I'm so glad to see this thread pop back up in my feed. It reminded me to share our thoughts from our Jan 20 -27th stay. We rented DVC points for a 1 bdrm standard view and ended up with room 4121 which was ready when we arrived a little before noon and happened to be in the exact area we requested via Touring Plans fax service. We loved our room. It was right across the hall from the stairs leading to the walkway that heads to the parking lot. We drove to FL and used our car to get to AK and MK so this location was perfect. The room itself was lovely. The balcony was a bit smaller than we are used to at AKL (where we've always stayed before this trip), but it was still nice. We had a view of the small water feature, the fountain, the bridge, trees, the Boardwalk entrance, (yes, the parking lot), and the Eiffel Tower from our balcony. No complaints regarding the view at all. Also, the room was very quiet which was great for us since we prefer to sleep in and head to the parks a little later in the day.
Our room was a small hike from the elevators, but it really wasn't that bad. Air conditioning and carpet were quite comfy after a long day walking on concrete. We took the elevators to the first floor to go to the Boardwalk, Epcot, and HS and took it again upon our return to the room, and it was not a terrible trek.
We were surprisingly very pleased with this resort. We ended up here because we were wait-listed for AKL and this was our second choice. We opted to go with the second choice in order to secure a room but harbored a bit of doubt because we are fans of AKL. Boardwalk won us over. The lobby is charming. The music reminds us of UP - a favorite movie. The lobby scent was yummy. The staff far surpassed that at AKL. Every staff encounter we had that week exceeded our expectations. The location cannot be beat. I never want to see the main entrance to Epcot ever again. The international gate is so much nicer and easier to enter. We felt so very spoiled. We also loved taking the boat to and from HS and over to the Swan for a game of mini golf. We hung out at the pool for a part of one day and enjoyed that so much that, next trip, we are planning two half days for the pool. The Boardwalk atmosphere at night was different and fun for us. Love the lights everywhere. We can't believe it, but the Boardwalk is our new favorite. Yes, we still love the animals, landscaping, lobby and restaurants at AKL, but there's just something about the Boardwalk. I can't quite put my finger on it yet, but when we talked about where we'd want to stay next, we all unhesitatingly said the Boardwalk.
As for the Boardwalk itself, we visited the bakery, Ample Hills, Trattoria al Forno, the shop, the photo booths (LOVE), and the carnival type games (fun for my husband and daughter to do together). I wish we would have rented a bike. Next time. Ample Hills was the best ice cream I've ever had. It has ruined me for any other ice cream. Trattoria al Forno's Bon Voyage breakfast was very good but busy and long. The Bakery was so so. I do wish there was a quick service on par with the Mara on the Boardwalk, but the lack of one won't keep me from staying here again.
We were so very sad to leave this resort and wish we were still there. Our daughter said she was in mourning when she first woke up back at home because she wasn't waking up at the Boardwalk. Not WDW. The Boardwalk. Coming from a typically rather stoic teen, I count that as high praise for the place.
Now i need to research requests for standard view rooms
) ...drive way area.. and walk way to the bus stop...it is nicely landscaped..but it is still the front of the resort...two of my friends recently had the standard room category for their trips..and both did have views of the front entrance of the resort...
..so I am trying to resize....wish me luck!
