Which Boardwalk area hotel?

[momjkm]

Which Boardwalk hotel when the pool is not a factor? 2 40-somethings next June

 

[heidijanesmith]

We love both the BWI and the BWV. BWV is a little closer to the path that takes you to DS and the BWI can be a little closer to getting to EPCOT. We did not think that either was a deal breaker as far as location.

DH and I are also in our 40's and love both. The night life is fantastic on the boardwalk, we especially like Jellyrolls.

If you are looking for the EPCOT resorts as a whole, we like the Boardwalk resort and then Yacht Club. YC has full balconies and we thought very quiet.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Swan and Dolphin may also be worth considering. Even with the fees there, they are considerably cheaper than Boardwalk/BC/YC.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

For two adults, IMHO, BWI, BWV or the Swan are the way to go! The Boardwalk is so much fun! Evening entertainment plus two over-21 clubs, great food, lively atmosphere, great theme. Of the WDW resorts in the area, it's our absolute favorite. I would price out both a standard room and a studio to see which would offer you the best price. We like both, but, especially with only 2 people, love having the room in a studio with only one queen bed and a sofa in the room PLUS a FULL coffee maker is awesome!

We also really love the Swan! The Swan/Dolphin has a ton of great restaurants and the rooms were just renovated. Just keep in mind you don't get Magical Express there, so you'd need to factor the cost of transportation to and from the airport into your price. You can typically get good discounts at the Swan if you go directly to their website or the spg.com site.

 

[RedIs4Heart]

Yacht club is across the lake from Boardwalk. It is quiet and more geared toward adults. The rooms were very nice and there is a boat that goes to Boardwalk, which is louder and busier in my opinion.

 

[patty57]

I second the Swan, or the Dolphin if it is less money.

 

[Jonas_Swe]

The Yacht Club - Hands down IMHO.

It's beautifully themed, a little more "grown up" / "upscale" in ambiance and style. And together with the amenities of the BC you almost get 2 resorts in 1!
The walk to Epcot's International Gateway is really close, the entertainment of The Boardwalk is just across the lake, and there are boats taking you in any direction from the dock.

And since the one "most in the middle" of the Epcot resorts, your choices of bus transportation are almost limitless, depending on where you want to go and where you want to be dropped off on your way back.

Personally I prefer staying at The Yacht Club and then use the "open amenities" of what the other resorts nearby has to offer. - Note! I would never interfere on staying guests rights at any of the other resorts by hogging, claiming or taking advantage of something that is only intended for the resort guests at that particular resort.

But for example I gladly enjoy the following:

- The Boardwalk: Well yeah, the Boardwalk itself of course. Restaurants, clubs and entertainment.

- Beach Club: Character Breakfast at Cape May Cafe or desserts galore (read: The Kitchen Sink) at The Beaches & Cream.
But never would I claim a lounge chair by the resort other pools, or demand to use the other resorts front desk/concierge staff for help that I very well can go to my own resort to get.

 

[NH-to-FL]

Another vote for the Boardwalk. DW and I have made many trips to the BWI (and one to the BWV) starting when we were in our 40's. We love the theming. Every room has a balcony which provides a nice quiet place to sit and relax. In spite of its size I always thought the BW felt small and intimate.

That said, I don't think you can go wrong with either the YC. BC, or the BW. As others have noted, you can save some by looking at the S/D. I have visited the S/D and find the theming a bit more of a large high end convention hotel. Perhaps that was because I first visited there for a convention.

The Epcot resort area is, in my opinion, a wonderful choice for an adult visit.

 

[Regan117]

Agree with all the votes for BWI. Hubby and I are staying there when we go alone.

 

[PeasandCarrots]

Which Boardwalk hotel when the pool is not a factor? 2 40-somethings next June

We are 2 40-somethings and we love Boardwalk. We've also stayed at Beach Club but strongly prefer Boardwalk over BC. I think the biggest draw for BC is the pool. We aren't pool people. Boardwalk's lobby is much quieter, fewer screaming children since there's no character breakfast (like BC) and WAY less crowded buses. Also, BW is usually a little cheaper. But the main reason is a guaranteed balcony. I do not consider the "Juliet style walk out" a balcony. If I'm paying for a deluxe I want a balcony at least 2 people can sit on. Also when we stayed at BC we got a room w/o a couch. I've heard from other people that is not normal so I guess we got a strange smaller room, but for the price we were super disappointed. I haven't stayed at YC so can't comment on it.

