7 Awesome Things About Walt Disney World’s Boardwalk Inn

by Brittany DiCologero

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is one of my favorite resorts at Walt Disney World for so many reasons– the ability to walk to Epcot, the variety of entertainment, and the excellent attention to detail in terms of theming. I always enjoy visiting the Boardwalk either in between visits to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, or later in the evening to swing by Jellyrolls. The following list includes seven of the most awesome things about this deluxe resort at Walt Disney World:

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1) Location

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn has what is perhaps the best location of any resort at Walt Disney World. Guests staying at the Boardwalk can not only walk to Epcot, but they can also walk to the other hotels in the area and enjoy those shops and restaurants. With the Yacht and Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin resorts right around the corner, and Hollywood Studios a boat ride away, it is difficult to compare any other resort to the location of the Boardwalk.

2) Entertainment

As far as entertainment options at Disney resorts go, the Boardwalk Inn tops the list. With varied entertainment on the Boardwalk itself, including street performers and recreational offerings like surrey bike rentals, there is so much to do while staying at the resort. For the 21+ crowd, the resort also has excellent nightlife, including Jellyrolls, the dueling piano bar and the Atlantic Dance Hall. The Boardwalk also has one of my favorite pool areas of any Disney resort– the bar is themed like a carousel, and the pool itself features a waterslide designed like an old fashioned wooden rollercoaster.

3) Shopping

The Boardwalk has a wider variety of shopping options than any other Disney resort, with the Grand Floridian possibly being the only exception. The Wayland Galleries features original artwork for sale, which is also a great place to browse even if you don’t think you’ll be taking any pieces home. There is also the general store, which features the usual Disney merchandise as well as some higher end clothing and accessories, and groceries and toiletry items. For the sports fanatic in your family, check out the ESPN Club Store, which is located right next to the bar and restaurant on the Boardwalk.

4) Dining

The Boardwalk Inn has plenty of excellent dining options, varying from snacks, to quick service and table service. For quick service, be sure to visit the Boardwalk Bakery, which in addition to delicious baked goods serves up some great salads and sandwiches. (Plus right next door is the candy shop, which sells a variety of candies, as well as a case full of fudge, and other sweets, and ice cream. My favorite table service option at the Boardwalk Inn is Tratoria al Forno, which has an excellent menu of Italian offerings and is a nice place to go for breakfast as well.

5) Theme

The Boardwalk is one of the most elaborately themed resorts at Walt Disney World. The lobby has an upscale Atlantic feel to it, while the resort’s exterior is reminiscent of beachy homes on the boardwalks of New York and New Jersey. Everything from the way the pool is themed, to the food and margarita carts and carnival games really adds to the immense detail that went into fulfilling the theme of the resort.

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6) Weddings

The Boardwalk Inn is one of my favorite wedding venues at Walt Disney World. If you’re looking to tie the knot on property, there are a couple of gazebos around the resort where ceremonies typically take place, that would give beautiful backdrops to the event. In addition, the Atlantic Dance Hall makes the perfect venue for a reception. Also in the wedding planning field, the Boardwalk can be a fun place to take wedding or engagement photos.

7) Nightlife

While many Disney guests tend to visit Disney Springs to go out after leaving the parks, guests staying at the Boardwalk Inn can simply stroll on over to Jellyrolls or the Atlantic Dance Hall, or even catch a game on one of the screens at ESPN! My favorite place to go after a long day in the parks is Jellyrolls– while there is a cover fee, it is so much fun to grab a couple of drinks and listen to the dueling pianos. The musicians take requests, and there are weekly drink specials, making it a slightly greater value in terms of nightlife at Walt Disney World.