The Boardwalk Inn Information Thread

[MiMi2Three]

Just back from BWI, 5/25-6/1. We loved this resort, had a standard room with courtyard view.
One thing that we experienced was the boat didn't run early for the am EMH. We waited one am for boat to DHS for about 20 mins. thinking we must have missed first boat. Then we ask a CM on the BW and she said no boats run for am EMH, that we would need to take the bus to Epcot or DHS for am EMH, that boats start 1 hr prior to reg. opening hours. So,we walked on to DHS and never saw any boat. That evening I ask the concierge desk and was told that there is no bus service to Epcot or DHS, but that the boat did run for am EMH.
A few mornings later we went to am EMH @ Epcot and walked and never saw the boat that am, and we we at Int. gateway 30- 40 mins early. We never tried to see if there was a bus, but during our stay there was no boat transportation for am EMH to either park.
The walks are very pleasant, just easier to know in advance to start walking than to wait on a boat that isn't coming.
We loved this location and will return to the BWI.

 

[allisophie]

HI, after reading all these posts, we can not wait to get here! We check in Friday the 12th. 6 more days!!

We are booked w the military rate w dining,standard room,my mom asked about breakfasts.. I mentioned trying to upgrade to CL on our arrival, Is this possible? I don't know if this is possible since we have the mil rate booked?

Feel free post or Pm me. Since we have to show military ID,upon check in I was not sure if we could use the online check in?

thanks again

 

[scottmel]

Mimi - did you use IG at Rope Drop for Epcot? If so did you still need to arrive pretty early - like 20 - 25 minutes before park opening - or did you find there weren't that many entering via IG?

 

[MiMi2Three]

We did use Inter.gateway for rope drop on two mornings. One morning was for reg.park opening and then other was for EMH. Both mornings there were about the same number of people, maybe 40-50?, nowhere near the number at main gates. Everyone went through the bag check line to get to turnstiles, so it seemed more crowded that it really was.

The morning /reg. park hrs. bag check started about 15 mins. till, then turnstiles opened and we walked to area between WS and FW and were held for RD. On the morning w/EMH, bag check and turnstiles opened right @ 8 and we had No rope drop. By the time we got in Soarin line it was obvious that the people from the main gate had entered before we had. No big deal, probably added 5 mins to our wait. We only noticed because the day before we all were funneling in at the same time.

So, based on our experience there was no need to be super early to IG entrance. Maybe 15-20 just because I like to be early.

 

[Gina35]

We did use Inter.gateway for rope drop on two mornings. One morning was for reg.park opening and then other was for EMH. Both mornings there were about the same number of people, maybe 40-50?, nowhere near the number at main gates. Everyone went through the bag check line to get to turnstiles, so it seemed more crowded that it really was.

The morning /reg. park hrs. bag check started about 15 mins. till, then turnstiles opened and we walked to area between WS and FW and were held for RD. On the morning w/EMH, bag check and turnstiles opened right @ 8 and we had No rope drop. By the time we got in Soarin line it was obvious that the people from the main gate had entered before we had. No big deal, probably added 5 mins to our wait. We only noticed because the day before we all were funneling in at the same time.

So, based on our experience there was no need to be super early to IG entrance. Maybe 15-20 just because I like to be early.

This is very helpful!! Thanks for the info.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Does anyone know if they sell Boardwalk Inn coffee mugs? I'm trying to have some things purchased and in the room as a surprise for my mom and sister and since we are big coffee drinkers I thought this would be a great item to have. If so, does anyone have any pictures? The problem we always have in WDW is that the coffee mugs are SMALL! We always search high and low for mugs that hold 16 ounces or more and they are hard to find. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me

 

[Cory's Gal]

Beth, if I forget to answer this question by the middle of September (when I should have heard the personal report from my TA) post again asking me that question. I'm sure I'll keep reading this thread fairly regularly. I kept up with the Polynesian FAQ thread for the first few weeks after we returned from our visit there May 12 -19 with our two granddaughters. The Poly was perfect for our trip with the girls ages 10 & 7. Plus we have the nostalgia factor of having taken our children there way back in 1975 and 1980 when they were young. Now I'm reading this FAQ on the BWI trying to catch up. I'm up to page 50 plus the last few current days.

