Often only known as the area between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Disney’s BoardWalk is much more than a walkway between the two theme parks. It’s a picturesque esplanade in its own right with a vast array of eateries, adults-only entertainment and family-friendly fun. Simply put, it’s an area that you don’t want to bypass on your next Walt Disney World trip. That’s why we’re talking All About … Disney’s BoardWalk.
Similar to Disney Springs on a much smaller scale, Disney’s BoardWalk is a charming quarter-mile entertainment district sandwiched between two Walt Disney World theme parks - Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Aptly named, the BoardWalk is themed after turn-of-the century boardwalks found in waterfront Eastern U.S. cities. Think Atlantic City and Coney Island in their heyday.
Visiting the BoardWalk is a great way to spend time outside of the parks during a Walt Disney World trip. Because of its proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you could visit the BoardWalk after a day at one of the two parks. After the frenzy of making FastPass+ reservation times and trying to fit in every attraction before park close, the BoardWalk - although a happening place - is a nice juxtaposition where you don’t need any plans. Just stroll along Crescent Lake with a margarita in hand (sold at one of the BoardWalk’s kiosks) and enjoy the carnival-type entertainment like jugglers, midway games and musicians usually available Thursday-Saturday evenings, making it suitable for families.
Have your caricature made at Disney’s Boardwalk.
Guests 21 years of age and older looking for adults-only fun have options as well. Located on the BoardWalk, Jellyrolls is a spirited piano bar featuring dueling pianos and audience sing-alongs. Part of the fun is trying to stump the pianists with obscure song requests, but they usually can play just about anything. Jellyrolls is a popular hot spot, so you’ll want to arrive close to the 7 pm opening to grab a table. Opening later in the night, Atlantic Dance Hall is the place to dance the night away in the Boardwalk with a DJ spinning tunes from the 80s, 90s and today.
For a romantic night out, you’ll want to make a reservation at Flying Fish, a signature dining experience on the BoardWalk. As the name suggests, the sophisticated menu highlights succulent seafood appetizers and entrees, like Prince Edward Mussels with Fresh Basil and Chardonnay Broth and Sea Bass in a Leek Fondue and Cassis Wine Reduction. For diners who are seafood adverse, the menu also features gourmet land options like Kurobuta Pork Belly with Gala Apple and Cherry Gastrique and Wagyu Filet Mignon with Asparagus, Sweet Onion Risotto and Truffle Sauce. Whether you choose items from land or sea, all entrees are complemented by hand selected wines. As a fine dining restaurant, guests must adhere to a minimum dress code. And you’ll want to dress accordingly because the setting is luxurious in this newly redesigned space. Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses or dress shorts. For men and women, jeans may be worn if in good condition.
Flying Fish on Disney’s Boardwalk is a place to celebrate special occasions.
A visit to the BoardWalk shouldn’t be limited to the evening hours. During the day, there are shops to peruse stocked with Disney apparel, accessories, housewares and gifts. The Boardwalk even houses a gallery featuring artwork by world-renowned marine life artist Wyland.
There are plenty of dining options for breakfast and lunch as well. For quick bites, there are kiosks selling hot dogs, slices of pizza and funnel cake - what’s a boardwalk without fried dough and powdered sugar?
For those looking to satiate a sweet tooth, Ample Hills Creamery, the Florida outpost of the well-known Brooklyn staple, serves old-fashioned, handcrafted ice cream in nearly 20 unique flavors. Not sure any other ice cream parlor serves Sally Sells Seashells Ice Cream - orange marshmallow ice cream with house-made salty chocolate seashells. If ice cream isn’t your sweet of choice, you’ll want to check out the mouthwatering pastries at BoardWalk Bakery. There you’ll find an assortment of cupcakes, cookies and baked goods - many are too cute to eat!
A close-up of the most adorable Dumbo cookies at the BoardWalk Bakery
One of the best character meals can be found at the BoardWalk’s Trattoria al Forna. The Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast gives kids and kids at heart the opportunity to interact with and have autograph books signed by Ariel and Prince Eric, and Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. The breakfast menu features a delicious selection of Italian-inspired entrees like an open-faced tomato basil omelet with fresh mozzarella and poached eggs accompanied by fennel sausage, golden polenta and toasted focaccia. Forget the coffee when you can wake up with a Caprese Bloody Mary, Peach Bellini or Mimosa!
If your crew consists of athletes instead of princes and princesses, you’ll have to check out the BoardWalk’s ESPN Club. It’s a sports fanatic’s dream come true. With more than 100 TV monitors, your sports lover can check out the game - almost any game in any sport. And when it’s time for a bathroom break, you won’t miss out on any of the action because there are TVs positioned over every stall. You might also luck out and catch a live taping of a sports radio or TV show, or even a live interview with a celebrity athlete. There’s also an impressive selection of sports memorabilia lining the ESPN Club’s walls.
Sports, sports, sports at the ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk
If the BoardWalk sounds like a place you don’t want to leave, you don’t have to leave. Because the BoardWalk is home to the BoardWalk Inn, a Deluxe resort with a carnival-themed activity pool, waterslide, whirlpool spa, kiddie pool and two leisure pools for all ages. Inspired by Disney's classic animated film Fantasia, there are two 18-hole miniature golf courses within walking distance of the BoardWalk Inn. There are also surrey bike rentals, yoga on the lawn twice per week for guests of BoardWalk Inn (and BoardWalk Villas), and Movies Under the Stars. And if there’s no availability at the BoardWalk Inn, the Beach Club and Yacht Club are conveniently located across Crescent Lake.
What do you love about Disney’s BoardWalk?