Our First Deluxe Stay! A Review of the BoardWalk

[Stitch2244314]

Hi, everyone! We just returned from a 9-day/8-night stay at the BoardWalk-- it was our first deluxe resort stay in all of our ten trips. Previously, we've stayed at ASMovies, POFQ, POR, CSR, and CBR. We first stayed at CBR in 2007, and it became our absolute favorite resort. We liked it so much that while we booked CSR for our 2008 trip, we had to switch resorts mid-trip and go back to CBR. After that, we weren't sure if any resort could compare to CBR for us. So needless to say, we were curious to say the least as to how we would like the BoardWalk, or the deluxe category of results in general.

First let me say we went with a grand gathering, so the opinions I'm expressing here are primarily mine, although I believe my immediate family shares them as well (family of 4-- I'm 20, my sister turned 15 on the trip, and my parents.) For us, we loved the BoardWalk! We enjoyed the location so much! Being so close to HS and Epcot was great, as was having the ability to walk to both parks. Now having the boats was nice too, but we didn't really feel like they saved us much time. They're slow moving and make long stops, but we did enjoy them nonetheless. I guess the benefit there is pretty much that a boat ride is more pleasant than a bus ride.

We stayed on the villas side of the BoardWalk, which ended up working well for us because we were a given a great location! We were on the top floor (5th) which gave us a great view of the main pool (which we were so close too), and in two of our three rooms, the Tower of Terror! I'm not sure if we got a free upgrade or something (we paid cash not points), but our room views and locations were absolutely great! The rooms themselves were very nice as well, and it was nice having a small kitchen area and a balcony. I found the sofa bed to be relatively comfortable (slept on it all 8 nights), but that was just my opinion. Others in our gathering did not find them comfortable. Overall, I felt like the Inn side was more convention/business oriented, while the villa side was more family/vacation oriented, but that's just me. I'm sure it would have been great staying on the Inn side as well, especially with the two regular queen beds!

CM's overall were very good-- helpful, friendly, and guest oriented. We did have one issue with housekeeping but it was more than rectified. As far as food goes, we were on the deluxe dining plan and enjoyed numerous breakfasts at Kouzzina's, plus we enjoyed the convenience of walking over to the Beach Club for the Cape May Buffet. We ate two meals there, one breakfast one dinner. Now if I was not on the deluxe dining plan, finding food options would probably have been more difficult. There is no food court, although there are quick service options available for all meals in the bakery. A lot of the carts on the BoardWalk do not even accept the dining plan at all. Personally, for me, I think food options are best at the Boardwalk if you're on the DxDP or no dining plan, although I'm sure being on DDP or QSDP could work as well. It might just take more effort.

As far as the feel and atmosphere go, we thought it was terrific! It had a similar "vacation within a vacation" feel that CBR has for me, despite the fact that the themes are very different. It very much felt "Disney" to me despite that it is technically a convention resort. It was fun and luxurious at the same time.

Overall, bus service was very good. The only problem we had was one 30 minute wait at the MK, but I think that was because we were going back to the BW about 2:30-3:00 when shifts were changing. We had no problems other than that I can think of at all. Transportation was great at the BoardWalk!

So if you read all that, thank you! We had a great time and I am very happy we decided to give the BW a try. Next time, we might try BC/YC, although we would be extremely satisfied with returning to the BW, Villas or Inn. Although CBR is probably still our favorite (I know it's a moderate, and the BW is a deluxe!), BW has become an extremely close second!

 

[Stitch2244314]

Also, anyone who has any questions please feel free to ask! I'm currently experiencing vacation withdrawal so I'd be more than happy to answer questions.

 

[padawans]

I am having a hard time deciding between villas or inn. My kids are young so having a couch bed is not an issue. Did you have a standard view? What about laundry on the villa side is it free or do you have pay? What about the room decor was it nice?

 

[Stitch2244314]

I am having a hard time deciding between villas or inn. My kids are young so having a couch bed is not an issue. Did you have a standard view? What about laundry on the villa side is it free or do you have pay? What about the room decor was it nice?

We paid for a studio with a cash reservation, so paying for a certain view wasn't an option for us. I don't think there is a way to pay for a certain view unless you're using DVC points. So we did not pay any extra for our view, although it turned out great! Laundry on the villa side was free, but I don't think too many people know about it (there are no signs or advertisements, we had to call the front lobby and ask.) The room decor was nice-- I think with room decor, the Inn is more fancy and elegant, while the villas is more bright. It really depends on your own personal tastes-- I'd continue to look at pictures of both sides and make your decision on that. You can't go wrong with any room at the BW I don't think!

