Nerd’s-eye-view: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas

Thanks to the magic of Disney PIN codes and room-only public discounts, CP and I have now had the pleasure of staying in three Deluxe DVC villas, with our most recent stay at the BoardWalk Villas in May, 2011. Just recently, we splurged for a short weekend getaway and stayed Club Level at the BoardWalk Inn. If you read the Interwebz as I do, you’ll notice diverging opinions about the BoardWalk – some love it, some hate it, some love it only as a place to visit for dinner, some will stay nowhere else. Here’s my take on all things BWI/BWV:

Pros:

If you’re like CP and me and love Epcot more than life itself, the BoardWalk is perhaps the perfect resort. You can walk or take the boat to Epcot (to say nothing of Hollywood Studios), and thus you can enjoy dozens of restaurants (and the Food and Wine Festival) without need for transportation and/or a designated driver. With the Yacht and Beach Club both a stone’s throw away, your dining opportunities are multiplied that much more.

The BoardWalk is beautiful, inside and out. Legend has it that Michael Eisner instructed the Imagineers to take excessive care in the design and themeing of the Crescent Lake resorts (BoardWalk included), as they were for him a tangible representation of the seaside New England resorts he remembered from his childhood. The BoardWalk feels special, inside and out. While it’s maybe a bit annoying to have to walk to dining and shopping from inside the resort to outside on the actual BoardWalk, the amenities are numerous and definitely worth the walk. The BoardWalk Bakery has some of the most interesting (and tasty!) breakfast pastries and desserts on property, and give you a better selection than most other Disney locations. Between Kouzzina and the Flying Fish you can have a very fancy meal, or you can grab a beer at ESPN and catch any number of games on TV. There is truly something for everyone on the BoardWalk.

The rooms are beautiful and well-appointed, especially on the Inn side. The DVC units are even nicer than you might think based upon current pictures online. The grounds are beautiful and very peaceful, especially if you’re like me and enjoy being on the water. With boat transportation and easy walking to 2/4 parks, you are less reliant upon Disney buses and thus can survive more easily without a rental car.

Activities: While those whose rooms overlook the BoardWalk might not agree, one of the biggest pluses to the BoardWalk are the ample evening activities for all ages. Between the ESPN Club, Atlantic Dance Hall, and Jellyrolls (dueling piano bar), adults have lots to do. Magicians, musicians, and surrey bikes provide family entertainment throughout the night. Grab a slice of pizza from the pizza window or some ice cream from Sea Shore Sweets, or a late-night pastry from the Bakery – there’s lots you can nosh on. The BoardWalk lights are beautiful, as is the nighttime view of the Yacht and Beach Club. Truly lovely.

Cons:

Although we didn’t have this problem as our room on the Villas side was very near the elevators, BoardWalk hallways are long and if you are unlucky enough to have a room at the end of one, you’ll be hiking to and from your room every day. This can be remedied through making the appropriate room request prior to your trip. If you stay Club Level on the Inn side, you’re likely going to have a bit of a hike no matter what room you’re in – the location of dedicated Club Level rooms basically guarantees that.

While I enjoy the BoardWalk and don’t find the walk from indoors to outdoors bothersome, some people might – especially in inclement weather. Most of your eating, drinking, and entertainment is outside of the main building, a fact many cite in their dislike of the BoardWalk.

Beyond those two issues, I can’t think of many reasons not to like the BoardWalk – it’s certainly one of Disney’s more expensive Deluxe resorts, but if you have occasion to stay there – especially with a discount – I encourage you to do so.

Now, for some BoardWalk photos: