Sell me on BWV

[Jonell]

After much though we have deceided to cancel our cash ressie at BLT in Sept and instead to do a points add on at BLT. Well I'm waitlisted there and have reservations at Boardwalk Villas 1 BR Standard View. I didn't have many choices. If our waitlist doesn't come through will we like BWV? I don't know if anything else can compare to BLT. Is there any quick service restaurants at the resort or anywhere to grab a quick breakfast? I know there is a bakery but my son must have his Mickey Waffles every morning and my husband must have a full course breakfast. I heard the hallways were very long so I put in a request to be near the elevators due to my husbands medical problems (he gets tired quickly and the extra walking to the room won't help) Also, the parking lot looks miles away. We will have our own vehicle and we use it often at Disney. Is the walk to the parking lot long? Our son is 8 yrs old. Do you think he will enjoy the Boardwalk? It seems to be centered more around adult nightlife. Thanks

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

The bakery is the only real quick service place open in the mornings at Boardwalk. I believe you can get the mickey waffles at the bakery. If not, Kouzina's definitely has them. Otherwise, you may need to go to the Yacht & Beach club, which is ony a short walk or boat ride away. We bought at BWV for the boardwalk view and the nightime activities. It can also be a very peaceful place when it's not crowded.

 

[spiceycat]

hey think you will love it.

you can get a wheelchair at the front desk or bell services for free. You will be walking.

suggest going to BC - Cape May Cafe for breakfast - it is character - so your son will enjoy it - Goofy's beach blast.

it is a small buffet - if something is missing - just wait for a few minutes and go back to the buffet.


epcot is around 10 to 15 minutes walk to IG. So you can also eat at Epcot.

that say definitely when stay at BWV - get groceries. lots of folks enjoy ESPN - but think it only opens at lunch time.

 

[Disneypubgal]

If you will have a car and have a standard view... you may want to rethink being close the elevator. If your room is on the first floor and towards the tennis courts you will have a very short walk to your vehicle as well as the bus stop and the studios... you will have a bit of a walk to get to the Bakery, the Boardwalk and epcot... but it really just depends on how you spend your time. We love and own at Boardwalk. BWV and BC are our two favorites!!

 

[BWV2001]

Can't address the breakfast or parking lot concerns, 'cause we usually eat in the room and don't use the car. However, I think it's safe to say your 8 yr. old should love the place. The atmosphere is lively, especially at night when the magician or juggler or other entertainers are out on the boardwalk. If he's into sports, ESPN would be a hit as well.

 

[LisaS]

When we want a hot breakfast on our BWV stays we walk over to the Captain's Grill at the YC. It is about a 10 minute walk or you can take the ferry boat across the lake. They have a small breakfast buffet or you can order off the menu. I think they now have Mickey waffles out on the buffet but if not, just ask and they will bring you some. They are probably available on the menu also but I can't say for sure since we always do the buffet.

 

[Muhlenberg]

About the length of the hallway...I have "studied" Mapquest, and the walk from the NORTH end of BLT to the CS/Monorail escalator area is LONGER than the hallway at BWV.

We LOVED BWV. It's especially convenient if you use the boat. The dock is right out front. Epcot is the first stop the boat makes, and on the way back, BWV is the first stop. However, going to HS is a different story...several stops in between.

You will enjoy it!

 

[disneynutz]

After much though we have decided to cancel our cash ressie at BLT in Sept and instead to do a points add on at BLT. Well I'm waitlisted there and have reservations at Boardwalk Villas 1 BR Standard View. I didn't have many choices. If our waitlist doesn't come through will we like BWV? I don't know if anything else can compare to BLT. Is there any quick service restaurants at the resort or anywhere to grab a quick breakfast? I know there is a bakery but my son must have his Mickey Waffles every morning and my husband must have a full course breakfast. I heard the hallways were very long so I put in a request to be near the elevators due to my husbands medical problems (he gets tired quickly and the extra walking to the room won't help) Also, the parking lot looks miles away. We will have our own vehicle and we use it often at Disney. Is the walk to the parking lot long? Our son is 8 yrs old. Do you think he will enjoy the Boardwalk? It seems to be centered more around adult nightlife. Thanks

I would hold off on the add-on until you have had a chance to stay at other resorts. We own at BLT, BWV, BCV, AKV, and VWL. Of those resorts, BWV is currently our favorite and BLT our least.