Thanks Kathy! I will be on this thread regularly too so I am sure we will connect after but if not I will post on here again asking! Thanks for all your info!

We have stayed at BWI, standard view, not CL, several times per year over the last 6 or 7 years. We enjoy the Courtyard or Quiet Pool views because it it so peaceful and quiet. Unlike some others, we prefer to be far from the lobby, and take the outside walk through the courtyard back through to the lobby versus going through the long hallways. When you are in the outside area of the courtyard part of the BWI, it seems as if you are in a small private hotel with no idea of the activities happening on the Boardwalk. We enjoy having breakfast in the Bellevue Lounge and eating on their small outside balcony, or on the Boardwalk with coffee and treats from the Boardwalk Bakery. It is just me and DH and we'd rather stay in standard and stay and extra night, than pay for CL. It is all a matter of personal preference, but I'm sure you will be happy with the standard room!

Thanks for your thoughts domco and the view info, they both sound great! BWI sounds more and more like a great place for us! I appreciate your suggestions!

Just back from BWI, 5/25-6/1. We loved this resort, had a standard room with courtyard view.
One thing that we experienced was the boat didn't run early for the am EMH. We waited one am for boat to DHS for about 20 mins. thinking we must have missed first boat. Then we ask a CM on the BW and she said no boats run for am EMH, that we would need to take the bus to Epcot or DHS for am EMH, that boats start 1 hr prior to reg. opening hours. So,we walked on to DHS and never saw any boat. That evening I ask the concierge desk and was told that there is no bus service to Epcot or DHS, but that the boat did run for am EMH.
A few mornings later we went to am EMH @ Epcot and walked and never saw the boat that am, and we we at Int. gateway 30- 40 mins early. We never tried to see if there was a bus, but during our stay there was no boat transportation for am EMH to either park.
The walks are very pleasant, just easier to know in advance to start walking than to wait on a boat that isn't coming.
We loved this location and will return to the BWI.

Thanks for the info Mimi, I will definately keep it in mind when EMH are happening! Glad you liked this resort too!!

 

[Kathy Z]

I finished reading this entire thread this afternoon. Thanks, ClareH37 for the excellent photo (on page 86) taken (I expect) from the lake showing the Boardwalk Inn.

 

[MiMi2Three]

I wanted to add that there appeared to be a short cut to the walk to DHS, but we only walked the one morning and took the boat back. So we never tried it. When we walked we were on the boardwalk and walk towards Swan & Dolphin, following the sidewalk around the water.

After walking a good way we saw a sidewalk leading into the "clown pool" area. So it looked like we could have saved some walking had we just cut through the pool area and down the side walk towards the water, turn left and onto DHS. Like I said we didn't try it, but I wish we had seen this earlier.

Has anyone used this short-cut?

 

[Kathy Z]

As noted above December will be our first stay at BWI. But I did notice (I can't remember how many pages back) that instructions for the short cut to DHS was posted. I do copy and paste tips that I find here onto Word files. The following is what I have:

To DHS (from BWI): The tip I can pass along on the very simple walk (my then 3 year old did it) is to go through the pool area to shorten the walk- don't go out to the boardwalk area it'll take you all the way around-does that make sense? We walked when the boat was no where to be seen- or it seemed very crowded at the dock. And we always beat the boat.

To walk to the BW from MGM the path is on the opposite side of the boats. If you walk by all the bus stops you can see it. I usually take the boat and get off at the S/D and walk over, it is much quicker. If I am not too tired I will walk. It is a nice walk.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

hi all!

