Our family is a group of frequent Disney vacationers. We have been to the Boardwalk area dozens of times over the years. We have stayed at the Swan, the Dolphin, and the Yacht Club. Additionally, we have occasioned the Boardwalk passing time or going between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. However, we had never stayed at the BoardWalk. As DVC members, we want to try all of the resorts. I want to report back on the good and not so good of all of each and every Disney Vacation Club property
Recently we had the opportunity to stay at the Boardwalk Villas. When you first walk into the lobby of the BoardWalk you are instantly transported back in time. It has the feel of turn-of-the-century amusement parks. We frequently stayed at Hotel Breakers in Ohio (part of Cedar Point), and I was instantly reminded of that resort when I first walked in. I am reminded of old merry-go-rounds from my childhood days at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh or Idlewild Park in Ligonier, PA. So for me, arriving in the lobby of the BoardWalk was very nostalgic and I am sure others feel this as well.
Fast forward to 2021 and there is no need to visit the front desk for a key. We received our “room is ready” text about an hour before check-in, and since we were nearby, we headed to our room.
Our room was a Deluxe Standard View Villa. The room was well appointed with everything we needed for our 4-night stay. We were surprised to have been upgraded to a pool garden view room and our room overlooked the waterway between Hollywood Studios and EPCOT with a fantastic view of the Swan.
There was not a thing about our stay that was negative. We found the pool area to be a great place to relax before dinner. We could also take nice walks around the Boardwalk to pass some time and to take in the amazing scenery. There were great places to eat, such as Il Mulino, Trattoria al Forno, Yachtsman Steakhouse, and Shula’s.
Even things that you don’t normally think about like the workout gym was a great place to spend some time burning extra calories from our wonderful meals.
Other notables about the resort are that the parking is fairly close to the lobby, there is ample bus service, and the front desk staff (when they are needed), are super friendly and helpful.
All in all, we would give the boardwalk a 10 on a 1-10 scale. We loved the atmosphere, the amenities, the ease with which we could get to lots of things to do, and the price, as BoardWalk has some of the lowest per-night costs on the DVC point charts.
Make sure to keep BoardWalk on your list of resorts on your next Disney stay!
We bought into Boulder Ridge back in 2009. It was the best option for a MK area DVC resort at the time @ $102 per point. However our vacation habits have changed over the years. In hindsight I wish I had bought into BWV. Am I envious ? Hell yes. Epcot has become my favourite park, walk to HS, the Boardwalk, Swalphin etc etc. Good on you.
Thanks for the good stuff. Just spent several nights at the BW in a Pool/Garden villa and we absolutely loved every aspect. Good to see that it wasn’t just a magical stay for us, but that it was also that way for you guys. Consistency.
Now even more excited to get back to the BW for a stay. Thx
Boardwalk Villas is one of our “homes.” I agree with everything here – we love BWV – but the comment regarding the fairly close proximity of parking to the lobby did make me laugh. We drive everywhere and do not utilize Disney transportation. Believe me, at the end of the day, that trek from parking lot to lobby is a chore. It’s no wonder we BWV lovers were upset when the DVC valet perk was taken away!
We stayed there for the 1st time earlier this month and loved it. We had front and center pool view on the same floor as the lobby. Loved enjoying breakfast or treats on the Boardwalk morning and night. Lit up at night is so pretty. Walked over to Beach Club and saw the carousel and from there we rode the skyline ride.
The parking is close to the lobby? Are you sure you actually stayed at BEV? It’s a hike lol
You should’ve clarified that of the restaurants you mentioned, only Trattoria al Forno is actually at The Boardwalk. The others are at other resorts altogether. Also, you failed to mention at all, The Flying Fish, ESPN club, and Boardwalk Bakery; all of which are right there together at the Boardwalk.
Isn’t ESPN Club being converted to a a different restaurant?
Flying Fish and ESPN Club have yet to re-open….
Boardwalk is on our bucket list. We own at the Polynesian but like you, have really enjoyed stays at the Swan, Dolphin, Yacht Club. The Boardwalk is great and so are the dining options. My family also loves the Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point and I am reminded of their similarity too.
Unfortunately ESPN is closed. Could be for good. However forgot to say. Nothing like walking over to Speedway and buying snacks, water and beer for half the price..