For me, I always vacation solo, and I am a relatively older person. (62). That said, I have stayed at The Boardwalk numerous times. I like to just stroll down The Boardwalk going in and out of the stores. If My DH was with me, I would hope that we could rent one of those covered bicycle carts - I have no idea of what you call them. It would be so much fun. It is also wonderful to stop and see some of the live acts like jugglers and magicians. You could do some of those carnival games to win a prize, however it means that you will have to squeeze these prizes in your luggage for the trip home. The Boardwalk is a very interesting, and relaxing place.
The bikes do sound like a lot of fun. I'm interested in seeing the shops as well, but I'm just so unfamiliar with the whole area.
If you want to swim stay at the Beach Club so you can swim in SAB then walk over to the boardwalk its a 5 minute walk. They boardwalk is fun and I stay there every trip(
DVC) but its not a place I would spend a whole night just to see the boardwalk. I'll watch the shows if I catch them and play the carnival games but other than that its not that exciting and there isn't that much to do. Check out the art store behind the Screen Door General Store. Get ice cream at Seashore Sweets? Or get a reservation for Beaches and Cream at the BC and get the kitchen sink.
I have always wanted to relax at SAB. I don't think I realized that Beach Club and The Boardwalk Inn surround the actual boardwalk. Am I understanding that correctly? Is Yacht Club connected, too?
I've not stayed at the Boardwalk but did at the Swan which is close. The BW is nice but nothing compelling.
What about AKL? It's unique with the animals. Really though it comes down to personal taste in what appeals to you!
The only thing I wouldn't like about the idea is going from a deluxe hotel down to a value. I think it would feel like a letdown for the rest of my trip. Always better to split stay and move to a nicer hotel than the other way round....IMHO.
Perhaps try an offsite hotel like the Gaylord or one within walking distance of Disney Springs? That way you have the excitement to move to a Disney hotel the next day but you're still getting a nice first evening.
We LOVED AKL for part of our honeymoon stay. It was beautiful and peaceful. However, I don't think I could stay there for just one night. I'd be so disappointed to not get to stay for the entire vacation.
I think you're right about going from a Deluxe to a Value, but I don't think it would be too disappointing since we're just planning on having a nice, relaxing evening somewhere before we begin our vacation. My husband will not do another split stay because of all the trouble we had on our honeymoon. We moved from CBR to AKL and it was a nightmare.
We stayed offsite and went to Disney Springs back in November. I'm considering it again, I just thought it would be fun to stay on property.
The Boardwalk is a wonderful resort, but if you're going to stay there, make sure you explore the entire Epcot resorts area! The Boardwalk itself has several great eating options-- our favorite is the ESPN Club for lunch or dinner. There is entertainment from time to time as well as carnival games and surrey bike rentals. Once you've checked out the Boardwalk, make your way around Crescent Lake to the Yacht & Beach Club and Swan & Dolphin resort areas. The Beach Club has the great retro ice cream & soda shop Beaches & Cream that gets busy, but it's a great visit if you have time! We also like to eat at the delicious Italian restaurant Il Mulino located at the Swan; they always give great service and have plenty of space! If you love Epcot and/or Hollywood Studios and being within walking/boat distance of each park, the Boardwalk is a perfect choice. The Epcot resorts area is very relaxing and beautiful to walk around, and is always our #1 choice when staying on property. I highly recommend!
Side note-- I would recommend the Beach Club as highly if not higher than the Boardwalk. Each hotel is similarly priced and located within the same general vicinity. Definitely check out all your options for the Epcot resorts and see what you like best!
Thanks! That was really helpful!
Agree with many of the others, except the BC part. Not really good food options there, in fact, we walked over continually to the boardwalk to get quick eats.
The entertainment is good as you catch it, but as others have said, its not like theres really a ton extra to do there. Stores are maybe 1 more than any other resort. If I was staying there however, I probably would stroll around the entire lake, going in and out of every resort, including Swan/Dolp just to check them out, look in gift shops, etc.,
With all of the new stuff at Disney Springs, however, now that I can see filling a night. The idea of staying at one of those hotels right there, and strolling around there is a great idea.
So, all those hotels are within walking distance around the boardwalk? I'm trying to understand that part.
Are you traveling as a couple or with kids?
If as a couple, DH and I enjoy Jellyrolls (dueling piano bar, small cover charge is completely worth it!) and a quiet evening having drinks at the Belle Vue Lounge. Evening strolls around Crescent Lake are wonderful. There are Boardwalk entertainers out in the early evenings...think magicians, jugglers, etc. If you like sports, there are always games to watch at the ESPN Club in a fun atmosphere.
If with kids, you could do as mentioned before and rent surrey bikes, and of course kids love pools so that is always an option. They would also like the pool games every afternoon and nighttime boardwalk entertainment. We have also walked over to DHS and watched the fireworks from just outiside the front entrance. You can still see most of it and hear the music! You can take the boat there and back, which most kids would consider a ride in itself.
Enjoy!
It will just be my husband and me. No children yet. Oh, I would love to go to Jellyrolls! That would be so much fun and a quiet night having drinks sounds intriguing as well. Fantastic idea!
If there are performers out in the evening, it's fun to watch them on the Boardwalk for a bit (not like that will kill even an hour really). It's so fun to be able to walk into Epcot for a bite to eat in any of the countries and watch Illuminations.
Are you flying and taking ME or driving? Just wondering, since the Swan was just remodeled, and the new rooms look very nice. Their pool is prettier than the Boardwalk pool to me, but then again I prefer the quiet pool at the Boardwalk now (but my kids used to love that creepy clown slide!). The Swan and Dolphin pool has a slide too.
We are driving. The price for Swan is the same as the Boardwalk Inn right now. I had heard the rooms were refurbished at the Swan, but I think between the two I'd rather stay at Boardwalk.
Definitely check out Jellyrolls!! It's a dueling piano bar down by the Atlantic Dance Hall. We also enjoy grabbing a bite at ESPN Club. There are usually some performers on the Boardwalk at night and there are various carnival type games and possibly caricature artists. There also some food kiosks along the way if you don't want to enjoy a sit-down meal. You can also rent a Surrey Bike over at the Boardwalk and bike it around Crescent Lake.
Another vote for Jellyrolls and the bikes. Thank you!
We start a BW evening with a drink or 2 at the Belle Vue Lounge, Allen makes a great spicy Bloody Mary, the porch is great for people watching un observed, lots of bedraggled folks exiting that time of day. When the acts start we head down the stairs to catch them, Coney Island Chris is our favorite. As Illuminations approach we either head over to WS or park ourselves at one of the points around the lagoon to view the aerials, it's such a short walk we usually go the WS. If you get to BW a little before dark a surrey bike ride can be fun.
Bill From PA
Again, Belle Vue sounds great. Thank you for your response!
Thank you so much everyone for your responses. These ideas have been fantastic! We appreciate them.
