Disney's BOARDWALK INN Information & Questions

[trishadono]

Just walked back from HS to BWI.
Turned on the tracking on my watch as we walked out of the ticket gates to get some numbers for folks
For reference, DH and I are 55 and by no means in shape or fit. The only exercise we get is walking at Disney. We are both at least 50 lbs overweight but otherwise have no health issues or mobility problems. We walk at a moderate to slow pace.

First, the numbers waiting on the boat are at least quadruple anything I've seen before. And this is supposedly a crowd level of "1" according to touring plans. So you'll likely wait for at least 2 boats, likey more. And this was at 2:00 in the afternoon, not even park closing. I can't fathom what park closing lines would look like

Anyway, took us 12 min to walk around the entire detour and reach what I call the original path area. Before any detours that have been put in (remember this is at least the 2nd change). It was .5 mile exactly

Next mark was the Luna pool
18 min, .75 mile

We made it to the Boardwalk boat dock 20 min after waking out of the HS gate. It measured .9 mile

Thank you. We have a family trip coming up. Dh didn't like tranposrt last time. It was the last weekend of f&w and OB lights. It was a nightmare lol.

I think boat to HS will work and then walk back at night. We too are in our 50's . I don't mind walking when it's cool but Florida heat? No thank you!

 

[KSR0330]

Does the Boardwalk lobby have a lovely smell to it like the Poly and POFQ lobbies? I see posts about candles smelling like the various lobbies, but BW is never mentioned, so now I'm wondering, is there one?

 

[Best Aunt]

Does the Boardwalk lobby have a lovely smell to it like the Poly and POFQ lobbies? I see posts about candles smelling like the various lobbies, but BW is never mentioned, so now I'm wondering, is there one?

This whole lobby scent thing is a mystery to me. I have been in the Beach Club lobby numerous times, whether staying there or just visiting when staying somewhere else, and I have never smelled a darn thing. I am pretty sensitive to smells - the slightest whiff of perfume or cologne sets off my allergies. So I don't know how I miss it. I have stayed at the Boardwalk and have visited, but I never noticed anything. Obviously you can't go by me.

 

[Farro]

Does the Boardwalk lobby have a lovely smell to it like the Poly and POFQ lobbies? I see posts about candles smelling like the various lobbies, but BW is never mentioned, so now I'm wondering, is there one?

I was wondering that too!

I loved the Beach Club scent. Last trip was at Polynesian and honestly the scent was making me gag by the time we left.

 

[tjmw2727]

Returning to BWI for the first time in a long time, we are very familiar with the resort but usually stay in the villa side. We are splurging for CL so we can take advantage of the CL extra fp program - its also a holiday gift for us all.

Does anyone know if all the CL rooms have a daybed? We need the 2Q, Daybed set up, this is why we usually choose a villa (for the sofa bed). Wondering if I need to request this configuration or if they are standard.

TIA

 

[chiisai]

We got back recently from a trip and Boardwalk is now my favorite resort.

We stayed at the Villas and I absolutely loved it.

My kids are 8 and 12 and had such a great time. The Boardwalk itself is fantastic. My kids had so much fun watching the various street performers, just walking around the beautifully lit area at night, and even the clown pool.

I loved that I could actually find chairs in the shade at the pool and see them nearly everywhere they were. They really liked the slide.

Being able to walk to Epcot was amazing. We walked home one evening from HS, but that did us in with the new route, so we boated it from then on. We missed the boat once by a smidge and the captain told us we could beat him to the Swan/Dolphin so we did that.

The cheese pizza from the walk up window was so good and the watermelon margarita from the nearby stand was lovely.

As far as the studio itself... While comfortable enough, the ac vent blew very heavily on the Murphy, so my kid stayed in my bed. The balcony furniture wasn’t the most comfortable, but it was hot as hades anyway, so we didn’t go out much. The room otherwise was nice. I liked the largish open area by the door. We had a garden view and did place a fax request for the village green or view of Tower of Terror. We ended up over the quiet pool able to see only a giant tree right in front of us. It was fine. We had one security check while I was there; I was in the shower and my son yelled that through the door; they said no problem and left- maybe they came back later after we left for the evening.

