Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[WDWKOOK]

Will also add that while you can get refills at the pool, the person working there was overwhelmed during our stay a few weeks ago and it took forever to get the mugs refilled. One bartender, lots of customers. The Bakery was far quicker, in spite of the walk.

Great advice, @preemiemama.

I'm sure I missed the boat on this, since I've been away for a while, and I haven't read through the back pages yet. But is there a general dissatisfaction with the new Flying Fish menu? They completely purged literally everything from the old menu. I understand changing things up, like California Grill changed a lot in their refurb, but they still kept their signature dishes. But FF even broke their promise (published in the Disney Food Blog) that they would still keep the potato wrapped snapper. I actually didn't like it that much, but some of the other dishes will be sorely missed!

Welcome back, stranger! If you value DISunplugged restaurant reviews, then it seems like FF is a must-do and a new favorite for most of the reviewers. (Disclaimer: Kevin and John didn't review FF.)

They ordered every item on the menu and had nothing negative to say about anything - other than Corey having to share his meal...and I'm with him on that complaint.

More on FF, WDW News Today published a bunch of pics on Twitter. Here's one:

https://twitter.com/wdwnt/status/761350419859857408

From there you can see the rest. They loved the steak, said it's the best they ever had at WDW. Though I actually loved the old strip steak they had. Some of the desserts looked really good. So maybe we will try it in December after all.

The Wagyu got rave reviews and the bison, too. In my experience, the bison at Artist Point can be chewy sometimes, but this particular time at FF, they seemed to love it. And, they even preferred the Wagyu at FF over our beloved YS and said that it was more than half the price.

This info is from last year, so it might be outdated. I stayed at BWI for a conference and we were in search of food after 11pm. The CM at the pizza window said that they do refill mugs, but only after the Boardwalk Bakery is closed.

Thanks for the great information, @pixarmom.

Thanks, even though I mostly read here and don't do a lot of posting, I find this thread to have a lot of friendly posters who are always very helpful

Welcome to Crescent Lake, @mickeynut1.

I have to say that after reading the menu I was not impressed. However, after watching the Disuplugged review and actually being able to see the food I can't wait to go! It all looks fantastic!

Thanks for posting the link, @dansdad. I completely agree with you, the review was very compelling, especially since they ordered everything on the menu and, I assume the (very pricey) tab wasn't comped. (Hope they used TiW.)

Last morning and the construction people are out and about early. Remember my NOT being bothered by construction? Well today is an exception, my girls are in the lounge while I pack because it's so loud with drilling and talking. Hopefully they will take this room out of inventory until they are done, because no one should be woken up thinking people are drilling through the walls. I let the CMs know this morning. I guess I've been hesitant to complain since I asked to be moved when we checked in so we could have connecting rooms. Curious if the awnings on the balcony will be replaced or left off. Sorry to complain all. Honestly this was such a terrific stay, I just have autistic kiddos not liking the noise. Let me get to packing!!!

Though I'm late posting this, I texted you that I think Disney Resorts need to do a better job of taking rooms like yours and mexi's out of inventory. I know (and appreciate) that work always has to be done at all the resorts, but, placing guests in rooms with noise and workers as you described and as @mexi shows below, isn't appropriate.

Quite understandable and no need to apologize. We moved rooms mid way through our trip because of the same issue.
Here's a pic I took from the pool one day after we switched rooms. The balcony on the 3rd floor with all the workers was our balcony.View attachment 186288

Guests shouldn't have to ask to be moved, they shouldn't be placed in these rooms!

For $58, better be good!

They loved it and Pete said it was even better than his former favorite at YS. He said the Wagyu at YS is about $150, (though I can't find it on the menu) and I've had some at The Greenbrier Resort that was $12/ounce. But, maybe the FF cut isn't the filet mignon?

I just booked a single night stay at the Boardwalk Inn for a Saturday night in December. It is a Standard Room with a request for a 1 king bed. This is for a surprise engagement trip for my girlfriend. What are the chanced I actually can get a king room? Are there any ways I can increase my chances? Any other tips? Thanks...

@shb5007, I assume you booked a Standard View? I asked once how many King SV rooms there were and while the CM wouldn't give me an exact number, she said, "very few." To up your chances, have your proposal mentioned in your reservation, (maybe as a "celebration") and ask again upon check-in.

If you want to guarantee a King and you want to add a very special and memorable touch, book a Garden Cottage. They accommodate two, are super cute and private and have Club Level access. Congratulations!

