We stayed at the Boardwalk Inn in October 2006. This was my husband's choice of resort for this trip and our first deluxe stay at WDW. The overall feeling of this resort is above average but our stay in general did not rank up there as a "will stay here again and again". Being a deluxe resort, it is more expensive than the moderates and even some of the other deluxe resorts.
Check-in was a disaster. We waited for over 2 hours in line. Not what we expected at a deluxe resort. They only had two CMs checking people in, and it was Saturday which could also contributed to the longer wait. Once we made it to a Cast Member, she advised us that she could not meet any of our requests. However dsappointing as they are requests, we were given a room on the fifth floor facing the parking lot at the VERY end of a long hallway.
The theming overall was enjoyable. I loved the light pastels of green, yellow, and blue. The room size was more than adequate and I loved having a little balcony for those early morning sunrises or late evening nightcap. Even though we didn't get a room with a king bed, we enjoyed the room overall.
The dining possibilites are plentiful with the ESPN Zone, Spoodles, Flying Fish Cafe, and the Big River Grille. There is also the Boardwalk Bakery (where you can refill and purchase the refillable mugs). We had a wonderful breakfast at Spoodles.
We did have a run-in with a CM that was less than magical in one of the gift shops when asked a very simple question. It was quickly taken care of by the Manager when he overheard my displeasure.
We did love all the crooks and crannies wthin the htoel to sit and relax and enjoyed a drink more than once in the Belle Vue Room. One of our favorite memories is buying an ice cream cone and sitting on a bench along the Boardwalk watching the entertainment and people in general.
All in all, the Boardwalk did not win our "favorite resort" tag but it was an enjoyable stay despite one or two rough spots.
Pros: Location, location, location--Wonderful access to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studio, plus the entertainment possibilities on the Boardwalk itself. Lots of shopping opprtunities. We
Jellyrolls!!!
Cons: Not a lot of variety for quick service meal options within the hotel. Far away from the main pool.