When we checked in, I didn’t do a great job planning for our transfer day from another resort and we didn’t get our room until close to 5pm, so we had a gap after the kids were done with the pool. No one wanted to go to a park so we basically camped out in the arcade for 1 1/2 hours. Heh.

My kids did the pirate adventure from yacht/beach one morning and that was an easy lovely walk - and relaxing morning for me.

We get ice cream once from Ample Hills and the kids loved it. I really wanted to try AbracadaBar, but it didn’t ever work out.

I definitely am going to come back to BWV, but may try to get a 1br, I am getting spoiled, heh.

Here is one of my kids at the arcade. Ready Player Tween.

 

[Dave006]

Returning to BWI for the first time in a long time, we are very familiar with the resort but usually stay in the villa side. We are splurging for CL so we can take advantage of the CL extra fp program - its also a holiday gift for us all.

Does anyone know if all the CL rooms have a daybed? We need the 2Q, Daybed set up, this is why we usually choose a villa (for the sofa bed). Wondering if I need to request this configuration or if they are standard.

TIA

No, not all CL rooms have a Day bed however but not 100%. The key to a Day bed being offered by default is to have 5 people on your reservation, with 5 you will have priority over smaller groups that just "want" a Day bed. The good news is that since you are staying CL, you can make your preference(s) known to DSS before you arrive an don't forget to double check once you get to the concierge desk.

Just call Disney Signature Services at 407-939-7777 or email disney.signature.services@disneyworld.com and you can do both your preferences and your FP+ CL Paid FPs at the 90 day mark.

Dave

 

[KSR0330]

We got back recently from a trip and Boardwalk is now my favorite resort.

We stayed at the Villas and I absolutely loved it.

My kids are 8 and 12 and had such a great time. The Boardwalk itself is fantastic. My kids had so much fun watching the various street performers, just walking around the beautifully lit area at night, and even the clown pool.

I loved that I could actually find chairs in the shade at the pool and see them nearly everywhere they were. They really liked the slide.

Being able to walk to Epcot was amazing. We walked home one evening from HS, but that did us in with the new route, so we boated it from then on. We missed the boat once by a smidge and the captain told us we could beat him to the Swan/Dolphin so we did that.

The cheese pizza from the walk up window was so good and the watermelon margarita from the nearby stand was lovely.

As far as the studio itself... While comfortable enough, the ac vent blew very heavily on the Murphy, so my kid stayed in my bed. The balcony furniture wasn’t the most comfortable, but it was hot as hades anyway, so we didn’t go out much. The room otherwise was nice. I liked the largish open area by the door. We had a garden view and did place a fax request for the village green or view of Tower of Terror. We ended up over the quiet pool able to see only a giant tree right in front of us. It was fine. We had one security check while I was there; I was in the shower and my son yelled that through the door; they said no problem and left- maybe they came back later after we left for the evening.

When we checked in, I didn’t do a great job planning for our transfer day from another resort and we didn’t get our room until close to 5pm, so we had a gap after the kids were done with the pool. No one wanted to go to a park so we basically camped out in the arcade for 1 1/2 hours. Heh.

My kids did the pirate adventure from yacht/beach one morning and that was an easy lovely walk - and relaxing morning for me.

We get ice cream once from Ample Hills and the kids loved it. I really wanted to try AbracadaBar, but it didn’t ever work out.

I definitely am going to come back to BWV, but may try to get a 1br, I am getting spoiled, heh.

Here is one of my kids at the arcade. Ready Player Tween.
View attachment 348065

Thanks for the report! We'll be there in May for the first time and can't wait!

 

[tsme]

Does Disney offer park to park bus transportation now? Like HS to MK.
I think I remember reading it did, but I just can’t remember.

 

[Tess]

Does Disney offer park to park bus transportation now? Like HS to MK.
I think I remember reading it did, but I just can’t remember.

Yes!

 

[ksromack]

Yes!

I did not know this! Is there some place to see the bus line ups for each of the parks? And where are the park to park buses located? Closest to the park exit? Farthest?

