Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort Review

You guys have heard us talk about the Boardwalk area of Walt Disney World before. It is one of our favorite areas on all of Walt Disney World property! So it should be no surprise that we chose The Boardwalk Inn as our next resort to check off of our quest to stay at every resort at Walt Disney World. 

Staying at The Boardwalk Inn On the Disney Boardwalk

Since we were visiting Toy Story Land on this trip, we wanted to stay somewhere that would allow us to get to Hollywood Studios early. Without having to fight the bus schedules and crowds! This is where one of our favorite walking paths at Walt Disney World comes in. Did you know that the Disney Boardwalk has a walking path to Hollywood Studios? Yep. One of our absolute favorite perks of the Boardwalk Resorts is that staying here means you can walk to EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. Which makes these resorts the perfect places to stay when you’re hoping to get to the parks without the hassle! 

Now, we’ve stayed in the Boardwalk area before, at The Walt Disney World Dolphin, and The Swan Hotel. And we couldn’t get over the convenience of the location. So when we realized we could use our hotels.com free nights for our stay at The Boardwalk Inn. We were sold!

Disney Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a good deal on the Boardwalk Inn, be sure to book when Walt Disney World is running a sale. Or book Disney through hotels.com. We have seen rooms here for around $100 less per night on these sites.

Disney Boardwalk Inn Resort Atmosphere and Theme

One of our favorite things about staying on property at a Disney Resort is that every resort is themed. And the Boardwalk Inn is no different. In classic Disney Boardwalk fashion, this resort is inspired by “turn of the century Atlantic City”. Complete with a carousel-themed pool bar, roller coaster-themed water slide, carnival games, and performers. You can find charming decorative touches throughout. The whole theme of the Boardwalk Inn will really take you to another time and place! We LOVE that it’s super laid back, easy going, and feels like you’re staying at a seaside resort back in the good ‘ol days.

The Rooms at Boardwalk Inn

The Boardwalk Inn overlooks the Boardwalk and the waterway behind the Boardwalk. But of course, there are also inner rooms with courtyard garden views. So really no bad views here. Just lots of lovely options. We chose to stay in a Garden View room. Upon check-in, we were given the option for a larger room or to be closer to the elevator. We chose the larger room and were surprised with how large it actually was! Equipped with 2 queen size beds and a pull-out day bed, this was actually the most spacious room we’ve ever stayed at in Walt Disney World. What’s more, while this upgrade was definitely a last-minute surprise since we were arriving so late that night at the resort, it’s indicative of your typical Disney Deluxe Resort service. 

At first, we actually thought that our room had been upgraded due to the size and extra sleeping space. But apparently, this room is still considered a Standard Garden View room and is just one of the options available in that category. We recommend choosing size over location if given the option and you’re hoping for a larger room. 

Boardwalk Inn Bathrooms 

The vanity area is spacious, with double sinks and a long mirror. Complete with some of our favorite H20 products, which is always nice when the three of us are traveling together. And the shower came fully stocked with built-in H20 shampoo, conditioner and body wash to reduce waste.

We love this new feature they are adding because not only is it more eco-friendly, it also means we don’t have to pack our own shampoo and conditioner.  We usually just bring our own toiletries, but who doesn’t love saving room in their suitcase, right!?! Besides, the fear of luggage weights when bringing our own is real.

Boardwalk Inn In-Room Perks

The room also comes with a mini fridge and a mini coffee maker (hallelujah!!). Which is also much appreciated since we are generally running on no sleep during our Disney trips. We loved having a balcony overlooking the garden area, which was just so peaceful and was really nice when we were taking some time away from the heat of the Parks. There was even a fountain right outside that allowed for daydreaming about waterfalls while lounging on the balcony. Overall, this has been, dare we say, our favorite room we have stayed in at Walt Disney World. Yes, we said that. Favorite.

The Amenities at the Boardwalk Inn

The Boardwalk Inn is a Deluxe resort and offers amenities to match. While some people may not love the giant clown at the Luna pool(yep, sorry not fans here) the rest of the pool area is very cute. Complete with a roller coaster water slide, and carousel themed pool bar.

Tip: The layout of the Boardwalk Inn can be pretty confusing. To find the Luna Park pool, walk out the back stairway in the main lobby(opposite registration) and head through the narrow tunnel you see to your left. You’ll see the arcade and Muscles and Bustles, the pool is just beyond that.

