Disney’s BoardWalk: Part resort hotel, part destination, 100% Disney magic. So, what makes this resort unique and special? And why do we recommend a visit, even if you choose to stay elsewhere?
In this complete guide to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort we will cover:
- Resort Pros and Cons
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort Rooms and Accommodations
- Dining at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Entertainment at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Shopping at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort Location and Transportation
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
The Walt Disney World Resort is home to over 25 resort hotels within its property. Each resort hotel fits into one of these three categories: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is one of Disney’s Deluxe Resort Hotel properties.
Tucked behind the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers guests deluxe accommodations, fine and casual dining, and entertainment. This resort hotel is not just a place to stay, it truly is a destination that should not be missed.
Beautifully surrounded by Crescent lake and inspired by turn-of-the-century boardwalks as the ones found in Coney Island and Atlantic City, this resort/destination spans a quarter of a mile of dining, shopping, entertainment, and more! So, without further ado, let’s dive in with all the must-see and must-do’s at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!
The Pros and Cons of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort
Pros
- Walking distance to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Close proximity to Disney Skyliner Station
- Dining Options: Quick Service, Table Service, and Signature Dining options
- Plentiful entertainment options
- Large pool with water slide
- Deluxe accommodations
- Fireworks views from two theme parks
Cons
- Pricey
- Some transportation options can be slow (Boats)
- Not close to the Monorail
- Rooms are spread out most are not close to the lobby
- Quick Service option is grab & go; no inside seating
- Themeing not as kid-friendly as the value resorts
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort Accommodations
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas Resort is home to 378 guest rooms. Most standard rooms sleep up to 5-guests in two queen beds and an upholstered sleeper sofa. Each room is approximately 371 square feet. King bed rooms are also available.
Equipped with coffee makers, a mini-fridge, flat-panel TV, a safe for your valuables, full dresser for convenient storage to unpack your luggage, an area with a table and two chairs, ironing board and iron, double sinks in the bathrooms, a full-sized hairdryer, and H2O-brand toiletries that will make you feel and smell pixie-dusted and refreshed after a long day at the parks. Free Wifi is also available to all resort guests.
Rooms rates vary by date, availability, and room category. Disney’s BoardWalk standard rooms are categorized by view; Standard View, Garden View, and Water View.
Club Level Deluxe Rooms are roomier than the standard rooms at the resort and can sleep up to 6-adults.
Club Level Amenities
- Evening turndown
- Access to Disney Signature Services—for personal assistance with your vacation. Call: 407-939-7777
- Complimentary fax assistance
- Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
- Complimentary health club access
- Continental Breakfast, Midday Snacks and Evening Wine, Cheese, Cordials, and Dessert
- Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
- Access to Concierge Service at the Innkeeper’s Club
- Complimentary newspapers in Club Level lounge
Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s BoardWalk
Need a little more room during your stay, the DVC (Disney’s Vacation Club) Villas at Disney’s BoardWalk will provide you with all the room and amenities your family needs to make you feel at home.
The 2-Bedroom Lock-Off Villa sleeps up to 9 adults and includes 1 king-size bed, 1 queen-size bed, 1 full-size sleeper sofa, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 single pull-down bed (29″ x 67″).
Have a family reunion you’re wanting to plan for Disney? The 3-Bedroom Grand Villa sleeps up to 12-adults! Equipped with 1 king-size bed, 4 queen-size beds, and 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, we know you’ll make all the family reunion memories there you won’t soon forget!
Resort Recreation
Disney resort recreation is exclusive for hotel guests. Guests staying at the resort can enjoy access to the pools, tennis courts, health club, and more resort guest exclusive amenities.
Disney’s BoardWalk Pool
The Luna Park Pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is aptly carnival-themed so you can clown around and have a splash-tastic time!
The massive slide that spouts out of a clown’s mouth is 200-feet-long! Fun spouting trunks of smiling elephant statues and a kiddie pool will keep the crew busy during your resort play day. And after a super long park day, head on down and unwind in the whirlpool spa.
Two additional pools with spas are also available at this resort hotel, for a quieter, more relaxing time.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Location
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is conveniently located in the Epcot Resort area. A short walk will get you to the Epcot International Gateway; the entrance located in the World Showcase side of the park.
With other neighboring Disney resort hotels like Disney’s Beach Club and Yacht Club, and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, this resort area is bustling with activities, dining, shopping, and of course, tons of Disney magic!
Disney’s BoardWalk Transportation
When you stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, you will have access to several transportation options that are conveniently located to the resort hotel and will transport you to all the theme parks, Disney Springs and more!
