Disney's New Boardwalk Inn Rooms | Why I'm a Lug Bag Convert | EPCOT World Celebration Ignored Festival of the Arts?
Bonus: Preview of Disneyland Paris' "reimagined" Disneyland Hotel
Greetings from Hoth,
Today is Day #7 of single-digit temps and sub-zero wind chill here in the cornfields of the Midwest.
I had initially hoped being homebound would help with my productivity. But in reality, it’s only made matters worse as I clocked several hours on Saturday crunching the numbers on a cruise versus a return trip to Walt Disney World.
Here’s hoping the coming week is better in terms of temperature and my planner.
Now, this week was somewhat slower in terms of news, but there’s still quite a bit to discuss. Plus, I’m ready to share my experience at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort and EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts.
Disney Boardwalk Inn Resort Room Review
I should start by saying this stay was a milestone for me since the Boardwalk Inn was the only Disney Deluxe Resort (both at WDW and Disneyland) that I have never stayed at.
Also, Disney recently refurbished the Boardwalk’s rooms; and as I mentioned in previous posts, this was the first recent room redo I actually liked.
For my review, I’m rating the room category by category with a little explanation for each.
For reference, I stayed in Room 2291 which was a Resort View room located on the 2nd floor and within a literal stone’s throw from the Belle Vue Lounge.
Check out my room tour below:
Room Decor/Theming: 4.5 ⭐️
As expected, I loved the new room decor. It actually reflected both Disney and the Boardwalk itself. Disney Resorts are at their best when Disney realizes their resort hotels as characters and/or attractions within themselves.
These framed vintage cameos of Mickey, Minnie, & Pluto, and the cameo curtains, need to be sold in the gift shop so I can bring them home.
The only downer? The plaid headboards.
Use of Space: 5 ⭐️
FANTASTIC closet & storage space. All the stars.
The tiny phone shelves next to the bed - which are a real Disney Resort trend these days - are a win as well.
Comfort: 4.5 ⭐️
The beds and pillows hit the Goldilocks goal of being not too soft and not too hard, and they didn’t have that filmy texture of the Value and some Moderate Resorts. Plus, Disney had an extra blanket and pillow in the closet for those (like me) who are never not cold.
The only reason I docked the comfort category half a point was for the fold-out couch. No, I didn’t sleep on it, but the fabric and feel weren’t up to the quality of other sofas as Disney Deluxe Resorts.
Location: 3.5 ⭐️
At first, I loved the fact my room was two doors away from the lounge and lobby. I could be outside and on my way to EPCOT in 30 seconds.
Unfortunately, this plus quickly turned into a minus at night as guests returned to their rooms, crowded around the nearby elevator bank, and made all kinds of noise at the lounge.
One night in particular I woke up to what sounded like construction or renovation. My suspicions were confirmed the next morning when I saw tarps and walls surrounding the entrance.
Now, this may have more to do with quality than location, but I was equally surprised at how easily I could hear guests in other rooms. At times, it reminded me of past experiences at Value Resorts where I knew when someone next door was taking a shower or watching TV. Definitely a surprise given the Boardwalk is a Deluxe Resort.
Also, my Resort View room opened onto a shared patio (despite being considered on the second floor?) and faced a tall, white lattice wall blocking the view of the resort portico.
Amenities/Extras: 4 ⭐️
The closet/cabinet/storage space that occupies the entryway wall is decorated by three full-length mirrors. Sometimes, it’s tough to find even one so three put the Deluxe in Disney Deluxe Resort.
Keurig was appreciated but not used. I’m a cold-coffee Starbucks girl. Boo for the 40-degree coolers posing as a mini-fridge, the lack of a cozy robe, and only a lotion and bar of soap that I could take home.
Overall Score: 4.3 ⭐️
Is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Worth Staying At?
As for the Boardwalk Inn Resort itself, it’s tough to beat its location. Its access to the International Gateway (aka EPCOT’s backdoor) and a Skyliner Station isn’t just a convenience but a luxury.
However, if I had to pick between all the Crescent Lake resorts (Boardwalk, Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Swan and Dolphin), I’m picking the Beach Club for the sake of the pool and indoor access to the gift shop and dining.
For instance, at the Boardwalk, if the weather’s bad or you need a snack or sundry item from the shops, you have to go outside and onto the boardwalk itself.
(This could’ve been cozy if not for the infamous “nanny chairs.”)
Overall, the Crescent Lake resorts aren’t quite my favorite of the Disney Deluxes.
Yes, they’re themed and experiences within themselves (they also smell great IYKYK), but they’re more linear in their layout and lack the grandeur and resort experience offered at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and the Bay Lake Resorts.
