I recently stayed at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn in a 1-bedroom villa, and overall, it was a memorable experience. The resort’s nostalgic charm and convenient location make it a popular choice among visitors to Disney World. But like any stay, it has its ups and downs. As a Disney deluxe level resort with DVC (Disney Vacation Club) villas, your choice of accommodations include everything from standard 2 queen rooms to 3-bedroom villas. The hotel also offers club level options.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of the BoardWalk Inn at Disney World! First, let me encourage you to book your vacation with a Travel professional who specializes in Disney destinations. That way you are guaranteed the best resources for your experience in the most magical place on earth!
Pros
Location, Location, Location!
BoardWalk Inn is ideally situated within walking distance of EPCOT and a short boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Technically Hollywood Studios is within walking distance if you are up for a 10–15-minute walk. This convenience made park-hopping a breeze and allowed for some spontaneous visits to catch nighttime shows or grab dinner in World Showcase.
As an Epcot area resort, your stay puts you steps from the Skyliner and all of the amenities at the Skyliner resorts as well. The location can’t be beat!
Charming Atmosphere
The Disney BoardWalk area exudes vintage charm with its nods to early 20th-century seaside resorts. The entertainment, dining options, and ambiance of the boardwalk itself created a lively but still family-friendly atmosphere.
The entertainment on the BoardWalk is unique. From carnival style games to nightly entertainment, this resort has something for everyone, including a dance hall, a dueling piano bar, a family style Italian restaurant and magic.
Spacious 1-Bedroom Villa
The villa provided space with a comfortable living area It also comes with a well-equipped kitchen, and a master bedroom with a king-sized bed. Having separate spaces to sleep and relax makes it perfect for larger groups needing privacy and a quiet spot for younger kids to nap.
Kitchen Amenities
The fully equipped kitchen is a great feature for those looking to save on meals or accommodate dietary restrictions. Having the capacity to prepare a quick breakfast or a late-night snack added convenience and cost savings.
Deluxe Amenities
First, all guests at Disney hotels get useful perks!
- Complimentary transportation to/from the theme parks, water parks and Disney Springs
- Early Theme Park entry
- Advanced Dining Reservations
- Optional Lightning Lane Multi/Single Pass 7 days in advance of check in
Secondly, Disney Deluxe Resort guests get EVEN MORE, and the BoardWalk Inn is one of the deluxe hotels. Those added bonus perks include:
- Extended Evening Hours
- Optional Lightning Lane Premier Pass (limited)
Community Hall & Resort Activities
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers many recreational activities, including surrey bike rentals, poolside games, and evening campfires. The Community Hall was also a nice perk, with board games, crafts, and other kid-friendly offerings.
Cons
Pricey Accommodations
While the resort offers a lot, it comes with a premium price tag.
Yet, there are quite a few Disney deluxe resorts that cost less to stay. So, there are better options if your top priority is price. But the BoardWalk is worth considering if location and convenience to the parks outweigh the cost for your stay.
Noise Levels
As mentioned, this resort has a bustling nightlife. As a result, it can be noisy, especially for rooms facing the BoardWalk itself. It wasn’t overly disruptive during our stay, but light sleepers may want to ask for a quieter garden or pool-facing villa.
Additionally, I found the walls were quite thin. We could hear our neighbors particularly in the hallway.
Dated Decor
While the theme of the resort is whimsical and nostalgic, some areas of the villa and common spaces might benefit from a refresh. The furniture, although clean and well-maintained, felt slightly worn.
It’s good to note that the resort is now getting a face lift with many of the rooms receiving a refreshing upgrade.
Pool and Dining Crowds
Being a popular resort means pool areas can get crowded, and reservations at nearby restaurants can be hard to secure. Planning ahead is key.
Also, the BoardWalk Deli, the hotel’s quick service location, offers limited options when you compare it to other resorts. The dining locations in general are located ON the boardwalk. Guests walk outside and enter through an exterior door for all.
Inconsistent Transportation
While walking access/boat transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are excellent perks, Disney bus service to other parks, especially Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, were crowded.
There were times we waited longer for a 2nd bus which can be a challenge for families on tight schedules.
Overall Impression
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, particularly the 1-bedroom villa, offers a wonderful mix of space, location, and classic Disney charm. While on the pricier side, the convenience of being so close to major parks, the choice for homemade meals, and the lively entertainment of the BoardWalk are standout features.
However, potential noise, dated aspects, and cost considerations should be weighed before booking. For families looking for a blend of fun and convenience near EPCOT, it’s a great choice.
If you’re ready to book your vacation and enjoy the magic at Walt Disney World, send a free no-obligation quote inquiry and start planning your trip. The team of Disney experts at DizN Vacations will book and build you a bigger and better adventure.
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