I just booked my first stay at the BoardWalk Villas for the first week in May from 5/7 to 5/13 I could not be more excited I'm waitlisted for a Boardwalk view and am having a blast reading through this thread

Welcome to the thread, @mlittig! I'll add your dates to POST 1. Did you book a one bedroom?

Just booked not one...but TWO reservations for FF on our trip next week!

Based on the DISunplugged review, I don't blame you and I know it's a special place for you. Looking forward to reading your review.

I got the renovation letter today for my BWV October 22 to 29 stay, exterior painting.

Thanks for posting, @DebbieB.

 

[mickeynut1]

Welcome to Crescent Lake, @mickeynut1

Hi KOOK

Thanks for the welcome! I have always found BWI to be a beautiful resort and after constantly reading great reviews about CL and the resort overall, I'm thinking it might be time for me to give it a try. Not sure just when I'll book my first stay, but I'm giving it a lot of thought. With that said, I just want to say THANK YOU for all of your pics/info and for keeping this thread up to date. Everyone here is very friendly and adds a lot of great information/suggestions for staying at BWI .

I think Disney Resorts need to do a better job of taking rooms like yours and mexi's out of inventory. I know (and appreciate) that work always has to be done at all the resorts, but, placing guests in rooms with noise and workers as you described and as @mexi shows below, isn't appropriate.

Guests shouldn't have to ask to be moved, they shouldn't be placed in these rooms!

I agree!

 

[WDWKOOK]

I am checking in two weeks from today for my solo birthday trip! I requested a king bed room on an upper floor and am hoping my requests are met. I'm also hoping not to be too affected by construction. We did stay at BC during their renos and didn't find it to be a big deal so hopefully this experience will be the same. Can't wait for my first BW stay!

How exciting and , @suse66. I have my first solo trip in less than a month. Is this your first?

Yeah, I'm changing my opinion, I think it's looking good, although I still wish they kept a few of the old favorites. It's really a totally different restaurant, they could have even changed the name since it's so different.

But if FF2.0 is as good as it looks, we'll be happy to eat there!

Cant wait either! I hope they have a special or two as well as the regular menu.

Ah, the peer pressure! Now, I'm thinking I might need to try it next month. But, I was so proud of the thought of my first-ever WDW trip without ADRs.

Hi all - we are staying at the Boardwalk Villas in a Deluxe Studio Standard view from Oct 5-8, 2016.

Welcome and congratulations! I'll add your dates to the BoardWalk Bulletin

I had a Garden view, and some how lucked out into this;

I requested near the elevator and a high floor and was granted room 5059.

I made that video showing you the distance from my door to the bus stop.

The video isn't working for me, but your beautifully edited photo sure is! Gorgeous, @peteykirch.

There is nothing about "quiet pool" that requires you be quiet in the pool. It's just a name for a non-themed pool. They are commonly known as a leisure pool at WDW.

Welcome back to @Deb & Bill , too! You weren't vacationing with @psac, were you?

We will be at the BWI October 28-November 2. Haven't stayed there for quite a few years. So excited to be going back.

Congratulations on booking and I'll log your dates

I just got home from WDW (CSR) last night. Waiting for me in the mail was "the construction letter" for our stay at BWI the end of September.

Construction's no fun, but another trip to WDW next month sure is

Just finishing packing, we have a 7AM flight out of NY tomorrow, I'll post with pictures when we get there

Gads I'm a wreck - does anyone else get nervous the day before a trip?

The day before, the week before, the day I book... So much to fuss and worry over and what a relief it is to finally get there.

Yep, we actually told the kids that we are leaving on Wed. & not tomorrow, because last year they couldn't sleep the night before since they were so excited to get to Disney, and my kids never sleep on the plane. We have to be on the road at 4:15 AM (what was I thinking a 7:17 AM flight - oh that's right it was $300 cheaper)

You were also thinking, "Just think how early we'll get there". Have a great vacation!

We just checked in to BWV and I had some issues with my magic band not linking to our room reservation. I waited almost 30 minutes. They gave us two extra fast passes per peraon for a total of six. They also upgraded us to a one bedroom even though we booked a studio.

It sounds like they made things right for you and your vacation is now off to a great start, @jsbowl16.

Hi @WDWKOOK ! I just booked additional nights at BWV for March 7-12 since our dream of AKL CL fell thru. I'm going to waitlist it, but I'm still happy with staying at BWV.

Here's a question though, when I stayed at BLT we were on the ground floor & really liked the convenience of not having to wait for the elevators. I've read other PPs saying that staying on the 1st floor, you still need to take the elevator to get anywhere. does that mean 2nd floor/lobby level is the "ground floor"? We've never checked out the BWV on previous trips, so sorry for the rookie questions. if it helps, I've booked standard view 1 bdrm on my DVC points. another PP suggested higher floor to lessen exposure to "luggage cart" noise. yikes, is that a point of concern?

