Welcome back. In Part One of this article I discussed the lobby of the BoardWalk Inn & Villas. In Part Two I talked about the Belle Vue Lounge, the Innkeepers Lounge, a Standard Guest Room and a Garden Suite. Today I will finish my description of this deluxe resort.
Now it’s time to move over to the Villas section of the resort. I used to have problems remembering which side of the resort was the “Inn” and which side was the “Villas.” Then it occurred to me, architect Robert A.M Stern cleverly “color coded” the sections to make it easier to distinguish between the two. The exterior of the Inn is painted in shades of white with blue accents. The Villas are covered in shades of yellow and coral.
Before I discuss the 383 DVC rooms found in this section of the resort, I want to talk about the amenities located here. Note, all facilities at the BoardWalk Inn & Villas are open to all guests, regardless of which side of the resort they are staying at. The exception being, you must be lodging in a Club Level room in order to experience the Innkeeper’s Club.
As with so many Disney resorts, the main swimming pool is often the center of daytime activity, and the BoardWalk is no exception. At Luna Park, guests will find an enormous (190,000 gallons) free-form pool. The name “Luna Park” comes from an early amusement park found on Coney Island (1903 to 1944). More on this later.
Luna Park is designed to resemble a carnival/circus. This theme is highlighted by signs advertising the shows and spectacles to be enjoyed here.
The “trained” elephants can be seen at several spots around the pool. One even provides a shower for those swimming in her proximity.
Leaping Horse Libations resembles a carousel and serves hard and soft drinks plus a limited selection of snacks. After a few trips here, you might actually begin to see the pygmy horses the billboard advertises.
The highlight of Luna Park is Keister Coaster. This 200-foot water slide resembles an old-time wooden roller coaster. Anyone with coulrophobia might want to skip this attraction. The splashdown takes riders through a giant clown head.
For those of you who don’t know, “keister” is slang for a person’s rear end. So Keister Coaster is a fitting name for this slide as you ride it on your keister.
Here are few more pictures of the pool area, the kiddie pool, and Crazy Horse Playground.
There were many early amusement park names that the Imagineers could have used to identify their elaborate swimming pool, but Luna Park was selected for a reason. In 1901, Frederic Thompson and Elmer “Skip” Dundy created a ride called “A Trip to the Moon.” This attraction premiered at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, NY. The attraction was so successful, the pair later updated it and moved it to their new Coney Island location to be called Luna Park. Luna is the Latin word for moon.
For 50¢ ($14.00 in 2012 dollars), guests could take a make-believe trip to the moon. Their vehicle would not be a rocket, but rather a gondola-like craft with wings. Guests boarded Luna from a train station-like platform. At takeoff, the wings began to flap and the craft began to undulate and rise slightly. Once “airborne,” the vehicle “flew” over representations of Coney Island and Manhattan, offering panoramic views of both areas before ascending into the clouds. All of this was done with the use of a cyclorama, a theater-like building where the viewer is positioned in the center of a large room and a panoramic landscape circles the audience. Once reaching the moon, guests disembarked and walked around a papier-mâché lunar surface. Along the way, they interacted with costumed moon characters called Selenites.
Their walking journey continued through stalactite caverns and across a chasm via a spidery bridge. Reaching an underground city they encountered illuminated plants, trees, and otherworldly growth. Eventually guests would meet the “Man in the Moon,” a giant seated upon a magnificent throne. In this same room was a fabulous “electric” fountain that displayed all the colors of the rainbow as it cascaded and pulsated.
As guests prepared to leave the attraction, moon maidens passed out pieces of cheese from their lunar homeland. Many people at the time believed that the moon was made out of green cheese. Guests exited the ride via a Mooncalf’s mouth.
This attraction was a quantum leap over any other amusement park ride of its day. It would be comparable to the revolutionary effect “Pirates of the Caribbean” had on Disneyland.
