Boardwalk Inn questions

[lovedis]

For our next trip, we would like to try a Deluxe resort - this will probably be our last trip for a long time, so would like to upgrade this one time I am drawn to the theme of the Boardwalk Inn. Walking to Epcot and HS sounds very appealing..I have seen pics of the newly refurbished rooms and they look beautiful.
How easy is it to get to the boardwalk from your room? Do you exit out of the lobby? If so, where does that take you out to on the boardwalk? Sorry if that is a odd question, but we have never been to the boardwalk area before - have only seen pics. The one thing holding me back is the lack of counter service, so if we request a room by the lobby, how far is it to the boardwalk bakery or pizza window? Also is the boardwalk kid friendly at night or is it more for adults?

 

[BransonJ]

You will love it. In the back of the lobby is a little courtyard. Which is right on the boardwalk. Everything on the boardwalk is a short 5 min walk if that from the room. There is also a general store which carries just about every essential you will need. As for night there are entertainers as well as carnival games and usually very alive. We have stayed 3 times and it is our favorite resort by far. You can't beat the distance to Hollywood and epcot.

 

[The Incredible Schmulk]

The bakery and pizza window are both literally right around the corner from the lobby. It's a big resort, but no bigger than any other deluxe, so the distance from your room to the lobby or amenities is pretty comparable to that of the Polynesian or the Beach Club. The difference being that you have to walk outside to get to most of them. The only spots that have internal access are the Belle Vue Lounge and the small DVC gift shop next to the check-in desks.

The Boardwalk Bakery is a great little place, so I wouldn't worry about losing out on the quick service cafeteria. You'll get arguably better food at the bakery at any reasonable hour of the day than you would at pretty much any other cafeteria-style option on property.

The entertainment on the boardwalk itself is very much kid-friendly. There are games, magicians, musicians, all kinds of fun things to see. There's a large arcade next to the ESPN Club, and then there's the ESPN Club itself if your kids are into sports at all. Flying Fish is also one of the least stuffy signature dining experiences you'll find in Disney, so aside from the kind of cramped seating in spots, I'd say that is also a fairly kid-friendly environment for a splurge on some great food for the family. There's a great feature pool with a large roller coaster-style water slide that terminates at a hilariously terrifying clown head. The kids will love that, too. The only places where your kids will not be welcome are the Atlantic Dance Hall and the dueling piano bar, Jellyrolls, which are both 21+.

 

[Thumper14]

We stayed at the Swan in April. I promised myself to stay at the Boardwalk Inn next visit. We booked a one bedroom villa for mid November. I can't wait to see it. The Boardwalk is awesome and walking to Epcot is a breeze. Shorter than some walks to the busses. The walk to Hollywood Studios is a bit longer. It was a hike from the Swan, but we had to do the walk in a heavy rainfall, when the boats were not operating, so maybe it seemed longer. I will always stay in the Boardwalk area now that I have been there. It is very relaxing.

 

[TXDisney]

We just stayed at the Boardwalk Inn 2 weeks ago. Much like you it was our last big spending trip before we have kids. We've always wanted to stay there, so we did. If I'm being honest I'd really think about what your plan is. Bc our "plan" was to do everything u want to do. It was awesome to be able to walk everywhere. Only day we needed a bus was animal kingdom. The part that you should think about is, are you really gonna use the stuff at the boardwalk? Bc we thought we'd hit up the bars and stuff after the fireworks, but we were always so tired we'd just walk to the room and go to bed. Don't get me wrong walking to the parks it was nice we'd even grab a drink or coffee along the way. But if you don't plan on going to the restaurants and bars, I'd strongly consider the Beach or Yacht Club. Location is very similar just on the otherwise of the lake. Restaurants are better there, pool is awesome. Same price as the boardwalk I believe as well.

 

[lovedis]

I appreciate all of your responses. Since we will have the kids with us, we won't be hitting up the bars after the parks, but we do have a couple nights off the parks, that I thought going over to Epcot for dinner, than walking around the boardwalk would be fun after. I do think the pool looks more fun at BC, but honestly I would like to enjoy resting by the pool while the kids/husband swim - I don't think SAB looks very relaxing and we would all be so spread out. The looks, music and theme look so great and out of all the Deluxe resorts, I'm drawn to that one, yet Josh has it listed as the worst Deluxe...which makes me somewhat nervous.

 

[chipndale76]

You will love it! We stayed at boardwalk when we had our vacation club. The location was phoenominal! We saved so much time on our commutes to the parks. It's a closer into the Studios but a bit longer for Epcot. That being said you avoid the crazy gates at the front of Epcot and enter through the countries with little to no lines. The boats are available too.

 

[Disnee4Me]

You will love it! We stayed at boardwalk when we had our vacation club. The location was phoenominal! We saved so much time on our commutes to the parks. It's a closer into the Studios but a bit longer for Epcot. That being said you avoid the crazy gates at the front of Epcot and enter through the countries with little to no lines. The boats are available too.

The countries don't open until 11. Can you enter before 11 through those gates and walk up to the front of the park???

 

[JillC LI]

The countries don't open until 11. Can you enter before 11 through those gates and walk up to the front of the park???

I've never done it but I've definitely read on this board that the answer is yes, and that you can get breakfast from the bakery in France too.

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

The countries don't open until 11. Can you enter before 11 through those gates and walk up to the front of the park???

 

[Tuvalu]

The countries don't open until 11. Can you enter before 11 through those gates and walk up to the front of the park???

Yes you can; the International Gateway opens at 9 a.m. (sometimes earlier if there is a large crowd queued up). You can turn right and go as far as France (and breakfast in the bakery); turning left you will walk through the U.K. and Canada (though nothing but the bathrooms will be open) and go on to Future World.

 

[TXDisney]

Ya plus there's a Starbucks if you walk through and go through uk and canada on the left. Starts kicking in by the time you get to MK.

 

[worldfanatic]

All things considered, I find Boardwalk Resort to be the best place to lay your head when visiting WDW.
If location wasn't a factor, I'd say Animal Kingdom Lodge, but that juicy location along with all it offers makes Boardwalk my "go to" Resort.