BWI decorated for Halloween and very in the spirit. Could that be a difference between BW and BC?

We've done that same drive from NoVA where we drive down to Brunswick, GA and then have about 3 hours on day two. It's so much fun arriving to WDW early.

I think that all the resorts have some Halloween flair, so no worries there. Closer to Epcot might be a good idea for you, although BWV feels like it couldn't be more than 5 minutes further than BCV?

Kook-please change our dates next year to July 21st-July 30th. Thank you!! Only 5 more days until the countdown is over for this year. Pics and updates to follow!!

Will do! I hope you're having a magical vacation. How are the crowds?

Soooooo.... for our upcoming F&W trip in October, I just switched from BCV over to a water view room at the BWI (got very lucky that a room opened up for our dates). According to Disney, our view should be of the Boardwalk and Crescent Lake...is this true? or could we end up with a pool view?

Water View is Crescent Lake. Congratulations on the switcheroo

Just checked out of VWL and in to BWV. Room not ready yet but enjoying breakfast at Garden Grill!

If you get a chance, you'll have to post a VWL-BWV comparo for us.

We are back home and back to the real world, but can't stop thinking about the most wonderful time we had this past week and the amazing time we had at the Boardwalk! Our room was wonderful although a little far from the elevators (room 5006) but the view of Swan and Dolphin and the Tower of Terror was amazing! We noticed a few times workers painting but it looked like they were almost done by the main pool. I did laundry 2 times while we were there and had an awesome time talking with a DVC member and a friend. They were hilarious! Bussing all week to Magic Kingdom wasn't too bad. Had to wait one time for about 20 minutes but it was later in the day after we had come back for an afternoon break. We had an 8:15am ADR for CRT and got to the bus stop by 6:45 and bus pulled up by 7 and we were at MK by 7:20 (and we weren't the only ones at the bus stop either!) The only park we were disappointed in (we didn't make AK this time, too hot and kids wanted an extra day at MK) was Hollywood Studios. So much is boarded up and it was crowed that day so we didn't get everything done that we wanted. It seemed that everywhere we went we ran into hoards of people so we just left. My son was disappointed he didn't get on TOT, but we decided that we would do a mom and Dude trip for his birthday in December so it cheered him up. Next on my plans are talking with husband and looking into buying DVC! (Probably won't happen but one can wish!). I think I have convinced him that Disney is a great place. He loved the Boardwalk and even said next time we have to stay longer so we have more time to explore!

Thanks for posting. It's great you're able to plan a trip in December to see what your DS didn't get to on this trip. Nice work getting DH to want more time to explore

 

[preemiemama]

If you get a chance, you'll have to post a VWL-BWV comparo for us.

I will. The biggest difference I can tell you now is that VWL was much quieter- though some of that may have to do with the drunk people running around at 3 am knocking on doors as part of a quincianera for 2 days of our stay! Sitting at the airport now- I will post something more helpful this week!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I will. The biggest difference I can tell you now is that VWL was much quieter- though some of that may have to do with the drunk people running around at 3 am knocking on doors as part of a quincianera for 2 days of our stay! Sitting at the airport now- I will post something more helpful this week!

That is just.plain.wrong, so sorry. Just curious, did you tell management? Safe travels home.

 

[AJA55]

Can you still take your own suitcases on the Magical Express? We do not get in until the evening and would like to take our cases right to our room.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Can you still take your own suitcases on the Magical Express? We do not get in until the evening and would like to take our cases right to our room.

Yes

 

[mexi]

Here now too. Having a great time. I agree with the review above about the construction workers painting and being very loud at times. We had a great view of the quiet pool for the first 4 days and then on Saturday we asked to move because as we sat at the pool we watched the workers move some machines over right in front of our balcony. So the next day we moved to a quieter area near the lobby. We're still here until Thursday so I'll try to post more later.

 

[preemiemama]

That is just.plain.wrong, so sorry. Just curious, did you tell management? Safe travels home.

Yes- the best they could do was offer us a late checkout but since we were headed to Epcot before our flight it was not useful to us.

 

[bluecastle]

We've done that same drive from NoVA where we drive down to Brunswick, GA and then have about 3 hours on day two. It's so much fun arriving to WDW early.

I think that all the resorts have some Halloween flair, so no worries there. Closer to Epcot might be a good idea for you, although BWV feels like it couldn't be more than 5 minutes further than BCV?

