We’re positive we are able to all agree that Disney is admittedly, actually good at plenty of issues: tv, motion pictures, theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, eating ideas, customer support, merchandise, and heck, even fireworks. One other factor they’re good at? Nostalgia. And we don’t simply imply the nostalgia you get in your childhood whenever you watch basic Disney motion pictures, or when Disney+ releases reimagined variations of your favourite One Saturday Morning cartoons or TGIF sitcoms – though these are good too.
No, we’re speaking about Disney’s uncanny means to move you to a special time and place by merely turning a nook – like on the Disney World BoardWalk, the streets of Hollywood Studios, or Magic Kingdom’s Major Avenue U.S.A. How? Effectively, it’s all because of that (Disney) magic mixture of some intelligent compelled perspective, well-placed and authentically impressed architectural and atmospheric particulars, music, tasty snacks and drinks, and perhaps a sprinkle of pixie mud alongside the best way.
And, if we’re being sincere, it’s one among our favourite issues about visiting Disney World. That’s why we love visiting Disney’s BoardWalk resort and leisure space. Nestled over close to Epcot’s World Showcase and the Yacht and Seashore Membership resorts, it’s a enjoyable place to go to for dinner, drinks, dessert, night recreation, and even just a few idle wandering after a day on the parks. Hold studying for every part that’s accessible at this old-timey leisure district within the coronary heart of Walt Disney World.
What Is Disney’s BoardWalk?
Disney’s BoardWalk immerses visitors within the attraction of turn-of-the-century boardwalks like these at Coney Island and Atlantic Metropolis. Stretching for 1 / 4 mile alongside Crescent Lake, the waterfront promenade is filled with retailers, eating, nightlife, halfway video games, road performers, and even a resort. Hold strolling, and also you’ll not solely hit Worldwide Gateway, the again entrance to Epcot, however 3 different resorts as effectively. So, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a day escape from Epcot with a slice of pizza, a shake, and a journey on a surrey bike or dinner and drinks adopted by a night stroll, a road magician, and a few dueling pianos, you’re positive to get pleasure from your short-term journey again in time alongside Disney’s BoardWalk.
The Disney World BoardWalk can be one among our favourite locations to discover on Disney property that doesn’t require a park ticket. That’s proper, Disney’s BoardWalk just isn’t solely open to the general public, additionally it is totally free to enter and there’s no obligation to purchase something if you happen to don’t need to. Nevertheless, there are some actions, like Jellyrolls, the dueling piano bar, that do require a canopy cost for entry.
Attending to Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney BoardWalk hours usually run from round 6:30am to 10pm or later relying on the season. Particular person Disney BoardWalk eating places, retailers, and recreation could have completely different hours, nonetheless. So, you’ll want to lookup the working hours in case you have someplace particular in thoughts in your subsequent Disney trip.
Whereas Disney’s Boardwalk is open all day lengthy, our favourite time to go to is within the night. With the massive BoardWalk signal glittering in lights, road performers dazzling the group, and, if you happen to’re fortunate, fireworks streaking by the sky, it’s a really magical place to discover with an ice cream cone or margarita in hand.
Disney BoardWalk Parking
Sadly, as the world is a part of Disney’s BoardWalk resort, parking is extraordinarily restricted. So, while you’re greater than welcome to say that you just’re visiting the BoardWalk on the safety gate, you might discover that self-parking is unavailable or which you could solely valet park your automotive. Usually, we discover as a rule that self-parking is out there, however it should refill in the course of the busy season.
Disney BoardWalk Transportation: Bus, Friendship Boat, Disney Skyliner & Extra
In fact, a safer various is utilizing Disney’s complimentary transportation. That’s proper, utterly free. On the BoardWalk, which means busses, the Disney Skyliner, Friendship Boats, and if you happen to’re visiting from Epcot, perhaps even the Monorail. Or, for a paid choice, name a Minnie Van.
Busses are situated at every of the Disney resorts round Crescent Lake and join all through the Disney property. For a calming boat journey to Epcot or Hollywood Studios, Friendship Launches can be found on the heart of the BoardWalk promenade between Flying Fish and the Display screen Door Common Retailer, and likewise at Disney’s Yacht Membership and the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort. Or, for a special sort of tranquil transportation, hop on the Disney Skyliner to soar between Disney’s BoardWalk, the Caribbean Seashore, Riviera, Pop Century, and Artwork of Animation resorts, and Epcot and Hollywood Studios parks.
