Best Boardwalk Restaurant for kids

[have2getaway]

We’d like to go to the Boardwalk on our upcoming trip in January. It will be me, DH, and our 3 boys—all age 9. Which restaurant would you recommend? It can be for either breakfast or dinner.

 

[holden]

Trattoria al Forno has an Ariel character breakfast. Dinner is Italian.

Flying Fish is seafood (dinner).

ESPN is a sports bar/restaurant.

There's also a brew pub, ice cream place, pizza, etc.

We got drinks and apps and sat outside at the AbracadaBar so the kids could watch the boardwalk entertainers. I think our kids also got some pizza or something like that to eat.

 

[NYCgrrl]

We rarely eat hot breakfasts anywhere so no help there.

As for dinner two juvenile members of our party (aged 8 -12 through the years) have eaten at FF several times and it's become a required eatery in our roster by adults and kids. They specialize in fish and shellfish but do an excellent job w/ hooved animals as well (pork belly appetizer and beef entrees come to mind). Their desserts are out of the norm frequently found at Disney and in a good way. Children are welcomed and the decor alone can keep them occupied for a bit of time.

Never eaten at Trattoria al Fornia so am opinionless.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We’d like to go to the Boardwalk on our upcoming trip in January. It will be me, DH, and our 3 boys—all age 9. Which restaurant would you recommend? It can be for either breakfast or dinner.

First, I would recommend dinner if you are going to visit the Boardwalk. There is not a lot going on there during the day time. At night, there will be jugglers, magicians, carnival games, typically a movie on the village green and surrey bike rentals (also available during the day). If you want to eat directly on the Boardwalk, we like Trattoria al Forno - it's just casual, Italian food. If your kids like sports, I would really recommend ESPN. The food isn't great, but, for a sports-lover, the atmosphere is really fun. If you like seafood, you could do Cape May Buffet at BC and then walk over to the Boardwalk afterward. If you like sushi and aren't on the dining plan, you could do Kimono's at the Swan. If you would like a better meal, bluezoo and Flying Fish are excellent. Also, if you like ice cream, I would recommend skipping dessert at any of these restaurants and going to Ample Hills for ice cream.

 

[have2getaway]

We rarely eat hot breakfasts anywhere so no help there.

As for dinner two juvenile members of our party (aged 8 -12 through the years) have eaten at FF several times and it's become a required eatery in our roster by adults and kids. They specialize in fish and shellfish but do an excellent job w/ hooved animals as well (pork belly appetizer and beef entrees come to mind). Their desserts are out of the norm frequently found at Disney and in a good way. Children are welcomed and the decor alone can keep them occupied for a bit of time.

Never eaten at Trattoria al Fornia so am opinionless.

Thank you! What is the attire for Flying Fish? Will we need to dress up?

 

[have2getaway]

First, I would recommend dinner if you are going to visit the Boardwalk. There is not a lot going on there during the day time. At night, there will be jugglers, magicians, carnival games, typically a movie on the village green and surrey bike rentals (also available during the day). If you want to eat directly on the Boardwalk, we like Trattoria al Forno - it's just casual, Italian food. If your kids like sports, I would really recommend ESPN. The food isn't great, but, for a sports-lover, the atmosphere is really fun. If you like seafood, you could do Cape May Buffet at BC and then walk over to the Boardwalk afterward. If you like sushi and aren't on the dining plan, you could do Kimono's at the Swan. If you would like a better meal, bluezoo and Flying Fish are excellent. Also, if you like ice cream, I would recommend skipping dessert at any of these restaurants and going to Ample Hills for ice cream.

Thank you! This is very helpful because I was actually thinking the daytime would be busier.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

At that age, my DS was all about ESPN Club, especially if he had a cousin or friend along. When it was only the three of us, we usually ate at the fine dining restaurants. It really depends on whether you're looking for fun or excellent food. ESPN's food definitely isn't as good at the fine dining restaurants, but it's more fun, unless your kids don't like sports at all.

For more laid back meals you also have the option of Beaches & Cream or The Fountain at Dolphin Resort. Many people like Cape May at Beach Club. I personally think it's one of the most overpriced meals at WDW. If you have DDP, that wouldn't be an issue. I still wouldn't recommend it, but that's just my opinion.

There are many options. It really depends on what type of atmosphere &/or food your family prefers.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Unless you want a signature or ts, I would do the to go cart

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/boardwalk/boardwalk-hot-dogs/menus/

It’s like fair food. The foot long hot dog is huge!

 

[kastoney]

We are big fans of Beaches and Cream. It's nothing fancy but great burgers and fries in a fun diner like atmosphere. As others have said the acts on the boardwalk don't get started until night time so be sure it time dinner later so you can stroll around afterwards.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you! This is very helpful because I was actually thinking the daytime would be busier.

Years ago I made this mistake with my family. It was incredibly boring. We had a dinner ADR at teh YSH so we just hung around the area, but no more daytime visits unless we are planning to shop. Nighttime however is a game changer. The place lights up!
For dining, I think it depends on what you are looking for.

A lot of people like Beaches and Cream, an old fashioned diner style eatery. It is small, and you do need an ADR. It is classified as table service, however it is really not IMO.