 

[LSchrow]

glad you enjoyed your stay - the BWV is our absolute favorite resort!! btw, CBR is our favorite moderate

I am having a hard time deciding between villas or inn. My kids are young so having a couch bed is not an issue. Did you have a standard view? What about laundry on the villa side is it free or do you have pay? What about the room decor was it nice?

laundry is free on the villas side only, but it is only a small charge on the inn side.
op had a preferred pool/garden view (which is what guests booking with cash are most likely to get - both standard view and BW view are booked quickly by DVC owners, and BW view is not available for cash at all).
the 2 biggest differences between the inn and villas is that the inn has the 2nd queen vs the sofabed in the BWV studios (btw, i slept on one of the new sofabeds for a week and found it very comfy). the other is the kitchenette in the studios, with a seperate sink, toaster, microwave, fridge (a bit larger than a regular dorm size), and cabinets with real glasses and mugs, as well as paper plates/bowls, and mostly plastic cutlery.
the main pool is luna park (which your kids would probably love), and has a great slide, kids' activities and a place to get some food and drinks. it's located on the villas side along with a quiet pool. as adults only, we do prefer the inn's quiet pool - it is a beautiful, tranquil oasis (reminds me of a maxfield parrish painting)
hth

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

To the OP thanks for posting that great and very detailed trip report.

 

[jackemail]

Love the review (especially because I love BWI so much)...glad you had an enjoyable visit.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Welcome back! I was hoping you would love the BW, seeing as I know we have similar tastes in resorts.

Thanks for the awesome review! I can not wait to get there (in 101 days!! ), in-fact I just added an extra day to our stay yesterday!

We are not doing the DDP at all this time, so we don't have to worry about finding places to accept it! I think there will be plenty of places for us to eat on the BW.

Did the buses share with the Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, and Beach Club? I have heard so many different answers to that. . .


Do you have any pics?

 

[Stitch2244314]

glad you enjoyed your stay - the BWV is our absolute favorite resort!! btw, CBR is our favorite moderate



laundry is free on the villas side only, but it is only a small charge on the inn side.
op had a preferred pool/garden view (which is what guests booking with cash are most likely to get - both standard view and BW view are booked quickly by DVC owners, and BW view is not available for cash at all).
the 2 biggest differences between the inn and villas is that the inn has the 2nd queen vs the sofabed in the BWV studios (btw, i slept on one of the new sofabeds for a week and found it very comfy). the other is the kitchenette in the studios, with a seperate sink, toaster, microwave, fridge (a bit larger than a regular dorm size), and cabinets with real glasses and mugs, as well as paper plates/bowls, and mostly plastic cutlery.
the main pool is luna park (which your kids would probably love), and has a great slide, kids' activities and a place to get some food and drinks. it's located on the villas side along with a quiet pool. as adults only, we do prefer the inn's quiet pool - it is a beautiful, tranquil oasis (reminds me of a maxfield parrish painting)
hth

Thank you-- and thank you for explaining that information!

 

[Stitch2244314]

To the OP thanks for posting that great and very detailed trip report.

You're very welcome! Hope you enjoy your trip to BW!

 

[Stitch2244314]

Welcome back! I was hoping you would love the BW, seeing as I know we have similar tastes in resorts.

Thanks for the awesome review! I can not wait to get there (in 101 days!! ), in-fact I just added an extra day to our stay yesterday!

We are not doing the DDP at all this time, so we don't have to worry about finding places to accept it! I think there will be plenty of places for us to eat on the BW.

Did the buses share with the Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club, and Beach Club? I have heard so many different answers to that. . .


Do you have any pics?

Thank you! Congrats on adding the extra day!!

There are lots and lots of food options at the BW-- there are carts that sell pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, etc. plus the Seashore Sweets and BoardWalk Bakery have plenty of options as well. If you're paying OOP, you should have no problem at all finding things to eat.

I think the reason that there are so many different answers to your bus question is because the routes are not consistent. For the Magic Kingdom, the Boardwalk shares buses with the Swan & Dolphin only (the Yacht & Beach Club have their own bus.) The BW is the first to be picked up and the first to be dropped off. For Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon, the BW, S & D, and YC/BC all share the same bus. That takes a while! (I believe our trip back to the BW took 35 mins. For DTD, I believe the BW is last on and last off). And I only went to AK once and the bus there I believe was the same situation as DTD. We didn't take the bus back to the BW because we had dinner reservations at the Poly, so I'm not 100% clear on how the AK bus situation was.

Pictures I don't have too many of because I don't really take pics on vacation (I leave that to my other family members.) I'll see if we have pics of the resort though, but I think we mostly just took family pictures and stuff, as opposed to resort shots. But I'll check!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Thank you! Congrats on adding the extra day!!

There are lots and lots of food options at the BW-- there are carts that sell pizza, funnel cakes, ice cream, etc. plus the Seashore Sweets and BoardWalk Bakery have plenty of options as well. If you're paying OOP, you should have no problem at all finding things to eat.