 

[BlueSkies]

Just pay attention when you get out of the taxi or Minnie Van at DHS. I took an Uber and when I got out of the vehicle I walked straight ahead, looking at my phone so that I could rate the driver and tip. Then I realized I was going in the wrong direction. There happened to be one other guest there to ask which way to go. It did not seem obvious to me and was not marked. If you are in a Minnie Van, ask them to point you in the right direction; since Minnie Vans are driven by cast members, they should know.

Very helpful advice Best Aunt thanks for pointing it out! I am sometimes directionally challenged...lol...and will be mindful of this ...

Just walked back from HS to BWI.
Turned on the tracking on my watch as we walked out of the ticket gates to get some numbers for folks
For reference, DH and I are 55 and by no means in shape or fit. The only exercise we get is walking at Disney. We are both at least 50 lbs overweight but otherwise have no health issues or mobility problems. We walk at a moderate to slow pace.

First, the numbers waiting on the boat are at least quadruple anything I've seen before. And this is supposedly a crowd level of "1" according to touring plans. So you'll likely wait for at least 2 boats, likey more. And this was at 2:00 in the afternoon, not even park closing. I can't fathom what park closing lines would look like

Anyway, took us 12 min to walk around the entire detour and reach what I call the original path area. Before any detours that have been put in (remember this is at least the 2nd change). It was .5 mile exactly

Next mark was the Luna pool
18 min, .75 mile

We made it to the Boardwalk boat dock 20 min after waking out of the HS gate. It measured .9 mile

Angie Absolutely invaluable information..and a thanks from me too for taking the time map it all out..

Just saw that there is a make your own ear activity at Belvue Lounge (on Sunday, there's a second one on Wednesday's somewhere else). Has anyone done this? Wondered what the ears are like

(Sorry if this has been discussed already and I missed it)

Not heard about this before...but it sounds like a fun activity... just viewed the BW activities calendar on Orlando Parks News ( it's great that they have the resort calendars available every month! ) and only see things like Mickey tie dye in the Community Hall and arts and crafts on the Village Green... wonder if this will be a new activity??? I wish they would being back the Boardwalk Ballyhoo Tour!

Chiisai Thanks for the detailed review....

~Buses...Didn't realize there are park to park buses these day but am so happy to hear about that! ..as for all of the bus difficulties recently at the BWI...in my experience this definitely has not been the norm.....at least I hope its not going forward...in the last several years we have stayed at the BW a few times a year... (maybe more...lol) and always appreciated the promptness of the buses there....I find the arrival board very helpful too...and now the app..nice touch Disney!

 

[Best Aunt]

I did not know this! Is there some place to see the bus line ups for each of the parks? And where are the park to park buses located? Closest to the park exit? Farthest?

The only theme park bus sign I took pictures of last month was in the Magic Kingdom. I took pictures because I thought it was interesting that Minnie Vans have an alloted bus stop.

 

[Tess]

I did not know this! Is there some place to see the bus line ups for each of the parks? And where are the park to park buses located? Closest to the park exit? Farthest?

There are signs, like those posted by @Best Aunt at each of the bus depot areas within the parks. Some are closer than others, but all area located in the bus areas along with resort buses. We use the one from AK to EPCOT with regularity and even hopped the DHS to EPCOT bus once when it looked a bit stormy.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We got back recently from a trip and Boardwalk is now my favorite resort.

We stayed at the Villas and I absolutely loved it.

My kids are 8 and 12 and had such a great time. The Boardwalk itself is fantastic. My kids had so much fun watching the various street performers, just walking around the beautifully lit area at night, and even the clown pool.

I loved that I could actually find chairs in the shade at the pool and see them nearly everywhere they were. They really liked the slide.

Being able to walk to Epcot was amazing. We walked home one evening from HS, but that did us in with the new route, so we boated it from then on. We missed the boat once by a smidge and the captain told us we could beat him to the Swan/Dolphin so we did that.

The cheese pizza from the walk up window was so good and the watermelon margarita from the nearby stand was lovely.