Another attraction at Luna Park was “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.” Here, guests boarded a “submarine” and peered through portholes. While on their voyage, they saw a number of bizarre sea creatures, coral reefs, sunken ships, and mermaids. Eventually they reached the North Pole. Again, all of this was achieved with the use of a cyclorama.
After reaching the arctic, guests disembarked the sub and entered a frozen environment of ocean and icebergs. Actually, it was a large, refrigerated warehouse with an enormous pool of water and floating ice. There were even real polar bears and seals to add to the authenticity. In addition, a tribe of Inuit inhabited this space, complete with igloos and dogsleds.
Walt Disney was a genius; there is certainly no doubt about this. But perhaps some of his inspiration came from attractions long before his time.
In 1955, Walt opened his own version of “A Trip to the Moon” and called it “Rocket to the Moon.” However, Walt’s version relied more on science and less on fantasy. After blast off, guests would view Anaheim and Southern California retreating in the distance on the cabin’s lower view screen. Soon, the ship passed through the clouds and into outer space on its way to the moon. However, Walt’s version only flew around the lunar surface and never actually landed.
Walt also opened the “Submarine Voyage” at Disneyland in 1959. Although more convincingly executed, this ride employed many of the same ideas as its 1903 predecessor, including a trip to the North Pole.
Both Frederic Thompson and Elmer Dundy are honored at the BoardWalk. Mr. Thompson is the proprietor of Thimbles & Threads found on the BoardWalk Promenade and the shop off of the resort’s main lobby is called Dundy’s Sundries.
The BoardWalk also offers a video arcade and gym. Both are located near Luna Park.
Side Show Games Arcade offers a nice selection of stand-up and sit-down games including old favorites and some state-of-the-art skill-testers.
Muscles & Bustles Health Club offers the latest in cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. Also available here is a steam room and sauna. Massage therapy can be arranged for an additional fee.
The BoardWalk has two lighted tennis courts which are open from 7am to 10pm. These courts are located at the far end of the resort just off of the pathway that leads to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The courts are intended for BoardWalk guests only. Reservations can be made at Community Hall and rental equipment is available.
The Ferris W. Eahlers Community Hall is located near the Villas’ quiet pool. This facility is a great spot for tweens and teenagers – and adults too. Ping pong, air hockey, and foosball are just waiting to challenge the generations. DVDs, electronic games, and an abundance of toys will keep the younger set entertained for hours. Community Hall is also the spot to rent bikes and movies and secure tennis equipment.
Community Hall sits next to the BoardWalk Villas “quiet” swimming pool. Like its counterpart at the BoardWalk Inn, this pool area is intended for leisurely swims, sunning, reading, and unobtrusive conversations. However, due to its proximity to Community Hall, children will be more prevalent here than at the BoardWalk Inn pool. Note, this pool does not have a lifeguard.
If you’re in the mood for a little barbeque flavor, a charcoal grill and picnic table is located adjacent to the pool. You must bring your own charcoal as the resort does not stock this item.
As I mentioned earlier, the BoardWalk Villas house DVC units and members use “points” to secure lodging here. However, non-members can also rent these rooms for cash depending on availability and other factors. Rooms here come in four configurations, studio, one, two, and three bedroom units. Room sizes break down as follows:
Studio – 359 square feet
One Bedroom Unit – 712 square feet
Two Bedroom Unit – 1,071 square feet.
Three Bedroom Unit (Grand Villa) – 2,142 square feet
Today I’ll be touring a Studio Unit.
A small entry greets guests as they enter a Studio Unit. On the wall is a mirror and shelf just large enough to hold a wallet, admission tickets, and room keys.
Unlike the one, two, and three bedroom units which have full kitchens capable of cooking complete meals, the Studio Unit features a kitchenette. The kitchenette is not meant for cooking a banquet, but rather warming precooked foods in the microwave and toasting bread and bagels in the toaster. A coffee maker is also provided and there is a small refrigerator with a tiny freezer. About the only thing this freezer is capable of holding is a couple of ice cube trays. Although the goblets and mugs are made out of glass and stoneware, the plates are paper. In DVC units with full kitchens, the dishes are stoneware.