No apologies for questions here, but I'm going to bump your BWV question to the experts. I think the additional nights were meant to be and I'll add them to your dates, @FoodieFriend.

You're not alone...I just finished packing myself! Two more sleeps for us before we check-in to the BC. Tomorrow I drop off my "baby boy" to his vet for boarding , I have about a million things to finish up before we leave bright and early Wednesday morning and just hoping I keep it all together and don't forget anything!

Safe travels and enjoy your trip!!

It's almost time!!

Got back today and we all wish we would have stayed at the boardwalk the whole time. Its now one of the picks for r big family trip in 2019.

That's something to look forward to

This has been the most informative, enjoyable thread--and yes, I think I have read most all of the 204 pages!

Unfortunately, I am not sure how much I retained...

We are staying at the BWI for the first time ever (so excited!) from Dec. 8-10 as an anniversary treat for my DH and I, then we are staying at the BWV (also first time ever!) on rented points from Dec 10-16 with the 2 oldest of our grandchildren, 10 and 7.

Our previous fav resort has been WL, but I have to say its more for the lobby and the general vibe than the room decor. Still love WL, but I have to say I was underwhelmed by the CL. Everyone was nice enough, but the food offerings were not great, and we were so busy with the kids we hardly ever got back to the resort in time to partake of much the CL had to offer.

My DH has told me to go ahead and upgrade to the CL for the two nights he and I are at the Inn--but all that is available is Boardwalk view and honestly that doesn't thrill me much (am I crazy?) as I am afraid it will be too noisy. Can I request a "downgrade" to a quieter room? I would love to be by the quiet pool on the Inn side, but is that even possible CL? Any recommendations? Thoughts?

in advance!

PS--I relate to the PP that wrote they are so excited you would think it was a first trip--I feel the same way!

Thanks so much, @CaliTex. I'm impressed you got through each page. Don't worry, I don't give pop quizzes.

While some of the BWV rooms are very close to where the buskers are, I don't think it will be much of an issue, especially if you ask to be further away from FF which is where most of the buskers perform. Also, if you don't want a BWV, just keep trying every few days to get a Standard View room. It's highly likely that by December, one will have opened up.

Sounds like a good 30 minute investment! Hope the rest of your trip goes swimmingly.

We got our construction letter yesterday. While it wasn't the message I wanted, it was fun to get some Mickey Mail before we leave.

ITA about the time investment and getting Mickey communiqué.

 

[Tess]

I would have sworn that I posted our imminent return to BWI/BWV, Kook--but since we don't appear on the Boardwalk Bulletin, I guess not. We will be at BWI on 10/5 and moving over to BWV on 10/6 - 14/16. Looking forward to our F&W stay.

 

[oceanmarina]

Hi all on the Magical Express on our way to BWV. Had a beautiful smooth as glass flight. Will update once at the resort

Cloudy & overcast in Orlando. Has been raining this morning

 

[gometros]

Got our letter in the mail yesterday about construction for our October trip. I guess I'll have to listen to my wife when she yells at me to close the curtains.

 

[WDWKOOK]

I would have sworn that I posted our imminent return to BWI/BWV, Kook--but since we don't appear on the Boardwalk Bulletin, I guess not. We will be at BWI on 10/5 and moving over to BWV on 10/6 - 14/16. Looking forward to our F&W stay.

Consider it done, @Tess.

Hi all on the Magical Express on our way to BWV. Had a beautiful smooth as glass flight. Will update once at the resort
Cloudy & overcast in Orlando. Has been raining this morning

Hope you're getting settled or heading off to Epcot maybe?

Got our letter in the mail yesterday about construction for our October trip. I guess I'll have to listen to my wife when she yells at me to close the curtains.

 

[oceanmarina]

Hi all settled in, at Coral Reef restaurant for dinner, got a tank-side table, here is our view:



When we checked in our room was not ready (it wasn't ready till 3. - will update with room pictures later.

They are definitely working around the resort. Exterior painting and outside work - a lot of guys with hard hats walking around - no noise - hopefully that will continue

Since our room wasn't ready we walked to Hollywood studios. 30 minute wait for you story midway mania

Still at dinner - we have our fast passes for soarin and nemo.

