If you’re heading to Orlando Florida, then why not stop by the Disney BoardWalk? While this is part of Walt Disney World it’s FREE to Visit and no park ticket, park pass reservation, or anything is required! For that reason, we think it’s one of the best places to go at Walt Disney World if you’re looking for something fun to do. Whether you’re in the middle of a Disney Vacation or just passing through. Here are our TOP 10 Things to Do on the Disney BoardWalk.
What is the Disney BoardWalk?
The Disney World BoardWalk is an area of Walt Disney World themed to the 1930s Atlantic seaside. Complete with a boardwalk that circles the lagoon, this area includes restaurants, resorts, and shops.
Is the Disney Boardwalk Free?
Yes! You can visit the Boardwalk for free and take advantage of the views, beaches, window shopping, and whatever else catches your fancy!
Do you Need a Disney Park Ticket for the Disney BoardWalk?
No. Disney’s BoardWalk is FREE, and you do not need a park ticket, or a park reservation to visit.
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How Do You Get to the Disney Boardwalk?
The Disney BoardWalk Area has its own parking, but, it is also accessible by boat, skyline, and walking paths.
Disney BoardWalk Boat Transportation
- By Boat. The Disney BoardWalk can be reached by stopping at several docks around the lagoon. You can take the boat sailing from Hollywood Studios, accessible by parking at Hollywood Studios, and get off at The Yacht Club dock. You can also catch the boat at the Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and at the International Gateway at EPCOT’s park gate. Since all of these docks are outside of park gates, you can ride the boat for free from any of these places.
Take the Disney Skyliner to the BoardWalk
- By Disney Skyliner. The Disney Skyliner stops at the International Gateway at EPCOT and guests can simply turn right towards the BoardWalk, instead of turning left into EPCOT.
Walk to the Disney BoardWalk
- By Walking Path. There is a Walking path from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT Park that takes you past the Swan Hotel, the Dolphin Hotel, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, and Beach Club. And all the way to EPCOT’s International Gateway if needed.
Disney Bus to the Disney BoardWalk
If you’re staying at Walt Disney World then you have access to the Disney Bus Transporation. There are a couple of options.
- You can take the complimentary bus transportation to Hollywood Studios, as it stops just outside the gates, and you can either take the walking path or boat to the BoardWalk.
- Or take the Bus ( from any park, or Disney Springs) to one of the Boardwalk Resorts, all of which have entrances onto the BoardWalk. Buses running to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, or Beach Club will all work. As a result, you can simply get off at one of those hotels, walk through the lobby, and out onto the BoardWalk.
Disney BoardWalk Parking
If you are driving to the Disney BoardWalk then you have a few options. The Disney BoardWalk does have a parking lot. And as long as it’s not full you’re able to park there. You can alternatively make a dining reservation at any of the Disney BoardWalk Resorts, and park at one of them. Note that there are sometimes time limits on how long you are allowed to stay.
What Resorts are on the Disney BoardWalk?
Part of the BoardWalk’s charm is that you can experience a variety of Disney Resorts. The BoardWalk Resorts are all part of the Disney BoardWalk experience and offer interesting lobbies, gift shops, and courtyards for relaxing.
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. This resort features a carousel theme, Carousel Coffee, and Belle Vue Lounge.
- Disney’s Yacht Club. Home to large sprawling porches with rocking chairs, Disney’s Yacht Club is themed for New England’s maritime elite.
- Disney’s Beach Club. Featuring an Aloe-scented lobby, you can experience the best pool at Walt Disney World here and beaches across the pathway.
- Swan Hotel. This boutique hotel doesn’t scream Disney, but it offers up a great little coffee place and nice rooms.
- Dolphin Hotel. This hotel has a bar in the lobby, and beaches for lounging.
- Swan Reserve Hotel. The newest hotel in the BoardWalk area, the Swan Reserve is upscale and within walking distance of both EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
What is there to do on the Disney Boardwalk?
The Disney BoardWalk has loads of things to do from lounging opportunities on the lawns, and beaches, to bonified entertainment featuring jugglers, dueling pianos, and even a dance hall.
Beaches
The Beach Club and Yacht Club Resorts both have beaches. Each includes a slew of loungers, and opportunities to put your toes in the sand. The Beach Club beach is also the location for the Movie Under the Stars, shown nightly at the resort. And you don’t have to be staying at the resort to attend.
Disney BoardWalk Entertainment
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 Nite, here are some things you can do at the Disney BoardWalk.
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- 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.
- Jellyrolls: 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.
- Carnival Games: 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.
- Performers: Jugglers, Hoola Hoopers, Dancers and more take to the Disney BoardWalk in the evenings with mini-shows to enjoy. During rainy nights, you can often still find these performers inside the Disney BoardWalk Inn.
Disney BoardWalk Gift Shops
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.
Disney BoardWalk Restaruants
One of the best parts of the Disney Boardwalk is the variety of restaurants that allow you to get out of the parks, and enjoy something special.
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- AbracadaBar: This bar is open from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am and offers magic at the ready. Check out the AbracadaBar Lounge Menu for a look at drinks and bar basics, like pizza, fries, and charcuterie.
- Big River Grille and Brewing Works: This restaurant includes American pub favorites and craft beers. Check out the Big River Grille and Brewing Works Menu.
- BoardWalk Deli: This quick service restaurant at Disney World features flavors from the classic New Jersey deli, including crumb cake. This is also the location of the refillable mug station for Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.
- BoardWalk Ice Cream: This ice cream shop serves ice cream cones, sundaes, and milkshakes in fun flavors and offers outdoor seating.
- BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas: A fan favorite, Boardwalk Joe’s is home to marvelous margaritas and soft pretzels.
- The Cake Bake Shop Bakery and Restaurant: This delectable cake shop includes a restaurant with high tea service and a bakery for grab-and-go treats.
- Flying Fish: This seafood restaurant also offers up steak and contemporary American cuisine. Check out the Flying Fish Menu.
- Funnel Cake Cart. For a sweet treat, you can head to the funnel cake cart and feel like you’re really enjoying the carnival on the Atlantic BoardWalk of the good old days.
- Pizza Window. Our favorite place for Pizza at Walt Disney World, you can order a classic large pizza, in cheese or pepperoni, and eat it at the outdoor tables, or take it back to your room.
- Trattoria al Forno. Perfect for breakfast or dinner, Trattoria al Forno serves cuisine with an Italian twist. This is one of the best restaurants on the Disney BoardWalk. Check out the Trattoria al Forno Menu.
Top 10 Things to Do on the Disney BoardWalk
Visiting the Disney BoardWalk at Walt Disney World is something we do every visit. The calm, the relaxation, and the chance to be away from Disney crowds are always luring enough. But if you’re looking for other things to do while you’re at Disney or in the Orlando, Florida area, then here are our Top 10 Things to Do on the Disney BoardWalk.
The Cake Bake Shop – Coming Soon
Coming Soon to the Disney BoardWalk is Gwendolyn Rogers Cake Bake Shop Bakery and Restaurant. This restaurant includes fancy foods perfect for luncheon, high tea, and any Disney Girls Trip or Disney Mommy and Me Vacation you’ve got planned. This restaurant includes both a bakery side and a table service restaurant. The Cake Bake Shop Bakery offers grab-and-go cake slices, cupcakes, and treats perfect for a light and decadent treat. The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant serves a variety of beautiful simple foods perfect for brunch, high tea, and any fancy meal you desire.
Surrey Bikes
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.
Trattoria al Forno
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.
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.
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.
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 Hurrican 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.
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.
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.
Stroll the 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.
Take a Boat Ride
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.
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!
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