Bonjour, New Bucket List Disney Hotel
Now that I’ve covered the resort hotel I just experienced, let me share a few details about the hotel I want to stay at next: Disneyland Paris’ refurbished “reimagined” Disneyland Hotel.
Opening January 25, the Disneyland Hotel looks like the best of the Grand Floridian, the detail of the Disneyland Paris Resort, a dash of the Disney Wish’s royal touches, and literally ALL of the royal Disney characters.
I just love everything I’ve seen so far, like this ceiling 🤩
THAT chandelier 💎
Everything in this merchandise photo 🤑
I’m sure there will be more to share once the hotel doors reopen later this week; but in the meantime, consider this an appetizer.
EPCOT’s World Celebration Avoids Celebrating Festival of the Arts
Since this year’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is officially in full swing (and since EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival kicks off next month), let’s talk about this event and World Celebration.
As for the latter, and much to my shock, the Festival of the Arts completely ignored EPCOT’s long-awaited new space.
That centerpiece planter (which is worse in person than in pictures) wasn’t even utilized, and all this new open area was completely devoid of festival booths?
As a result, all those IKEA table seating areas were empty while guests were still eating on trashcans in other corners of the parks.
I get that World Celebration and Festival of the Arts opened relatively close to one another, but it was jarring to see how crowded World Showcase was in contrast to the newly opened heart of the park.
As for the rest of the area, the embedded LED lights still aren’t working, and there’s a shocking amount of rust used as design flourishes in the planters and seating areas. It’s a bit weird.
Granted, I did enjoy all the open space after the claustrophobic maze of walls from recent years. But is it actually worth seeing or checking out? Are we better off than we were four years ago?
The Secret’s Out About EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts
Once upon a time, EPCOT’s newest and briefest festival was relatively low-key with a lot to see and do and so much art to browse.
This year? The lines to get into the artists’ tents rivaled that of the festival food booths and even some attractions.
So if you’re planning to check it out, be warned. It may be January and/or February, but you still need to steer clear of the weekends. Visit during the week.
Adding to the close quarters is the fact that many of the festival’s additional activities (including the ever-popular paint-by-number mural) are off the beaten path and tucked in tight, high-traffic areas, making the lack of World Celebration’s use all the more glaring.
Even if you know EPCOT like your own backyard, you may need to consult the festival guidebook or the map on the app just to know where everything is.
(No, I didn’t get the Figment popcorn bucket.)
From a merch perspective, I think I’ll remember this Festival of the Arts as the beginning of the end of the Loungefly era.
As teased at the 2023 Destination D23, Lug bags not only made their parks debut with a specialty Festival of the Arts bag but also on Disney Cruise Line and Aulani.
While I didn’t purchase the festival Lug bag (Figment purple pigment isn’t my color💜), I will be making a Lug purchase sooner rather than later.
They’re SO light and clearly designed by someone whose rope dropped and park-hopped until fireworks.
The side pouch can actually hold a water bottle, the material feels waterproof, and there’s even a hidden zip for valuables.
Well done, Lug. Well done.
Reactions to Other Disney News:
The Lizzie McGuire Disney+ Reboot Was NOT “What Dreams Are Made Of”
PSA: Adults need innocence & a “happily ever after” more than kids. Shocked to say I’m glad Disney passed on this, but they can still make it up to me with by greenlighting a “Lizzie McGuire Movie” Vespa ride at the World Showcase’s Italy Pavilion.
Disney Celebrates Imagineer Lanny Smoot & His “HoloTile” Floor
Absolutely fantastic. Love that the “HoloTile” floor is physical and tactile, and so appreciate Imagineering spotlights like this. Also, how cool was it seeing Smoot’s lab?! And, am I crazy, or did I detect a Star Wars tease at the 1:26 minute mark?
New Details About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Hurray for the latest audio-animatronic tech, but how many audio-animatronics are we getting?
What I’m Working On:
Dune 2 Release Date Delay Explained: Here’s Why WB Changed Its 2023 Date
The 2024 blockbuster season begins March 1, y’all.
Every Marvel Character Disney World Legally Can Include at Its Park
My latest big feature on the Disney Parks & the MCU.
Moana Live-Action Movie Release, Cast & Everything We Know
The only live-action remake I’m remotely excited about…
Speaking of which, my goal is to talk about Disney Cruise Line’s Moana stage show and EPCOT’s Journey of Water Inspired by Moana in an additional post this week.
Please consider sharing and/or subscribing if you’re so inclined and have a magical week!