We just returned from DW doing a split/stay at Boardwalk Inn Villa and Bay Lake Tower. We were so fortunate in both our room assignments, making no requests other than an even number room at BLT. Room 8044-BLT-was all we dreamed it would be. It's listed with views of the monorail, Contemporary, Marina, CR pool and Water Parade. Additional views included Spaceship Earth, Tower of Terror, Expedition Everest and Downtown Disney ... balloon ride. Even number outervillas are the ones you see from the monorail. Located at the very end of the South Tower, on the 10th floor, we had fabulous views, more room than we needed and it was extremely quiet. The walk from the elevator only seemed long after an exhausting day at the parks but the windows overlooking the pool area provided beautiful views to "break up" the walk.
The 2-bedroom villa provided our party of 7 plenty space and privacy if we needed it. The master bedroom had a king size bed and plenty area to store luggage. The whirlpool tub was a real treat at the end of a long day and the sink/vanity area had lots of room. DD and her husband occupied this area and their only complaint was in the shower/toilet area. Door/shower door space "overlapped".
DH, younger DD and I shared the other bedroom with 2 queen size beds. Closet in this area is VERY small but plenty drawers. DD & I shared closet with DH using hall closet right outside our door. Mattresses were very comfortable and DH & DD loved the pillows. (With neck problems, I always bring my pillow from home.) Small table and chairs next to the patio doors gave enough room for DH to connect his laptop and also have "working room". I DID NOT like the sink/vanity...was way to small an area to place toiletries. There are shelves below on either side but they are long and narrow. Had I designed the area, I would have made the tub/toilet area a little smaller and enlarged the vanity. Shower was great and toilets are the "jet flush" kind ... scared the heck out of me the first time I flushed!!!
DD used the hall bathroom which also has a very small vanity area but with one person using it the space was not much of an issue.
Washer/dryer is in the entrance area (which is a nice size area).
Kitchen/family area is GREAT! Table area seated the 7 of us without a problem and, even with the couch pulled out for bed for 2 DGD's, there was plenty of play area for them. Kitchen/bar area was adequate but would like to see more drinking glasses. Had plenty room in refrigerator and more than enough eating utensils.
DID seem like the air might have been "motion activated" as there were times during the night it seemed to get a little warm. There were NO ceiling fans which I missed.
There is a balcony off each bedroom with a small table and 2 chairs. It's large enough but by no means "oversized". There is a door in the family area going to the balcony. We kept the shade on it pulled so DGD's didn't even know it was there. Didn't want them "exploring" during the night!
We had NO problem with the lack of locks on the bathroom doors. Our rule: if the bathroom door is closed ... it's OCCUPIED ...no one enters!
Pool area is small but was only "over crowded" once. (We ventured over to the CR pool that day. That pool is much larger and had more "elbow" room.) DGD's (8 & 4 yrs. old) loved the slide as well as the Mickey shaped water area. They really enjoyed the pool time! There were plenty lounge chairs and we had no problem finding a chair to put our towels/etc. on.
Bar area was crowded and took a while to get drinks but found the bartender(s) very friendly ... which often led to some of the "delay", especially when guests loved to visit with them! There were only maybe 7-8 bar stools but they are located in the spot you order drinks which is a little awkward if the stools are occupied. There is a covered table area next to the bar. Did not use the hot tub. There is a nice size covered picnic table/barbecue area to the left of the pool.
There are 2 DSA's on the property, one to the left of the entrance and another to the left going into the back area. The front one is covered, 2 benchs, but, IMO could be "set back" a little more. Guests returning from the walk from MK have to walk by that area. The one in the back is not covered but is a little more out of the way from main traffic. Guests exiting the building have a choice of which door to exit to avoid the DSA.
Our room was not ready when we arrived so DGD's were able to enjoy the community room with all it's activities. The CM's there were VERY NICE, funny, helpful and seemed to enjoy being with the girls.
The lobby area is beautiful with a CM desk to the right as you enter. There were many times there was no CM there but never had to wait long for one to "appear".
There were times our keys failed to give us entrance, especially on the south side side entrance. We NEVER failed to gain entrance ... a little patience was "rewarded" by someone exiting the building or trying a different key. No complaints with the elevators either. Once again, a little patience goes a long way. Our longest waits were in the mornings close to check out time.
During the first 1 1/2 days of our stay the Sky Bridge was closed. I'll just say we were all REALLY glad when it re-opened! Was very inconvenient walking to CR and having to take elevator to monorail/eating area, especially in the mornings when you're going for the first cup of coffee! Which leads me to my only complaint...really wish they'd have an area inside the building with a drink refill/snack station. (There is one at the pool area.)
Once again, with the Sky Bridge open the walk to the monorail wasn't a problem nor was the walk to the bus stop area. There are plenty of benches at the bus stop and really have no complaints with the wait times. Our longest wait was around 15-20 minutes for Animal Kingdom but the bus filled up with our stop. It THEN had to make a stop at the Poly and it became really, really crowded!!!! ..... to the point that I was feeling ill by the time we arrived at AK. Would like to see Disney transportation maybe make the first few stops of a day a "one resort" stop!
As for the walk to the Magic Kingdom????????? Undecided on this as it was extremely hot when we were there. NOT a good walk around 2 in the afternoon!!! It takes about 10 minutes and isn't so bad after the parks close but would not recommend it during the heat of the day.
Highly recommend this resort. Give it 5 STARS!
P.S. If you're a DVC member you MUST make time to watch the fireworks from the top floor. Absolutely beautiful!
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