Disclosure: This BoardWalk Inn Resort overview page contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy.
For those nostalgic for vacations gone by, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is the place for you! Right on the fabulous and bustling Disney’s BoardWalk, you’ll never be bored with plenty to see, eat, and do.
Built around the theme of seaside vacations in the 1900s, the bright architecture and fun carnival games will have you feeling like you stepped into a vintage postcard. Wherever you are in the resort, the theming wraps you up in an old school world that will have you relaxing in no time.
Conveniently located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can easily walk to either park or take one of the transportation options available. This makes getting up and off to your chosen park swift and painless, making the most of your day!
Additionally, there are several other resorts in this area. Across the lake, you’ll find the Beach and Yacht Clubs, and just beyond the limits of the boardwalk lay the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Having other resorts so close to your own increases your dining options, not to mention other places to explore on a rainy day!
If you’re looking for a central hub within Walt Disney World Resort, the BoardWalk Resort is the perfect choice.
Table of Contents
- Disney’s BoardWalk Resort: Gateway to Fun!
- Step Back in Time: Building Disney’s BoardWalk
- Amenities at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
- Sports and Recreation
- Transportation Options
- Resort Location
- Contact Information
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort: Gateway to Fun!
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is a wonderful balance of serene relaxation and lively entertainment. The moment you arrive at the BoardWalk, the illuminated sign and shiplap archway of the entrance will make you feel like you’re ready to start your vacation. When you first enter the resort, the bright and airy lobby transports you back in time to a turn of the century seaside hotel. Vintage furnishings and décor complement the color scheme of white, pale green, and gold. Throughout the lobby are antique art pieces such as a carousel, a rollercoaster, and paintings that illustrate what an excursion to the ocean was like in days gone by.
The resort area is split into two sections, the Inn and the Villas. The Inn section holds the standard resort rooms and suites, while the Villas contain the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) options of the resort. Guests in both areas have full access to the entire resort, although Villa guests tend to have a few extra benefits.
Much of the resort’s main amenities are centrally located within the resort, quite close to the lobby. The Luna Park Pool, Muscles and Bustles Health Club, arcade, and shopping options can be found in close proximity to one another, making it easy for you to keep track of your whole family should they be interested in different activities.
On the boardwalk itself, you’ll find plenty to do in terms of dining, shopping, and even carnival activities. This part of the resort area is open to all guests of Walt Disney World, making it seem like a real beach boardwalk. At night, the boardwalk transforms into an incandescently lit paradise, with the signature nightclubs opening up for adult guests.
Even if you choose only to spend your vacation in this resort area, you won’t be disappointed!
Step Back in Time: Building Disney’s BoardWalk
On July 1, 1996, Disney’s BoardWalk opened as the fourth Disney Vacation Club resort, the second on Walt Disney World property. This was the first of the dual-purpose resorts, DVC in one section and standard resort guests in the other. Such a hybrid model has since become the norm when it comes to building and adding DVC properties throughout the resort areas.
Inspired by the original boardwalk in Atlantic City and New York’s Coney Island, Disney wanted to create a location that captured all the best aspects of seaside entertainment. At the same time, this area would add another place for guests to spend their vacation days when they weren’t at the parks. Additionally, this would expand shopping and dining opportunities for guests, not to mention the expansion of the resort area.
In order to create authentic theming, Disney hired Robert A. M. Stern, a New York architect who was also working on the Beach Club Resort at the time. Stern and his team were able to combine the best of the Atlantic City and Coney Island boardwalks, along with the old-school amusement park attractions, when designing the resort.
The result is bright, colorful, and fun, and one of our favorite places to visit at Walt Disney World. The facades of the resort rooms that face the boardwalk resemble classic beach lodgings, changing roughly every six rooms or so to give the impression of a line of hotels along the walkway.
Amenities at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
BoardWalk Inn Rooms
On the Inn side, you will find the standard and club level resort rooms. These are the typical Disney resort offerings (so not DVC), made for maximum hotel comfort and families on the go.
The standard rooms are the first tier of accommodations, and come equipped with these amenities:
- Hairdryer
- Soaker Tub
- Internet – Free WiFi Service
- Coffee Maker
- Telephone with voicemail
- In-Room Safe
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Mini-refrigerator
Within the standard rooms, there are three views – gardens, water, and standard. The gardens view overlooks any of the luscious and beautiful botanical areas throughout the resort, some ground floor rooms even open right out into these spaces. Water views overlook either the boardwalk itself or Crescent Lake, giving you a gorgeous view to enjoy as the sun rises in the morning. If you choose the standard view option, you could still have either of the previous views, or you might overlook the pool or a parking lot. When picking standard view, it’s a bit of a gamble as to the view, but if that doesn’t matter to you save the money!