Boats, Buses, and Disney’s Skyliner
As a guest at the Walt Disney World Resort, you can enjoy complimentary transportation throughout the resort. From Disney’s BoardWalk, the best options for transportation are:
Disney Buses and Disney’s Magical Express
You can hop on a Disney Bus to take you to your destination. From the Magic Kingdom to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, you never have to worry about how to get to the magic. Disney’s complimentary buses will take the guesswork out of resort transportation.
The bus stop is conveniently located by the front entrance of the resort hotel.
Check your My Disney Experience mobile app for bus schedules.
Disney’s Magical Express is the complimentary service that takes guests from the Orlando International Airport to their resort hotel on Disney property. Once you’ve made your resort reservation, visit this link to request the service.
Disney Water Transportation
Hop on a fun Disney boat to get to Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts.
The Disney Skyliner
Disney’s newest mode of transportation is conveniently located right outside Epcot’s International Gateway. The Skyliner station is within walking distance from the resort and will have you taking flight in no time to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
This transportation option is as convenient as it is fun! We recommend taking flight even if just to enjoy the ride and the views. Explore other resort and dining options on property via the Skyliner. It will add more magic and adventure to your visit!
Dining at Disney’s BoardWalk
You can’t go on vacation without enjoying some special cuisine and indulging a little, right? Especially when vacationing at the Walt Disney World Resort where dining is part of the experience!
Well, Disney’s BoardWalk has you covered with plentiful options from snacks to fine dining. However, we must warn you! We don’t recommend reading this while hungry! So, grab a snack, and let’s talk Disney food!
Quick Service Dining at Disney’s BoardWalk
Quick service is the fast-casual dining option at the Walt Disney World Resort offering budget-friendly dining options that are $14.99 or less per dish. Options include Counter Service, Fast Casual, Food Trucks, and more.
The BoardWalk Bakery
Each Disney resort hotel has a Quick Service option for guests to enjoy a fast, casual meal with inexpensive options that are a good bang for your buck and still Disney yummy!
Located at the heart of the BoardWalk, Disney’s BoardWalk Bakery offers just that. You can also enjoy some baked delights that will draw you in from the outside with that classic bakery smell that seeps into the air as you approach the restaurant.
From cupcakes, pastries, and other desserts, to breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, the BoardWalk bakery will tame that rumbly in your tumbly quickly and delightfully!
The BoardWalk Bakery is also the spot where you can pick up and refill your Resort Refillable Mugs that come with the Disney Dining Plans or can be purchased separately. The Resort Refillable Mugs remain active for the length of your stay and can be refilled at any of the Disney Resort Hotels on Property.
Some seating is offered outside of the Bakery. Disney Dining Plans are accepted at this location.
The BoardWalk Pizza Window
Walk right up and enjoy pizza by the slice or order a full pie. This easy and family-pleasing meal will get you fueled up and ready to go back to enjoy the magic!
The menu also includes sandwiches, salads, desserts, and soft drinks. Alcoholic drinking options like beer, wine, and sangria are also available.
Outside seating is available. Disney’s Dining Plans accepted.
The To-Go Cart
Classic carnival food to go with the traditional midway atmosphere, the To-Go cart offers all the favorites! Hot dogs, corndogs, chicken fingers, hamburgers, and more that you can top off with a refreshing milkshake and enjoy while you explore the BoardWalk.
Outside seating is available. Disney’s Dining Plans not accepted at this location.
ChEARs to some adult-time at Disney! We love enjoying a date-night or a Girl’s night out at Disney’s BoardWalk. BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas is a fun stop for some yummy libations to make your visit a little more grown-up and festive!
With delicious Margaritas and Piña Coladas, and some non-alcoholic versions of these tasty drinks, you’ll be glad you made a pit stop at BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas!
Our favorite is Captain’s Seaside Sensation. It’s basically a DOLE Whip® Pineapple Smoothie topped with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum. Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of YUM!
Don’t forget the snacks! This kiosk also offers nachos, roasted nuts, and Mickey pretzels!
Disney Dining Plans not accepted.
Ample Hills Creamery
If you’ve never enjoyed Ample Hills Creamery ice cream, you are missing out! This is our personal favorite ice cream on property! The options are as unique as they are tasty. We’re still trying to choose a favorite but there are too many options to pick from. But no worries. It’s just the reason we need to keep visiting!
With over 18 flavors to choose from, milkshakes, and sundaes galore, you might even want to skip dinner altogether and indulge in one of these treats during your visit!
Our favorite is the create-your-own Ooey Gooey Butter Cake Sundae. Pick up to three flavors and dive into this sky-high sharable treat topped with mounds of whipped cream, your pick of toppings, and a cherry. So tasty!
They also offer pints you can grab and go so you can enjoy in your room or on the go at the parks!