Opposite the kitchenette is the vanity area of the bathroom. A large, well lit mirror hangs above a single sink. Ample storage is provided below the sink with drawers and cupboards. This is also where you’ll find the hair dryer.
Like all Disney resort properties, the Villas provide H2O+ toiletries. Standard aminities include shampoo, conditioner, body scrub, and bars of soap. Thankfully, the soap is now packaged in an easy-to-open plastic bag. The old package was impossible to open without the aid of a knife or your teeth.
Off of the vanity is the toilet and tub/shower. The shower head is adjustable, but in an effort to conserve water, the spray is adequate only – which is probably the correct move on Disney’s part. The towels are fluffy and thick.
On the other side of the vanity is a closet. Here you’ll find additional bedding, a vacuum, a collapsible crib, a luggage rack, and a small safe.
The main room is painted in pastel pink and yellow and features a queen sized bed. The mattress is quite comfortable, but I feel that the three pillows are a little small. And why only three? Who gets two and who only gets one? The bedspread features a rose design with no hidden Disney characters.
On the wall next to the bed is an oddly placed mirror. Its inconvenient location and poor lighting does not lend itself to practical use. And the double light over the bed is placed so high that it does not facilitate reading in bed by only one individual without disturbing the other. In addition, the light switch is placed too high to be easily reached while lying in bed.
Next to the bed is a nightstand. Here you’ll find a telephone, a clock/radio with an iPod docking station, and the TV remote control.
On the other side of the nightstand is a convertible sofa upholstered in a mint green material. Instructions on how to open the bed are left on the couch in plain sight. This is the next generation of convertible sofa and does not open in the conventional manner. If you’re not familiar with this type of bed, the instructions are invaluable.
A strap can be found behind the back cushion. Without removing any cushions, all one must do is pull this strap and the bed opens right up. For the most part, anyone with average strength can operate this bed.
Opposite the queen bed is another sofa, of sorts. Although it looks like it could be used as a child’s bed, that is not Disney’s intent. Studio Units sleep a maximum of four plus a child under three in a crib.
Next to this sofa is a chest with three large drawers. If you look closely, you’ll find Mickey on each drawer. A DVD player can be found on the shelf and a flat screen TV sits atop the chest. There are no audio/visual hookups enabling you to watch your day’s videos.
On the other side of the chest of drawers are a table and two chairs. When I pulled out my laptop, I discovered there was no electrical outlet near the table. It was on the other side of the chest. So I had to run my wires up and over. On the plus side, free WiFi is now standard at the BoardWalk Resort.
The next two pictures show an overall placement of the furniture.
All DVC units have a patio or balcony. The size can vary depending on the exterior of the building. Each unit will have two chairs and a small table.
To see an overview of a Studio Unit, check out the video below.
I like the Studio Units if only two people are using the room. It seemed large and felt like a mini-suite. But personally, if I were part of a party of three or four and didn’t care about the kitchenette, I would opt for a standard room in the BoardWalk Inn portion of the resort. I’m not a big fan of opening and closing a convertible sofa each night and I like the décor at the Inn better. The rooms at the Inn have a richer, more luxurious atmosphere.
The walk from your room to the elevators can be significant on either side of the resort. If this is an issue to you, be sure to request a room close to the elevators when making your reservation and again when checking in.
The bus stop for the BoardWalk Inn & Villas is located near the front of the resort. Once again, this can be a long walk depending on where your room is located. The buses transport guests to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, water parks, and Downtown Disney. For transportation to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you can either walk or take one of the Friendship Boats docking on the BoardWalk Promenade. Note, the walk to Hollywood Studios is somewhat long and on hot days, you might want to think twice before making this journey.
To see an overview of the BoardWalk Inn & Villas Resort, check out the video below. It runs just shy of nine minutes.
That’s it for the BoardWalk Inn & Villas. Check back next week when I’ll discuss the BoardWalk Promenade.
