Hi James,
Welcome to the Moms Panel! The Disney's Boardwalk Villas is a Disney Vacation Club resort, however you do not have to be a vacation club member to make a reservation there.
Both resorts are located in the same area, and share the same lobby, reception desk, pool, transportation etc. The main difference will be in the layout and decor of the rooms. At the Boardwalk Inn you will have two queen size beds, whereas at the villas you will have a queen size bed and a pullout sofa. The villas are equipped with a small kitchenette (microwave, sink, refrigerator, coffee pot), and the Inn simply has the refrigerator and coffee pot.
I suggest you check out
www.allearsnet.com, and look under their accommodations section for lots of detailed pictures of both resorts.
Hope this helps!