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Old 04-25-2016, 01:47 PM   #1
Tawnya
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Tell me about Boardwalk...Please!

DH and I have decided to rent DVC points and are trying for AKL or Boardwalk in November. After looking at pictures I am leaning towards Boardwalk the studios look nice and I LOVE the location (favorite park is Epcot). So for those of you who have stayed there please tell me pros and cons and any helpful info you have! TIA!!!
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Old 04-25-2016, 09:11 PM   #2
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I'm staying there this summer for the first time and I'm curious to hear opinions as well.

When in November will your trip be? If it's early November you might have a hard time getting into Boardwalk Villas as it is very popular during Food and Wine which goes until November 14 this year. You are into the 7 month window for November booking (where any DVC member can book any resort, not just their home.). Don't wait to try to secure something as availability at resorts will become more limited as time goes on. For future reference, if you want a specific DVC resort, you'll probably have better luck renting closer to 11 months out.
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Old 04-26-2016, 08:22 PM   #3
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I haven't stayed there, however, I have stayed at the Yacht Club and the location is amazing! I have heard that the Boardwalk is doing some renovations but I do not know what all it involves or how long the work will take. It maybe something that you want to look into.
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Old 04-27-2016, 11:01 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tawnya View Post
DH and I have decided to rent DVC points and are trying for AKL or Boardwalk in November. After looking at pictures I am leaning towards Boardwalk the studios look nice and I LOVE the location (favorite park is Epcot). So for those of you who have stayed there please tell me pros and cons and any helpful info you have! TIA!!!
Boardwalk is our "home" resort with DVC since 2006. We love it!

Pros:
Walking to and from Epcot is oh so very handy (especially after Illuminations).
For meal variety and convenience, we often mono-rail from Magic Kingdom around noon to Epcot, have a World Showcase meal, and then walk to Boardwalk for an afternoon pool break.
Boat or walk to Studios. (We usually boat to Studios, but walk back at night to avoid Fantasmic crowds.) So overall, a lot less bussing!
Theming is so beautiful in the entire area. (And we're certainly looking forward to the refurbished rooms for our May 2016 trip!)
Night time entertainment! -- ESPN, Jellyrolls, and the Boardwalk entertainers (jugglers, magicians, etc.)
Excellent variety of nearby restaurants -- especially with Swan, Dolphin, and Yacht & Beach Club all nearby too.
You can walk to the Fantasia mini-golf (near Swan).

Cons:
Bus service can be slow due to sharing with Swan and Dolphin.
Some people will complain about the long hallways, but not a big deal to us.
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Old 04-28-2016, 09:16 PM   #5
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We have stayed at BWI many times over the years, it is absolutely our favorite resort. Love the location as well as the feel and opportunities available there. We love the artifacts throughout the resort and the entertainment on the boardwalk at night. We are actually staying there again this summer and cannot wait to return to our home away from home. Enjoy!
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Old 04-28-2016, 11:38 PM   #6
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BWVs is my home resort..........since 1999. I've had many great vacations there. I usually get a boardwalk view location.
One of our favorite things is to get up and out early for coffee and pastry from BoardWalk Bakery and eat right there on the boardwalk. ........watching the "friendships" on Crescent Lake. It's such a peaceful way to begin our day.
We do love the location and ease to getting to and from Epcot and HS. I usually go through Epcot and get the monorail (with hopper) to MK instead of taking a bus.
Illuminations can be seen from some of the rooms......the high fireworks. The lobby (check in) is beautiful ........especially during the holidays,
Another favorite is getting a glass of wine.....or other adult beverage after Illuminations and sitting in "France" as the crowds leave...then walk back to the resort.
It really is a fun place to be. I love it.
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Old 04-29-2016, 02:16 PM   #7
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I love Boardwalk! Walking to Epcot is fantastic (but it's a healthy walk - you're not right on top of the entrance). I love the decor at Boardwalk. It also has my favorite lounge - Belle Vue Lounge. There are comfy stuffed chairs, and it's just quiet and bright and pleasant. The "Boardwalk" restaurant area is great too. They've put in some good food options. At night, there are street entertainers. During the day, it isn't as fun, so plan to spend any time there at night.

Some people don't like the clown slide at the pool. The whole pool area is actually not that great - it tends to feel crowded because it's just one big, open space.
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Old 05-02-2016, 10:50 AM   #8
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The BW is a great resort and stayed there once before. Just so convenient to Epcot and Studios. I actually walked to Studios as the boats make several stops and often I will get to Studios before the boat does. It takes about 15 minutes and is very direct. Lots of good dining choices in the area and also has one of the best resort lounges with Bellevue Lounge.
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Old 05-06-2016, 09:47 AM   #9
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Love it and if Epcot is your favorite park I think it's a no brainier! Location, location, location
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Old 05-06-2016, 01:37 PM   #10
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I just stayed there on my trip a few weeks ago. While I love the location and think it's a beautiful resort, there's just something about it that doesn't make me want to jump at the chance to go back. I'm definitely not a fan of their pool, not just because of the clown, but because it just feels like something's missing. Also, depending on where your room is located, it can be a bit of a walk to the lobby or transportation area. I had requested a higher room that was closer to transportation, which I got, but the problem was that they were renovating the floor that had access to that walkway, and only Cast Members were allowed through the doors. Defeated the purpose of my request. Give it a try and see how you end up liking it. It may turn out to be your favorite.

BTW, AKL is my 2nd favorite.
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Old 05-07-2016, 03:44 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HollyH View Post
I'm staying there this summer for the first time and I'm curious to hear opinions as well.

When in November will your trip be? If it's early November you might have a hard time getting into Boardwalk Villas as it is very popular during Food and Wine which goes until November 14 this year. You are into the 7 month window for November booking (where any DVC member can book any resort, not just their home.). Don't wait to try to secure something as availability at resorts will become more limited as time goes on. For future reference, if you want a specific DVC resort, you'll probably have better luck renting closer to 11 months out.
You are very right about possibly having difficulties getting Boardwalk Villas during Food & Wine! We rented points for our vacation last year and I was initially trying for Boardwalk (I was renting around the 11 month out period) and could not get anything! We ended up choosing AK Kidanni Village, which has now become my DD's favourite resort - everything happens for a reason I suppose lol! But do try sooner than later just in case you are able to still get a reservation
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