 

[oceanmarina]

Desserts at coral reef - just wow

 

[pas130]

Hi all on the Magical Express on our way to BWV. Had a beautiful smooth as glass flight. Will update once at the resort View attachment 186989View attachment 186989 View attachment 186990

Cloudy & overcast in Orlando. Has been raining this morning

lovely pics of coral reef. Strangely enough no rain here on the dark side. Glad you're all checked on. Boardwalk in awesome and 30 minutes for TSM is amazing

 

[kblevins]

Sorry if this has been asked already, I will be staying at the Boardwalk in October and am working on online check-in. What are some examples of what the different room views look like? and what category would be my best bet for seeing Illuminations, if any?

 

[dansdad]

Sorry if this has been asked already, I will be staying at the Boardwalk in October and am working on online check-in. What are some examples of what the different room views look like? and what category would be my best bet for seeing Illuminations, if any?

Check out post #7 on page #1 of this thread for room view descriptions and pictures.

 

[oceanmarina]

Hi all,

Just had the most magic experience - watching Star Wars fireworks on my balcony - I could hear all the music too


The room is ok - definitely seems much smaller than the 1 bedroom villas at bay lake, kidani and wilderness lodge villas


When I was walking through the villas I saw they had a block of rooms they were working on and heard sawing etc, but luckily I'm on the fifth floor and it seems pretty quiet here.
I had touring plans do my room request - and I love my room so I would definitely recommend it.

The only complaints I have about the room are a few things broken - even though they just had a refurb

Looks like blood on the rug - just gross
The bath handle broke off in my hand and the broken tile in the bathroom. So as a first time guest in BWV I would say the room is ok - but definitely needs improvement. Scores below other one bedroom villas we have stayed in.

Can't best the location - walking distance to two parks!

Will update more tomorrow

 

[suse66]

How exciting and , @suse66. I have my first solo trip in less than a month. Is this your first?

Thank you so much! My actual birthday was June 23rd but I teach kindergarten and it was the end of the school year then. So I decided that I would book for August and have a nice little respite before I dive back into another busy school year. It's my first solo trip and I'm super excited! How are you feeling about yours? Looks like you have some stunning resorts planned! Would you mind adding my dates to the bulletin? It is August 21-25. Thank you!

 

[WDWKOOK]

Hi all settled in, at Coral Reef restaurant for dinner, got a tank-side table, here is our view:

When we checked in our room was not ready (it wasn't ready till 3. - will update with room pictures later.

They are definitely working around the resort. Exterior painting and outside work - a lot of guys with hard hats walking around - no noise - hopefully that will continue

Since our room wasn't ready we walked to Hollywood studios. 30 minute wait for you story midway mania

Still at dinner - we have our fast passes for soarin and nemo.

Love that table at CF. It's such a magical location and great way to start your vacation. Did you see any SCUBA divers?

Desserts at coral reef - just wow

Beautiful.

Sorry if this has been asked already, I will be staying at the Boardwalk in October and am working on online check-in. What are some examples of what the different room views look like? and what category would be my best bet for seeing Illuminations, if any?

No apologies needed here, @kblevins.

Just adding to @dansdad post that if you are booked at BWI and want an Illuminations view, book a Standard View room and ask for an "Epcot View" and "5th floor." These rooms overlook the gardens and quiet pool and you can see some of Illuminations and the Eiffel Tower.

I would call the DRC and have the two requests added to my reservation and just make sure any MDX requests don't contradict your called-in requests.

Hi all,

Just had the most magic experience - watching Star Wars fireworks on my balcony - I could hear all the music too


The room is ok - definitely seems much smaller than the 1 bedroom villas at bay lake, kidani and wilderness lodge villas

When I was walking through the villas I saw they had a block of rooms they were working on and heard sawing etc, but luckily I'm on the fifth floor and it seems pretty quiet here.
I had touring plans do my room request - and I love my room so I would definitely recommend it.

The only complaints I have about the room are a few things broken - even though they just had a refurb

Looks like blood on the rug - just gross

The bath handle broke off in my hand and the broken tile in the bathroom. So as a first time guest in BWV I would say the room is ok - but definitely needs improvement. Scores below other one bedroom villas we have stayed in.

Can't best the location - walking distance to two parks!

Will update more tomorrow

That is just not right.

Hate to be that poster who tells you to "go right down to the front desk this morning and show a manager the photos you posted." But, I really feel you need to do just that. Ask to speak to a manger about your room condition, show them the photos and tell them it's unsatisfactory and you and your family are disappointed.

I know you've unpacked, but the manager needs to know about the room condition. They can either offer to repair the issues, move you or make it up to you in some other way. Please let them know. Disney needs to stop occupying rooms that look like this and fix glaring problems before guests get into these rooms. Let us know what happens, @oceanmarina.

