The Boardwalk Inn Information Thread

[stagemomx3]

Ally when did you hear from concierge? We are staying cl in March and haven't heard anything yet.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

I got an email on June 15 ... 20 or so days before my ADR window was supposed to open up ... from "Corporate Business Objects." I honestly didn't know what it was until I opened it!

On June 14, I actually started wondering if I should email the planning office (and posted a question about it), but then the email came the next day. So, it didn't matter. I made my reservation last November, so I was a bit worried I'd get overlooked, but I guess I didn't think about it until my window was less than a month away. That said, I knew what I wanted for dining, etc. so I wasn't really looking for advice or help on that. There wasn't anything they could have done for me earlier.

Hope it all works out for you.

 

[ehutch79]

As a DW resort guest, have any of you ever tried to use any of the pools from the other resorts where you are not staying. Will they question you or ask for ID? I know the one resort where there is an awesome waterslide and water playground is off limits to non-guests, but what about the others? There are so many cool pool at other resorts that I'd love to try. We've been to DW once before and got away with swimming at the boardwalk, but I am nervous about trying again at other resorts. Plus we will be attending a convention for my husband's work and there will be a lot of his co-workers staying where we are. there is no way I am getting in front of them in a bathing suit! And not swimming in August at DW is just depressing.

 

[AllyGirl_79]

Pool hopping (or trying pools at resorts you are not visiting) is not allowed for Disney resort guests, unless you are a DVC member. Even if you are a DVC member, I'm pretty sure there are restrictions on some pools being off limits.

I have seen cast members checking ids at the BC, Poly, and WL pools at different times of year during my Disney visits. And, while the id cards look the same for guests at the various resorts, I'm told the numbers on the card tell the CMs what resort you're staying at, so they do have something to look for. I don't even think you're allowed to pool hop if you're visiting someone at another resort. I imagine this is much more of an issue during the busy times of year, but it is a year-round policy. So, even if I did have any desire to try other pools, I wouldn't because it isn't fair to the guests who are paying for the hotels and find the pool areas too crowded, and it would be mortifying to be turned away, in my opinion.

I hope that doesn't sound like a mean reply, but this is a topic that bothers a lot of people on the boards. (And obviously I'm one of them.) I hope you have a great vacation and get lots of fun swimming time at your resort.

 

[Elitravelor]

Has anyone with children stayed in a garden suite? When calling to check on a code, reservations convinced us to switch to a garden suite from a deluxe concierge room--for more space, half bath and much less money. Of course now I am doubting the switch.

I know they are beautiful and the extra half bath will be great but I also know the lounge is outside and up. I sure will miss the boardwalk view!!

 

[KerryCM]

Personally, I would rather stay in a deluxe room than a garden suite. Yes, the extra half bath is nice, but the walk to the lounge with children may be too much. I love the deluxe rooms for the view and the convience of being in the building. Everyone will have different opinions about what they enjoy.

 

[Elitravelor]

Yes I agree with you Kerry. But now with DS 21 and DD 11--I think the reality of everyday bathroom use will make that extra half bath better. We have always had great view rooms--Poly, BC, WL with nice balconies. I guess I will be the one that will miss the view the most.

I don't think the kids will mind the walk to the lounge but DH might when he is getting the first early morning coffee! I hope I can still grab a glass of wine to drink in my room.

 

[KerryCM]

I didn't realize your children were older! I think you will enjoy the suites. You will still be able to take a glass of wine to your oom. It will be nice to sip it while sitting by the quiet pool. Have a great trip.

 

[Lewanc]

As a DW resort guest, have any of you ever tried to use any of the pools from the other resorts where you are not staying. Will they question you or ask for ID? I know the one resort where there is an awesome waterslide and water playground is off limits to non-guests, but what about the others? There are so many cool pool at other resorts that I'd love to try. We've been to DW once before and got away with swimming at the boardwalk, but I am nervous about trying again at other resorts. Plus we will be attending a convention for my husband's work and there will be a lot of his co-workers staying where we are. there is no way I am getting in front of them in a bathing suit! And not swimming in August at DW is just depressing.

Hi There -- Swimming at non-resident resort pools is not usually allowed. The only pool sharing I am aware of on property is for Beach Club & Yacht Club guests who both use the Stormalong Bay pool. By your comments, I believe this is the pool to which you are referring you would like to use.