Outside seating is available. Disney Dining Plans are not accepted.
Funnel Cake Cart
You can’t visit a carnival without enjoying some funnel cake! Same goes for Disney’s BoardWalk. It will be near impossible to resist this Funnel Cake Cart as you approach it and get pulled in by that yummy and sweet irresistible aroma.
Get your funnel cake fresh ‘n’ hot with optional toppings like ice cream, powdered sugar, or drizzle with chocolate syrup. Yum!
It is important to note that although this treat is labeled as a snack, Disney Dining Plan credits are not accepted.
Belle Vue Lounge
This lounge located inside the resort hotel is a great spot to unwind. Styled in a very 1930’s era flair, you can enjoy cocktails and board games, and if you visit in the morning, you can get your caffeine fix with some coffee and pastries to get you going!
Table Service Dining at Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney’s Table Service dining category includes restaurants from Character buffets to fine dining options. Reservations are strongly encouraged as these restaurants tend to fill up.
Pricing varies and ranges between $15 to $59.99 per adult.
There are 4 Table Service Dining locations at Disney’s BoardWalk; a much longer list than what most Disney resort hotels offer. With casual dining options like the ESPN Club to Fine/Signature Dining like Flying Fish restaurant, you’ll likely find something that will suit your plans and satisfy your cravings.
Here are the Table Service options at Disney’s BoardWalk:
ESPN Club
Just as the name suggests, this restaurant will get the sports fan in your life doing chest bumps as they enjoy their favorite game while they dine! With classic American pub cuisine, sports entertainment, and shopping you can score a three-pointer at this one-stop destination for sports fans!
Massive Screens throughout the establishment and outside will ensure your sports lover doesn’t miss that special game they have been looking forward to! And while they watch, you can enjoy a yummy meal with the family before you head back to the magic.
This restaurant does accept Disney’s Dining Plan. One Entitlement/Dining Plan Credit Required.
Big River Grille & Brewing Works
Big River Grille & Brewing Works is the only working brewpub at Walt Disney World. This family-friendly microbrewery offers award-winning, handcrafted ales and lagers.
With awesome views of Crescent Lake and floor to ceiling windows that allow guests to watch brewmasters at work while you enjoy American pub classics like loaded nachos, salads, sandwiches, and some tasty plates like this favorite, the Flame-grilled Meatloaf made with ground beef and Italian pork sausage with brown gravy served over white cheddar mashed potatoes with vegetables, you are guaranteed to leave FULL!
Disney’ Dining Plan Credits are not accepted at this location.
Flying Fish Restaurant
This exquisite option for seafood and American cuisine is the perfect spot for a special evening. Get dressed up and hit the town… or Disney’s BoardWalk in this case!
Flying Fish offers beautifully plated appetizers and main entrees that will delight your eyes and your taste buds. With elegant entrée options like the Angus Filet Mignon that is served with asparagus, sweet onion risotto, and truffle sauce, or the Potato-wrapped Red Snapper with Leek Fondue, in a Cassis-Red Wine Reduction, this special meal is a great place to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary or an engagement!
If you want to splurge, the Tomahawk Rib-Eye for two served with pomme purée and heirloom tomatoes looks delightful. But it will set you back $150, so this option is not on our budget-friendly list. This one is definitely more for those special occasions.
This signature dining restaurant is only open for dinner. Be sure to lock in those dining reservations in advance. You won’t want to miss out on this hidden gem!
This restaurant does accept Disney’s Dining Plan. Two Entitlements/Dining Plan Credits Required.
Trattoria al Forno Restaurant
This delizioso Italian restaurant offers two dining alternatives; a Character Breakfast option and a casual sit-down table service style dinner option without characters.
The Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast features fairy tale couple favorites Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, and Ariel and Prince Eric.
Related: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn hosting an enchanted “Tangled”-themed date night for Valentine’s Day
Start your breakfast off with a sharable offering of seasonal fruit and freshly baked pastries for the table. Then, choose your main dish with options like the frittata with roasted red peppers, prosciutto, onions, potatoes and Pecorino Romano cheese, the fluffy buttermilk pancakes with bacon or sausage, or the breakfast calzone with scrambled eggs, cured meat and a blend of cheeses stuffed in an oven-baked dough and served with Sunday gravy. You’ll be so glad you left your tower to try this tasty breakfast!
The Disney website describes this restaurant as a “tour of Italy with a tempting array of regional specialties and crowd-pleasing classics. Showcasing an artisanal menu, this warm ‘n’ cozy trattoria celebrates the diversity of Italian cuisine with authentic ingredients and recipes hailing from Milan to Rome.” Doesn’t that sound delicious? Salutí!