 

[momjkm]

We are 2 40-somethings and we love Boardwalk. We've also stayed at Beach Club but strongly prefer Boardwalk over BC. I think the biggest draw for BC is the pool. We aren't pool people. Boardwalk's lobby is much quieter, fewer screaming children since there's no character breakfast (like BC) and WAY less crowded buses. Also, BW is usually a little cheaper. But the main reason is a guaranteed balcony. I do not consider the "Juliet style walk out" a balcony. If I'm paying for a deluxe I want a balcony at least 2 people can sit on. Also when we stayed at BC we got a room w/o a couch. I've heard from other people that is not normal so I guess we got a strange smaller room, but for the price we were super disappointed. I haven't stayed at YC so can't comment on it.

Thank you! Exactly the info I was looking for

 

[sharadoc]

If it was just me and my DH, I would choose a Boardwalk Villas studio. One bed, one sofa with a kitchenette. Depending on the promotions going on at the time, you may get a better rate vs. a room. We love the Boardwalk area for a drink and apps at Big River Grille, drinks and apps at ESPN Club, or a table on the Boardwalk with ice cream on the way back from Epcot.

We also really love Yacht Club and would choose that if we didn't want to go out in the evening as much.

I think the Swan and Dolphin are good choices if you don't need the transportation from the airport.

 

[ajwolfe]

We are considering this area for our next stay; was thinking the Boardwalk but had considered the Swan. Couple questions....What are the fees that you are referring to? I know you can't get the DDP at the Swan, but do you get to use magic hours and all that or no?

Swan and Dolphin may also be worth considering. Even with the fees there, they are considerably cheaper than Boardwalk/BC/YC.

 

[MustangPrincess]

We loved Boardwalk, but hated Yacht Club. We found that the service was far better at the Boardwalk and the rooms were so much cleaner.

 

[PSUGuy]

We've been staying at the Board Walk on rented DVC points for almost 10 years now, often the nightly rate averages out to less than rack rate for a Value.

Bill From PA

 

[Shellyred8]

Which Boardwalk hotel when the pool is not a factor? 2 40-somethings next June

We are a 40/50's couple and we have stayed at BW, YC and BC. Boardwalk was our favorite of the three. The pool is not a factor for us either. We like the Boardwalk for its proximity to...well...the Boardwalk! I just feel like you are more immersed in the Boardwalk atmosphere.

The YC and BC are nice in their own way, but the BW just has a more "fun" atmosphere, at least to us it does anyway.

Have a great trip!

 

[dansdad]

We are considering this area for our next stay; was thinking the Boardwalk but had considered the Swan. Couple questions....What are the fees that you are referring to?

There's daily resort fee, I believe it's $27 per night. Also if you're driving there's a daily parking fee, $20 per day.

I know you can't get the DDP at the Swan, but do you get to use magic hours and all that or no?

Yes to Extra Magic Hours.
No Magical Express.
No free Magic Bands. If you do buy them they will only work for Fast Passes and Park Entry.

 

[mickeynut1]

Another vote for BWI.

 

[RAD]

As a DVC owner at BWV I guess I'm partial to recommending it. You could look into doing a rental either directly on the DVC rental board here or via a broker like David's which as a supporting advertiser, that would save a few $'s over Disney prices. Plus if you go with 1 bedroom villa you get a full kitchen, laundry and just more space to spread out.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

We are considering this area for our next stay; was thinking the Boardwalk but had considered the Swan. Couple questions....What are the fees that you are referring to? I know you can't get the DDP at the Swan, but do you get to use magic hours and all that or no?

Swan and Dolphin get Extra Magic Hours and 60 day FP+. No Magical Express from the airport, and you will pay to park a rental car. There is also a daily "resort fee."

However, if you pay parking and a resort fee of $50 and end up with the room for under $250, you're still saving quite a bit over BC/YC.