The Guide to Disney’s BoardWalk

The Walt Disney World resort in Florida has four theme parks, two water parks, a handful of hotels and a golf course. A little-known secret also worth visiting is Disney's BoardWalk.

Filled with restaurants, hotels and a dueling piano bar, Disney’s BoardWalk offers ticket-free entry and plenty of things to do.

» Learn more: How to budget for a family trip to Disney

What is Disney’s BoardWalk?

Disney's BoardWalk is an entertainment area within walking distance from the Epcot theme park. It surrounds the same lake where water taxis ferry guests from Epcot to various hotels.

The quarter-mile BoardWalk is a single connected walkway from the BoardWalk over to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Epcot.

This means you can have a leisurely stroll (or bike) throughout the area without crossing roads or leaving the atmosphere.

Disney’s BoardWalk hotels

On the Disney BoardWalk, you'll find one hotel: Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. As a deluxe resort, you can expect to pay upward of $619 per night, though, you can enjoy a pool with a large water slide and very easy access to Epcot.

Across from the BoardWalk, you’ll find Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and Disney’s Beach Club Resort. These feature more of a beach theme than the BoardWalk Inn while still remaining relatively close.

The Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel and the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel are just off the BoardWalk. These two properties are unique as you can book with Marriott Bonvoy points, which means you can potentially save on your stay while remaining close to the action.

» Learn more: How to stay at Disney hotels for cheap (or free)

Disney's BoardWalk restaurants

There are 11 restaurants and bars at Disney’s BoardWalk, ranging from sit-down options to an ice cream parlor.

Table service

Those who’ve been to Disney World have probably heard about table service and quick-service dining. As it sounds, table service dining includes a more elevated experience, where you and your group sit down to enjoy your meal. This includes:

• Big River Grille & Brewing Works.

• Flying Fish. 

• Trattoria al Forno.

Quick service

Quick-service dining is similar to fast food, though that doesn’t mean it’s lower quality. Instead, these are the types of meals you grab and go at a counter. The choices are:

• BoardWalk Deli.

• BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas.

• Pizza Window.

Other options

• AbracadaBar.

• BoardWalk Ice Cream.

• Funnel Cake Cart.

• The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers (coming soon).

• The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers (coming soon).

Why is it important to know which restaurants are table service versus quick service? Because those who are staying at an eligible resort can take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan, a service that allows you to prepay all of your meals.

Although paused in 2020, Disney has announced that those traveling to Walt Disney World can add the Dining Plan to their package beginning Jan. 9, 2024.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Disney's BoardWalk attractions

You’ll find standard amenities as a guest staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, though these options may also be available to day visitors. Recreational activities include:

• Mini golf.

• Surrey bike rentals.

• Campfire songs and marshmallow roasting.

• Fishing.

• Tennis.

• Pickleball.

• Playground. 

Otherwise, Disney’s BoardWalk is one of the best spots for adults to spend time. This is because of both the Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls.

No, those weren’t typos. The Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls bar are available to those 21 and older only. The Atlantic Dance Hall is a dance hall open every evening from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and is free of charge.

Jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar featuring sing-alongs with the audience. It’s walk-in only and is open from 7 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. every night, though Disney’s site warns that it’s extremely popular, so you’ll want to arrive early. Note there’s an entrance fee.

» Learn more: The guide to Disney nightlife

Disney's BoardWalk transportation

Traveling to the BoardWalk? Walt Disney World Resort is crisscrossed with several transportation options, including an aerial gondola and water taxis. You can access the BoardWalk by:

• Bus.

• Driving. 

• Disney Skyline (aerial gondola).

• Taking a water taxi.

There is minimal official parking at the BoardWalk, so those coming by car must park at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Epcot. It’s also possible to use Disney’s valet service.

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World resort, take a look at the individual options available before heading over. Certain resorts include access to the Skyliner, as does Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you’ve started your day at the Transportation and Ticket Center (the hub for Magic Kingdom), you can also opt to take the monorail over to Epcot, then walk from Epcot to the BoardWalk.

» Learn more: Free or cheap things to do at Disney World outside the theme parks

The BoardWalk at Disney recapped

The Walt Disney World resort is a sprawling complex with many things to do. This includes Disney’s BoardWalk, which evokes the ambiance you’d find at the boardwalks in Santa Cruz, California; Coney Island, New York; and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

While it may not be the most recognizable spot in Disney World, it offers options that range from dining, dancing all night or simply strolling around the promenade.

(Top photo courtesy of Walt Disney World)