Italian wines, signature cocktails, and Italian beers will have you saying chEARs as you enjoy your meal and drinks at this delicious Italian restaurant.
If you’re planning a visit during the holidays, we recommend a Dining Package for the Epcot® International Festival of the Holidays – Candlelight Processional. This guarantees your seating for the show with your meal.
Currently, you can choose Trattoria al Forno Restaurant as one of the restaurant options for the Dining Package. Always verify the most up-to-date information with the website by visiting this link.
This restaurant does accept Disney’s Dining Plan. One Entitlement/Dining Plan Credit Required for either the Character Breakfast or the dinner option.
AbracadaBar
There’s no hocus pocus here, but you might be able to conjure up some cocktails that will make other visitors miss that sleight of hand trick when you make them disappear.
Located right next to Flying Fish Restaurant, AbracadaBar offers a cool, quiet lounge space where you can enjoy sophisticated social club vibes and handcrafted cocktails.
Tables in Wonderland
Enjoy access to a bountiful buffet of dining discounts and benefits at Walt Disney World Resort. Tables in Wonderland is exclusive to Florida Residents, Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members.
Are you a Tables in Wonderland member? Make sure you bring it with you when you visit Disney’s BoardWalk so you can enjoy that discount in select dining location. Don’t forget you can also enjoy the Tables in Wonderland discount on alcoholic drinks.
Entertainment at Disney’s BoardWalk
Did you know you don’t have to be staying at Disney’s BoardWalk to visit this resort destination? All guests visiting the Walt Disney World Resort are welcome to visit Disney’s BoardWalk, and we highly recommend it!
Not only can you enjoy fantastic dining options, but there’s nightly entertainment you don’t want to miss. Here’s what to do at Disney’s BoardWalk!
Atlantic Dance Hall
Get ready to dance the night away to ‘80s, ‘90s and today’s top hits at this stylish nightclub for guests 21 years of age and older.
The Atlantic Dance Hall has ample dancing room in its Art Deco ballroom and stunning views of Crescent lake off the second-story balconies.
For current schedules, visit this link.
Jellyrolls
Don’t let the name deceive you! Jellyrolls is not a candy store or a bakery. In fact, no food is served other than tasty popcorn. However, what IS served is the sweetest dueling pianos you’ve ever heard.
Send in your requests, tips won’t be denied, and let these piano prodigies sing the night away and battle it out with all your favorite tunes.
Pro-tip! If Scottie is in the house, make sure you put in a request for Rainbow Connection– the Muppets version. You won’t be sorry!
Jellyrolls serves Guests 21 years of age and older and there is a cover charge to enter. Check out the schedule so you can add a stop to this great entertainment venue at Disney’s BoardWalk when you swing by, by visiting this link.
Surrey Bikes
Get a different view of the resort by riding along the BoardWalk in a Surrey Bike! These fun, family-friendly ride vehicles accommodate 2, 4, or up to 6-guests.
So, go ahead and burn off that Ample Hills Ice Cream treat by pedaling the night away. They are so much fun!
Surrey Bike rentals begin at $25.
Movies Under the Stars
Each evening, weather permitting, in the grassy area in the center of Disney’s BoardWalk, a movie screen magically appears showing your favorite Disney movies.
Refer to the entertainment schedule on location at the resort to see which movies will be playing during your visit. You can also check with the resort Front Desk, or call (407) 939-2273 for more information.
Street Performers
Throughout the evenings, you will be surprised and delighted by street style performances from jugglers, magicians, and the like. You never know what you’ll experience at night at Disney’s BoardWalk!
Now that you know what you can do when you visit Disney’s BoardWalk, let’s discuss other amenities you can enjoy!
Related: Join a pirate crew, go to mermaid school, and more new things to do at Walt Disney World
Shopping at Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney’s Character Carnival
Find your favorite Disney apparel, accessories, pins, gifts & housewares, and spirits at this charming souvenir shop.
Screen Door General Store
Pick up some essentials like milk and bread, snacks and other general store finds at this fun pit-stop shop at the BoardWalk.
Thimbles & Threads
Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt. Make sure you grab the quintessential Disney souvenir tee before you head back home at this gift shop! You can also pick up some pins and other goodies at this fun shop.
Wyland Galleries – BoardWalk
This art gallery is a hidden gem at the BoardWalk. With amazing art pieces, you can admire and take home with you, you’ll really want to stop by and take in all the stunning works of art that are on display here.
Now that you know you want to visit Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, make sure you reach out to our friends at Academy Travel* for a no-obligation, free quote for your magical visit to the Walt Disney World Resort.
We hope you get to visit and enjoy Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort soon! Let us know in the comments if you’re planning a visit and if you have any questions about the resort we didn’t answer. See ya real soon at Disney’s BoardWalk!