I think the reason that there are so many different answers to your bus question is because the routes are not consistent. For the Magic Kingdom, the Boardwalk shares buses with the Swan & Dolphin only (the Yacht & Beach Club have their own bus.) The BW is the first to be picked up and the first to be dropped off. For Downtown Disney/Typhoon Lagoon, the BW, S & D, and YC/BC all share the same bus. That takes a while! (I believe our trip back to the BW took 35 mins. For DTD, I believe the BW is last on and last off). And I only went to AK once and the bus there I believe was the same situation as DTD. We didn't take the bus back to the BW because we had dinner reservations at the Poly, so I'm not 100% clear on how the AK bus situation was.

Pictures I don't have too many of because I don't really take pics on vacation (I leave that to my other family members.) I'll see if we have pics of the resort though, but I think we mostly just took family pictures and stuff, as opposed to resort shots. But I'll check!

Thanks!

Yes, there is a lot of conflicting info out there about the buses in that area. I'm not too worried about it. We will go to AK once. MK once or twice. And DTD once or twice. If it is a problem getting there then we will just take a cab back to the resort. We plan to spend the majority of our time at DHS and Epcot anyway!

 

[Stitch2244314]

Thanks!

Yes, there is a lot of conflicting info out there about the buses in that area. I'm not too worried about it. We will go to AK once. MK once or twice. And DTD once or twice. If it is a problem getting there then we will just take a cab back to the resort. We plan to spend the majority of our time at DHS and Epcot anyway!

I wouldn't worry about it-- We had very good bus service overall for our trip, and it was extremely crowded. The stops at the S&D and YC/BC really don't take that long anyway. If you're spending most of your time at DHS and Epcot, you're going to be so thankful for the location! It's amazing. The walk from the BW to Epcot is probably the same walking length as one the further rooms at CBR to OPR. And the walk to DHS is only about 10-15 minutes too! It was great.

 

[MastaMind]

First, I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at the BWV. We've only stayed on the Inn side, but it is our favorite resort, no question.

Second, your beautifully composed post gives me hope that the younger generation(s) can type something besides three letter abbreviations.

 

[Stitch2244314]

First, I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay at the BWV. We've only stayed on the Inn side, but it is our favorite resort, no question.

Second, your beautifully composed post gives me hope that the younger generation(s) can type something besides three letter abbreviations.

Thank you for both comments!

 

[padawans]

Thanks for answering my questions. The free laundry may be the descision maker for me. I run every morning normally on vacation I wash my running clothes in the sink and hang them up to dry. I found that does not work very well in Florida three days later there still wet. Not to mention how sweaty and stinky your clothes get in the humidity. I live in AZ where its nice and dry. Thanks I will try to find some photos of each room.

 

[purple figment]

What about laundry on the villa side is it free or do you have pay?

If you are in a one or two bedroom villa, there is a washer/dryer combo in the room. The studio does not have one.

 

[Mamu]

Thanks for the review, I'm considering the Boardwalk Area for our May trip.

 

[wdwfan]

Very nice review!! I'm glad you enjoyed your stay at BWI. My family and I will be there in 20 days!!

 

[Stitch2244314]

Thanks everyone for the responses and I hope anyone who's heading to the BW soon has a great trip!

I realized that I forgot to add a few comments to my review. First, I wanted to comment on the mug situation. Since we were on the DxDP, we got the mugs included in our package, so on the first day we picked them up at the bakery. Now I did read online prior to the trip that the CM's at the BW fill up your mugs for you, which I figured would take some getting used to, but wouldn't be a big deal. When I got there, I found it very strange that the CM's actually DON'T even fill up the mugs. You show them your mug, and they give you your beverage in a plastic cup. My first thought, which persisted for days, was "what a waste of money." Why is it that they have you buy these mugs when they're just going to give you a plastic cup anyway? I then later realized (and one of the CM's said this as well) that the reason they give you a plastic cup is for sanitary purposes. That eventually made sense to me, but it still seems to me that the mugs are useless in this situation. Why not just let us buy a drink pass or card that you show to a CM that allows you to obtain beverages throughout your trip? Why do we have to lug these mugs around with us when we're just getting plastic cups anyway? I don't know, I found the mug situation a bit strange, but in the end it was fine. Mugs obviously don't shape my opinion of a resort, but I thought I'd add that information for anyone like me who is used to going to one of the value or moderate food courts and filling up your mug on your own.

And I also forgot to comment on the pools! We only swam in the main pool, probably because it was so close to our room. We thought it was great!! The clown slide was a lot of fun, and while it wasn't the fastest slide in the world, having one like that right at your resort was a big treat! The pool never felt overly crowded to me (and neither did the resort as a whole for that matter), and we all had a great time swimming there. We did see the villa quiet pool as well, and it looked very nice. Seeing the pool area from our balcony was also great!