Home » 21 Disney Boardwalk Things to Do for Fun!

21 Disney Boardwalk Things to Do for Fun!

Disney Boardwalk Entrance

If you’re headed to Walt Disney World, there are plenty of things to do that don’t require a resort stay, reservation or ticket! Enough activities to fill a day trip, you can find beaches, resorts, gift shops, restaurants, recreation and entertainment. Here is our list of Disney Boardwalk Things To Do on your next trip.

Disney's Boardwalk Inn

Try out the Surrey Bike Rentals

A favorite activity for families and friends on the Disney BoardWalk is renting the Surrey Bikes. These bikes are available in a 2 or 4-person version and are available for $25 per 1/2 hour. If you’re headed to the boardwalk and want to see the sights by bicycle then these bikes can help you get around. While the Disney BoardWalk isn’t too large for walking, the bike experience can feel like a ride and is a great way to add a little more to your day. 

Have High Tea at the Cake Bake Shop 

The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant and Bakery is a “whimsical table service restaurant and bakery” created by Gwendolyn Rogers. Perfect for Disney Princesses, this restaurant serves up beautiful cakes in a delightful atmosphere on Disney’s Boardwalk. Offering up both a To- Go Bakery and a Restaurant you can delight in cakes, tea service, and savory sandwiches with French flair. Perfect for brunch, high tea, and any fancy meal you desire. 

Grab a Drink at BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas

This little margarita stand on the Disney BoardWalk is one of the hidden gems in this area. Serving up margaritas and soft pretzels, we love that you can grab a drink and head to the midway games for some good old-fashioned carnival time. Our favorites here are the Jalapeno Stuffed Pretzel, Dole Whip Smoothie and of course, any of the margaritas. 

Carousel Coffee at Disney Boardwalk Inn

Grab a Coffee at Carousel Coffee at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

New to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Carousel Coffee is a small cafe located just off the lobby. Serving Joffrey’s Coffee and Teas, you can also get grab-and-go items here. Themed to the Disney Carousel culture, this cafe also has a small seating area perfect for a break or any remote work you may have brought with you. This is one of our Top 10 Things to Do on the Disney BoardWalk, because it truly is one of the best places on the Disney Boardwalk to get coffee! And we always love finding new Coffee Places at Walt Disney World.

Watch the Movies Under the Stars

A favorite Disney pastime you can find at any Disney Resort, the Movies Under the Stars are offered each evening at Walt Disney World resorts. And on the Disney BoardWalk, you can usually see these from the walkway at both the Disney Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. At the Beach Club, the movie screen is either on the lawn or beach. At BoardWalk Inn, the screen is center stage on the front lawn, so you can’t miss it. Interested in taking a break to watch a film? These movies typically start between 6:30- 7:30 pm depending on the resort, they’re FREE, and all are welcome. Check out our Movies Under the Stars Guide for all the tips and how to get the schedules. 

Pizza Window at Disney Boardwalk Inn

Get a Pizza at the Disney Boardwalk Pizza Window

Looking for Pizza on the Disney BoardWalk? Found at a Pizza Window near the Trattoria al Forno entrance you can get pizza to go! Pepperoni, Margherita, and Cheese are typically on the menu and can be mobile ordered usually before 4 pm, for a later pick-up time. We LOVE this pizza, and it’s the perfect lunch or dinner. You can lounge on the Boardwalk, eat and enjoy! Super budget friendly, we recommend checking the My Disney Experience App for pickup time options. 

Trattoria al forno Restaurant at Disney Boardwalk

Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno

We talk a lot about Breakfast at Disney World and where to find  it. But our favorite restaurant on the Disney BoardWalk, Trattoria al Forno offers up one of the Best Breakfasts at Walt Disney World. Complete with avocado toast, french toast, classic omelets, and a to-die-for iced coffee, if you’re heading to the boardwalk, be sure to stop here. We also love this restaurant for dinner. With a variety of Italian dishes, this restaurant has pizza, gnocchi, salads, and meats worth trying. 

Disney Restaurants Boardwalk Deli

Refill your Disney Refillable Mug at Disney Boardwalk Deli

While it’s true that you cannot refill your Disney Refillable Mug inside Disney Parks, every Disney Resort has a refill station. And Disney’s Boardwalk Deli has a mug refill station too! So, if you’re at the Boardwalk Deli grabbing that world famous New Jersey Crumb Cake, be sure to refill your mug too. Cocoa, Coffee, Tea and Fountain drinks await! 

Yacht Club Lounge

Sip a Drink at Ale and Compass Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club

Inside Disney’s Yacht Club is the Ale and Compass Restaurant. One of our favorite places for breakfast, To Go Meals at Walt Disney World and a budget-friendly dinner at Disney, we recently also discovered they have a lounge! We love Lounges at Walt Disney World, and the Ale and Compass Lounge has some of the best small plates, drinks, and even mocktails. This lounge includes a cozy seating area with sofas as well as a bar area. 

Disney Boardwalk Area

Relax on the Beaches at Disney’s Beach Club

While a beach is just a beach, the beaches at the Beach Club are worth the visit. With views of the boats, BoardWalk, and hotels in the area the beach includes a wooden swing, loungers, plus a large connect four and tik-tack toe game. Hardly ever crowded, we love this beach for taking breaks at Walt Disney World. Proximity to the Disney Mug Refill station at Hurricane Hannas is a bonus. And if you’re looking for something to eat or a Disney treat, the Beach Club Marketplace and Gift Shop are just inside the resort. 