Hi, Jack, I just found your articles on allears and I am sorry I didn’t find them a lot earlier! We are DVC members and we visit DW several times a year staying on-site using points or sometimes not, and off-site as well. I’m looking forward to our first stay at Boardwalk, we’re booked into a studio. I think I found the answer to one of my questions, which is that there is very very limited counter-service there (save for pizza and coffee/cold sandwiches), which I am dismayed to learn. My 2 other questions concern the rooms themselves. It looks like the studios at the Inn are larger, although this could just be how it is portrayed on video. Are they actually larger there? And 2ndly, strictly in your opinion, which view do you think is better? The pool or the boardwalk? With a boardwalk/Epcot view, is it possible to see the fireworks from Illuminations? Thanks, and keep up the great work!
Jack’s Answer:
The DVC studio units are a little larger than a standard room. Also, only have one bed and a sofa-sleeper adds to the space.
For me, I would take the BoardWalk view over the pool view. For one thing, depending on your room location, a pool view could be blocked by trees. A view of the BoardWalk is far more exciting. And you probably can see some of the Epcot fireworks from the Villa side of the resort.
Thanks Jack for your incredible review.
We are going to be staying at the Inn early October and this review could not have come at a better time.
We booked a standard room and you answered (via video) my biggest question- what does the room look like? Since its 3 of us traveling I was wondering about the daybed. Does it look like it can accomodate someone that is 6 feet tall?
Jack’s Answer:
When you say you’ve booked a “standard” room, I’m assuming you mean a room at the Inn, not the Villas (DVC).
The day bed in the Inn standard room is intended for a child under nine. I would NOT accommodate an adult. Sorry.
Hi Love this blog and love this place. My son, girlfriend and another friend are actually there now (BWV). They have a boardwalk view that looks out right at the basketball game. We have stayed here a bunch of times including a garden cottage, which was great with 2 16 yr olds, they had the quiet pool to themselves every night! We have also had a view of the ‘creepy clown’ pool. BTW We spend a lot of time and $$ in arcades that are open all night. Like POR or WL which is open 24 hours. We will go and play games like basketball and bowling. Games we can compete with each other. So much more fun to beat someone in ‘real’ life than on your phone! LOL
Just loved the other two parts of the blog! We have stayed on the DVC side several times and just love this resort especially the convienence of being able to walk to both EPCOT and HS. However, the one thing it is lacking is a counter service restaurant. While there in April, I stopped a Disney Suit and proceeded to express my love of this resort while disappointed with no counter service. She said they were working on that. Have you heard anything on this?
I really can’t believe how less elegant the more expensive rooms look. That’s sort of strange to me. Thanks for saving me money in the future, perhaps.
As always, thanks for writing!
Dan
We just got back from a week at the Boardwalk Villas on Labor Day. It was fun to come home and read all about the resort we had just stayed in! Thanks for making the end of a Disney trip a little easier!
Hi Jack! Thanks so much for the 3 blogs on the Boardwalk. I love this resort, because there’s always sooooo much going on, from the street performers to the carnival games. There’s something for everyone here. There are also great restaurants and awesome shopping and recreation. One of my personal favorites is renting a bike and taking it on a leisurely ride around the lake. Nice job Jack!
Jack, we stayed at the BWV a little over two years ago, and the decor in the one bedroom unit is beautiful and very fresh looking. I’m not sure why the studio is so dated/boring, but the one bedroom is lovely, with lush draperies and an adorable stacked-cup lamp that my daughter fawned over. It felt very “Jolly Holiday” to me. 😎
Jack,
What wonderful work; thank you. We are DVC members and Boardwalk (along with Wilderness) is our co-favorite. We have stayed there more than a dozen times over the years, but I learned so much from reading this series (especially about the Inn side of resort). Most importantly, I’ll now be able to answer the question of “what’s the deal with the scary chairs.” I have asked before at the desk and never received anything close to the description you provided.