Disney World BoardWalk Throughout COVID-19
As with the remainder of the Walt Disney World Resort, issues look a bit completely different round Disney’s BoardWalk space on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas Disney’s BoardWalk villas are open and accepting reservations, the remainder of the BoardWalk Inn is closed for now. A number of eating shops are additionally unavailable, together with Flying Fish and the ESPN Membership, together with a couple of snack and drink stands. Most of the BoardWalk’s leisure choices are additionally on pause together with Jellyrolls, Disney BoardWalk video games, road performers, and surrey bike leases. Nevertheless, we do anticipate this to return to regular because the pandemic recedes.
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Space
Not only a bunch of eating places and retailers, Disney’s BoardWalk and the remainder of the world surrounding Crescent Lake is full of a slew of resorts.
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas
Make a journey to turn-of-the-century Atlantic Metropolis at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas. With cozy rooms and villas overlooking Crescent Lake and the BoardWalk leisure district, a keep at Disney’s BoardWalk resort is a captivating journey to yesteryear. A deluxe Disney Trip Membership resort, this is likely one of the pricier stays on Disney property. Right here, visitors can swim within the whimsical Luna Park Pool then swing by Leaping Horse Libations for an icy refreshment. Afterwards, you may play board video games over a basic cocktail or cup of espresso on the Belle Vue Lounge, a lounge made to really feel like a Nineteen Thirties sitting room, to a soundtrack of reveals from a bygone period performed on classic radios.
Disney’s Seashore Membership Resort
Persevering with on previous the ESPN Membership, the nostalgia continues over at Disney’s Seashore Membership Resort. One other deluxe DVC resort, Disney’s Seashore Membership evokes the elevated but laid again type of a basic coastal New England resort. Kiddos right here can dive into one of many coolest resort swimming pools on Disney property which can be shared with the Yacht Membership subsequent door – the sandy, shipwrecked Stormalong Bay – or sit all the way down to breakfast with Minnie and associates at Cape Might Café. Adults will benefit from the seafood buffet at Cape Might or a glass of wine at Martha’s Winery. And no matter you do, don’t miss Seashores & Cream Soda Store for some creamy, dreamy ice cream mounded with toppings. Belief us, they throw in the entire Kitchen Sink (har har). Although not technically a part of Disney’s BoardWalk, it’s only a quick stroll away, and a worthwhile go to for an ice cream or extra.
Disney’s Yacht Membership Resort
Subsequent door is Disney’s Yacht Membership Resort, the Seashore Membership Resort’s statelier sister. Suppose, a buttoned-up linen swimsuit and tie with a pair of boat footwear. One more deluxe resort that’s a part of the DVC household, the New England theme might be seen right here as effectively, although this time it’s extra nautical than coastal. These two resorts share many facilities, so younger visitors staying right here have entry to Stormalong Bay too. In the meantime, adults will love getting access to some prime eating, particularly surf-and-turf centric Yachtsman Steakhouse. And bonus, the Yacht Membership Resort is likely one of the few pet-friendly resorts at Disney World, so even Fido can get in on the relief.
Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Motels
As you proceed on across the lake again in direction of the BoardWalk, the subsequent cease you’ll come to is the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Motels. Although on Disney property, the Swan and Dolphin are technically Westin and Sheraton properties, respectively, not Disney resorts. That being stated, there may be nonetheless tons of family-friendly enjoyable and scrumptious eating available right here, together with a personality breakfast at Backyard Grove that includes Goofy and Pluto. For extra refined palates, you’ll want to strive one of many resort’s signature eating eating places like Italian at Il Mulino, Japanese at Kimonos, seafood at Tod English’s bluezoo, or carnivorous classics at Shula’s Steak Home. Lastly, spherical out your keep by discovering your zen on the Mandara Spa.
What Is There to Do at Disney’s BoardWalk?
From eating places and nightlife to halfway video games and surrey bike leases, there are many issues – each free and paid – to see, do, and eat.
Disney BoardWalk Eating places
Whether or not you’re within the temper for a prohibition-era cocktail at a magic-inspired speakeasy, a fried snack from a meals cart, scrumptious handmade pastries, or a plate of one thing scrumptious and a few superb A/C, there are a number of Disney BoardWalk eating places and different eating shops ready available.
AbracadaBar
Stated to have as soon as been a speakeasy the place stage magicians and streetwise illusionists may swap tips Now, it’s a complicated hideaway full of magical memorabilia from a bygone time. Cocktails – each mystically impressed sips and nostalgic favorites – are the highlights of the menu. And talking from expertise, the bartender has an particularly magical pour, if you realize what we imply. Okay, we’ll spell it out for you: they’re sturdy. Beer and wine are additionally accessible, as are a small collection of Italian-ish bar snacks from the hooked up Trattoria al Forno.
