Making Lasting Memories At Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas

Our family went to Walt Disney World this past week. It was spring break here, so our daughters, their families and the in-laws of our youngest daughter joined us on this trip. Things have been really busy since we returned home, so I fell sadly behind with posting. I really missed visiting with all of you and seeing what you were up to and I hope to catch up with you soon!

It will come as no surprise to anyone who knows our family that we love pretty much any and all things Disney. We have been visiting Walt Disney World since our older daughter was barely seven years old. She is now forty-two. Our younger daughter had not yet been born. We would plan and save for our WDW vacations, all year long. We enjoy traveling to other places, but WDW is our all-around favorite vacation destination. Maybe it is because it brings out the child in all of us and takes away some of our worries, even if for only a time, and we all need that.

About five years ago, we decided to join the Disney Vacation Club. It was a good decision for us. You can visit (disneyvacationclub.com), if you want to find out more about it. Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas is our "home" resort. I am not being compensated for this post, but I wanted to share with you this charming place called Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas.

Disney's Boardwalk Villas, Our Home Resort


The design and concept of Disney's  Boardwalk Inn and & Villas was inspired by the boardwalks of Atlantic City, N.J. and other Atlantic coast resort areas of the day. The resort was built on the south shore of Disney's Crescent Lake and is located somewhat adjacent to Disney Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. These two resorts can be seen in these pictures, which I took while standing on the boardwalk at Boardwalk Inn & Villas.

Our daughter, Stephanie, and her family stayed at the Beach Club Villas with Berry and Kathy, her husbands parents, who are also members of DVC.  The Beach Club is also a beautiful and elegant resort and is within about 5 minutes walk or a relaxing ferry boat ride across from the Boardwalk. Because of the many shops, restaurants, clubs and entertainment (magicians, jugglers, comedians, games, etc.) taking place on the boardwalk, it is a popular place. Many people come over  from other Disney Resorts to enjoy it. Even those who are visiting WDW for the day, or just enjoying a romantic evening out, will come to spend time at the Boardwalk. It is wonderful to walk along or sit at night on the boardwalk and watch all the goings-on and entertainers performing.
View Of The Boardwalk As You Walk Toward Epcot
View Of The Boardwalk Walking From Epcot
More Shops Along The Boardwalk

The Gateway to the World Showcase of Epcot, my husband's and my favorite Disney park, is about  5 minutes walk from Boardwalk Inn & Villas. If you don't care to walk, you can board one of the Friendship Ferry Boats, pictured here. The Swan & Dolphin Resorts are pictured directly behind the boat and the Yacht Club is on the right. The ferry boat can be taken to or from any of these resorts. You can walk or jog (if you like) around from one to the other on a wide, paved pathway and bridge.
Friendship Ferry Boat
The front lobby is a wonderfully fascinating and beautiful place. In it, you will be enchanted by an exquisite miniature hand-crafted carousel, which was purchased by the Walt Disney Company to place on display in the Boardwalk Inn's Lobby. It was built by M.C. Illions sometime during the 1920's. Illions was a designer and manufacturer of  full-sized carousels. This little merry-go-round was built to scale to be used to demonstrate Mr. Illions work to prospects in the market for a merry-go-round. It was restored to its original beauty by Disney Imagineers and a few "hidden Mickeys" were added during the process. It is my understanding that the speed of this miniature is scaled to match that of the King Arthur Carousel  located at Disneyland in California. It is fascinating to watch each uniquely different one of its forty-four hand-carved horses, which seem to virtually float up and down as it turns.
Hand-crafted Carousel Designed By M.C. Illions In 1920's

 Here is what you see if you look upward when you enter through the front entrance of the resort.
Hippocampus Electrolier Chandelier
The animals on this magnificent chandelier are mythological creatures called Hippocampus which were a combination of   sea-horse and fish. In between each Hippocampus and holding the lights is a cherub. It is said to weigh about 3000 pounds and finished in 22-carat gold, Austrian crystals and blown-glass light fixtures. It is a huge fixture. Truly a sight to behold.


This is one of the many magnificent chandeliers hanging in the lobby. I think there are eight or more, but I forgot to count them. You can't tell from this picture, but they are gigantic.
This is a miniature replica of a roller-coaster which was located in Luna Park. It was called the Flip-Flap and was supposedly the first upside down loop roller-coaster in the world. For some reason, I had a difficult time getting a picture of the entire coaster. It is so detailed, right down to the little lights along the track.
This is a picture of, I believe, the actual Flip-Flap roller-coaster taken at Luna Park many years ago. This hangs beside the fireplace in the lobby. I did not do a very good job taking a picture of a picture, as you can see.


These chairs were called "nanny chairs" and were placed on 19th century  European carousels. Their purpose was for seating adults while their children were riding on moving animals. A lot of work obviously went into the carving of these and the colors are lovely. However, I think their faces look pretty scary, don't you?

This is a picture of an elephant which I believe was supposed to have been built for the purpose of promoting the sale of real estate and to attract tourists. The actual structure was said to have been about six stories in height. From what I have read,the actual elephant was called Lucy. There was a wonderful replica of this elephant on the mantel above the fireplace in the lobby, but I cannot seem to locate the picture I shot of it.
Angela On The Spacious And Beautiful Porch At The Back Of The  Lobby And Overlooking The Boardwalk

Our Daughter Angela And Her Husband Jimmy
Glenn And I On The Day We Arrived At Boardwalk Villas
This picture was taken as we sat in one of the "kissing chairs" located on the wonderful covered porch which is on the second floor as you walk out of the lobby. The porch overlooks the boardwalk and the view of Crescent Lake is beautiful from this porch.
Angela & Jimmy With Their Three Children Sitting On The Boardwalk
The boardwalk is very long. It circles around and the Dance Hall can be seen in the background.

