Just switched from WL to Boardwalk Inn- Questions!!!

[JulieAnn]

Since this board is a wealth of information, I thought I'd ask for your thoughts! We just switched to BWI from WL as a result of the code that came out yesterday.

We love, love, love WL but made the switch to save $$ and be closer to Epcot.


So, here are my questions:

First off, tell me why you love BWI?
Second, does anyone know if all the room renovations are done?
Where should I request a room at? View, location? I've read about loooong walks to elevators and busses.
How about counter service food?
Drink mugs - is it worth getting them with no where to refill?

I'm sure there's more but let's start with this We're really excited, but I know nothing about the Epcot resorts!

 

[hoosll]

We got suckered to make this change last year, never again....'

It's back to WL for us.

First off, tell me why you love BWI?
We stayed at BWV - we could make oatmeal in our room - Whoopee

Second, does anyone know if all the room renovations are done?
We got a room last year not renovated. Not so great

Where should I request a room at? View, location? I've read about loooong walks to elevators and busses.
We got a great location - we asked for near the lobby, near an elevator - the we could get downstairs easily. We would usually cross the bridge and pick up the boat at Swan/Dolphin to DS, or just walk to Epcot.

How about counter service food?
There is none! Except bakery.... This was a major problem for us!

Drink mugs - is it worth getting them with no where to refill?
Not like WL

 

[sarcasticblonde]

First off, tell me why you love BWI?
We stayed at BWV - we could make oatmeal in our room - Whoopee

Second, does anyone know if all the room renovations are done?
We got a room last year not renovated. Not so great

The poster is asking about Boardwalk Inn, not Boardwalk Villas. The Inn has had room recently renovated. The Villas have not, so I am not surprised that your room was not renovated.

 

[sfbank]

Well, you have chosen our favorite resort. We were the opposite. We stayed our first Disney trip at BWI. We had originally decided we were going to try other resorts so the next year it was the WL. Definately not for us. Nothing wrong with it, it was nice it was just too secluded for our taste. So we were homesick and I was even wanting to switch during our stay. Stuck it out but you can bet the next trip we were back at the Boardwalk and discovered Club Level. Made a new family with the cast members. They are great. The convenience of the EPCOT resorts can't be beat. We love the Boardwalk view. I love sitting on the balcony at night listening and watching. It is so relaxing listening to the Sinatra music being piped along the Boardwalk and sometimes in the halls in the mornings and listening to the birds outside. Some people will be running in the morning, others heading to the bakery, it is just so relaxing. At night the entertainers come out and they are fun. The restaurants are good, the pool is fun. A huge water slide. My DD and whichever friend she takes loves it. The resort itself is I think beautiful and the new rooms are awesome! When we were down in May one of the Innkeepers Club CMs took us down to the model room to show us. I can't wait to stay a remodeled room in less than two weeks!

 

[JulieAnn]

I can't wait to stay a remodeled room in less than two weeks!

Please, please post a trip report when you get back! The reviews of BWI are so thin here. I bumped the information thread but it doesn't seem to get too much action.

I am thrilled to read your post. Our first trip to DisneyWorld was at the Grand Floridian and it was just not magical. Not entirely Disney's fault, but we didn't really love the GF. We love Wilderness Lodge though, but are willing to try new things.

I'm hoping the things that were so so at WL will be better here. I didn't like the huge crowd all the time at Roaring Forks; you were always tripping over kids, strollers and other guests. Housekeeping left a few things to be desired and the room decor is a little dark. I'm hoping BWI will be better in these areas.

Thanks so much for your input!!!!

 

[uconn01001]

Please, please post a trip report when you get back! The reviews of BWI are so thin here. I bumped the information thread but it doesn't seem to get too much action.

I am thrilled to read your post. Our first trip to DisneyWorld was at the Grand Floridian and it was just not magical. Not entirely Disney's fault, but we didn't really love the GF. We love Wilderness Lodge though, but are willing to try new things.

I'm hoping the things that were so so at WL will be better here. I didn't like the huge crowd all the time at Roaring Forks; you were always tripping over kids, strollers and other guests. Housekeeping left a few things to be desired and the room decor is a little dark. I'm hoping BWI will be better in these areas.

Thanks so much for your input!!!!

Are you staying in a standard room or concerige room? I ask because we stayed in Concerige during Hurricane Faye.

 

[JulieAnn]

Are you staying in a standard room or concerige room? I ask because we stayed in Concerige during Hurricane Faye.

Standard room, but I would still love to hear your comments

 

[uconn01001]

Well besides spending close to $6,000 not counting flight, it was perfect. We stayed in the Garden Suites which was out of this world. What else specifically would you like to know?

 

[nascargirl]

The BWI is fantastic. The atmosphere is wonderful particular at night. They have wonderful entertainment on the boardwalk each night for all ages.
We have stayed at BC, OKW, Swan & Dolphin but the BWI is home for us. We love spending time up in the Innkeepers Lounge with the CM who have become family to us. As you can see in my signature picture, I am heading down to the BWI on 10/8 with SFBANK who also has posted for you. The renovations are almost complete. You might want to request a Garden view that faces Paris. Then you can enjoy watching Illuminations from your balcony. There is a variety of places to eat from. There is the Flying Fish which is signature dining. Spoodles is also very good for either Breakfast or dinner. The Big River Grill and ESPN Club also have great food. The boardwalk Bakery offers a variety of things to eat as well. I am sorry to say I cannot answer your question on the mugs. Enjoy your trip.

