DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Many things look very different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Walt Disney World is doing everything they can to reopen safely for all guests and cast members. Currently Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is only open to Disney Vacation Club members, so it may look a little different than you’re used to. That being said, there is still plenty you can do during this phased reopening. Here is what you need to know.
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1. Face Masks
As in all other areas of Walt Disney World, face coverings are required while out and about at the resort. If you are in your room you are allowed to remove your face covering, but if you are in hallways, the lobby, walking to restaurants, etc. you are required to have a face covering on that covers your nose and mouth at all times. This is the rule for anyone who is two years old or older, and there are no exceptions. I feel like we’ve said this a million times but this is one of the most important things that you need to know about visiting Walt Disney World right now.
2. Dining Reservations
At the moment Trattoria al Forno is the only full service restaurant open at Disney’s BoardWalk. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t other places to eat, you can easily head to Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts or the Swan and Dolphin. Reservations are going quickly these days, so you’ll want to try as soon as you can. You can book as early as 60 days in advance. The restaurants are still at a limited capacity, and even though there is a walk-up list it can be hard to get your name on it. Disney is requiring temperature checks to get into the full service restaurants, no one in your party can have a temperature over 100.4 degrees. If you aren’t able to get a dining reservation there are some quick service choices that you might want to try.
3. Quick Service Meals
Disney’s BoardWalk has never been a place with a lot of sit down quick service restaurants. Instead, you can grab your food and then find a place to sit along Crescent Lake. There are two different quick service options open right now, BoardWalk Bakery and Pizza Window. You can use Mobile Ordering at either one. Leaping Horse Libations is also open near the Luna Park Pool. They serve sandwiches and salads, in addition to drinks. Mobile Ordering is not used at Leaping Horse Libations.
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4. Luna Park Pool
Disney’s BoardWalk has long had the designation for having the scariest water slide at Walt Disney World. It wasn’t scary because of the drop, it was because of the design! Some people loved sliding through the face of a clown, but most thought that it was either hideous or terrifying. The clown has been removed, and it’s been replaced with a much safer Mickey and Minnie “Keister Coaster” theme. The 200 foot water slide is still there, it just feels safer now to go down it. Remember when at the pool that face masks are not allowed in the water, so keep a safe distance from others.
5. Go for a Walk
If you are looking to get some extra steps in Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is the perfect place for that. The loop around Crescent Lake is absolutely gorgeous. You might want to take that walk a couple of times so that you can see it both during the day and again after dark. Sunset is magnificent as well. You can easily walk to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, and there is a longer path if you want to walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s very easy to get your steps in.
6. AbracadaBar
One more place that has reopened at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort is AbracadaBar. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s appropriate for all ages. AbracadaBar is a great place to grab a drink with some friends and family or get a light meal. There is outdoor seating, but you might want to see if there are any tables open inside. Watch the pictures on the walls but don’t take your eyes off of them because the magic happens fast. You will also want to try to fix your hair in the mirror outside of the restrooms. It’s harder than you might think.
7. The Disney Skyliner
Disney’s newest form of transportation is an easy walk from Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Head towards the International Gateway of Epcot and you’ll be able to catch the Disney Skyliner. You’ll ride only with your party, Disney is not putting groups together for the time being. You can ride the Disney Skyliner directly to Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. At Caribbean Beach you can change lines and then head to either Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Disney’s Pop Century or Art of Animation Resorts.
Although we miss many of the extra things that Disney’s BoardWalk Resort usually provides, Disney is doing what they can to safely open. We can’t wait for it to be open for all guests again and have things like the Atlantic Dance Hall, Jellyrolls, and street performers back. This is a hard time for everyone, and having a taste of normal is such a breath of fresh air.