I’ll make sure to carve out some time to explore and enjoy the Belle Vue Lounge on our October visit. I clearly did not linger there long enough in the past.
Having stayed at the Boardwalk Villas 4 or 5 times now, my favorite part is being able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios in the morning. You mention the walk is long to DHS, but people should keep in mind, if they’re going to Future World in Epcot, it’s going to be a long walk as well, since you’re entering at the international gateway in world showcase.
We just came back from Disney and stayed in a studio at BWV and I almost skipped your blog as I felt it would be a rehash of what I already knew…that would have been a big mistake…what amazing history on Thompson and Dundy…I noticed the names and figured there would be some significance, but never gave it another thought…but how interesting!!!
Our studio did not have the extra sofa…
And I totally agree about BW area missing a counter service location. Cold sandwiches in the bakery or a slice of pizza doesn’t cut it. Wouldn’t it be nice if they removed the ESPN arcade and made that into a Wolfgang Puck Express????
Hi Jack-
Thanks for these great resort profiles. They’re incredibly comprehensive and clearly done with a lot of love and care. Great work!
Just wanted to speak on how much I enjoy yoru blog. So well done and detailed every time. I actually found myself speaking of it specifically in the most recent episode of my Disney podcast, The WDW Big Q. Thought you may want to check it out or share.
http://wdwbigq.podomatic.com/entry/2012-09-04T03_19_30-07_00
For those interested in the Boardwalk Inn, we had a great experience there this spring, but there were 2 things that bothered us. The first was that getting out onto the Boardwalk area to head over to Epcot was limited to going back to the main elevators and the hallways are VERY long. We were located near the far end of the hall and it was quite a haul to the elevators every time we left. The other negative was the counter service offerings at this resort. Other than the Bakery and a Pizza Window, there were no other options available and those were also the only places to fill resort mugs as well, so you would need to wait in the long bakery line each morning for coffee, rather than a self service area that is available at most other resorts.
What an interesting article! I knew you were going to do this article as we spoke of it when we met at the ALL Ears get together at the Art of Animation in July. I can’t wait until we go next time and, instead of rushing here and there, just slowing down and “smelling the roses”. A lot of the places you have blogged about I have been to but must walk around with my eyes shut LOL. Thank goodness for Jack!!!
Thanks for these great articles Jack – I am even more excited to go ‘home’ to the Boardwalk next month!
I know many of the rooms are far from the elevators/lobby, however on our stays at BWV we have found a number of staircases along the corridors that gave us easy access to the bus stop, the pathway to Disney’s Hollywood Studios & onto the Boardwalk (behind the Thimbles and Threads store).
Hey Jack,
Thanks for a great trio of articles. The theming of the resort is fabulous.
Now, I just have to see if I can find some of those Dwarf Horses!!
Hi Jack,
I was enjoying your photos of the villa studio until you got to the main portion of the room itself. The overall look and color scheme of the room is dated. They could have done so much more with the Boardwalk theme. The “sofa of sorts” looks downright shabby with fabric haphazardly sticking out from under the cushion. The light over the table and chairs is positioned off-center, like an afterthought. And on the balcony, the chairs are useless, since you’d be staring at a wall while sitting. And like you noted, the lighting over the bed is poorly planned. This is hardly up to Disney’s standards. I would expect much better from a DVC property.
Thanks for the great review Jack!
We’ve now stayed twice in the Innkeeper’s Club at BWI, and until about 3 weeks ago, BWI was our favorite resort…then along came the Beach Club, where we also had the experience of staying Club Level. We’re really scratching our heads now as to where to stay next. We know the Epcot resort loop is for us, but can’t decide betweeen BW and BC (I know…nice problem to have eh?) What are your thoughts on how BW stacks up to BC and YC? My thought is that the BW feels newer, cleaner, more “freshly pressed” and lively. The BC/YC feels a bit older, doesn’t try as hard to win you over, feels more homey, and there’s an understated ease and elegance. What are your thoughts? If money were no object…which would you stay at?
