Hello - I recently split a week between here and the Wilderness Lodge. For me, location was really the best reason to stay here. Having the park hopper option and walking or boating over to Epcot for dinner each night was awesome. In a previous trip, going to Epcot for dinner and walking through the front entrance and walking all the way to the back of the park was tough, particularly after a long day of walking in the parks. This was so easy. We took the bus to Animal Kingdom from there and that was painless, but since we stayed at Wilderness for the Magic Kingdom portion of the trip, hard to comment on the ease of bus travel. My kid loved the water slide at the pool. We stayed in a one-bedroom villa, and compared with the Wilderness, the room was the same layout but just a bit smaller. We've also stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge, and that room was bigger as well, though a different layout. But overall, the room was very nice. The pull-out couch was a bit dated, and therefore a touch uncomfortable compared with the newer ones at Animal Kingdom, but not to the point my kid didn't get bad nights' sleep. The bakery on the boardwalk was nice. We were up early enough to avoid waiting in long lines. Plus it was early March, so not the busiest time of year. We also hit up the French bakery one night for some goodies to have the next morning. But there isn't really a place for waffles or those types of breakfast foods, unless you want to hike to one of the other nearby resorts. This was your egg sandwich or scrambled egg platter with cereal and various pastries. That said, it was pretty tasty. Also didn't see as much performer activity on the Boardwalk as I thought I would, but then we have a 7-year-old that goes to bed fairly early, so maybe we just weren't out there late enough. But the whole Boardwalk scene is pretty cool. And coming from the Wilderness, which was pretty mellow and relaxing, the bustling scene was a neat change of atmosphere. Since there are four other resorts in the neighborhood, it's a pretty busy area. We also walked to Hollywood Studios, which was a nice walk. Boat on return trip goes to Swan/Dolphin and Yacht/Beach Club first, so you could get off the first stop and walk across the bridge there to save some time. The lobby isn't as grand as Wilderness or Jambo House, but it and the grounds still manage to impress with its overall look. It can be a bit of a walk I suppose from the elevators to the wings of the resort, but we were about half-way down overlooking the "quiet" pool and it really was fine. I tried to get a corner room at the very end of the hall as they're supposedly bigger with more private balconies, but they didn't have one open. I would definitely recommend staying here. Despite the hassle of having to switch rooms mid-trip, they do make it pretty painless and I really liked getting the two distinct resort flavors. Three to four nights at each were perfect, but if I were to stay for an entire week at one, particularly now that I've experienced a lot of the Epcot country pavilions, I'd probably choose Animal Kingdom or Wilderness before Boardwalk, and maybe do less dinners at Epcot. But for the Epcot/Studios part of our trip, it was great.
First, we are not a Deluxe lifestyle family. However, when a deal comes around, we take it. We received a 7-night 1BR pool view villa through a rental site for $1,200. It was only $200 more than Pop Century so we jumped on it. As always, the Deluxe resorts are excellent. Seeing several of the old Penny Arcade movie things that use to be on Main Street there was nastolgic. Our room was ready later that afternoon. There is SO much space compared to the typical studios we stay in at Pop Century and Moderates. The separated bathroom and vanity area makes getting ready much easier. Having a kitchen, full fridge and freezer, washer and dryer allows for saving time and money. A quick grocery trip for breakfasts and snacks can save a ton. Who wants to cook on vacation? Some may not, but those that want to save $100s a day will. You can start a crockpot when you leave and dinner is ready when you get back (you have to bring one yourself). The full fridge helps to keep adult beverages as well. After my first $5 beer at the pool, the walk over to Hess to pick up a 12-pack for $8 was well worth it. You can do so much here it is not even funny. First, Epcot and DHS are walking distances. It is about a 10 minute walk to each. Walking is optional because there are boats to both. We only used buses for MK and DTD. We drove to AK. The activities at the resort are a blast as well. It has some very good dining and bar options on the Boardwalk. Big River Grill had some excellent burgers. The price is inline with a Chili's, maybe $2 more per entre. Great beer here as well. ESPN bar was excellent for the Superbowl and for some fun sports action. Add in the street performers and you have entertainment for everyone. The only minor thing I wish they did is have more variety of street performers. There were a total of 5 different acts. The acts are always the same. It would be better if they had a larger group that they can bring in different nights. It is minor, but a good thought for WDW to think about. We will definitely stay here again when we get great rates through DVC rental people. I would never pay the Disney room rates.
love the Boardwalk. entertainment is fun, bakery is to die for, and the walk around the lagoon to beach and yacht club is within minutes. the accessibility to Epcot and Hollywood studios is simple and convenient My favorite resort by far
Without doubt the best located hotel in WDW, if you enjoy the sights and sounds of Epcot. An easy stroll from your room straight into the world showcase, via the International Gateway, between UK and France. A slightly longer but equally easy walk in the other direction will take you to Hollywood Studios. If walking sounds too energetic then take the boat. Buses are provided to all other areas of WDW. The villas are very well appointed. I have stayed in both a 2 bedroom and studios. I would always choose to stay here if it is available. The one and only downside is the parking. Great if you want to use Valet every day, not great if you are bringing in groceries from the store or coming back late from the parks.
Boardwalk Villas was an amazing resort. We had the pleasure of staying with our family in a two-bedroom suite for two nights in late April 2012. The resort is truly beautiful and fun. The location is easily the best part. It's fun being able to just walk down to the Boardwalk and take in the sights and sounds, or grab a bite to eat. You're also a short walk or boat ride away from Epcot, Hollywood Studios, or the Beach/Yacht Club offerings. We had a room that overlooked the lake and it provided a spectacular view including an opportunity to see some of the pyrotechnics from Epcot's IllumiNations at night. Our room was exceptionally clean and in great condition, and we loved the decor as if you were at an upscale Atlantic City resort in the early 20th century. The one criticism is the size including the walk from the parking lot if you have a car. But thankfully, the majority of the trek is indoors in the air conditioning. It did, however, seem to slow the response of our luggage delivery. Very small criticism though. I would stay here again in a heartbeat.
We have stayed here a few times.It is a busy place and good for getting food to eat!! There are eateries as well as a shop to buy provisions. The great advantage is that you can walk in to Epcot or the Studios ---there`s no traffic. Or you can get a boat. So great if you don`t have a car. There are buses to the other locations. You can watch the Epcot fireworks from the resort. Some guests don`t like the fact that their rooms can be a walk from their car.It`s worth a visit!! We like the gym as well.