If you’re looking for a little less theming and a little more room to relax, there are several smaller pools throughout the resort like most other resorts have.

Where can you rent Surrey Bikes on the Disney Boardwalk?

You can rent surreys on the Boardwalk as well-which you don’t have to be a guest of the resort to enjoy. This is something we STILL haven’t tried, but one of these days, we definitely will!

Does the Disney Boardwalk Inn Resort have a Gym?

Yes the Boardwalk Inn does have a gym.  Muscles and Bustles is a complimentary fitness center and sauna for guests of the Boardwalk Inn and Boardwalk Villas.

Where can you do Yoga at Walt Disney World?

Right here! The Boardwalk Inn offers yoga on the lawn in the mornings. Its free and a great way to start your morning if you’re not hurrying off to the Parks. You can do Yoga at the Boardwalk Inn every Monday and Wednesday at 8:15 am. Mats and towels re provided. And this is a beginner-level course. All ages, all levels. 

Where Can you See Disney Movies Under the Stars?

Many of the Disney resorts offer movies on the lawn, and so does the Boardwalk Inn. It’s one of our favorite parts of any Disney Vacation. The Boardwalk Inn also offers s’mores campfires which is always a great way to relax at the end of a busy night at the Parks. For a full list of the amenities at Boardwalk Inn check here.

Transportation at the Boardwalk Inn

Transportation at the Boardwalk Inn is a breeze. And since it’s a Disney Resort Within Walking Distance of Walt Disney World Parks, getting to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is just a short walk away. 

Walk: You can walk to Epcot through the International Gateway, located at the back of Epcot between the U.K. and France. It’s about a ten minute walk. And you can also walk to Hollywood Studios via the Epcot to Hollywood Studios Walking Path, which is about a 20 minute walk depending on quickly you walk and is a little over a mile.

Bus: And you can take the buses to Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs and the Disney Water Parks.

Boat: The Friendship Ferry will take you to Epcot or Hollywood Studios if you prefer not to walk.

Monorail: If you prefer the monorail, you can always go through Epcot to the front, take the monorail to the TTC and then switch monorails over to the Magic Kingdom.

Disney Skyliner: And if you’re up for Disney Skyliner Resorts hopping, or heading to Hollywood Studios, you can grab the Disney Skyliner over at the International Gateway entrance.

Boardwalk Inn Restaurants

With so many resorts and restaurants, the Boardwalk offers a lot of food options. Be sure to check out Best Restaurants on the Disney Boardwalk for a list of our favorites. 

Belle Vue Lounge

So where can you get a drink at Boardwalk Inn? For an evening in, you can head to the Belle Vue Lounge. This is the Disney Boardwalk Inn Lounge, and offers up old-time seating, radio music and drinks. 

Boardwalk Deli

To refill your resort mug with anything other than coffee or cocoa and for more breakfast options, you’ll have to head down to the Boardwalk Deli which also has some of the most amazing cupcakes you’ll find on the property. This is not debatable…they’re really the best. You can also grab deli sandwiches here of all kinds, even plant-based options, honoring the Northeastern states deli traditions. 

Trattoria al Forno

Trattoria al Forno is a top pick for us at the Boardwalk. We absolutely LOVE the breakfast here. And they simply have the best avocado toast and iced coffee. To grab breakfast here simply walk up and see if they have any non-character dining tables available. You’ll see why we think it’s one of the best breakfasts at Walt Disney World.  And if you’re hoping to meet some Disney characters, you can head to the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno to snag autographs and pics with Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel and Flynn Rider!

Disney Pro Tip: Trattoria Al Forno is actually on the Boardwalk itself, NOT inside the Boardwalk Inn.

Disney Boardwalk Inn Review

After staying at the Boardwalk Inn, we are actually finding it little difficult to realize we will be staying somewhere else on our next trip! The location of the Boardwalk area at Walt Disney World has quickly become our favorite area to stay at Walt Disney World. Primarily due to the convenience and atmosphere; and the Boardwalk Inn itself is just beautiful.

If you’re looking for a beautiful resort, with plenty to do and a fun, exciting atmosphere with the convenience of being on the Boardwalk, then we might have just found your new favorite place to stay at Walt Disney World! Have you stayed at the Boardwalk Inn? We’d love to hear how you liked it!