Don’t Miss This at Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk

When we’re at Walt Disney World on vacation, we never miss a chance to check out all the shops, restaurants and entertainment at Disney Springs.  

But there’s another shopping, dining, and entertainment area at Walt Disney World Resort that often gets overlooked – and that’s a shame, because it’s simply beautiful, and boasts some spectacularly unique venues!

Disney’s BoardWalk is a picturesque promenade located along Crescent Lake, a short walk from Disney’s EPCOT Park or a quick boat ride from Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.  

Based on the old feel of Atlantic City, you can even stay here at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn or Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. Here are just a few highlights Guests can enjoy at this underrated spot.

AbracadaBar

Trust Disney Imagineers to come up with a magic-themed bar! This is one of the most unique places to stop for a drink or snack in all of Walt Disney World, and you’ll find it here at Disney’s BoardWalk.

Picture a swanky, classic cocktail lounge hearkening back to the 1940s that’s just dying to share all its secrets with Guests. Abracadabar is a place you’ll want to fully explore because the walls are adorned with fascinating vintage magician posters, props, and memorabilia.  

Enjoy snacks and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, like the Seashore Sweet with its disappearing cotton candy. Oh, and don’t forget to listen at the “Stage Door”!

Jellyrolls

What’s better than a baby grand piano? How about two?  

At Jellyrolls on Disney’s BoardWalk, you’ll be serenaded by not one, but two pianists, each tickling the ivories to the delight of Guests aged 21 and over. These dueling piano players love a challenge, so go ahead and stump them with an obscure musical request – if you can!

If you’ve never been to a piano bar, this is the perfect time to start. You’ll want to get here early to snag a spot and be aware there is a cover charge to hear these maestros perform. 

Flying Fish

The exquisite crystal chandelier depicting a swimming school of fish sets the tone for the elegantly whimsical Flying Fish restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk.  

It’s billed as an American restaurant, but don’t misinterpret that to mean “same old”, because it’s anything but. The creative menu here includes deliciously diverse items such as Roasted Tofu, Slow-Roasted Pork Belly, Grilled Octopus, and Artisan Cheeses.  

You’ll even be able to watch meals being prepared in the open kitchen. You’ll want to make an advanced dining reservation for Flying Fish, and note that there is a minimum dress code requirement that you can check out online.

BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas

We’re not sure who Joe is, but he sure makes a great margarita.  

BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas offers a selection of margaritas and other beverages for when a bottle of water just won’t cut it (although they sell bottles of water, too).

Enjoy a Marvelous Watermelon Margarita, Pina Colada, or maybe the Captain’s Seaside Sensation, for those who like their DOLE Whips in smoothie form with spiced rum. Non-alcoholic smoothies are also available, as are a handful of snacks.

Atlantic Dance Hall

Pining for the 80s and 90s? When you need a bit of nostalgia in your day, check out Atlantic Dance Hall, where you can dance the night away to all your favorite retro tunes, along with more recent musical hits. Enjoy music videos and a full bar, all with no cover charge.

But this is more than just another dance hall. The massive dance floor is popular with all ages of Guests at Walt Disney World Resort, from 21 up to 101. The beautiful ballroom is often used for wedding receptions, and as you gaze at the starry ceiling or relax on a balcony with fabulous lake views, you’ll see why.

BoardWalk Bakery

I’ve never met a bakery I didn’t like. If you feel the same way, you’ll be happy to know that Disney’s BoardWalk has its very own bakery!  

Whether it’s 7:00 in the morning or 9:00 at night, BoardWalk Bakery has the perfect treat to hit the spot.  

In addition to regular offerings like breakfast sandwiches, pastries, desserts, and snacks, there are also limited-time goodies like the Mint Cookie ‘n Cream Cupcake and 50^th Celebration Cupcake. A variety of beverages are on tap, including coffee, tea, beer, wine, juice, and hot chocolate.

Trattoria al Forno

For a taste of Italy right here in Walt Disney World, head to BoardWalk’s Trattoria al Forno.  

It’s open for breakfast – though Character Dining is currently not available – with options like Sunrise Breakfast Pizza, Tiramisu-style French Toast, and Oak-grilled Steak and Eggs. Guests can also stop by for dinner, and enjoy hearty Italian favorites like Roma Tomato Bruschetta, Lasagna al Forno, and Plant-based Rigatoni Bolognese.

The ambiance is cozy and casual, so if you’re coming from the Parks and not wearing your dressiest attire, no need to worry.

Disney’s Character Carnival

There are several great shops to peruse along Disney’s BoardWalk and in the Boardwalk Inn at Crescent Lake, and Disney’s Character Carnival is one of them. We’ve found golf apparel for adults here, along with Disney character clothing for kids, and souvenirs like Disney stuffies.

Surrey Bike Ride

For a very different Disney BoardWalk experience, rent a 2- or 4-person Surrey bike to explore the beautiful promenade in style! It’ll set you back $25 per person, but you’ll create spectacular memories along the way. 

It’ll be so relaxing compared to a day walking around Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Take a Stroll

If a Surrey bike isn’t for you, don’t rule out taking an old-fashioned stroll along the BoardWalk and Crescent Lake. There’s a quarter of a mile to explore here, and the turn-of-the-century, Atlantic coast atmosphere that Imagineers have recreated through the stunning architecture and beautiful waterfront setting is worth the walk!  

There are benches along the promenade when you want to take a break and appreciate your surroundings, including great views of the Yacht and Beach Club. Don’t miss the view at night, which is even more magical than during the day.  

Bottom Line

These are just a few of the shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots you shouldn’t miss at Disney’s BoardWalk, but there’s plenty more to discover – including ESPN Club, Boardwalk Ice Cream, and a leisure pool.

And with new restaurants recently announced for the Boardwalk and Boardwalk Inn, including a cake restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers, there will be even more choice (and cake) on offer at this Disney Resort hidden gem!

Whether you start your day here, while away an afternoon along the promenade, or eat and dance the evening away, Disney’s BoardWalk won’t disappoint!