(CLOSED) Disney's BOARDWALK INN and VILLAS INFORMATION THREAD

[MisterGoofy1]

Is there any "risk" with booking a Water View room at the BWI?

I've read Disneyworld.com's description: "view of Boardwalk or Crescent Lake" and presume that means a room directly above the Boardwalk. Is that correct?

I've looked at countless exterior images and am a tad nervous that there just simply isn't enough rooms (to be offering them to guests at 35% off!) when factoring in the 5th floor is Club Level and some Deluxe Rooms are located on the 4th floor as well.

Does Disney count the rooms that overlook the rear lawn between the Inn and Villas as "Water View" since some rooms offer a partial view of Boardwalk/Lake?

We're traveling during one of the slowest weeks of the year 9/8-9/13 but also checking in early (8am) on Monday morning which is probably where the bulk of my stress is coming from!

Is there such thing as a "bad" Water View room?

I feel much more confident spending the extra on a view at the BWI as opposed to the Y&BC... just want to make sure I have the best understanding!

The "quiet pool" is on the Inn side, so a water view may also include that? I'm not 100% sure though.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The "quiet pool" is on the Inn side, so a water view may also include that? I'm not 100% sure though.

There is also a leisure pool (quiet pool) on the Villas side.

 

[Scott MC]

Is there any "risk" with booking a Water View room at the BWI? I've read Disneyworld.com's description: "view of Boardwalk or Crescent Lake" and presume that means a room directly above the Boardwalk. Is that correct? I've looked at countless exterior images and am a tad nervous that there just simply isn't enough rooms (to be offering them to guests at 35% off!) when factoring in the 5th floor is Club Level and some Deluxe Rooms are located on the 4th floor as well. Does Disney count the rooms that overlook the rear lawn between the Inn and Villas as "Water View" since some rooms offer a partial view of Boardwalk/Lake? We're traveling during one of the slowest weeks of the year 9/8-9/13 but also checking in early (8am) on Monday morning which is probably where the bulk of my stress is coming from! Is there such thing as a "bad" Water View room? I feel much more confident spending the extra on a view at the BWI as opposed to the Y&BC... just want to make sure I have the best understanding!

Yes, I think you have made a good choice. Fourth floor rooms are actually where club level is. You will definitely have a view of the boardwalk and not of the quiet pool.

 

[Dis703]

This may be the wrong place to ask this as I'm sure most of the people on this thread are here because they love this resort, but every resort has their pros and cons and I'm wondering what cons BWI has. I have heard parking is kind of remote, but we won't have a car this trip so that's not a concern.

We stayed BC last year and are booked POFQ now. Have been toying with going Deluxe and was considering the cheaper options of WL and AKL but our MIL will be coming along for a few days which means we need a room that will fit 5 plus an infant (well 2 year old). BWI is the only Deluxe resort with BB or AP discount availability the week we are going.

Are there any common complaints about BWI?

TIA!

 

[AirGoofy]

This may be the wrong place to ask this as I'm sure most of the people on this thread are here because they love this resort, but every resort has their pros and cons and I'm wondering what cons BWI has. I have heard parking is kind of remote, but we won't have a car this trip so that's not a concern.

We stayed BC last year and are booked POFQ now. Have been toying with going Deluxe and was considering the cheaper options of WL and AKL but our MIL will be coming along for a few days which means we need a room that will fit 5 plus an infant (well 2 year old). BWI is the only Deluxe resort with BB or AP discount availability the week we are going.

Are there any common complaints about BWI?

TIA!

For us, the only consistent complaint is the bus service, especially from DTD. Depending on the trip, it can share stops at YC, BC, and/or S&D. I'm sure that someone know the correct order, but it always felt like Boardwalk was last. Still, it is an easy walk to DHS & Epcot, and we found we would either bus from DHS (no bus service to Epcot) or just exit at S&D if it was first and walk from there.

 

[psac]

Is there any "risk" with booking a Water View room at the BWI?

I've read Disneyworld.com's description: "view of Boardwalk or Crescent Lake" and presume that means a room directly above the Boardwalk. Is that correct?

I've looked at countless exterior images and am a tad nervous that there just simply isn't enough rooms (to be offering them to guests at 35% off!) when factoring in the 5th floor is Club Level and some Deluxe Rooms are located on the 4th floor as well.

Does Disney count the rooms that overlook the rear lawn between the Inn and Villas as "Water View" since some rooms offer a partial view of Boardwalk/Lake?

We're traveling during one of the slowest weeks of the year 9/8-9/13 but also checking in early (8am) on Monday morning which is probably where the bulk of my stress is coming from!

