Hi, Lori!
Thanks for checking in with the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
My kids and I stayed at
Disney's BoardWalk Inn Resort a couple of years ago and it's one visit we have talked about for a long time. The resort is smaller than many and it's walking distance from Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. My kids say their favorite part was the old-time feel of the resort, the beautiful gardens by
Disney's BoardWalk shops and the Atlantic City-style
Luna Park Pool. If your kids are afraid of clowns, I would recommend not taking the kids to the pool. But if they don't mind, the pool is fun since the slide ends through the mouth of an old-time clown face. If I could afford it, my family would stay at one of the three hotels in the Epcot Resort area every time we visit Walt Disney World Resort.
Yes, the resorts are a little more formal. But they are beautiful and comfortable. We loved it! I think you would too.
Let me know if I can help answer any additional questions before your visit to Disney World.
-Jen