Huge River Grille & Brewing Works
Households on the lookout for an off-the-cuff table-service restaurant with loads of kid- and adult-friendly choices will love Huge River Grille & Brewing Works. This microbrewery serves up a hearty collection of American pub favorites – from healthy-ish choices like greens topped with rooster or salmon to substantial eats like kobe burgers and ribeye steaks. High all of it off with the decadent Chocolate Confusion and a pint of Huge River beer. Plus, with a basic children’ menu and even a Shirley Temple on the menu, even the little ones can get in on the enjoyable.
BoardWalk Bakery
On the hunt for a savory handheld chunk or a candy deal with? Step on into this quick-service café subsequent to Trattoria al Forno. A pleasant array of things are on supply from morning to nighttime on the BoardWalk Bakery, with sandwiches accessible for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to assorted desserts and pastries. Cease right here within the morning for the indulgent Brioche Boston Cream Doughnut or Butter Butter Sandwich, then swing by within the afternoon for the Gobbler and a cupcake.
BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas
Wanting an icy alcoholic beverage to go? Pay a go to to BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas. This little drink kiosk is crammed to the brim with alcoholic and non-alcoholic sips like smoothies, soda, cocktails, beer, and wine. Or, put two of them collectively and have a boozy smoothie just like the Captain’s Seaside Sensation with pineapple Dole Whip and spiced rum. Wash all of it down with a salty or candy snack like Mickey Pretzels and spicy cheese or roasted nuts.
ESPN Membership
Trying to find a spot to eat for the sports activities fan in your life? On daily basis is sport day on the ESPN Membership. Critically, there are near 100 TV screens right here displaying sporting occasions from all over the world. And with TVs within the bogs too, there’s no want to fret about lacking the subsequent massive play. Plus, with the Sports activities Central tv and radio studio on-site, you would possibly even catch your favourite athlete making an look for an interview. Capping off one finish of Disney’s BoardWalk, this table-service restaurant meets sports-bar affords up basic American bar meals favorites for lunch and dinner. Should you’re planning to go to on sport day, this place fills up actual quick.
Flying Fish
Devour sustainable seafood and prime steak at Flying Fish, a signature restaurant serving each lunch and dinner. Peek into the open kitchen as cooks create basic seaside dishes with a up to date, refined twist. From the expertly plated entrees and artsy desserts, the meals is as stunning because the elegant, ocean-inspired décor. Though the vibe right here is decidedly extra grownup, children gained’t really feel ignored with pint-sized variations of seared fish, grilled steak, or shrimp scampi on supply.
Funnel Cake Cart
No go to to a beachside boardwalk is full and not using a fried funnel cake dripping in chocolate and powdered sugar. Get your personal right here, together with different childhood favorites like cotton sweet and fried ice cream. Or, seize a Funnel Cake Present Equipment and take your journey to Disney’s BoardWalk resort residence with you.
Pizza Window
Seeking to gas your journey round Crescent Lake however don’t have time to sit down all the way down to eat? Pop by the Pizza Window outdoors Trattoria al Forno for slices and full-sized wood-fired pizza pies. When you’re there, you’ll want to seize one thing to drink, like a can of beer, a glass of pink wine, or some refreshing sangria.
The To-Go Cart
Within the temper for some moveable eats to get pleasure from when you discover Disney’s BoardWalk? Then there’s no place like The To-Go Cart. There are tons of American classics on supply right here, together with sizzling canines, corn canines, mac & cheese bites, grilled cheese, burgers, pulled pork, and even burgers topped with pulled pork. Plus, with tempting add-ons like beer cheese, bacon, and chili, that is boardwalk-style eating with a tasty choose-your-own-adventure twist.
Trattoria al Forno
Does strolling the boardwalk make you hungry for pasta? In that case, you’ll want to go to Trattoria l Forno. This table-service restaurant dishes up old-world Italian classics identical to Nonna used to make for dinner. Within the morning, in the meantime, the Bon Voyage Journey Breakfast starring Ariel and Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled options Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dishes with a aspect of Disney magic.
Disney BoardWalk Leisure
As with all boardwalk value a go to, Disney’s model is made for visitors of all ages to get pleasure from. Wander down this waterfront promenade in the course of the day or night time for fun-filled actions like Disney BoardWalk video games straight off the halfway, road performers, and extra.