Is there such thing as a "bad" Water View room?

I feel much more confident spending the extra on a view at the BWI as opposed to the Y&BC... just want to make sure I have the best understanding!

I think I have seen at least one person post they booked a water view and were given one of those rooms you describe (known as Village Green on the mirrored Villa side, I assume you could call it the same on the Inn.) But if I remember the person who did get that was able to switch for a real boardwalk view either right away or the next day. I think you're right about your dates, though. You'd have a better chance of getting a good room that week.

Heading for our first stay at the Boardwalk today so excited! Can't believe it's here time to enjoy with my family

Enjoy the trip! Post some pics!

This may be the wrong place to ask this as I'm sure most of the people on this thread are here because they love this resort, but every resort has their pros and cons and I'm wondering what cons BWI has. I have heard parking is kind of remote, but we won't have a car this trip so that's not a concern.

We stayed BC last year and are booked POFQ now. Have been toying with going Deluxe and was considering the cheaper options of WL and AKL but our MIL will be coming along for a few days which means we need a room that will fit 5 plus an infant (well 2 year old). BWI is the only Deluxe resort with BB or AP discount availability the week we are going.

Are there any common complaints about BWI?

TIA!

The biggest complaint (along with the busses, which I think applies to all Deluxes) is the lack of a real quick service place. The Boardwalk Bakery, pizza window, and burger stand outside (forget what it's called) serve the purpose, but don't compare to places like the Mara at AKL, Gasparilla Grill at GF, etc., and the ones at BW are only accessible from the outside. At least the food at the BW places is better than the Marketplace at the BC, that place was pretty bad.

 

[MisterGoofy1]

There is also a leisure pool (quiet pool) on the Villas side.

Really? Where? We have been there to the villas side 3 times and have only seen the main pool. Guess I need to open my eyes in 3 more days.

 

[elgerber]

Really? Where? We have been there to the villas side 3 times and have only seen the main pool. Guess I need to open my eyes in 3 more days.

The quiet pool is where community hall is on the Villa side.

 

[Dis703]

For us, the only consistent complaint is the bus service, especially from DTD. Depending on the trip, it can share stops at YC, BC, and/or S&D. I'm sure that someone know the correct order, but it always felt like Boardwalk was last. Still, it is an easy walk to DHS & Epcot, and we found we would either bus from DHS (no bus service to Epcot) or just exit at S&D if it was first and walk from there.

That makes sense. Having stayed at BC last year we were the last pickup before the parks I believe but also the last returning. I thought I remember it not being an issue for MK though.

 

[WDWKOOK]

Beaches and Cream at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club takes reservations for table seating only. You can walk up to the restaurant without reservations and if there is room at the counter you can sit there.
~AllEars

 

[Yahweh]

Could someone add me to the Boardwalk List

We are staying at the BWV from December 2 to December 12, 2014. We rented DVC points, so we are locked in for sure. This will be the longest wait for a disney trip since my first 3 years ago. Look forward to following this thread for the next 11 months!

 

[gometros]

We are here and it's not supposed to be 40° in Florida! But, then, considering we left single digits, I shouldn't complain ;-)

Funny thing is, We have EXACTLY the same room we had when I came with our daughters last May, room # 2003. So much for asking for a room by the elevator. In the last three out of four stays, we've had 2003, 5003, 2003. I think I know what number to play next time ;-)

Seriously, as we stay here more and more, I find the walk down the hall doesn't really seem that bad. And it will make it easier for us to get to DHS this morning.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

 

[MisterGoofy1]

We are here and it's not supposed to be 40° in Florida! But, then, considering we left single digits, I shouldn't complain ;-)

Funny thing is, We have EXACTLY the same room we had when I came with our daughters last May, room # 2003. So much for asking for a room by the elevator. In the last three out of four stays, we've had 2003, 5003, 2003. I think I know what number to play next time ;-)

Seriously, as we stay here more and more, I find the walk down the hall doesn't really seem that bad. And it will make it easier for us to get to DHS this morning.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

That's all the way down by JellyRolls right? We will be there Saturday. We are hoping for a room somewhere in the 20-30 range.

 

[WDWKOOK]

First time boardwalk visitor August 1-4 then on to old key west for 11 days, can't wait!

Welcome and I'll add your dates to the BB.

Changing our October reservation from Contemporary Resort to Boardwalk Inn! For pretty much the CR price we were paying, we are able to upgrade to CL!!! Very excited to give this resort a try. Dates are October 11-14.

