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Top 8 Pros & Cons for Staying at BoardWalk Inn at Walt Disney World

Considering a stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn? The Epcot Resort Area is one of the most popular places to stay (and visit for the day!) at the Walt Disney World Resort, and there is so much to love about the BoardWalk!

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1. Pro: Location

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is conveniently located in the Epcot Resort Area on Crescent Lake. The resort is in walking distance to two Disney theme parks, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and boat transportation is also available to the two parks. (Bus transportation is provided to the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.) Along with the close proximity to two Disney theme parks, the BoardWalk’s location along Crescent Lake means that guests staying at the resort are also in walking distance to 30+ restaurants and all of the shops and recreational offerings at the other hotels in the Epcot Resort Area. You can also walk to the Disney Skyliner easily which will take you two and from Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and other Disney Resorts.

2. Pro: Theme

How can you not love the theme of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn? The resort is inspired by classic American parks, like Coney Island and the amusements along the Jersey Shore. The lobby of the resort lives up to the legacy we’ve come to expect in terms of decor at Disney deluxe resorts, but it also includes a number of antiques all within the theme. Right in the lobby, guests can view a model of Flip Flap Railway, one of the first inverted roller coasters, along with ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds and other vintage amusements.

3. Pro: Dining Options

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has the most variety in terms of dining compared to any other Disney resort. The BoardWalk includes casual dining at ESPN Zone and Big River Grille and Brewing Works and a take-out pizza window, but that’s just the beginning. For signature dining, look to Flying Fish, which features an array of seafood as its name suggests but also excellent steaks and vegetarian options, or the BoardWalk Bakery or Ample Hills Creamery to satisfy your sweet tooth. The BoardWalk is also filled with quick service carts serving everything from funnel cake to margaritas.

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4. Pro/Con: Pool Areas

One of the most thematically immersive pool areas at the Walt Disney World Resort may be found at the BoardWalk. The Luna Park Pool celebrates the history of Luna Park, with 1920s amusement park vibes like concrete elephants spraying water, a classic bar in the style of a carousel, and the (in)famous “wooden roller coaster” water slide complete with a grinning clown face straight out of an antique fun house. If you are not a fan of clowns, this element of the main pool may be a “con” but there is no denying that it’s extremely well-themed. The BoardWalk Inn also has two smaller pools that are usually very quiet if you’re looking for somewhere else to relax outside the parks.

5. Pro: Recreation

There is no shortage of things to do at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, and you can easily spend a weekend here without ever setting foot in one of the theme parks. With surrey bike rentals around the BoardWalk, to jogging trails, carnival-style games, live music, and events like trivia, paint nights, yoga, and more, there is always something to do! The BoardWalk is also home to some of the best nightlife outside of Disney Springs with Jellyrolls, a fan-favorite dueling piano bar and the Atlantic Dance Hall.

6. Con: Price

One major con of staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn (or anywhere in the Epcot Resort Area for that matter) is of course cost. As a deluxe resort, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn room rates start at about $400/night. It’s certainly a worthy splurge if you’re able to make a stay here happen, but if not there are some other ways to enjoy a stay in this area without going over your budget. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is also located on Crescent Lake, and this resort tends to be the most affordable in the area. These resorts still allow for nearly all Disney resort guest benefits (Extra Magic Hours, complimentary transportation, etc..) with the exception of Disney’s Magical Express service from the airport and participation in the Disney Dining Plan. You can also consider renting Disney Vacation Club points to see if a stay in one of the BoardWalk villas is easier on your wallet.

7. Con: Noise Levels

With so much going on at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, this resort is not necessarily the quietest. The BoardWalk itself that borders Crescent Lake is often filled with entertainment and other guests at night, and while it doesn’t usually go on too late or get out of hand, it’s something worth thinking about if you’re planning a quiet retreat. (On occasion guests leaving Jellyrolls at night aren’t the quietest either.) There are lots of rooms at the resort however that are located just a bit further off the BoardWalk, so if you are worried about noise levels during your stay simply request a room in one of these buildings.

8. Pro: Seasonal Events

There are certain times of year when a stay at Disney’s BoardWalk is even more memorable. Epcot has a different festival for every season, and if you are planning a trip around one of these events staying at the BoardWalk makes getting to and from the park a breeze. Another time of year to consider a trip to the BoardWalk is during the winter holidays. Once the Christmas decorations go up around the Walt Disney World Resort, the deluxe resorts around Crescent Lake become must-sees and the BoardWalk even features a functioning chocolate carousel!

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."