All the standard rooms sleep between two and five adults, although the configurations vary by room. Depending on the size of your party, you will want to make sure you select the room that will fit your needs. You can also always call (407) 939-5277 with any questions or requests regarding your booking.
At the club level, you will find all of the standard amenities with the addition of the following:
- Evening turndown
- Access to Disney Signature Services—for personal assistance with your vacation.
- Secured key access to the club-level lounge, serving refreshments 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
- Complimentary health club access
- Continental Breakfast, Midday Snacks and Evening Wine, Cheese, Cordials, and Dessert
- Personalized Front Desk and Guest Services
- Access to Concierge Service at the Innkeeper’s Club
These conveniences serve to ramp up your resort and vacation experience along with giving that five-star feeling. Particularly if you want to have access to items like the breakfast or health club, you might want to spring for the club level price to get those club level perks.
Within the club level, there are three types of rooms – deluxe, standard, and garden suites. The deluxe room is slightly larger, holding two queen beds and a queen sleeper sofa. The standard room has either a queen bed and a day bed, two queens, or one king. That means if you have a larger group and you want to go for the club level amenities, you’ll want to choose the deluxe room.
Designed like a honeymoon cottage, the two-story outer building garden suites have a sitting room downstairs with a tiny kitchenette and a loft bedroom upstairs with ensuite bathroom. These suites are built for two, perfect for a romantic getaway or a way to treat yourself on a vacation without the kids.
BoardWalk Villas
On the Villas side, you’ll find the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) accommodations. As is true of DVC in general, these villas were made to be a home away from home, meaning they are more like a vacation condominium or rental rather than a conventional hotel room.
Much like other DVC resorts, the Villas section contains studios along with one, two, and three-bedroom villas.
Studios are the smallest option, set up like a conventional hotel room with a bit of extra space and features. Studios include:
- Toaster
- Internet – Free WiFi Service
- Microwave
- Telephone with voicemail
- High Chair
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Hair Dryer
- Mini-refrigerator
- Soaker Tub
- Flat-Panel TV with DVD Player
- Coffee Maker
- In-Room Safe
Sleeping five, you’ll find a queen bed, a queen sleeper sofa, and a pull-down twin bed. These rooms are great for families, especially with small children, or young adult guests that don’t mind cramming all in together. You’ll also find that the simple addition of the kitchenette means saving money on food, as you can make your own small meals in the room. This option is particularly helpful at breakfast time, as it can get you out the door more efficiently.
Multi-bedroom villas come with a few more perks, namely a full kitchen and laundry. The one and two-bedroom options are ideal for families and large parties, as the addition of more space means more privacy. It also means you can potentially allocate one area just for the kids, meaning a bit more peace and quiet for the adults in your group!
The three-bedroom grand villa is the largest suite at the BoardWalk Resort, sleeping twelve guests. A spacious two-story apartment, this is the perfect accommodation for multiple families traveling together or a large gathering. If you want maximum luxury, the three-bedroom villa is the place to be!
Pools
The main pool at the BoardWalk Resort is the Luna Park Pool, inspired by the carnival rides of Coney Island. A 200-foot water slide is the main feature of the pool, designed like a simple wooden rollercoaster, the end popping out of an enormous clown’s mouth. Adorable circus elephants spray water into the pool, with a smaller kiddie pool set off from the main area. Adults can enjoy the whirlpools and the refreshments at the bar while keeping an eye on their little ones.
Two more leisure pools are available for those looking for a bit of quiet away from the main pool area. One is a bit to the south of the Luna pool, while the other is over on the BoardWalk Inn side of the resort. Both pools have whirlpools available, although these pools are typically unguarded.
Muscles and Bustles Health Club
Right by the Luna Park Pool, you will find the Muscles and Bustles Health Club, the fitness center for the BoardWalk Resort.
This fitness center has both cardio equipment and free weights for those looking to stay fit on their vacation. You will need your MagicBand to get into the health club, but it is open 24 hours a day every day. If you really want to get your workout in before a busy park day, head down in the wee hours of the morning and have the center all to yourself!
Guests must be at least 14 to use the health club, and an adult must accompany those 17 and younger. Lockers are also available for your convenience, but guests should leave anything valuable in their rooms.
Muscles and Bustles also boasts a sauna, so if you want to detox after a workout feel free!
Parking
For guests with their own vehicles, there is a parking fee of $25 for each night of your stay. If you wish to use valet parking, the fee is $33. The amount is added to your bill to be paid at the end of your vacation.
If you stay using DVC points or as a DVC member, you will not have to pay the parking fee. Just another awesome DVC perk!
Just want to check out the shops or make a dining reservation? You can use the standard self-parking and not have to pay the fee. They will ask you at the entrance to the resort for the reason for your visit, so make sure if you’re coming to eat you have a reservation. During peak seasons, you might be turned away.
Sports and Recreation
There’s so much to do at this resort, you can’t possibly claim boredom on a day off from the parks! Not only can you explore the expansive resort or the other resorts in the area, but there are also activities every day for you and your family to enjoy.
Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Mini-Golf
While this isn’t right at the resort, a short jaunt from the resort is Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf, one of the two mini-golf locations at Walt Disney World.
Mini-golf is a great way to spend the evening, particularly after a large meal, and is fun for the whole family. Enjoy the colorful and exciting course based on the Disney film Fantasia, featuring the music from the movie as well as the beloved characters. Be careful, there are more than a few fountains on this course that just might get you!
For lovers of traditional golf, the Fairways course is designed like a miniature version of a standard course, complete with hazards. If you have older members in your party, or just want to avoid the crowds of the Fantasia course, this would be a great option!
Morning Yoga
Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:15, you will find a complimentary yoga class on the Village Green Lawn in the center of the boardwalk. Each class is thirty minutes and is designed to be a gentle way to relax and start your day.
Mats and towels are provided at the class, so just make sure to wear stretchy and comfortable clothes. Children are welcome at the class but must be accompanied by an adult. The class is on a first-come, first-serve, and only accommodates 20 guests. If you’re interested, make sure you get there early for a spot!
Campfire Activities
Looking for a fun family activity to end your evening? Try roasting marshmallows over a campfire before watching a movie under the stars!
Located right by the Community Hall, you’ll find cast members waiting for you with the materials for your delicious snack before showing a family-friendly Disney film. This is a great way to wind down for the evening before heading back to your room for the night. If you don’t have to get up early for a park the next day, you have to give this a try!
Traditional Sports
If you or your traveling companions enjoy getting outside and moving, there will be no shortage of activities during your stay!
You can rent surrey bikes for a ride for the whole family, clacking and ringing your bell all along the BoardWalk. Enjoy tennis or the jogging trails if you need to get out of the hotel room or if you want to get your exercise. As the boardwalk meets up with the Epcot resort areas, you could just run the loop around Crescent Lake in the morning for a smooth and consistent route. You can even go on a guided bass-fishing excursion if you’re dying to get out on the water!
Transportation Options
Disney’s Magical Express
For those guests flying in and out of Orlando International Airport, the best option is Disney’s Magical Express. This free service will relieve much of the hassle of beginning and ending your vacation, so you’ll want to take advantage of it!
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is also serviced by the Disney bus transportation, taking guests from the resort to the parks and Disney Springs. The busses won’t directly take you to other resorts, but if you head to Disney Springs you can catch a bus to a different resort. Of course, the BoardWalk is so close to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios that it might just be faster to walk.
Disney has also partnered with Lyft to create the Minnie Van service, adorable polka-dotted SUVs seating at least six. These rides also have the ability to accommodate car seats and strollers, so there’s no need to fret if you have small children in your party! All you have to do is use the Lyft app and you’ll be able to request the Minnie Van to pick you up, wherever you are on the property. You do have to pay for the service, but if you are concerned about using a standard rideshare you can have the peace of mind of Disney approval. Regular Lyft also works throughout all of Walt Disney World and is a great option to get where you want to go at a specific time.
As the BoardWalk Resort is on the water, you also have access to Disney’s water transportation. These boats are a fun and relaxing option, particularly if you have the time just to enjoy the ride. A stop is conveniently located at the center of the boardwalk, traveling to the Yacht and Beach Club across the lake, and on to Epcot. You can also take a water taxi over to the Swan and Dolphin hotels, then to Hollywood Studios. This transportation option does move at a more leisurely pace, so if you’re in a hurry you might want to choose something else. Otherwise, skip the bus and board a boat!
Disney’s BoardWalk guests also have easy access to the newest travel method – Disney Skyliners. A Disney Skyliner station is located at the International Gateway to Epcot, the back entrance that nestles right up against the BoardWalk. Just a quick walk from the resort and you’ll be off in a gondola!
Resort Location
Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is part of the Epcot Resort area, right in the backyard of the park. When getting off of Florida’s I-4, you’ll want to exit on to Epcot Center Drive before turning on to East Buena Vista Drive. The resort will be on the right.
Make sure you don’t accidentally try to go to the service entrance, occasionally the GPS will try to take you there instead!
Resort Address:
2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8442
Contact Information
Excited to book your vacation? Head over to Disney’s website and start the process now! For questions regarding booking or and existing reservation, call (407) 939-5277 to speak to a cast member. If for some reason you need to contact the resort directly, call (407) 939-6200.
Ready to experience an amazing vacation? Disney’s BoardWalk Resort has got you covered!
Written by Grace Hoyos, Staff Writer
Grace is a life-long lover of all things Disney, particularly the parks at Walt Disney World. She is also an avid Disney Cruise Line enthusiast who regularly dreams of the white sands of Castaway Cay. Grace loves the fact that her Disney trips give her time to spend with her family, enjoy incredible food, and try new experiences.