Why the BoardWalk Refurbishment Feels Like a Letdown

As an owner and ardent fan of the BoardWalk Villas, I had high hopes for the full refurbishment.  Even though the rooms aren’t currently in the best shape, it could only go up from here, right?  Based on the full refurbishment of the Boulder Ridge Villas, I pictured a more modern design with touches of the quirky boardwalk theming that many of us know and love.  I was even excited for the little preview we got from the redone hallways.  

Alas, the recently shared photos of the refurbished Deluxe Studio burst my bubble.  Sure, the rooms look refreshed and new, but in trying to pinpoint my disappointment, I realized two major components are missing from this refurbishment: theming and functionality.  

Theming

To me, the images immediately reminded me of a combination of the latest Saratoga Springs refurbishment and decor elements from the refurbished BoardWalk Inn hotel rooms with lots of neutral tones, laminate floors, and framed artwork as the only bit of flair.  I think if these rooms were in any resort off-property, they would be more than decent.  However, many of us stay in Disney resorts for the theming.  We want to feel immersed in that Disney bubble, and it was always the little details that made Disney resorts stand out from ordinary hotels.  

Sure, we don’t need in-your-face theming like at Art of Animation, but subtle touches like those we see at Riviera and the Villas at Disneyland Hotel give each resort its own character.  Think about the beautiful vibrant colors in the Disneyland Hotel that are influenced by the various Disney films.  Even the headboards and textured walls behind the televisions have symbols inspired by Disney animation.  It’s these thoughtful little details that matter.

Give us textiles that reflect the theme and lively ambiance of the boardwalk (the plaid headboard just doesn’t seem to fit) or a little more pop of color than off white, beige, and a washed out green.  The new artwork with Mickey and friends enjoying the BoardWalk and Mickey-silhouette-printed curtains are a nice touch, but they shouldn’t be the only things in an otherwise generic room that remind you of which resort you are staying in.  

Functionality

My disappointment goes beyond the aesthetics.  While the studios now have the Murphy beds that add functionality and comfort as well as more charging outlets and a small table so that both sides of the bed have some sort of nightstand, a few key features are now missing.  There is no longer a real table and chairs by the television.  There is just a pop-up table and a couple of ottomans that double as chairs for the table.  Whether you need to get some work done or just enjoy eating breakfast in your studio, the ottoman and pop-up table isn’t the most comfortable place to sit.   

If you like to unpack at the resort, there doesn’t appear to be many options other than a couple of small drawers on the side of the pull-down bed beneath the television or the storage in the coffee table.  (I’m assuming the closet by the bathroom has not changed drastically though I have yet to see images of that.)

The ceiling fan has also disappeared in this latest refurbishment. With Florida being hot and humid most of the year, the fan was always a nice amenity.

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Don’t get me wrong; I’m not so upset that I’d list my BoardWalk contract or stop staying there.  The location and ambiance have always been the main highlight for me.  I really want to love this refurbishment and hope that perhaps I’ll like it more in person, but this is currently my least favorite of the refurbished rooms.

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What are your thoughts on the new BoardWalk Deluxe Studio?