Five Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Boardwalk on your next Walt Disney World Vacation
Five Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Boardwalk on your next Walt Disney World Vacation
With so many options on where to stay on your Walt Disney World vacation, it can be difficult to narrow down the resort or area that fit your family best. Some people forget about the gem that is Disney’s Boardwalk area because it is hidden behind Epcot’s International Gateway. I didn’t even know it existed during my few two visits! Upon finally getting to experience this unique location for myself, I can truly say that it is worth looking at for your next magical adventure! Let’s delve into the reasons you should consider staying at Disney’s Boardwalk!
1. Resorts
Disney’s Boardwalk is home to three Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts – Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Yacht Club, and Disney’s Beach Club & Villas.
a. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas
This resort really speaks to the overall atmosphere of Disney’s Boardwalk. It is themed to remind you of a classic Atlantic beach town promenade in the early 1900’s, combining the elegance of the eastern seaboard at the turn of the century with the playfulness of the carnival games that became so popular.
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas; Boardwalk Inn Lobby
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas Layout
Rooms at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn are separated into three different bookable views – Standard View, Garden View, and Water View. Although the water view is considered the premium in this category because of your views of Crescent Lake, you can get some great views from a standard or garden room. Each of these rooms can accommodate up to 5 adults with the additional day bed. On our Agency Education Program Trip back in March, I was able to peek inside a standard view room:
Standard View Room at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
Look at that view! Can someone say FIREWORKS?!
As you can see, the rooms are as beautiful as the resort itself. You can’t go wrong with any view you choose! For each visitor to Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, it’s important to get in some much-needed relaxation time. There are three pools on property – two leisure and one larger family pool. Who wants to take a dip in this carnival inspired Luna Park Pool?
Luna Park Pool
Are you wanting the theming of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn but need roomier accommodations or your own place to cook? Look no further than the Boardwalk Villas! These villas come in three bookable categories all with standard views – Deluxe Studio, One-Bedroom Villa, and Two-Bedroom Villa. While a One-Bedroom Villa can sleep up to 4 adults with a pull-out sofa, the Deluxe Studio has the advantage of being able to sleep up to 5 adults with the hide-away bed. If your vacation is a big family outing, the Two-Bedroom Villa sleeps up to 9 adults. I got to see a Deluxe Studio and a One-Bedroom Villa on our March AEP:
Boardwalk Villas Deluxe Studio
Boardwalk Villas One-Bedroom Villa
While the Boardwalk Villa’s standard views might not be what you’re looking for, the additional room accommodations make up for what you might not see out your window. As you can see, the theming of a colorful beach promenade is continued in the design of each villa.
b. Disney’s Yacht Club
This resort has a nautical theme that takes its inspiration from New England seaside homes with an added elegance from the rich mahogany wood floors and darker coloring. Upon walking in the lobby, you feel transported to a 1940’s coastal country club.
Disney’s Yacht Club
Disney’s Yacht Club Lobby
Layout of Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club (Yacht Club on the left)
The rooms at Disney’s Yacht Club have three bookable views – Garden/Woods View, Lagoon/Pool View, and Standard View. Each of these rooms can accommodate up to 5 adults with a hide-away bed or twin chair-sleeper, with the exception of some views at Club Level which can only accommodate up to 4 adults. Since this resort does not have villas, you have the option of booking a Club Level Two-Bedroom Suite which is an automatic Lagoon View and can sleep up to 6 adults. Take a peek at the Standard View Room I got to see on our March AEP:
Disney’s Yacht Club Standard Room
The rooms at this resort are in the process of being updated and the one pictured above is indeed a remodeled room. As you can see, they have taken out the carpet in favor of faux hardwood flooring. If you haven’t been on Disney Cruise Line, all of the beds are situated off the floor to give guests more space to put luggage, which they have continued in the renovation. This not only gives the guests in the room more mobility but also keeps in line with the nautical theming. The ironing board picture above is ‘hidden away’ and is easily accessible when you need it. You can see the darker coloring has also been carried over to the new room design. Although this is a standard view room, the view is spectacular:
The pools at Disney’s Yacht Club are shared with Disney’s Beach Club and are available to all guests no matter the location. Between the two resorts there are a total of 4 pool – 3 leisure pools that span between the two resorts and a larger family pool which is situated directly in the middle of both resorts. The larger pool, rightly named Stormalong Bay, is themed to pay homage to both the nautical theme of Disney’s Yacht Club and the beach theme of Disney’s Beach Club. Stormalong Bay is one of the most loved pools on Walt Disney World property due to its size and variety of accommodations.
Stormalong Bay Pool
With the addition of dog-friendly resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s Boardwalk has the advantage of housing the only deluxe level dog-friendly resort at Disney’s Yacht Club. While you may be wondering whether or not you want to stay here now due to allergies, noise, etc., be aware that only certain rooms and sections of the resort are available to those with dogs. No doggies running amuck! For those who want to bring their dog, this presents a very nice option for staying at Disney’s Boardwalk. With plenty of walking available to you, it’s a great combination of leisure and proximity to the parks.
c. Disney’s Beach Club and Villas
Taking its cues from its sister resort next door, this resort is themed to represent the understand elegance of a beachside getaway on the New England shore. The exterior of the resort is a pale blue color like that of a clear sky and the lobby is scattered with decorations of seashells.