Bill

 

[twinboysmom]

I know that I am in the minority here but we didn't like BWV. We went 3 years ago with my then 6 year old nephew. We usually use our own vehicle for transportation and rarely take the buses. This was one of our bigger problems. It took forever to get the car in the morning from the valet and self parking is not convenient. The buses went to the Swan, Dolphin, and Beach Club before going to the parks. Thought this would only occur during off season but we were there in June. I found the hallways to be a very long walk as well. The pool is not as child oriented as some of the newer resorts such as Kidani. My nephew was not thrilled with the boardwalk and got bored quickly. As for food options, breakfast is difficult but for dinner there are a lot of choices on the boardwalk. Perhaps you would do better at OKW where the parking is close and maybe could get a handicapped room to avoid the stairs. Also SSR is convenient for those with their own vehicles and I am not 100% sure but believe the carryout restaurant offers mickey waffles in the morning. This being said, BWV is always difficult to get into so for many people, it is one of their favorites.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Have you done the BLT add-on already? Did you talk to your guide about seeing if they could arrange for a reservation at BLT? Often, when you are just buying they are able to get a reservation for you. I think DVC pulls from their own unsold inventory in those cases rather than what is available to memebers so you need to more or less make it a condition of the purchase. It wouldn't hurt to ask your guide. It doesn't always happen but sometimes a little pixie dust gets sprinkled.

 

[mickey&minniealways]

Have you considered a motor scooter for your husband. We did this for my DFIL a couple of years ago. It was about $33 a day but well worth it. The CM at the front desk of your resort can give you the # for places that do this. They deliver right to the resort. Just return it to the front desk when you check out. It is just a phone call for them to pick it up.

 

[jarrdisney]

I know that I am in the minority here but we didn't like BWV. We went 3 years ago with my then 6 year old nephew. We usually use our own vehicle for transportation and rarely take the buses. This was one of our bigger problems. It took forever to get the car in the morning from the valet and self parking is not convenient. The buses went to the Swan, Dolphin, and Beach Club before going to the parks. Thought this would only occur during off season but we were there in June. I found the hallways to be a very long walk as well. The pool is not as child oriented as some of the newer resorts such as Kidani. My nephew was not thrilled with the boardwalk and got bored quickly. As for food options, breakfast is difficult but for dinner there are a lot of choices on the boardwalk. Perhaps you would do better at OKW where the parking is close and maybe could get a handicapped room to avoid the stairs. Also SSR is convenient for those with their own vehicles and I am not 100% sure but believe the carryout restaurant offers mickey waffles in the morning. This being said, BWV is always difficult to get into so for many people, it is one of their favorites.

It seems your big issue with BWV is the parking (walking issue). Since you have a car every trip and valet, why not call down from the room ahead of time, that way they'll have the car waiting for you once you get there.

 

[Disneypubgal]

Have you considered a motor scooter for your husband. We did this for my DFIL a couple of years ago. It was about $33 a day but well worth it. The CM at the front desk of your resort can give you the # for places that do this. They deliver right to the resort. Just return it to the front desk when you check out. It is just a phone call for them to pick it up.

We did this for a week stay and were able to get a scooter for under $250 with a weekly rental!!

 

[LSchrow]

the BWVs are amazing!
the days are quiet on the BW, but in the eves it turns into a fun venue for all! there are a few strolling performers, ESPN, restaurants, shops, carny games, and jellyrolls for the grown-ups. we love getting ice cream and strolling, stopping to watch the "shows.", and soaking in the atmosphere. there is old-time music playing that gets and keeps everyone "in the mood" .
in the morning you can have a sit-down meal with mickey waffles at kouzzina, or get one of the bakery's yummy offerings (really good!), many which are also offered at the belle vue lounge's contintal b'fast.

walking to EPCOT and DHS is wonderful, or you can take a friendship boat (tho there is nothing like having EPCOT within a beautiful, short walk). the standard view rooms often have some view of fireworks (BW view has an amazing view of the uper portion of illuminations).
the two quiet pools are beautiful (one is on the inn side, and one of the prettiest pools on property, imho), or hop into luna park (themed pool) which has a great slide, and lots of games for kids during the day. my nephews, ages 6 and up, love all there is to do at the BW (after a stay at the BCV, they begged that we stay at the BWVs "from now on!")
there is also community hall, with ping-pong, video and board games, books, bike rentals, crafts, and dvd rentals (free for DVC members).

we stay at the BWVs 2-3 times a year, and are never bored there .(btw, we've stayed at almost all mods, deluxe, and DVCs, and found nowhere compares the the BWVs )

 

[SueM in MN]

I know that I am in the minority here but we didn't like BWV. We went 3 years ago with my then 6 year old nephew. We usually use our own vehicle for transportation and rarely take the buses. This was one of our bigger problems. It took forever to get the car in the morning from the valet and self parking is not convenient. The buses went to the Swan, Dolphin, and Beach Club before going to the parks. Thought this would only occur during off season but we were there in June. I found the hallways to be a very long walk as well. The pool is not as child oriented as some of the newer resorts such as Kidani. My nephew was not thrilled with the boardwalk and got bored quickly. As for food options, breakfast is difficult but for dinner there are a lot of choices on the boardwalk. Perhaps you would do better at OKW where the parking is close and maybe could get a handicapped room to avoid the stairs. Also SSR is convenient for those with their own vehicles and I am not 100% sure but believe the carryout restaurant offers mickey waffles in the morning. This being said, BWV is always difficult to get into so for many people, it is one of their favorites.