I agree that the difference in walking is probably not going to be a deciding factor. I have a feeling where we stay will be determined by what we can get! I have read that it is close to impossible to get 2BRs in the Crescent Lake resorts during F&W. I joined your CS/BLT thread today, thinking the BLT might be a good plan B. My DD is interested in AKL but I don't want to be so far away or be totally bus dependent. OKW has huge rooms, but no elevators and I like being on top floor. Anyhow, I will keep reading and researching. Love that I have the time to do this in the summer!

 

[sfbank]

Kook-good morning. We are in the airport getting ready to fly down to our happy place so not quite there yet. A picture is promised today of our beloved Boardwalk.

 

[mexi]

 

[rcraw45425]

Right now I have a CL standard booked for 10/14-10/16 through my TA and I booked a standard non CL myself yesterday for the same dates. Coming down with three college girls (daughters and a friend) and all they could manage away from school was a Friday/Saturday come home Sunday trip. Younger daughter and I just got home from BWI CL on 7/4 and while the lounge was nice we were about as far away from it as possible and had a long tedious walk to the Boardwalk and bus stop. Since this will be a quick and dirty trip I'm definitely rethinking $600+ per night with the AP rate to, in all likelihood, not get to use the lounge at all. The non CL room came to <$450 per night so we could even do a character breakfast with the savings. What request should I make, other than close to elevator with standard view room? Although I requested close to lobby close to elevator before and was all the way at the end of the hall by the stairs. Great if the stairwell door opens to a BW access but nope. Had to walk all the way back around to get onto the BW.

 

[Tardisblue]

Hi Rosa!
I'm so jealous! BWI was our FAVORITE CL experience, by a mile (out of BWI, BC, YC, GF-RPC and AKL). The staff is sensational, the lounge is huge and comfortable, the food offerings were perfect, and that view! Oh my gosh! In a way, I'm glad they changed the booking options. When we stayed, we were told that for the same price, we could be facing the (beautiful) gardens and quiet pool, OR we could have a Boardwalk view. We lucked out both times and got the BW view, and let me tell you, it's the BEST view we've ever had at WDW. I still dream about it.

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Could you explain to a newbie how CL works? We just bought a resale contract at BWV and are currently waiting on our membership information. Can we use points to book CL, or is it a strictly cash deal?

 

[ParrotBill]

Could you explain to a newbie how CL works? We just bought a resale contract at BWV and are currently waiting on our membership information. Can we use points to book CL, or is it a strictly cash deal?

Make sure you are allowed to book from "The Disney Collection" on a resale contract first. That's the name for the WDW hotels other than the DVC resorts. Remember Boardwalk is two places in one: The Boardwalk Inn, a disney hotel, and Boardwalk Villas, a DVC resort, each sharing all facilities.

if you can book the hotels, there are two categories for Club level at Boardwalk Inn, Standard room/view club, and deluxe room/view club. These have higher points than booking regular rooms at the Disney Collection hotels. Using your points at the hotels is also more costly per night than booking at your DVC home resort or any of the DVC resorts in fact.

 

[Tardisblue]

Make sure you are allowed to book from "The Disney Collection" on a resale contract first. That's the name for the WDW hotels other than the DVC resorts. Remember Boardwalk is two places in one: The Boardwalk Inn, a disney hotel, and Boardwalk Villas, a DVC resort, each sharing all facilities.

if you can book the hotels, there are two categories for Club level at Boardwalk Inn, Standard room/view club, and deluxe room/view club. These have higher points than booking regular rooms at the Disney Collection hotels. Using your points at the hotels is also more costly per night than booking at your DVC home resort or any of the DVC resorts in fact.

This just answered my question. We purchased resale after 4/4/16 when the perks changed, so this isn't an option. Thanks for the info!

 

[gometros]

Can you still take your own suitcases on the Magical Express? We do not get in until the evening and would like to take our cases right to our room.

Keep in mind that if you get in after 10pm, you have to get your own luggage anyway.

 

[gometros]

Could you explain to a newbie how CL works? We just bought a resale contract at BWV and are currently waiting on our membership information. Can we use points to book CL, or is it a strictly cash deal?

Having only stayed in the villas, I was curious about this question. For those of you who have stayed in both, would you choose a CL room over a one-bedroom villa or vice versa? Does the club lounge make that big of a difference?