Disney’s Beach Club & Villas
Of the three resorts that are situated at Disney’s Boardwalk, Disney’s Beach Club & Villas has the most variety of accommodations. The rooms have three bookable views – Standard View, Garden/Woods View, and Lagoon/Pool View. Each of these rooms can sleep up to 5 adults with the addition of a day bad or twin-sleeper chair, with the exception of these views at Club Level which can only sleep up to 4 adults. There are options to stay in the main resort if you are looking for a little more space as well with their One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Suites. These rooms sleep up to 4 adults and 7 adults respectively. If you are looking for larger accommodations just off the main resort, Disney’s Beach Club Villas offer a Deluxe Studio, One-Bedroom Villa, and Two-Bedroom Villa. These rooms can sleep up to 5 adults, up to 4 adults, and up to 8 adults respectively. Both the One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom Villas will have their own kitchen for guests who would like to cook in the room.
To find out more about the map of the resort and the pools, please refer to the section above on Disney’s Yacht Club.
Beach out front of Disney’s Beach Club & Villas
You can really experience the theme of Disney’s Beach Club & Villas out front of the resort on one of the swings or beach chairs that litter the sandy beach. Who doesn’t want to relax in the sunshine while on vacation?
2. Proximity
Disney’s Boardwalk is conveniently located a short walk from the International Gateway into Epcot and a leisure 20-minute walk or boat ride to Hollywood Studios. Each resort on property is classified as being located within a certain area of the Disney bubble, i.e ‘Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort Area’ or ‘Magic Kingdom Resort Area,’ and although the resorts at Disney’s Boardwalk are classified as the ‘Epcot Resort Area,’ they have the ultimate benefit of being very close to two parks.
Map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Boardwalk, and Epcot
Friendship Boat Transportation between Epcot, Disney’s Boardwalk, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walkway to Disney’s Hollywood Studios from Disney’s Boardwalk; Walkway to Epcot International Gateway from Disney’s Boardwalk
Sign upon entering Epcot showing the way back to Disney’s Boardwalk
3. Food
Along with being close to cuisine from around the World through the gates in Epcot, Disney’s Boardwalk area also houses some great food options for all types of travelers. For those looking for a quick service meal, the Boardwalk’s Pizza Window offers a fast and filling option. Snack options can be found around the Boardwalk area as well. You can find casual table service at the ESPN Zone or Big River Grille & Brewing Works, both of which offer a great array of food for hungry families. Still not meeting your fancy? Look to Flying Fish or Yachtsman’s Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club for a finer dining option. I would highly recommend trying to get a reservation at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Beach Club & Villas for those looking for an afternoon ice cream break or some delicious All-American diner inspired cuisine! If it’s just simply satisfying your sweet-tooth that you’re after, head over to Ample Hills Creamery or the Boardwalk Bakery to grab a treat that will make your mouth water!
One of the nice things about staying at Disney’s Boardwalk is that you do not need to go into one of the theme parks to experience a Character Meal. No matter which of the resorts you stay at, you will be within a 5 to 10-minute walk of having some magical encounters. Disney’s Beach Club & Villas houses Cape May Café which offers up a seascape-inspired buffet meal with visits from Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy while you are dining. These characters are ready for the beach dressed in their best swimwear so be sure to show them your best snorkel when the music starts! My husband and I have had multiple opportunities to dine here for breakfast, and it is definitely one of our favorites on property. While this restaurant is open for both breakfast and dinner, the characters only visit during breakfast.
Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club & Villas
A little further away on the other side of the Boardwalk near Disney’s Boardwalk Inn you’ll find Trattoria al Forno. While this is a great Italian restaurant option for dinner, it turns into a fantasyland with visits from two sets of princesses and their prices. Named the ‘Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast,’ you will enjoy a Tangled and Little Mermaid themed table-service breakfast while enjoying the company of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider along with Ariel and Eric. You will certainly feel like you’re ‘part of their world’ at this breakfast! A teammate and I had the opportunity to dine at this breakfast on our March AEP and it was certainly magical. The character interactions are excellent and the food is delicious!
Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno
4. Entertainment
There is entertainment for guests of all ages at Disney’s Boardwalk! Carnival-style arcade games line the boardwalk hoping to catch a child’s eye, while street performers entice you to stop and watch their act. There are caricature artists as well as hair wrapping stations for those who want to take part. Your family can rent a surrey bike to ride along the boardwalk or rent a boat from the marina to sail around the lagoon. While not explicitly on the boardwalk, Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is just a stroll down the street. Each traveler will get a free round of miniature golf with the purchase of a Walt Disney World Package!
As the light in the sky dims, there are various entertainment venues for those guests over 21. The Atlantic Dance Hall offers a place to boogie the night away with tunes from the 70’s and 80’s Tuesday through Saturday. Right across the walkway you’ll find Jellyrolls Piano Bar where you can belt out your favorite tunes along with the dueling pianos. I had the opportunity to go to this venue on our March AEP and let me tell you, it was a blast! If you just want to relax by the lagoon with some magical libations, look no further than AbracadaBar. This table service lounge is inspired by the traditional carnival magic shows of the past. They have a blue cotton-candy drink that is scrumptious!
5. Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere of Disney’s Boardwalk is much more laid back than that of the theme parks or Disney Springs. Guests can walk around a relatively quiet boardwalk at all times of the day. Each of the resorts are relatively quiet as well, which presents aa great option for travelers looking to separate themselves from the fast pace of the theme parks but with the ability to have them close. Take a day to relax on the beach outside Disney’s Beach Club & Villas or on the porch of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas. With the convenience of boat transportation, guests can also take a leisurely ride to and from the theme parks without ever actually going in. All the different types of entertainment around Disney’s Boardwalk make it an ideal place for those of all ages. This area is a wonderful option for those wanting deluxe accommodations, a variety of dining, proximity to two theme parks, and a casual atmosphere.
Disney’s Boardwalk
Let’s get your next Disney Destination adventure started at Disney’s Boardwalk!
Caitlin DeLucio
is a travel professional with 101 Dream Vacations, she lives in Tennesse with her husband. They enjoy their quality time and making memories at Disney along with other destinations. Contact her today to start planning your next vacation.