Thank you so much! My actual birthday was June 23rd but I teach kindergarten and it was the end of the school year then. So I decided that I would book for August and have a nice little respite before I dive back into another busy school year. It's my first solo trip and I'm super excited! How are you feeling about yours? Looks like you have some stunning resorts planned! Would you mind adding my dates to the bulletin? It is August 21-25. Thank you!

Of course I'll add your dates. I'm very excited, but I have no idea how it will really feel. I've been on every single overnight trip with DD for 17 years. I'm really looking forward to my "trip of firsts," acting on every silly whim, and not worrying about who's hungry, tired, hot or grumpy! But, I'm sure I'm going to miss all the fun of sharing the experiences with family, so I have mixed emotions.

 

[Sandi]

Hi all,

Just had the most magic experience - watching Star Wars fireworks on my balcony - I could hear all the music too


The room is ok - definitely seems much smaller than the 1 bedroom villas at bay lake, kidani and wilderness lodge villas


When I was walking through the villas I saw they had a block of rooms they were working on and heard sawing etc, but luckily I'm on the fifth floor and it seems pretty quiet here.
I had touring plans do my room request - and I love my room so I would definitely recommend it.

The only complaints I have about the room are a few things broken - even though they just had a refurb
***
Looks like blood on the rug - just gross
The bath handle broke off in my hand and the broken tile in the bathroom. So as a first time guest in BWV I would say the room is ok - but definitely needs improvement. Scores below other one bedroom villas we have stayed in.

Can't best the location - walking distance to two parks!

Will update more tomorrow

Marina, please let the management know about the issues in your room. They should fix those things pronto. Obviously housekeeping knows, but it isn't a priority until a guest complains. Then it will get fixed, cleaned, or whatever. At BWI I have asked them to fix the safe, a door that wouldn't close properly, a faucet, and also asked that they flip the hook for the drying line that goes over the tub because it was installed upside down. Some things -- like the safe -- were taken care of immediately -- other things took a couple of days. (These were from different trips; not all at once!)

Glad you like your location. On the BWI side, we had a view of the Star Wars fireworks in May and it was great.

 

[jerseygal]

Hi all,

Just had the most magic experience - watching Star Wars fireworks on my balcony - I could hear all the music too


The room is ok - definitely seems much smaller than the 1 bedroom villas at bay lake, kidani and wilderness lodge villas


When I was walking through the villas I saw they had a block of rooms they were working on and heard sawing etc, but luckily I'm on the fifth floor and it seems pretty quiet here.
I had touring plans do my room request - and I love my room so I would definitely recommend it.

The only complaints I have about the room are a few things broken - even though they just had a refurb
View attachment 187097 View attachment 187098 View attachment 187099
Looks like blood on the rug - just gross
The bath handle broke off in my hand and the broken tile in the bathroom. So as a first time guest in BWV I would say the room is ok - but definitely needs improvement. Scores below other one bedroom villas we have stayed in.

Can't best the location - walking distance to two parks!

Will update more tomorrow

HOPE that you e mail DVC member satisfaction. Please let front desk know in person as well as e mailing DVC member satisfaction. That is the only way that problems hopefully get resolved. ENJOY your vaca!

 

[pas130]

Hi all,

Just had the most magic experience - watching Star Wars fireworks on my balcony - I could hear all the music too


The room is ok - definitely seems much smaller than the 1 bedroom villas at bay lake, kidani and wilderness lodge villas


When I was walking through the villas I saw they had a block of rooms they were working on and heard sawing etc, but luckily I'm on the fifth floor and it seems pretty quiet here.
I had touring plans do my room request - and I love my room so I would definitely recommend it.

The only complaints I have about the room are a few things broken - even though they just had a refurb
View attachment 187097 View attachment 187098 View attachment 187099
Looks like blood on the rug - just gross
The bath handle broke off in my hand and the broken tile in the bathroom. So as a first time guest in BWV I would say the room is ok - but definitely needs improvement. Scores below other one bedroom villas we have stayed in.

Can't best the location - walking distance to two parks!

Will update more tomorrow

I'm going to reiterate PP that advise going to the front desk. Maintenance can fix these things most likely when you're at the parks. Sweet on the fireworks view! Our favorite evening was chilling on the BW and we watched all three fireworks from different locations on the boardwalk

 

[kpm76]

Hi! We're doing a last minute trip to the BWI CL August 28-30. Then back at the BWV October 10-12 to celebrate my big (40th) birthday! Can't wait

 

[rcraw45425]

I just got home from WDW (CSR) last night. Waiting for me in the mail was "the construction letter" for our stay at BWI the end of September.

ours for October arrived last week