Details and Options – Revision 1, Part 3 of 4

Resort

We will be staying at the BoardWalk Villas, where Mary and I stayed previously. This option is normally very expensive (see the bottom of this post), but we will be paying less than one-third of the regular cost (by renting points from a Disney Vacation Club member; I'd be happy to share details if anyone wants more information). As a result, we'll be staying at a deluxe resort for between the cost of a value and moderate resort. The BoardWalk is very close to two of the four parks (Epcot and MGM), and is across the lake from the Beach Club Villas. The boardwalk itself has various shops and restaurants; it has a 1920s and 30s feel of an Atlantic seaside resort. The main pool is huge and has a lifeguard, pool-side bar, Jacuzzi, and 200-foot waterslide.

Some might wonder if it's better and/or less expensive to stay off-site. With my plan, neither of these is the case. In addition, we'll have all sorts of fantastic perks and bonuses, including (briefly): Disney's Magical Express airport transportation, eligibility for Disney's Dining Plan, extra dining reservation privileges, unlimited free use of Disney's parks and resorts transportation system, most purchases in the parks and resorts can be charged to your room, and free package delivery to your room.

More information and virtual tours of the BoardWalk Villas and its accommodations are available here: http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/resorts/resortDetail?id=ProspectsBoardwalkVillasResortLandingPage

There are a number of options with regards to what types of rooms we have. They depend on how many people will be coming on the vacation and each person or family's budget. Here is a summary of the two room types we will be considering:

Studio Room

• 412 square feet (one big room)
  
• Sleeps 4 (two in queen bed, two in convertible double bed sofa)
  
• Kitchenette with coffee maker, microwave, mini refrigerator, wet bar, toaster, and coffee maker
  
• Balcony, TV, and bathroom vanity separate from the shower and toilet
  

1-Bedroom Villa

• 814 square feet (master suite plus separate living area)
  
• Sleeps 4 (two in king bed, two in convertible queen bed sofa in living area)
  
• Fully equipped kitchen (with appliances, cookware, and tableware)
  
• Balcony, washer and dryer, TV, and DVD player
  

(Snyders note: while these rooms only have bed space for 4, one of the kids could sleep on a floor mattress or in a sleeping bag, or possibly sleep in another room.)

The least expensive option is for each family or group to get a studio room. Mary and I stayed in one on our vacation, and were very happy with it. But I have also considered adding a 1-bedroom villa, for the purpose of everyone getting together in the mornings for breakfast, and also for gathering in the evenings after our days at the parks (not to mention in-room laundry). The drawbacks would be the additional cost, and space concerns. We would actually be getting a 2-bedroom villa, which is just a 1-bedroom villa connected to a studio room. But if this whole space was shared between all guests for breakfast and in the evenings, there would likely be enough space for everyone (although it could be a bit tight). This sharing of space (and some loss of privacy) would mean that those in the 2-bedroom villa would pay no more than the others; everyone would pay an equal amount.

If we decide to only get studio rooms, we could all just prepare our own breakfast in our rooms (using the microwave and toaster), gather in the lobby in the mornings, and perhaps gather at the pool and Jacuzzi in the evenings (for those who are interested). And of course, anyone can get a 1-bedroom villa for their private use only.

In addition to those options, there is also the option of a preferred view. I loved our preferred view over the boardwalk and the lake (both in the mornings and evenings), and we will be getting it again, but it will be up to everyone to decide if it is worth it to them (about $28/night extra per room). Approximate pricing for these options is below. Keep in mind that prices are per room, include tax, and are in Canadian currency.

• Studio room: $126/night (preferred view: $154/night)
  
• 1-bedroom villa: $203/night (preferred view: $246/night)
  
• 1-bedroom villa + studio rooms: (approximate)
  
  • $145/night
    
  • preferred view only with shared rooms: $163/night
    
  • all rooms preferred view: $177/night
    

You may be interested to know that Disney's posted rates for BoardWalk Villas standard-view studio rooms start at over $400 per night; $550 for standard-view 1-bedroom villas.