Adding CL for about the same rate is great and I'll add your date. (I hope everyone appreciated the rhyme)

Heading for our first stay at the Boardwalk today so excited! Can't believe it's here time to enjoy with my family

That IS exciting and I hope you're having an amazing vacation!

Could someone add me to the Boardwalk List

We are staying at the BWV from December 2 to December 12, 2014. We rented DVC points, so we are locked in for sure. This will be the longest wait for a disney trip since my first 3 years ago. Look forward to following this thread for the next 11 months!

You and psac can count down the days until December together and I'll add you to the BoardWalk Bulletin

We are here and it's not supposed to be 40° in Florida! But, then, considering we left single digits, I shouldn't complain ;-)

Funny thing is, We have EXACTLY the same room we had when I came with our daughters last May, room # 2003. So much for asking for a room by the elevator. In the last three out of four stays, we've had 2003, 5003, 2003. I think I know what number to play next time ;-)

Seriously, as we stay here more and more, I find the walk down the hall doesn't really seem that bad. And it will make it easier for us to get to DHS this morning.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

Just curious, each time you request to be near an elevator? Hope you had fun at DHS and don't forget your jacket

 

[gometros]

That's all the way down by JellyRolls right? We will be there Saturday. We are hoping for a room somewhere in the 20-30 range.

Yes, all the way down by Jellyrolls. Easy exit down to the walkway to DHS.

Just curious, each time you request to be near an elevator? Hope you had fun at DHS and don't forget your jacket

Each and every time, and yes, we brought jackets and sweatshirts and pants and long sleeved shirts to FLORIDA! Used the lockers at the front of DHS. Definitely had fun, but I sense a change in ride patterns due to FP+. We had to do single rider for RnR and it was a longer wait than usual. At one point we saw ToT had a posted wait time of 150 minutes! In January!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using DISBoards

 

[rebeccam31]

Okay, I am hearing horror stories about the bus service to Magic Kingdom. Is it really *that* bad?

 

[MisterGoofy1]

Okay, I am hearing horror stories about the bus service to Magic Kingdom. Is it really *that* bad?

We never have had issues with buses to MK. We have always had hassles with buses to DTD though. It's gotten so bad, we just drove the last time.

 

[Sandi]

Okay, I am hearing horror stories about the bus service to Magic Kingdom. Is it really *that* bad?

I think it's bad when I compare it to the bus service to MK we get at Pop and all the moderates. The bus frequently served BW, Swan, Dolphin, YC and BC. That is a lot of stops for one bus. It's not boiling oil over your skin torture, but it's very annoying. We always get park hoppers, so would do the monorail between Epcot and MK. That doesn't work for rope drop at MK, but there are times we'd rather walk than do the bus.

I also agree with the PP who identified DTD bus to BW as being bad. We have waited at DTD for over an hour for a bus from DTD to BW a couple of times. If we really need to be somewhere, I'd get a cab now.

 

[Tigger's ally]

We never have had issues with buses to MK. We have always had hassles with buses to DTD though. It's gotten so bad, we just drove the last time.

heading down in a week and a half and I got a question concerning this. Does the BWI have any of the new tote boards that show when the next bus will be there? Does DTD? Where we will park at BWI, it wouldn't be too much out of the way to swing by and see when the next bus is due to arrive and make our plans from that. Bus depot a little out of the way at DTD though. Hey, put bus arrival on my smart phone Mickey! Quick!

 

[focusondisney]

Hi! I need some help from BW experts! We stayed at the BWI a few times when it first opened. I liked the look & feel of the resort, but not a fan of the pool. Now we're almost always at YC, club level. However, I've been interested in trying the Innkeepers Club. There is a great AP rate on the Cottage Suites during our May dates. I'm thinking of changing our last 2 nights to stay there. The rooms look so lovely!

So it will be just my DH & I. We're mid- late 50's, do parks at rope drop then spend the afternoon napping or swimming & have a nice signature restaurant dinner.

Any input to help me make a decision?? I think my biggest concern is the lounge. I know we'll have to head outside & up to the Innkeepers Club for food service. Is there enough room there to sit & have our breakfast? (We never mind a trip back to out room with our food at YC, but just spent a 2 night stay @BC. Between the tiny lounge & the hike to our "end- of- the -world" room, we were not thrilled to have to carry our plates to room.) I can't imagine we'd be too happy to get all the way up to the lounge & have no where to sit & eat. And I sure don't want to carry a bagel & coffee all the way back to the cottage! Also our flight the last day is not til 8 PM, so we may want to relax in the lounge that afternoon before our pick up.

The days we'd be @ BW will be spent @ Epcot or the Studios, so no transportation issues involved in our decision. So, talk me into it!!