The Disney Boardwalk is so tucked away in the corner of Epcot that it usually takes a few trips to Walt Disney World to find it. Once you do, however, you’ll find yourself wanting to go back again and again. The Boardwalk atmosphere is fun and whimsical, and easygoing. Pastel colors, cute resorts, and little patches of sand make The Boardwalk more like a seaside vacation than the one you’ll find in central Florida. Here’s a quick guide to everything the Disney World Boardwalk has to offer, and secretly, why it’s one of our favorite places to go.
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Where is the Disney Boardwalk?
You can find the Disney Boardwalk in a few different ways. On any Disney map, it will look like a little island disconnected from everything, and in some ways that is its appeal.
Disney Boardwalk From Hollywood Studios
Take any Disney Bus to Hollywood Studios or drive there. Walk towards the front gates of Hollywood Studios but instead of going through the gates, turn to your right. Here you will see a sign leading to the path. From there, just walk along, about 10-15 minutes, and the entrance to The Boardwalk will be at the end of it. One of our favorite things to do is leave Hollywood Studios and walk to the Boardwalk for lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to escape crowds and get some amazing food close by without using Disney transportation.
Disney Boardwalk From Epcot
Enter Epcot and head back to the World Showcase. It won’t matter which direction you choose. At one point you’ll arrive in France or England. In between these two countries is a pathway called the International Gateway. This pathway will take you past a gift shop and you’ll walk through “exit” gates out of Epcot. Don’t worry, you’ll easily get back in later. Once you clear the exit gates you have arrived. We love heading to the beach at the Disney Boardwalk Resorts from Epcot just to dip our toes in the sand. And when we need to escape the crowds of the parks.
Disney Boardwalk From the Swan, the Swan Reserve and Dolphin
The Boardwalk is home to several resorts. Staying at any of these resorts, or dining at these resorts will get you parking privileges. You can also follow the signs, if driving, to the specific parking lot designated for The Boardwalk. The Swan and Dolphin, Swan Reserve, The Yacht Club, The Beach Club, and The Boardwalk Inn are the resorts in this area to visit for easy access.
What Can You Do on the Disney Boardwalk?
The Disney Boardwalk is historically considered the more “adult” area of Walt Disney World. Don’t get the wrong idea about this though, as a turn of the century Atlantic City-themed playground you can experience a dueling piano bar, a dance hall, street performers, and a photo booth. There are beaches and little boats that take you from one side to the other. You’ll find shops, restaurants, and a calmer atmosphere than you’ll find anywhere else at Disney. We love going here to walk, grab cupcakes or ice cream, and browse the shops. The Boardwalk is often the closest place we can go to get sand in between our toes. The Beach and Yacht Clubs both have little beaches that are perfect for lounging, or an afternoon lunch. We also love this area at night. The Boardwalk has jugglers and magicians, and at night you can see the fireworks from Hollywood Studios right over the water.
Disney Boardwalk Restaurants
One of our favorite parts about the Boardwalk is the food, so we just had to include all the main restaurants. Check out which Boardwalk Restaurants we recommend and which we think you can skip. Mind you, there are even MORE inside each of the resorts, which you can check out in our Boardwalk Resort Day Trip post.
Trattoria Al Forno
Trattoria al Forno is home to the Bon Voyage Breakfast, featuring Prince Eric, Ariel, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider. Definitely one of the better character breakfasts in all of Walt Disney World. Traditional Italian food, things here can get a little pricey. But if you like wine, this is the place to be.
Pizza Window
You can also grab a decent pizza here at the Pizza Window if you’re eating on a budget. Best eaten at a table outside on the boardwalk.
BoardWalk Ice Cream
One of our favorite places to grab a snack, this ice cream place features specialty desserts like the bayside brownie a la mode, and the shoreside sundae. You can also grab milkshakes and cones.
Big River Grille and Brewing Works
The Big River Grill is American burgers and beer. It’s been getting rave reviews and has both indoor and outdoor seating. If not for dinner, this would be an excellent lunch to help fuel the rest of your day.
Boardwalk Deli
Previously known as Boardwalk Bakery, this restaruant got an overhaul late in 2022, and is now the Boardwalk Deli. Featuring classic deli fare. Specialty breakfast and lunch sandwiches, with plant based options make this an excellent place to grab an early breakfast before heading into the parks. Or a lunch during a much-needed break.
Flying Fish
A higher-end seafood restaurant, this place feels like old New England in the 1920s. This is a fancy place and worth 2 credits on the dining plan. If you’re toting kids, you may want to check the menu first. It’s also the home of the AbracadaBar where you can find extra special fancy drinks.
Disney Boardwalk Resorts
Disney Boardwalk Resorts are deluxe resorts with walking-distance access to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Add in the new Disney Skyliner access and an atmosphere away from the chaos and it will soon become your favorite resort area.
Yacht Club and Beach Club
The Yacht Club is the more grown-up of the Club resorts. It is known for a pool that has sand on the bottom and wide deep porches with rocking chairs.
The Beach Club is known for a lobby that smells like aloe and cucumber. And if you can pull yourself away from the lobby you can visit the plethora of restaurants these two resorts share. You can try Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, an ice cream parlor and restaurant, or Cape May for a buffet meal with seafood and pasta at dinnertime. The Yachtsman’s Steakhouse and Ale and Compass are both grown-up food options here and can add extra elegance to your vacation. The resorts also share a poolside quick service restaurant, called Hurricane Hannas which offers a pretty decent lunch option filled with options like falafel and fries.
Boardwalk Inn
The Boardwalk Inn is decked out with Coney Island-type decor, stripes, and a feeling of the county fair. It also has a lawn that routinely fills with kids playing frisbee or people lounging about reading. We absolutely loved this resort when we stayed here. It’s classic and low-key. And so close to everything!
Does the Disney Boardwalk Cost Money?
No! While it is part of Disney Parks, you can simply visit and browse, much like you would Disney Springs. You don’t need a ticket, and there aren’t any rides to fast pass. You can simply show up anytime and enjoy.
The Disney Boardwalk Guide
We hope you enjoyed this guide and it’s given you a glimpse of everything you can see on the Disney Boardwalk. And if you’re looking for even more things to do, check out our 7 Things to Do on the Disney Boardwalk. We’re sure you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!
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