One of Walt Disney World's hidden gems is Disney's Boardwalk. This promenade circling Crescent Lake houses a number of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
Although it's much smaller than Disney Springs, Boardwalk's charm is in its ease of navigation around traditional beach front inspired facades. There's a more relaxed vibe, making it a wonderful location to spend a few hours.
When to visit
Disney's Boardwalk is a great place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks, especially early in the morning. It's usually extremely quiet at this time. So, grab a coffee and breakfast snack from the Boardwalk Bakery, take a seat at the waterfront tables, and watch the boats travelling by. We can highly recommend the warm cinnamon buns and the huge Mixed Berry Scone from the bakery. They're delicious.
During the evening, the area livens up and provides fun family entertainment, as well as a number of dining options. All this makes Boardwalk a fabulous alternative night-time venue.
If you've got a few hours to spare on your arrival or departure day, and don't wish to spend them in the parks, why not head to Disney's Boardwalk instead? There are even a small number of shops available for those last minute souvenirs.
Entertainment
Whether you're planning a tranquil daytime visit, or prefer the more lively evening vibe, there's plenty on offer at Disney's Boardwalk.
As you stroll along the promenade, street performers provide entertainment throughout the evening. These include balancing acts, miming, juggling and spellbinding magic tricks.
Or, if you're feeling a little more energetic, hire one of the Surrey Bikes from the rental location situated near the Boardwalk Inn, then pedal your way around the lake. Fabulous fun, but exhausting in the summer heat. Especially when you realise you're doing all the work!
Don't forget to snap a memento of your visit using the photo booths dotted around the promenade. If you have Disney's Memory Maker, these are included as part of the package.
For something a less strenuous, the Atlantic Dance Hall provides an opportunity to dance the night away. Or you could head to nearby Jellyrolls piano bar to witness the duelling pianos spectacular.
Both of these venues have a strict over 21's policy, so if you have youngsters in your group, ESPN Club has no age restriction. Here you can enjoy a drink whilst watching a variety of sport on the numerous screens in the bar.
Late evening visitors to Disney's Boardwalk can even catch the sight of some Epcot and Hollywood Studios firework displays in the distance.
Dining at Disney's Boardwalk
If all of that fun works up an appetite, there are a number of dining locations situated around the Boardwalk.
Table Service Restaurants
A personal favourite is Trattoria al Forno. This Italian table service restaurant offers a number of classic dishes including: Pettini di Mare - seared sea scallops with risotto, Polpetta Gigante - a large spinach and beef meatball served with pasta, as well as Oak-grilled strip Steak, and Pasta alla Bolognese.
The desserts at Trattoria al Forno were equally scrumptious. We ordered the Zeppoli sugar coated fried dough served with 3 dipping sauces. Plus the Affogato al Caffe - an espresso with gelato, and our personal favourite, dark chocolate semolina torte. Which was as impressive as it looks.
Trattoria al Forno also provides a table service character breakfast. Start your day with a selection of pastries, fruit and yoghurts, followed by a choice of hot dishes. Dining here in the morning gives guests the opportunity to meet characters from The Little Mermaid and Tangled.
There are a number of other dining locations at Disney's Boardwalk. Most noticeably, the Flying Fish Signature Dining restaurant which consistently receives good reviews.
Casual Dining
For those looking for something a little lighter on the stomach and the wallet, Boardwalk Bakery offers a huge selection of breakfast snack items, including some hot options. There's also a refillable mug station located within the bakery.
On the menu at Big River Grille & Brewing Works you'll find burgers, salads, sandwiches and sharing platters. Similar bar food can be found at nearby ESPN Club.
For food on the go, there are a number of snack carts situated along the promenade. Alternatively, head to Pizza Window where you can order anything from a single slice to a whole pizza.
If none of these locations appeal, you could also dine at one of the restaurants situated within the Epcot Resort hotels. Or hop over to Epcot via the International Gateway for an even bigger selection of dining venues.
How to get to Disney's Boardwalk
Walking
Guests staying at one of the Epcot Resort hotels (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn, Swan or Dolphin), simply need to step out the back of the hotel to find themselves on the promenade.
There's also a walkway which leads from Hollywood Studios to Disney's Boardwalk. However, I don't recommend using this in the heat of the summer. It's about a mile walk and one which we embarked on after a late breakfast at Cape May Cafe. Never again!
It's less of an endurance walking from Epcot International Gateway entrance (between the France and UK Pavilion), which takes around 5 - 10 minutes.
Water Taxi
Water taxis run throughout the day and evening between Hollywood Studios and Epcot.
From the direction of Hollywood Studios, the boat stops at Swan/Dolphin, Beach Club/Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn and Epcot International Gateway entrance. Making the same stops in the reverse order from Epcot.
Hint: As the boats stop in the order given, if you're planning a trip to Disney's Boardwalk from Hollywood Studios, it's quicker to disembark at the Swan/Dolphin jetty and walk over the bridge to Boardwalk.
Disney Bus
From any of the other parks, or Disney Springs, catch one of the Disney Buses heading to Boardwalk Inn. This will drop you off at the hotel entrance, then you can simply walk through the hotel lobby and head out the back of the building directly onto Disney's Boardwalk promenade.
By Car
If you're travelling by car, the nearest parking facility is at the Boardwalk Inn Resort. We've always managed to park here without any issues, but have heard reports of visitors being turned away during busy times. Apparently, there are further parking facilities across the street. Security at the Boardwalk hotel gate will direct you here if there's no access to Boardwalk Inn parking.
Uber, Lyft and Minnie Van Services will also drop you off at Disney's Boardwalk Inn, so this might be an easier way to travel by car.
So, if you're seeking a non-park alternative which still offers fun Disney entertainment and great restaurants, Disney's Boardwalk certainly ticks all the boxes.
Have you ever visited Disney's Boardwalk? Let us know your thoughts.
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