If you need a room with a roll in shower, do request a handicapped room. Otherwise, just request "First Floor for Medical Reasons". Since most of the OKW buildings are only 2 stories, you have a 50/50 chance of getting a first floor room without making any request at all.
And, if you find at check in that you have been assigned a 2nd floor room, just ask to be re-assigned.

Have you considered a motor scooter for your husband. We did this for my DFIL a couple of years ago. It was about $33 a day but well worth it. The CM at the front desk of your resort can give you the # for places that do this. They deliver right to the resort. Just return it to the front desk when you check out. It is just a phone call for them to pick it up.

If you follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, post #2 of that thread has phone numbers and links to a number of companies recommended by DIS poster for renting ECVs (power mobility scooters).

 

[3DisneyKids]

After much though we have deceided to cancel our cash ressie at BLT in Sept and instead to do a points add on at BLT. Well I'm waitlisted there and have reservations at Boardwalk Villas 1 BR Standard View. I didn't have many choices. If our waitlist doesn't come through will we like BWV? I don't know if anything else can compare to BLT. Is there any quick service restaurants at the resort or anywhere to grab a quick breakfast? I know there is a bakery but my son must have his Mickey Waffles every morning and my husband must have a full course breakfast. I heard the hallways were very long so I put in a request to be near the elevators due to my husbands medical problems (he gets tired quickly and the extra walking to the room won't help) Also, the parking lot looks miles away. We will have our own vehicle and we use it often at Disney. Is the walk to the parking lot long? Our son is 8 yrs old. Do you think he will enjoy the Boardwalk? It seems to be centered more around adult nightlife. Thanks

My kids are 7, 8, and 10 (so in the same age as your son) and absolutely ADORE BWVs. It is their favorite resort, hands down.

The biggest downside to BWV (imo) is lack of CS. You have the bakery right there, so that is great at breakfast time. But if you really want a full breakfast, go to BC (just a couple of minutes walk) and have the Cape May character breakfast. One of the best character meals going. But with a 1-BR, I would just have breakfast in the villa. Sure, it saves money. But for us, more importantly it saves time. We don't like to spend either time or money on breakfast for the most part (unless doing a character meal).

Nightlife--I think it is geared more toward kids than adults, for sure. It is all jugglers and magicians, etc. My kids love, love, love the BW entertainment. LOVE IT. Can't express that enough. This should be the least of your concerns, truly.

GREAT pool. One of the best pool slides, assuming you aren't afraid of clowns!

Walking the hallways--yes, the hallways are long when compared to most hotels (Disney and just general hotels anywhere). But still--from the elevator to the farthest room from the elevator--it might be a 2 minute walk. However, if your husband has medical issues, tell that to MS and again when you check in. We have a similar issue with our youngest daughter and when we stay at SSR we need to be close to the Carriage House (main building). Once we explain that it is for medical reasons, our request has ALWAYS been honored. 100% of the time. MS has been wonderful about this. But even with medical issues, I wouldn't let the long hallways be a deal-breaker for you when it comes to BWV. It just isn't that big of a deal.

Parking lot--we do not consider it a long walk by any means, but my husband and I are both marathoners, so we have a different perspective of long. But hey--at BWV you can valet your car! Doesn't get any better than that! It used to be free for DVCers, but no more. Still, if this is important to you, it is likely worth the price.

But the best thing about BWV, imo, is LOCATION! Just a short, leisurely stroll (maybe 5 minutes, if that) to EPCOT! And also, just hop on the boat to DHS. You are literally within minutes of 2 of the 4 major parks.

If your husband really has that much of an issue with walking, I would suggest a scooter. Then it really will be nothing to just hop over to Epcot.

Also, again, if mobility is a concern, I would seriously consider either SSR or OKW. You can park your car right in front of your villa and that is awesome. Plus, the breakfast options at SSR will be perfect for you. You have a lot of choices at the CS there--Mickey waffles or just a bagel or a full breakfast--everything. And since it is CS, it is quicker and cheaper than a character meal.

Everyone has their favorite resort, and although you adore BLT, don't discount the other DVCs until you have stayed there. You never know what is going to appeal to you. And seriously, with an 8 year old, he is going to LOVE the evenings on the Boardwalk. Strolling with an ice cream, watching Illuminations from the bridge, seeing the magic acts--it is a perfect way to spend an evening as a family.

It is all about mindset. You seem negative about it going in. Try looking at it as something new instead of something negative. You never know--it could trump BLT for you if you keep an open mind. But if you go into it "knowing" you aren't going to like it as much as BLT, then well...you won't.