Jellyrolls
There are two issues we all know to be true: Disney World is thought for its enjoyable, and nothing says enjoyable like a dueling piano bar. It should in all probability come as no shock that this place tends to be highly regarded with the convention attendees on the close by Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort and Conference Middle. Performing pairs rotate and take requests by the night time (you’re extra prone to hear your music performed if you happen to supply up a tip), and the entire crowd is inspired to affix in throughout particular singalongs. Is it foolish? Sure. However it’s additionally a ton of enjoyable! Drinks aren’t the main focus right here, particularly with a basket of popcorn to munch on on the similar time. Should you do plan to go to, needless to say this can be a strictly 21-and-up bar and additionally, you will be required to pay a canopy cost upon entry.
Avenue Performers
Fall into the carefree spirit of the boardwalks of days passed by throughout spectacular acts by road performers. From illusionists doing close-up magic to jugglers displaying off their admirable hand-eye coordination, these night interludes can have the entire household cheering, and perhaps even getting in on the motion.
Disney BoardWalk Video games
The most effective elements about visiting a boardwalk, as anybody who has ever strolled one earlier than can attest, is attending to strive your hand in any respect these midway-style carnival video games. There are a couple of completely different challenges accessible right here, like classic honest video games and basketball, for these keen to spend a couple of bucks for an opportunity at a toy.
Surrey Bike Leases
Don’t simply stroll down the boardwalk like mere pedestrians – journey round in type on a surrey bike constructed for two or 4 individuals. In any case, there’s nothing fairly like pedaling your means alongside the waterfront with one hand on the steering wheel and one other gripping for pricey life onto a drippy, melty ice cream cone. At $25 per individual, we expect that is sort of a steep add-on, however we are able to’t consider a extra enjoyable or family-friendly solution to see the entire of Disney’s BoardWalk.
Film Below the Stars
Whereas this subsequent suggestion could also be meant for visitors staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, with its prime location within the heart of Disney’s BoardWalk on a very delicate patch of grass, we are saying you would possibly as effectively make the most of this complimentary perk for Disney resort visitors. No inns reservations or Magic Bands are required – merely plop down as soon as the movie begins rolling and luxuriate in.
Disney BoardWalk Outlets
Along with all that consuming and recreation, you’ll need to you’ll want to save a while for one more factor: the Disney BoardWalk retailers. Whether or not you’re on the hunt for snacks, Disney souvenirs, or a bit of artwork in your wall, there’s a very good likelihood you’ll discover it at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Disney’s Character Carnival
Should you couldn’t already inform from the identify, Disney’s Character Carnival is all about merchandise dedicated to beloved Disney characters. Cease in right here for plushies, kids’s clothes, sports activities gear, and housewares emblazoned with Mickey, Minnie, and extra.
Display screen Door Common Retailer
Staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and needing to rustle up some grub? Or perhaps you’re simply on the lookout for one thing to munch on as you stroll. No matter your craving, swing by the Display screen Door Common Retailer for a variety of groceries and sundries, together with some souvenirs and stationery.
Thimbles & Threads
When you gained’t be strolling into Thimbles & Threads and anticipating to get a tailored swimsuit or gown such as you might need alongside the boardwalks of yesteryear, you will see that loads of Disney-inspired clothes to put on right here, like swimsuits and t-shirts, together with some character plushies.
Wyland Galleries
Even if you happen to’re not planning on shopping for something, you gained’t need to go up a go to to the Wyland Galleries. The entire retailer is positively crammed from wall to wall with stunning, colourful work, artwork prints, sculptures, and jewellery impressed by the great thing about the ocean and all of the creatures that reside there. Take into account this like Disney’s Artwork of Animation retailer however with whales and dolphins as an alternative of Mickey and the princesses.
Effectively, that wraps up our information to Disney’s BoardWalk leisure district. With its waterfront location, scrumptious eating choices, leisure choices for the entire household, stress-free resorts, and fireworks views, the healthful attraction of the BoardWalk is a nice various to the craziness of Disney Springs whether or not you’re coming for a stroll or to remain.
Should you’re desirous about studying extra concerning the eating places situated at The BoardWalk yow will discover a number of of them on our Top Restaurants at Disney World rankings information. Plus there are a number of ice cream locations right here that made out Top Ice Cream locations on the resort. For anybody who’s fascinated about staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn you’ll want to read our review of the resort.
Dean has been writing and running a blog for over 10 years. He makes a speciality of Disney theme park information together with updates, openings, particular occasions and basic recommendation for vacationers. He doesn’t shrink back from the nice, the dangerous and the ugly. His earlier work contains being a Forged Member at Disneyland and dealing as a journey agent.
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