Jack’s Answer:
If you’re only looking at the resort portion of the BoardWalk, Yacht, and Beach, then I’d probably pick the Beach because it has the superior swimming pool and is located closer to Epcot than the Yacht. But when you throw in the promenade of the BoardWalk, then the BoardWalk wins hands down for me.
Also, I feel the Regatta Club and Stone Harbor Club Lounge at the Yacht and Beach were afterthoughts. These rooms feel like Disney converted guest rooms to accommodate these Club Level lounges. The Innkeepers Lounge felt like it was built to be a lounge.
I hope that helps.
Another enlightening series of blogs on a resort I admit to having not given much consideration before. As we have come to expect, the summary video is a cut above. I especially got a chuckle out of the sped up segue on to the Villas. The period inspired music (Big Bertha?) works great to set “the mood”, to quote Sebastian.
Jack’s Comment:
THANK YOU for noticing my transition from the Inns to the Villas. People rarely comment on my video editing and it’s nice to know someone is paying attention
Very nice blog, Jack. You forgot to mention the crown-jewel of the Boardwalk, the Flying Fish and their Char-grilled steak. My mouth is watering just typing this, LOL.
Jack’s Comment:
You didn’t read the end sentence of Part 3. I didn’t cover anything on the BoardWalk Promenade. I’m doing that next week.
Really enjoyed part 3 Jack. I’m with you however, in thinking the Inn looks like a nicer place to stay than the Villas.
This time I’m pretty sure I found a typo/grammatacal thing you may want to clear up:
“While on their voyage, they saw a number bazaar sea creatures, coral reefs, sunken ships, and mermaids….”
Did you mean “a number OF BIZARRE sea creatures…”? I think you left out the word “of” and used the wrong form of “bizarre”. A “Bazaar” is a type of marketplace/gathering, I believe.
Thanks for the 3 part BoardWalk review. It looks like a fun place.
Jack’s Comment:
No, I meant the type of sea creatures you purchase at a bazaar.
LOL
Thanks, I’ve corrected the mistake.
Hi Jack,
I can’t help but thinking that the decor in the Villa rooms looks dated and tired compared to those in the Inn. I would’ve thought they would look the same except for the actual configuration in the room and the sofa bed instead of two queens. It’s not looking as appealing to me to stay there on points as I thought it would. Do you have any idea if they are planning to update the rooms?
My younger daughter is dying to stay here so she can swim in the pool but it may have to wait.
I love all your resort reviews and can’t wait for the next one.
Thanks for all your hard work and patience with all the questions 😉
Wendy
Jack’s Comment/Answer:
I agree. I believe the Inn rooms looks “crisper” and “newer.” However, if you weren’t doing a side-by-side comparison, you’d never notice. The Villa rooms are still immaculately kept up.
I have no idea what room refurbishing schedule Disney might have. Sorry.
hey Jack
Therre certainly seems like there is a lot to do at the BoardWalk Inn and there is something for everyone. I also enjoyed the videos as always to help see a better view of the hotel. can’t wait for your next blog and as always keep up the great work.
thanks Jack, i learn a couple of things, but do have one question in all your blogs on resorts you have a picture or two of the games arcade every time i have gone by know one in it, with ipod,iphone, ect is there a need for a arcade
Jack’s Answer:
I know it’s hard to believe in this electronic age, but the arcades are very popular and make a lot of money for Disney. Besides the resorts, look at Tomorrowland. They have a huge arcade next to Space Mountain.
WOW! Thanks once again, Jack, for being right on the money! We are bringing our son, his wife, and the little grand girls to WDW in 24 days….AND we are staying in a 2 bedroom villa…Boardwalk is our home resort so of course we know our way around, but our son and daughter in law have only been there once a long time ago. It was so nice to send them the links so they can see what they can look forward to! This has made the wait even more exciting!!! THank you for taking such care in presenting these columns!!!! As usual, you ARE the best!