Parking at Boardwalk Villas

[PoppyJ]

I thought I read at some point a complaint about parking at BWV. Is the issue that the parking lot fills up, or that it is far away from the DVC villas? How far away is it??

I am thinking about splurging and modifying to a 1-bedroom at BWV. I have been trying to get a studio for the past couple years with no luck. We will have a car and do plan to use it, so I want to make sure the parking situation isn't too cumbersome!

 

[tidefan]

If you plan to use your car somewhat often, BWV is probably the least convenient property. There is always a line at the gate and the parking tends to be quite a bit away from the units, unless you are in the end nearest the parking lot.

 

[peabody58]

We drive to BWV all the time when we stay there and frankly, I've never had an issue with parking. We drop off our luggage with a bellmhop, DW goes to room and I park the car. Most trips we don;t use the car at all, others we do. Always able to find a spot usually right under the Skyway.

 

[CarolynFH]

Parking at BWV is better now that valet doesn’t take up the entire lot by the tennis courts, Skyliner construction is done, and the guards seem to be more strict about letting in people who “just want to eat at Boardwalk Deli and shop,” which is code for “park for free and go to Epcot.” That said, it can be a bit of a walk from your parking space to the BW Resort entrance, and then there are the BWV hallways, which held the record for longest hallways at WDW until Kidani came along. But don’t let that discourage you from staying there!

 

[PoppyJ]

We drive to BWV all the time when we stay there and frankly, I've never had an issue with parking.

Parking at BWV is better now

These are encouraging, thank you!

Is there a specific area that I could request to possibly get a room that is closer to the parking lot?

 

[CarolynFH]

These are encouraging, thank you!

Is there a specific area that I could request to possibly get a room that is closer to the parking lot?

If booking P/G (Preferred) view or Resort view, request “near tennis courts.” That puts you near the corner stairs and exit at that end of the building. Great for when you leave because you can take the stairs down. If you’re in good enough shape (we’re not), you can enter there and climb the stairs up on your way back, too. If booking BW view, enjoy the view!

 

[PoppyJ]

If booking P/G (Preferred) view or Resort view, request “near tennis courts.” That puts you near the corner stairs and exit at that end of the building. Great for when you leave because you can take the stairs down. If you’re in good enough shape (we’re not), you can enter there and climb the stairs up on your way back, too. If booking BW view, enjoy the view!

Thank you!!

 

[ShaneDJ]

Parking at BWV is bad. Maybe the worst DVC resort for parking.

Parking at SSR is great! Park right next to your villa.

 

[Best Aunt]

If booking P/G (Preferred) view or Resort view, request “near tennis courts.” That puts you near the corner stairs and exit at that end of the building. Great for when you leave because you can take the stairs down. If you’re in good enough shape (we’re not), you can enter there and climb the stairs up on your way back, too. If booking BW view, enjoy the view!

A comment about the stairs, which I have not noticed on here:

I stay BWV, not BW. When I was there in October, my room was at the end of a hallway. I tried taking the stairs rather than walking all the way to the elevator. That stairwell was hot! It was not a pleasant way to start the day.

 

[CarolynFH]

A comment about the stairs, which I have not noticed on here:

I stay BWV, not BW. When I was there in October, my room was at the end of a hallway. I tried taking the stairs rather than walking all the way to the elevator. That stairwell was hot! It was not a pleasant way to start the day.

We haven’t taken the stairs for a number of years, due to age-related mobility issues, so I didn’t know this. I’m glad you brought it up because it’s something to consider.

 

[muppets3d]

A comment about the stairs, which I have not noticed on here:

I stay BWV, not BW. When I was there in October, my room was at the end of a hallway. I tried taking the stairs rather than walking all the way to the elevator. That stairwell was hot! It was not a pleasant way to start the day.

I think most of the stairwells in these buildings, not just BWV, are chiefly for emergency escape and so there is no or very limited HVAC in them.

 

[mousehouse23]

My husband and I use the stairs all the time, and I actually prefer their temp to the frigid hallways!

 

[Genie+]

Not sure if it has changed but for a few years they had us parking in the light blue circle:



Last trip in Oct ‘25 we only stayed 2 nights and decided to valet. I hope it has changed! It wasn’t horrible but not exactly convenient. I think the worst part is when they have you walk past hundreds of empty spaces just to get to an area that is packed That burns me more than the extra steps.

 

[CarolynFH]

Not sure if it has changed but for a few years they had us parking in the light blue circle:

View attachment 1047207

Last trip in Oct ‘25 we only stayed 2 nights and decided to valet. I hope it has changed! It wasn’t horrible but not exactly convenient. I think the worst part is when they have you walk past hundreds of empty spaces just to get to an area that is packed That burns me more than the extra steps.

Yes, for many years after valet parking stopped being free for DVC members, much of the lot by the tennis courts was reserved for valet and seemed to be empty much of the time. That made us unhappy as we trudged past it to the area inside the blue circle. After Covid we’ve been able to park near the tennis courts, a much shorter walk. We’ve also been able to park in that little lot across from the bus stop and convention center, also a better walk than before.

 

[PoppyJ]

Well now I'm second guessing this. Right now it looks like a 1-bedroom is available at Boardwalk and Beach Club. We've stayed at Beach Club (one of our home resorts), so we wanted to try Boardwalk, but in September I don't know if we want to be walking that far for parking...

 

[mort1331]

Well now I'm second guessing this. Right now it looks like a 1-bedroom is available at Boardwalk and Beach Club. We've stayed at Beach Club (one of our home resorts), so we wanted to try Boardwalk, but in September I don't know if we want to be walking that far for parking...

Stay at the BWV,,,its great. The walk everyone is talking about is really no different then AKL Jumbo, or spots at the Rivera. Plus if your staying there and walking to DHS and EPCOT really the parking is not that bad. When and if we take the car to resorts, or anywhere, I normally take a stroll pick up car, then pick up family at the front entrance. Never seen it as an issue.

 

[muppets3d]

Well now I'm second guessing this. Right now it looks like a 1-bedroom is available at Boardwalk and Beach Club. We've stayed at Beach Club (one of our home resorts), so we wanted to try Boardwalk, but in September I don't know if we want to be walking that far for parking...

If quick access to your car is paramount then you really want to be at SSR honestly.

 

[mort1331]

If quick access to your car is paramount then you really want to be at SSR honestly.

true or any drive up resorts, AKL K parking under, OKW, or best of all Cabins of FW.

 

[sarah4770]

Boardwalk is as bad as Jambo standard or GF. when checking in. Unless you have one small rolling carryon. As long as you do not have other bags, it is fine. Just pay Valet for the drop off. FFS, people act like they cannot walk.
And if you are handicapped, I do believe valet is free. But JC.

 

[PoppyJ]

We were planning on using our car almost everyday of our 6-night stay, so I was concerned with the convenience of the parking lot. (We can walk).

But I also want (1) to stay at a resort we have never stayed at (have stayed at SSR and OKW multiple times) and (2) be close to Epcot.

Since September is the lowest point month, I feel a little less guilty splurging on points for a 1-bedroom, since we haven't been able to get a studio there.

So balancing the pros and cons, I think we are going to go for it!