As far as the studio itself... While comfortable enough, the ac vent blew very heavily on the Murphy, so my kid stayed in my bed. The balcony furniture wasn’t the most comfortable, but it was hot as hades anyway, so we didn’t go out much. The room otherwise was nice. I liked the largish open area by the door. We had a garden view and did place a fax request for the village green or view of Tower of Terror. We ended up over the quiet pool able to see only a giant tree right in front of us. It was fine. We had one security check while I was there; I was in the shower and my son yelled that through the door; they said no problem and left- maybe they came back later after we left for the evening.

When we checked in, I didn’t do a great job planning for our transfer day from another resort and we didn’t get our room until close to 5pm, so we had a gap after the kids were done with the pool. No one wanted to go to a park so we basically camped out in the arcade for 1 1/2 hours. Heh.

My kids did the pirate adventure from yacht/beach one morning and that was an easy lovely walk - and relaxing morning for me.

We get ice cream once from Ample Hills and the kids loved it. I really wanted to try AbracadaBar, but it didn’t ever work out.

I definitely am going to come back to BWV, but may try to get a 1br, I am getting spoiled, heh.

Here is one of my kids at the arcade. Ready Player Tween.
View attachment 348065

Great report. We’re going to be at BWV for the first time in November.

 

[AngiTN]

~Buses...Didn't realize there are park to park buses these day but am so happy to hear about that! ..as for all of the bus difficulties recently at the BWI...in my experience this definitely has not been the norm.....at least I hope its not going forward...in the last several years we have stayed at the BW a few times a year... (maybe more...lol) and always appreciated the promptness of the buses there....I find the arrival board very helpful too...and now the app..nice touch Disney!

Such a common comment. There have always been park to park buses. No resort to resort buses which is what I think confuses folks. But you have to have park to park to park hop. And clearly they WANT to sell park hopper tickets.

We've not used the buses from BWI a ton this trip but when we have they've been prompt. Never waited more then 5 min. We did find the info on the app helpful

I saw the make your own ears too. Didn't opt to join in but they are cute if that's your style. They get you a wire form first. Then you glue fall flowers and other types of decorations on.

There are a lot of crafty activities now. All September they are offering a paint your own wine stem glass. I think this was on Sunday at Trattoria.

Then there is a paint your own canvas class too.

Heck the is even a daily 3k run.

I believe all the events are new. I'll grab a photo of the signs before I leave tomorrow

Oh, got to meet the new CL manager too. She is wonderful! Been there 3 weeks. From Norway.

 

[KerryCM]

Such a common comment. There have always been park to park buses. No resort to resort buses which is what I think confuses folks. But you have to have park to park to park hop. And clearly they WANT to sell park hopper tickets.

We've not used the buses from BWI a ton this trip but when we have they've been prompt. Never waited more then 5 min. We did find the info on the app helpful

I saw the make your own ears too. Didn't opt to join in but they are cute if that's your style. They get you a wire form first. Then you glue fall flowers and other types of decorations on.

There are a lot of crafty activities now. All September they are offering a paint your own wine stem glass. I think this was on Sunday at Trattoria.

Then there is a paint your own canvas class too.

Heck the is even a daily 3k run.

I believe all the events are new. I'll grab a photo of the signs before I leave tomorrow

Oh, got to meet the new CL manager too. She is wonderful! Been there 3 weeks. From Norway.

Angi, what happened to Ellen? Is she still around in some capacity? I loved her. She was great!

 

[lbv7]

Ellen is still there. She usually works mornings / afternoons.
The other CL manager is usually there late afternoons into the night.

 

[AngiTN]

Angi, what happened to Ellen? Is she still around in some capacity? I loved her. She was great!

Ellen is still there. She usually works mornings / afternoons.
The other CL manager is usually there late afternoons into the night.

Not sure, I'm horrible with names. I can't even remember this new ones name. But she's been there all day everyday, from breakfast to dinner. I even commented that they never give her any time off. Tomorrow (Wednesdsy) will be her first day of since we arrived and she said she'll have 2 days off.

I just know when we arrived Redgie asked if we'd meet the new manager and when I said we hadn't he brought her over to introduce her. She's been there anything the lounge had been open since. Haven't seen any others

 

[AngiTN]

Took some photos of the special activities
I believe these are limited time events
I do not know the costs but if I find out I will update this post unless someone else does