Disney's Boardwalk Resort Villas Review - Tips from the Magical Divas and Devos

By Nick the Disney Devo

Imagine a resort that is within easy walking distance of 2 major theme parks, has restaurants, clubs, midway style games, magic shows, acrobats and jugglers, and a 1930’s themed pool. Did I mention it also has a roller coaster inspired water slide, elephant fountains, and a pool bar that looks like a carousel?

This place does exist, and it is Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is comprised of 2 sections: Disney’s Boardwalk Inn (which is in the deluxe resort category), and Disney’s Boardwalk Villas (a Disney Vacation Club timeshare resort).

As DVC members, my wife and I have the great pleasure of calling the Boardwalk Villas home.
I thought we’d take a look at some of the wonderful things the Villas have to offer.

Let’s start with the lobby. It is beautifully decorated with a seashore feel, with comfortable chairs and couches.

There are several room categories: studios, one, two and 3 bedroom (known as Grand Villas).
The villas with bedrooms have kitchens, and washer/dryers.

We have always stayed in a studio. There is just me and my wife, and we feel this is plenty of space.
It comes with a queen size bed, fold out couch, microwave, coffee maker, and small refrigerator.

There are also 3 view categories here: Standard, which has a view of the front entrance, or parking lots. Preferred, which has a view of a pool, or the Swan and Dolphin hotel. Finally the Boardwalk view, with a view of the- you guessed it-Boardwalk.

Speaking of the Boardwalk, this area is a destination unto itself. As you walk along you will discover the many restaurants, shopping options, and entertainment.

For food , there is the Big River Grille, serving American Cuisine and beer brewed on site.

Flying Fish is more upscale (and expensive), also serving American and Seafood.

Kouzzina, a Cat Cora restaurant, serves Mediterranean food.

The Boardwalk Bakery has baked goods and coffee drinks.

And for sports fans, there is the ESPN Club.

Since we are over here at the ESPN Club, let’s head back the other way and look at the shops. Right next door to the Club is their official store.

Have a sweet tooth? Stop in Seashore Sweets. Looking for the perfect nautical painting? Check out the Wyland Galleries.

Keep moving along, and you’ll come upon a group of stores: the Screen Door General Store, Thimbles and Threads, and Disney’s Character Carnival. They are all in one location, selling a wide range of personal items, clothes, pins and toys.

There is also a small store inside and slightly off the Main Lobby, called, Dundy’s Sundries.
Since we are back inside, let’s change into our swimming gear, and hit the pools.

The main pool area is called Luna Park.

Here you’ll find the excellent water slide, Keister Coaster which is built like a wooden roller coaster.
Nearby is the Leaping Horse Pool Bar, which is themed to look like a carousel.

There is also a quiet pool, which is where the Community Hall is located.
Bicycles, noodles, life jackets and tennis equipment are available for rent. Movie rentals are also available, free for Disney Vacation Club members. There are daily activities for kids.

It’s cooled off considerably since night fell. Let’s get changed and head back to the Boardwalk for some of the enterainment.

The Boardwalk takes on a new feel at night. Buzzing with excitement and the sound of carnival games, there are also several performers on any given evening, including magicians and acrobats.

What an exciting day! Let’s get a drink and relax. Inside is one of my favorite spots, the Belle Vue Lounge. You can get pastries and coffee here in the morning, and cocktails in the evening.

It’s getting late, and we have a long day planned at the parks tomorrow. Luckily, from the Boardwalk’s excellent location, it is extremely easy to get to 2 of them. It’s a short walk over to Epcot. The walk is slightly longer on a path along the waterway, to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Both are also easily reached by boat.
Bus service will take you to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Magic Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and the water parks.