Ice Cream on the Disney Boardwalk

Grab Ice Cream at Disney BoardWalk Ice Cream 

If you’re in the mood for Ice Cream, you can count on large portions and a decent price at Disney’s BoardWalk Ice Cream. We like it best for the fun flavor combinations like brownie and chocolate, and chocolate peanut butter. But the strawberry shortcake ice cream sundae is something to write home about. Grab some ice cream and head to the outdoor tables to enjoy the BoardWalk Views. 

Play a Board Game at Belle Vue Lounge 

Settle in to a game of chess, listen to an old time radio show or grab a dusty book or game from the shelf! This little lounge is found on the second floor of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and offers drinks starting at 4 PM. Very quaint, and hidden away, this is the perfect place to come and sip the day away. Certain times of the year Belle Vue Lounge offers quick breakfast foods and coffee, tea and cocoa. We love the homey feel of this area of the resort, and you even have porch access too, with rocking chairs and tables if you’re in a people watching mood. 

Shops on the Disney Boardwalk

Shop at Thimbles and Threads Gift Shop

This gift shop has not only BoardWalk Inn-specific merchandise, but also a variety of resort wear, Mickey ears, specialty collections, and more. If you’re looking for a Disney souvenir, this little shop will surely have something for you. We also love that you can see new Disney merchandise here without heading into the parks. If you’re ready for browsing or shopping, then be sure to stop here. There are several gift shops along the BoardWalk but are all connected. Screen Door General Store, Thimbles and Threads, and Disney’s Character Carnival. All offer something special, and in addition to the Resort Gift Shops, provide loads of window shopping time. 

Jellyrolls Piano Bar at the Disney World Boardwalk

Listen to the Dueling Pianos at Jellyrolls

This nightclub lounge on the Disney Boardwalk is one of our favorite Disney Adults things to do at Disney World. Featuring piano players, ready to take requests and bring the house down, you can grab a drink, and have some popcorn while you enjoy the show! This Dueling Piano Bar has a $10 cover charge and is open 7:00 pm to 1:45 am. For guests 21 and up, you can visit, enjoy the free popcorn, and even have dinner here. 

Stroll the Disney BoardWalk

One of our favorite ways to have a stress-free Disney Vacation is to take breaks. And what better way than to head to the Disney Boardwalk for a stroll around the lake? We love the opportunity to walk and see things. Stop at the beaches, at the resorts and shops, and enjoy the day! You can grab a fun treat for the kids, or yourself, and make a day of it. 

Disney Boats at the Disney Boardwalk Resorts

Take a Boat Ride on the Friendship Boats

The Friendship Boats sail the lake that connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios. As a result, there are several docks at the Disney BoardWalk that you can use to embark on your next sailing trip. You can grab the boat at the International Gateway for the longest trip to the Hollywood Studios dock. Or grab any of the boat docks along the way. The Swan and Dolphin, and Yacht Club Resorts also have docks, if you’re looking to just sail a bit of your day away. These boats run every 15 minutes, with the last stop at 9:30 PM. So plan ahead! 

Play a Disney Boardwalk Carnival Game

One  of the best parts of visiting Disney BoardWalk is being able to take part in those old fair games of days long past. Things like shooting the can, or a basketball challenge can win you a prize. Or just wanna have a good time! Typically about $2 each to play the Disney BoardWalk is lined with old-school carnival games. Shooting games, basketball games, and more await with loads of prizes to be won at each. 

See the Performers and Entertainers 

One of the best parts of the Disney BoardWalk is all the entertainment. Whether you’re a kid looking for extra fun or a Disney Adult looking for a Disney Date Night, here are some things you can do at the Disney BoardWalk. From Friday through Sunday and intermittently throughout certain seasons, the Disney BoardWalk highlights acts of all kinds just outside the BoardWalk Inn! Whether you’re looking for a juggler, performing artist, hoola hoop girls or dancers, you can find them all as part of the things to do on the Disney Boardwalk. 

Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf

Play a Game of Mini Golf

And if you’re ready to play some mini-golf, there is the Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf course right next to the Swan Reserve Hotel in the Boardwalk Area. Perfect for an hour or two of slow gameplay and relaxing activity. You can reserve a time for your best bet, or just add your name to the waiting list when you arrive. Fantasia Gardens is family-friendly. Or if you’re looking for a challenge, Fairways may be more your style. 

Head to the Atlantic Dance Hall

 This dance hall, themed in the Art Deco style, is typically open Tuesday-Saturday nights, 8:00 pm to 1:00 am for guests 21 and up. And it’s FREE. 

Campfire Activities

Another mainstay at Disney Resorts on the Boardwalk are the campfire activities. Often including a s’more kit for purchase, you can join a cast member at the fire pit and roast marshmallows. Be sure to check at whichever resort you choose for times.

Things to Do at the Disney Boardwalk

Hopefully, this list has helped you get a handle on the best things to do on the Disney BoardWalk. As one of our favorite Free things to do at Walt Disney World, we hope you love this area as much as we do!   

Rochelle Mariah
Rochelle Mariah

Rochelle Mariah is a writer, designer and photographer. Determined to make Planning a DIY Disney Vacation easier she makes lots of lists and drinks lots of coffee. When not designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she’s watching old movies and planning the holidays. She has been traveling to Disney destinations since 2010.


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