The Pool With Kiester Coaster Water Slide At Luna Park
This is one of the resort's pools. It is called Luna Park and features a huge "coaster" slide called the Kiester Coaster. There is a giant clown's head at the bottom and the slide ends as you come out of his mouth.
Leaping Horse Libations-For Poolside Refreshments
The design of Leaping Horse Libations is in the style of a merry-go-round with all the colorful decorations and ornamentation and striped roof. It is one of my favorite things about the pool area because it makes me feel like a child when I look at it.


View Of The Back Disney's Boardwalk Inn, Taken Around The Bend Coming From Disney's Beach Club
 This is a final shot. This gives you an idea of the size of the fabulous boardwalk at Disney's Boardwalk Inn & Villas. I was going to share some of the photographs of the inside of our villa, but I will have to save that for another day.

Some wonderful memories were made last week. Some for Glenn and me and some for our daughters and their families.  Jimmy's illness has changed us and made us all acutely aware of how each moment we share together is precious and is to be deeply cherished, for we are not promised tomorrow.

May you be blessed.


Comments

From the smiles and happy faces it is obvious that you had a wonderful vacation. What a nice photo of you and your husband. I'm sure lots of life long memories were made on this trip. Glad you had such a good time.
NanaDiana said…
We love it there, too. It is such a happy, peaceful place. Do you know I was about the 10th person in line the day the opened to the public? I still love Disney! xo Diana
I am so glad that you got away with your family! I have never been to disney because my folks couldn't afford to take all 6 of us there when I was growing up but I think a trip is in order for my beans!! Such beautiful scenery and so many great shops! And I like the history bits you included like those carved chairs...very interesting! Of course I just like all things old! How wonderful that you were able to create more memories as a family! I will continue to pray for Jimmy...Have a lovely weekend!
Laurie said…
I agree with Shannon, the smiles says it all. You sure do know your history of it, too. I think It's time Cliff and I take the grandkids. But maybe later in the year, after it cools down a bit. I'm sorry, I didn't know your husband was ill. I'm so happy that you were able to make such lasting memories.
lynn cockrell said…
It is so good to hear from you, Shannon! Thank you for stopping by. I really missed being in touch with my blogger friends. We did have a very good time. We stayed pretty busy and it was a good thing. The younger of our 2 grandsons celebrated his 12th birthday while we were down there and it was a good day and we had fun celebrating. Have a blessed day!
lynn cockrell said…
It truly is a place where you can go and forget your troubles while you are there. There is always something to see and do. I find that even though I have seen some of the attractions many times, there will be something I missed before. How exciting to have been at Disney World for the grand opening! What memories you must have of that time. That is something truly special and wonderful. Walt Disney was such a visionary and left behind a lasting legacy for the world to enjoy. Thanks so much for sharing!
lynn cockrell said…
We have really been looking forward to and anticipating this trip, probably more than any so far. My folks would not have been able to afford the trip with us either, even if Disney World had been there. We did scrimp and scrape to save for our trips down there to take our girls, but we were hooked after the first time we went.I think if you take your little ones you would have a really special time, especially if you could manage to go in the off season when rates are cheaper and crowds are not so bad. You can get better rate then, too, especially at the "value" resorts like Pop Century. Our neighbors(2 door up) went down the week we were there. Their young family are friends with our daughters and the children are good friends, so they were able to spend time together there, as well. They stayed at Fort Wilderness Camp Ground because they have a camper. We rented a scooter for Jimmy, so he was able to do things without tiring so easily. Thank you for continuing to pray for him and their family. Prayer helps more than chemo and radiation ever can. God bless you with a beautiful day!
lynn cockrell said…
I'm so glad you stopped by, Laurie. Though I do know a good bit about all things Disney, I can't remember everything, so I did do a bit of research on some of the things shown in this post. As I was telling Nicole, if you can manage to go off-season, you will get the best deals on rates and, as you said, the weather will be cooler, as well. It wasn't as bad for us this spring break because our break fell at a different time than most of Florida and other states. They try to have it during Masters week here and somehow it worked out a little differently this time. My husband and I plan to start making some off-season visits now(when we go alone). I have provided day-care for the grands since I quit working some yrs. ago. The youngest, Rachel, will start K5 this coming fall, so Glenn & I will be able to go in the off-season. My son-in-law, Jimmy(the one in the picture with Angela and kids), is the one who is battling Stage IV kidney cancer, so it was wonderful that he was able to make the trip. We rented a scooter for him and he was able to get around without wearing himself out. Thanks for checking. I'm trying to catch up on all of the blogs I follow, including yours. Bless you and have a gorgeous day!
Wonderful post Lynn, I can tell you had a wonderful time :)

hugs,
Wendy
Anya said…
Lynn, what a wonderful place!! I'd like to come in the USA again! About the award...non you are not in late. As I told you, you can go in "awards received" and take one. You should quote my blog. If you have an e-mail I can give it. Thank you again for your wonderful comments!!!! with love,
Bogomilla
lynn cockrell said…
Many thanks, Bogomilla! My e-mail address is mimilynn01@gmail.com. Please send by e-mail if you do not mind doing so and I hope I can take it from there. Lots of love to you!

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