So, I have made so many changed to my Sept trip...at one point earlier in the year I had a code and booked a deluxe cl room...well then changed it back to a dvc stay...

so now got another code...and booked a std cl room....

any BWI experts know how to guarantee a water view room...I know with the deluxe rooms that was your view....or does it fall into the request only catergory?
Or do I wiegh which is more important, view or cl?

and book the water view room..any thoughts? Thanks

 

[mhalpern]

We leave for BWI in 5 days!! Not only have we never stayed there before but somehow we have never even been to the boardwalk area. We are SO excited. We will be staying in a standard, non-water view room. Let me know if anyone has anything they want me to investigate while I'm there. I'll be sure to put a review on this thread when we get back. BWI - here we come!!

 

[Kathy Z]

We leave for BWI in 5 days!! Not only have we never stayed there before but somehow we have never even been to the boardwalk area. We are SO excited. We will be staying in a standard, non-water view room. Let me know if anyone has anything they want me to investigate while I'm there. I'll be sure to put a review on this thread when we get back. BWI - here we come!!

I'll look forward to reading your report when you come home! Like you, we have never even been to the Boardwalk area and we also have booked a standard room there. My primary request is for a quiet location, preferably with an Epcot view and a full balcony.

Have a wonderful vacation.

 

[tinkbutt]

If I wanted to decorate my door will it be Magnetic at BWI??? And the window clings are there good decorating windows or would this only be at the values??

thanks!!

 

[SRUAlmn]

I know a few people have gone (or will be going) in the recent weeks. I was wondering if anyone was able to take pictures of the renovated DELUXE rooms. My family and I will be staying in one in a little over a week and we'd love to see what they look like with the new decor. Thanks SO MUCH!

 

[adams66]

Tink, I'm not sure about the doors being magnetic but keep in mind, the windows are external windows because the room entry doors on on the inside hallways at the BWI. (I hope that makes sense) If you were on ground floor, I suppose people would pass the ones to the patio. I say, if your group enjoys decorating the windows, I'd do it for your own benefit anyway.

Slippery Rock girl, I'm a Grove City alum. it's a Small World after all. There's a link to some pics of the deluxe rooms on :

http://www.wdwluxuryguide.com/ex/accom/ep/boardwalk.php

That's all I've been able to find. I'll be going right after you guys so make sure to post as soon as you return.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Slippery Rock girl, I'm a Grove City alum. it's a Small World after all. There's a link to some pics of the deluxe rooms on :

http://www.wdwluxuryguide.com/ex/accom/ep/boardwalk.php

That's all I've been able to find. I'll be going right after you guys so make sure to post as soon as you return.

That's awesome!!! Everyone now....'It's a Small World After All....' Now it will be stuck in everyone's heads!

Thanks for the link. There were 2 pictures of the deluxe room on there. I'll be sure to take some when we go!

 

[adams66]

Cool. Have a fantastic time!!!. We LOVE the BWI. It's our first time club level. Can't wait. Just got my ressie switched over to the deluxe room today. Did you have any special requests that you asked for in the room?

 

[SRUAlmn]

Cool. Have a fantastic time!!!. We LOVE the BWI. It's our first time club level. Can't wait. Just got my ressie switched over to the deluxe room today. Did you have any special requests that you asked for in the room?

We did!!

We learned that some deluxe CL rooms are on the 3rd floor and some are on the 4th. Since the lounge is on the 4th floor, we requested to be there, however, that means a smaller balcony. So you have to make a choice whether you want a larger balcony and be on the floor below the lounge, or have a smaller balcony and be on the same floor.

We also talked to IPO and they let us know that all deluxe rooms have a Boardwalk/water view, but that doesn't mean a DIRECT view, it might mean that you're on a corner and can see the water from the side of your balcony, so we requested a DIRECT Boardwalk/water view.

 

[adams66]

We also talked to IPO and they let us know that all deluxe rooms have a Boardwalk/water view, but that doesn't mean a DIRECT view, it might mean that you're on a corner and can see the water from the side of your balcony, so we requested a DIRECT Boardwalk/water view

Good to know...I will definitely be calling back to make that request! I want to be viewing the boardwalk directly if I'm paying for it. I plan to spend lots of time relaxing on the balcony taking in that view.