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

Nascargirl-
Do you know how many floors are left to renovate at BWI?

Just wondering which floors are renovated and which are not...we arrive on 10/24.

TIA!

 

[KerryCM]

JulieAnn, the BWI is my all time favorite place to stay. I love the proximity to Epcot and DHS. The quiet pool is so nice. We use it all the time. I love having a BW view, tho I have had a stanard view also. The BW is fun at night. Enjoy your trip.


sfbank and Nascargirl, I am very envious of you!!! Please say hi to everyone for me. Jim and I are heading down Oct. 25, but could not get a room at the BWI. We are at the WL. I am hoping we aren't disappointed. I know we will visit with our friends from time to time tho.

 

[JulieAnn]

Well besides spending close to $6,000 not counting flight, it was perfect. We stayed in the Garden Suites which was out of this world. What else specifically would you like to know?

Let's see -

Does anyone know how far the renovations are? I really, really want a renovated room

It sounds like for a room request I should ask for a renovated, garden room overlooking Paris. I've read some things about being far from elevators, how far away can they get? We stayed at WL last Christmas and we were at the very far end of the wing overlooking the quiet pool. It was far, but super quiet. I'm hoping if I'm far from the elevators at BWI that we get a quiet room.

Where do y'all go for a quick breakfast, lunch or snack? It sounds like there isn't a quick service area nearby except the bakery so I'm looking for tips here!

Is the boardwalk noisy? Just wondering if it will keep us up at night. We're early to bed folks here

Thanks everyone for all of your input! WE are soooo excited!

 

[nascargirl]

The renovations should almost be done by now. They finshed all of the rooms up in the Innkeepers area. Then they were going to work on the right side of the resort first. I believe they are complete. I will know more when SFBANK and I head down on 10/8.

JulieAmm-Whe we are unable to stay CL, we will sometimes get breakfast at the Boardwalk Bakery. You can also purchase pastries at the bar located on the lobby floor as you are heading towards the elevators. OVer at the Beach Club they do have a quick counter service located in the gift shop. We have never had trouble sleeping at night due to the noise coming from the Boardwalk area. We have had rooms close to the elevators and would not one again. There we always found noise coming from the elevators itself as it would go up and down.

KerryCM-will do about saying hi to everyone.

 

[sfbank]

KerryCM--Hey stranger! How are you? I will definately say "hi" to everyone. Jackie actually thought I was you & Nascargirl when I called the other day. We talk about you every time I am down there! Always good things-HAHA! That stinks you could not get in this trip. I hope you have fun anyway. We will be headed down again in May. DD is not happy about me going without her next week. DH doesn't care because is is hunting season!
JulieAnn-I will do a trip report when I get back just to get you more excited!!

 

[MIC-KEY]

DH and I just came back from a week at Boardwalk Inn and LOVED IT!! It is our new home! You will love it! We had room 5266, which was on the top floor of the main building---no long walk----and a nice view from the balcony of Epcot Illuminations! The boardwalk at night is so much fun! We would stop there while strolling back from Epcot and just people watch! Lots of activities going on around the boardwalk itself....fun to watch....many riding bicycles for 4---- so much to do! and in the morning, we loved getting up and having an espresso and croissant from the Bakery, sitting outside! The convenience of this location is the best kept secret in Disney!!! A walkt to Epcot, boatride to DHS, and buses to MK and AKL. So easy! Be sure to make reservations at Flying Fish---wonderful!! Steak was the best we have had! No food court here, though. In our reservation we requested a renovated room, king bed, and high floor with view of Epcot and Disney gave us all...again, that was room 5266 and we would request it again! (As a matter of fact we booked the bounceback free dining promo!) We have not stayed at WL, but know that staying at BWI makes you feel like you have some nightlife to choose from....even if it is just strolling along the boardwalk! You will LOVE IT... Be sure and post when you get back!

 

[JulieAnn]

Thanks MIC-KEY for your feedback. It sounds like you had a wonderful experience. I am looking forward to the boardwalk activities at night. We like to go back to our resort early and it's good to hear there are things to do that do not involve walking

Thanks again!

 

[cinderlexa's mom]

I spoke with a manager at BWI today. He reports that all rooms on floors 2-5 have been completely refurbished.

Currently, they're finishing up the rooms on floor 1 and refinishing the wood floor in the lobby. (He mentioned that all lobby work is completed overnight.)

All guest rooms are scheduled to be finished by the 3rd week in October.

There is a chance that the floor work in the lobby may not be finished until November.

Please note there is no work being done at the Boardwalk Villas...

 

[JulieAnn]

Wow, that is great news! It sounds like I'll have no problem getting a renovated room in December

Thanks for the update

 

[MIC-KEY]

Just be sure you have that specified in your reservation, along with any other preferences you may have. Are you in a standard room, or waterview? Quite honestly, we never saw many people on their balconies, in the evening or in the morning? It is not as private as you might expect? I think the standard rooms are just fine! We loved ours!

 

[jackemail]

Just back last night from our first BWI stay--LOVED THE PLACE!!!! The hotel layout did take a bit getting used to, but well worth it. We had a club level room, with a wonderful view of the Boardwalk, and spent much time out on the balcony taking advantage of the view and the entertainment outside our window. (No, we never heard any noise from the balcony with the doors closed.) Loved the pool, the renovated and fantastic room, and the location of the hotel....there is so much happening on the Boardwalk at night!! This place is now one of our favorites.