Not being mean, or trying to insult in anyway, I agree with Ally Girl 79's comments. When booking reservations, we all choose a particular resort for its unique amenities. If "pool hopping" were allowed, people who are resident guests at a particular resort would not be able to enjoy their respective pools due to guests from other resorts. If you want something different, why not try one of the two water parks which are lots of fun.

By the way, you didn't mention your resort, just assumed it was the Boardwalk by your posting on this thread. If not Boardwalk, name your resort, and someone will be able to give you information on the pool.

Have a great vacation.

 

[Elitravelor]

Thanks Kerry! I will just have to go back for the boardwalk view!! Maybe I can convince the family to do a Disney Christmas some year. I have tried before but no go.

 

[Plutoboy]

Bumping

 

[mirlow]

If anyone could help me out ASAP that would be great I'm trying to decide if we want to switch our GF SL reservations to the BWI? We have stayed in the Villas once before so I am somewhat familiar with the area. What I'm trying to figure out is when looking at this map where is the concierge lounge located? What shaded area or number (used to locate the restaurants) is it close to? Are there deluxe rooms in the "blue" section closest to Epcot? The reason I ask is because I enjoy having the convenience of the lounge close by when we are hanging around at the pool.

I know there have been others with kids that have stayed in concierge. Anyone with tweens? Any opinions about that? Does the lounge have a sitting area for kids?
I'm thinking my older two (12 & 9) would enjoy it over there. Are there activities in the Community Hall that are geared towards their age? My 6 yr old is just happy anywhere Don't get me wrong we all have a great time at the GF, I'm just wondering if it's time to try something new? We tried the BC last Oct. and they all loved it. I enjoyed it too, but I didn't find it relaxing trying to keep an eye on all of them at the pool. I hope that if we do stay at BWI they won't be looking out wishing they were there.

If someone could help me out with the locations soon I would appreciate it. Then I can figure out if I want to call and make the change today before we leave on another vacation.

 

[Lewanc]

If anyone could help me out ASAP that would be great I'm trying to decide if we want to switch our GF SL reservations to the BWI? We have stayed in the Villas once before so I am somewhat familiar with the area. What I'm trying to figure out is when looking at this map where is the concierge lounge located? What shaded area or number (used to locate the restaurants) is it close to? Are there deluxe rooms in the "blue" section closest to Epcot? The reason I ask is because I enjoy having the convenience of the lounge close by when we are hanging around at the pool.

I know there have been others with kids that have stayed in concierge. Anyone with tweens? Any opinions about that? Does the lounge have a sitting area for kids?
I'm thinking my older two (12 & 9) would enjoy it over there. Are there activities in the Community Hall that are geared towards their age? My 6 yr old is just happy anywhere Don't get me wrong we all have a great time at the GF, I'm just wondering if it's time to try something new? We tried the BC last Oct. and they all loved it. I enjoyed it too, but I didn't find it relaxing trying to keep an eye on all of them at the pool. I hope that if we do stay at BWI they won't be looking out wishing they were there.

If someone could help me out with the locations soon I would appreciate it. Then I can figure out if I want to call and make the change today before we leave on another vacation.

Hi There -- Read your post. Can't give you info. about room placement at the BWI, but am sure you'll get a response from another reader. We have stayed at BWI, villas and concierge, and it is my least favorite resort. Have taken kids to the Yacht & Beach Club, I'm sure your kids would be looking across the boardwalk wishing they were at Stormalong Bay. The pool at BWI is nice, but it can't touch SAB.

If the decision were mine to make, I would choose to revist the GF rather than go to the BWI. Whatever your choice, have a great vacation.

 

[mirlow]

Lewanc thank you for your insight. I guess I should have given a little more infor on our situation. Right now we are staying at the Polynesian for six nights. We were going to end our stay at the GF, but then I found out I could book the AKL. I did and they called saying we couldn't stay there and so we told them we would move to the GF. Now I'm wondering if our family wants to try something new. Our last two visits have been at the GF. We are still staying at the Polynesian at the beginning of our vacation I'm just trying to figure out where to stay the last four nights. We're a family who really enjoys switching resorts
I really prefer to stay in CL and from what I have read Concierge at the YC/BC don't sound like they would be a good fit for our family. That is why I am looking at the BWI.

BTW are the beds at the BWI the same comfy beds they have at the PR & GF?

