Help with boardwalk area

[ms mouse]

We have been to Disney numerous times but have never been to the boardwalk area. I recieved a promotion for the Boardwalk inn or Beach Club resort. The problem is that even after looking at numerous maps I cant get my head around how its laid out. Are these properties close to each other, connected? Which is closer to Epcot. How is parking? I appreciate any help, and maps of the whole area labled woud be great.

 

[francie57]

Beach Club is the closest resort to Epcot. It is less than a 5 min. walk to the International Gateway. As for the Boardwalk area, the circle that is the Boardwalk resort area is a total of eight tents of a mile around. The Boardwalk is on one side and the BC/YC are directly across the lake from the Boardwalk. The S/D are in the middle of the two. You won't be disappointed in either of the resorts you are deciding between. We love the Epcot resorts and have stayed at the BW and the BC.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Some people will say that technically the Beach Club is closer to Epcot. However in my opinion the Boardwalk is just as close and the reality is you are talking about a few seconds or feet in total distance, so I don't think it makes a difference.

Although in terms of walking distance the Boardwalk is the closest resort when using the walkway to Hollywood Studios and the Beach Club is the farthest away, so this time there is a difference between the resorts when it comes to something like this.

As for parking the Beach Club parking lot is closer to their main entrance, however I personally don't find the parking lot at the Boardwalk to be bad at all, although after staying there three times I am use to it.

Both resorts are within walking distance of each other when you go along the pathway around Cressent Lake and both have long hallways where their rooms are located, however in my opinion having stayed at both I would say the Beach Club hallways are a lot longer then the ones at the Boardwalk Inn.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I can't help with the parking because I used WDW transportation but the Beach Club is right across the lake from the Boardwalk.

There is a bridge that you walk over from the Beach Club.

If you leave the International Gateway at Epcot and walk down towards the Beach Club, you'll see the bridge on your left. Walk over that bridge and you are there.

If you want to get from the Beach Club to the Boardwalk, walk out of the Beach Club like you are walking to Epcot and you will see the bridge on your right.

Unfortunately I stayed at BWI when it was cold (down to the 30's) so there didn't seem to be much activity on the Boardwalk but I did enjoy walking there.

 

[ms mouse]

Thanks for the quick replys! Do they both have balconies for a standard view? And have they been renovated recently?

 

[spiceycat]

bw has balconies for standard view = i think BC does too.

bc is definitely closer - it is a 5 min walk.

from bwv it depends upon where you are - close to the parking - you are talking at least a 15 minute walk. now on the BW maybe 8 to 10 minute walk.

for bc you have another advantage you can go under the bridge to Epcot.

with BW you must walk over it. at night when you are tired that is a big distance all by itself.

depends upon what you call recently - they have both been rehab in the last 3 years (pretty sure)

 

[Alabama Minnie]

We thought the boat location/rotation was better at BWI to both Parks. Our room there was in great shape also.

 

[Taja]

Thanks for the quick replys! Do they both have balconies for a standard view? And have they been renovated recently?

Not all standard rooms at BC have full balconies. Some are Juliet balconies--one or two people can stand on them. No guarantee that you will receive a room with a full balcony. I haven't looked at BC room categories in ages, so there could be a full-balcony room category at a premium price by now. I haven't seen it mentioned on The DIS, so I'm thinking not--but it wouldn't hurt to check!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

for bc you have another advantage you can go under the bridge to Epcot.

with BW you must walk over it. at night when you are tired that is a big distance all by itself.

Don't forget when going to Epcot via the boat the Boardwalk is the last stop before it arrives there, so anyone staying at the Boardwalk Inn/Villas also has that option if they don't feel like walking.

Plus when leaving Epcot the Boardwalk is the 1st stop when it goes in the opposite direction, so once again if you don't feel like walking it's going to be a very fast ride.

So on some level you can say the Boardwalk has a few more advantages then the Beach Club does when it comes to getting to and from Epcot.

 

[jupers]

I just got back from the BW. It was my first time there too. I have to say, I LOVED IT!!!! You can't go wrong with either. If the pool is important to you and or kids then BC is the way to go. SAB was amazing! However, I think I liked the BW resort better. They were both amazing and I don't know that I will ever care about being close to MK again!

 

[TJA]

I like to picture an oval in my mind, with water being in the middle of the oval, Epcot at an end, and BWI and YC/BC along the outlines of the oval. It's really only a matter of minutes walking distance to get anywhere in that oval. When we rent a surrey bike and ride around the oval, we normally go around 4 times in 30 minutes. So I don't think you should base a decision on distances, really. Go with the theme that appeals to you more. If the pool is a big deal, then you'll most likely want the BC. As mentioned, though, beware that some of the BC balconies are not full (not sure about BWI balconies).

As a side note, what is the promo you received?

 

[ms mouse]

Thanks for all the help. I booked at BWI. I got the upgrade offer, 29.00 a night to switch from a moderate. I've stayed at all the monarail resorts but never one of the boardwalk area resorts so we decided to give it a try.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

To the OP I would say you made a great decision going with the Boardwalk Inn and I hope you enjoy staying there.