Just back from first trip home to BWV!!

[elgerber]

We just returned last night from our first trip home to the Boardwalk Villas. I must say, it completely met all my expectations, not a single complaint.

We checked in a little after 4 pm on Saturday the 6th. I had requested higher floor near the elevator. I got a two bedroom, 5077/5079, it was the third group of rooms from the elevator. It overlooked the front entrance and it was just great for us. I love watching the people coming and going. The room was clean and in great shape. A couple of paint chips and one broken drawer pull in the master bedroom, but it didn't bother me at all. We loved having the space of the two bedroom, when we were in the room the kids were always in their room sitting on their own beds, they loved it!!! The only time we used the whirlpool, was when the kids took their baths in it, but that's ok, we were just too busy.

The staff was very friendly, no complaints about anyone.

The bus service, which I was very worried about based on what I have read here, was great. We never, and I mean never, waited more than 3-4 minutes for a bus. We did share with the other resorts (except Sat afternoon, they ran a separate bus for the Swan/Dolphin), but there was always room, and they were very frequent. We only had to stand one time, and that was leaving the Magic Kingdom late Saturday night after Wishes, so I wasn't surprised the bus was full.

We had a box shipped down (well 3, but 2 were from Netgrocer, and that's a whole thread by itself) and they delivered it to our room, and we shipped a box home at the business center. It all worked out so well.

All in all, it was a great time and we love our home resort!!!!! I only wish I didn't have to come home (and that it wasn't cold and snowy when I got here).

Erika

 

[dianeschlicht]

So glad to hear a positive trip report! Was this a standard or preferred room?

 

[paults]

welcome back. glad you had a good time and did not let those minor things bother you at all. Some people would have had a hissyfit at any resort.

 

[elgerber]

Diane, this was a standard view room. I'm all for saving points!!!

One thing I forgot to mention LOL, Saturday morning I opened the silverware drawer and a large (about an inch long) light brown hard shelled bug was scurrying across the front of the drawer inside, ewwwwwwwwwwwww! It totally gave me the willies, but doesn't dampen any of our enjoyment, or make me look down on the resort. That could happen anywhere, home included.

Erika

 

[dianeschlicht]

As Paults said, it is good to see someone have a good attitude about such things! Yep, I have had a barage of Asian beetles this year at home.

 

[elgerber]

Oh yeah, one complaint. Pitiful selection of DVC merchandise!!! They had navy blue t-shirts, and a polo shirt. The jacket was very masculine. I would really like some stylish shirts, maybe more womens styling. Or at the very least a pin. At least at the Beach Club gift shop, they had a DVC Beach Club Villas pin, I couldn't find one at all for the Boardwalk. Oh well, maybe they'll come up with some more stuff in the future. That is not the fault of the resort though.

Erika

 

[dianeschlicht]

The lack of good DVC merchandise has been a perenial complaint. I saw some great logo shirts that were available the first couple of years of DVC, but by the time we came onboard, they were gone!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Thanks for sharing!!!!! Glad you had a good time!

Allison an associate

 

[Lexxiefern]

Great report!! Were you able to see Illuminations from your balcony?

 

[elgerber]

All we could see was the higher fireworks from the balcony. I could hear the music on some nights. We sure could hear the loud fireworks even if we couldn't see them LOL.

Erika

 

[MJTinNH]

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! Thank you for sharing.

 

[gopherit]

Thanks for the positive review. Those of us with plans in the making for BWV sure do appreciate it!

As for the shipped boxes -- roughly what does that cost per lb? Or is it based on the box size? Just trying to figure out if it's worth it to us in the future. We always drive, but I think it's insanely cruel to ask 3 kids to ride strapped to the hood of our van for lack of space inside it, don't you agree? (On the other hand -- whenever I mention the roof ride option in heated debate with dh, the kids pipe up: "YES! YES! WE WANNA DO IT!")

 

[elgerber]

I'm sorry, I can't really say what the cost was. My husband's company has a UPS account, and we just charged it to them. I don't count too many pennies on vacation, so to me it was worth it, just to not have to pack it all and bring it on the plane. To ship from the hotel there was a service fee of $5 plus whatever the actual cost was to ship the box, I'm pretty sure UPS ships by weight.

Erika