 

[sfbank]

mirlow--I guess I have to stand up for the BWI--it is our favorite resort and the concierge staff can't be beat. they will go above and beyond to make your stay the best. We went to Beaches N Cream last year and I caught myself wondering as I was looking at Stormalong Bay what the big hype was. That is what is great about Disney though--resorts for everyone. We did not feel at home at the Wilderness Lodge either. It was a nice resort but we just missed the Boardwalk. Anyway, if you want to try something different, I say go for it. I don't think you could be disappointed in the service you would receive from the conceirge staff at the Boardwalk!! The lounge offerings are nice, at least what we have seen f them. We are not there that much in the early evening. The conciege lounge would be about back behind the Boardwalk Bakery or more over in that area I think. 2005 & 2006 our deluxe room was right above Seashore Sweets and it was a little trek down the hall. Whatever you decide have a great trip!

 

[Lewanc]

Lewanc thank you for your insight. I guess I should have given a little more infor on our situation. Right now we are staying at the Polynesian for six nights. We were going to end our stay at the GF, but then I found out I could book the AKL. I did and they called saying we couldn't stay there and so we told them we would move to the GF. Now I'm wondering if our family wants to try something new. Our last two visits have been at the GF. We are still staying at the Polynesian at the beginning of our vacation I'm just trying to figure out where to stay the last four nights. We're a family who really enjoys switching resorts
I really prefer to stay in CL and from what I have read Concierge at the YC/BC don't sound like they would be a good fit for our family. That is why I am looking at the BWI.

BTW are the beds at the BWI the same comfy beds they have at the PR & GF?

Hi Mirlow - In my opinion, the beds are about the same, didn't notice much difference , but my last stay at BWI was a couple of years ago. The only horrible beds I have encountered on property were when I decided to change, and booked a cabin at Fort Wilderness , but that's a story for another thread.

We haven't experienced major problems with CL at any Disney resort. Once during the holiday season, family was in town, and we, like you, split the stay between the BC Villas & AKL for their trip. As they came in on Christmas Day, we arranged with BC for an early arrival in order for us to set up a tree & arrange presents, so the kids could have their normal Christmas morning. They were so thrilled when they got to the villa as they were told presents would have to wait until they returned home. BC staff even arranged mailing for the presents to be sent home. I have found CL staff at the resorts to be most accommodating in helping to arrange "special" requests, or just satisfying any need you may have. Even when experiencing a slight mix-up/problem, it wasn't sufficient enough to ruin our vacation, or for us to determine that we wouldn't return to that resort at another time.

I do agree with SFBANK, Disney has accommodations for every taste, and we all have to select the ones that suit our individual needs. I have heard people say that the Grand Floridian wasn't for them, even if they were offered a free room, but both you and I enjoy staying there, again, it's all a matter of personal choice. When I wrote BWI was my least favorite resort I did'nt mean to imply that we ever encountered problems or was even disappointed, as all of our stays at BWI have been enjoyable. I don't hesitate to book BWI or recommending it to family and friends.

As you are splitting your vacation resorts, and have booked the Polynesian for the most of your stay (I do like the Polynesian too) , why not give BWI a chance for a change. You will never know how a resort suits your family unless you spend time there. I don't think you will be disappointed . So sorry you're going to miss the AKL this trip. If I truly have favorites , at Disney, it would rank on my list of #1's, and it is hubby's definite #1.

By the way, have a wonderful non-Disney vacation, after trying to figure out what to do for your Disney stay, you're going to need another vacation. When you make your decision, let us know, and when you return home, give us an update on your stay. Have a great day!!!!

 

[Tonyspad]

We will be at the BWI for the first time this April after many trips to the Poly and GF. My kids asked to stay at the BWI. I have read about various activities and performers through out the hotel, can anyone give me an idea what to expect?

 

[litlpixie]

Can you also let us know if in the Deluxe Concierge rooms....is that a door that separates the living area from the beds??

TIA!

 

[sfbank]

litlpixie--the deluxe rooms are just one big room. You have the two queen beds with a tv and then a sleeper sofa and another tv. There is a table and chairs as well. Then as said before you have a guarantted Boardwalk view. There is plenty of space.

 

[marvin12]

We are staying at the boardwalk inn in dec Does anyone know if they have king size beds and if they do should I call and add that to my ressie. Also I know at the mods they charge for a king bed do they do that here.