Tratorria al Forno is good and reasonably priced.

Flying Fish is really good, but a tad more upscale than the others on the BW. It is expensive, and IMO not kid friendly.

You could dine in one of the resort restaurants. Cape May Cafe inside the Beach Club is really good if you liek a seafood buffet. The kids can choose what they like.

In the Yacht Club is Ale and Compass. I have not dined here however the reviews are good.

You can meander over to the Swan/Dolphin and get dinner at the Garden Grove or the ice cream parlor restaurnt. I cannot remember the name.

 

[have2getaway]

Years ago I made this mistake with my family. It was incredibly boring. We had a dinner ADR at teh YSH so we just hung around the area, but no more daytime visits unless we are planning to shop. Nighttime however is a game changer. The place lights up!
For dining, I think it depends on what you are looking for.

A lot of people like Beaches and Cream, an old fashioned diner style eatery. It is small, and you do need an ADR. It is classified as table service, however it is really not IMO.

Tratorria al Forno is good and reasonably priced.

Flying Fish is really good, but a tad more upscale than the others on the BW. It is expensive, and IMO not kid friendly.

You could dine in one of the resort restaurants. Cape May Cafe inside the Beach Club is really good if you liek a seafood buffet. The kids can choose what they like.

In the Yacht Club is Ale and Compass. I have not dined here however the reviews are good.

You can meander over to the Swan/Dolphin and get dinner at the Garden Grove or the ice cream parlor restaurnt. I cannot remember the name.

Thank you! I’m struggling with wanting a nice restaurant, but not wanting all the fuss of changing out of park clothes into dress clothes for the experience. That said, if we venture over to the Boardwalk at night, which is what everyone is suggesting, it would be fairly easy to finish our park activities and change at our resort prior to arrival. We are staying at the Polynesian. Would it be easiest to try to reserve a Minnie Van to get there?

We were originally thinking of going to the Boardwalk after a day at either Epcot or DHS, Which is where my concern with attire comes into play. Will we be okay eating at any of the Boardwalk restaurants if we are still in our park clothes?

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you! I’m struggling with wanting a nice restaurant, but not wanting all the fuss of changing out of park clothes into dress clothes for the experience. That said, if we venture over to the Boardwalk at night, which is what everyone is suggesting, it would be fairly easy to finish our park activities and change at our resort prior to arrival. We are staying at the Polynesian. Would it be easiest to try to reserve a Minnie Van to get there?

We were originally thinking of going to the Boardwalk after a day at either Epcot or DHS, Which is where my concern with attire comes into play. Will we be okay eating at any of the Boardwalk restaurants if we are still in our park clothes?

First, you can dine in park clothing at any of these restaurants. FF is a bit more "dressy" IMO, but you still could come in from Epcot and eat. It really is your comfort level. If you choose FF, I would save it for the night you freshen up at that Poly. Any of the others you could just come straight from the parks.

As to getting to the Boardwalk, Minnie Vans are pricey so I while we are using them one time on our trip, Uber, Lyft or a cab is less expensive. From teh Poly, it will be less than $15 IIRC to get a cab.

We tend to save the cab for the ride home. I do not mind the time it takes to get to a resort for dinner, but I alwasy want to get home quickly.

 

[have2getaway]

First, you can dine in park clothing at any of these restaurants. FF is a bit more "dressy" IMO, but you still could come in from Epcot and eat. It really is your comfort level. If you choose FF, I would save it for the night you freshen up at that Poly. Any of the others you could just come straight from the parks.

As to getting to the Boardwalk, Minnie Vans are pricey so I while we are using them one time on our trip, Uber, Lyft or a cab is less expensive. From teh Poly, it will be less than $15 IIRC to get a cab.

We tend to save the cab for the ride home. I do not mind the time it takes to get to a resort for dinner, but I alwasy want to get home quickly.

Thank you! I think we will try to do as you suggest and freshen up at the resort before going. It also makes sense to do the cab on the ride home and not to. I was thinking if the Minnie van purely for the experience. I knew they were a bit more expensive, but is it still just $25? I’m guessing we could just take a resort bus from TTC to the Boardwalk Resort to get there?

 

[have2getaway]

We are big fans of Beaches and Cream. It's nothing fancy but great burgers and fries in a fun diner like atmosphere. As others have said the acts on the boardwalk don't get started until night time so be sure it time dinner later so you can stroll around afterwards.

This is something we might consider. We could save our dining credits and just pay oop.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Just a note on the Boardwalk entertainment... while the surrey bikes and carnival games are available every night, the special performers (jugglers, mimes, magicians etc.) are only Thursday through Saturday nights.

 

[Nancyg56]

Thank you! I think we will try to do as you suggest and freshen up at the resort before going. It also makes sense to do the cab on the ride home and not to. I was thinking if the Minnie van purely for the experience. I knew they were a bit more expensive, but is it still just $25? I’m guessing we could just take a resort bus from TTC to the Boardwalk Resort to get there?

We are going to book a Minnie Van one night too. I cannot remember the cost, it is a set rate plus mileage I think.

 

[have2getaway]

Just a note on the Boardwalk entertainment... while the surrey bikes and carnival games are available every night, the special performers (jugglers, mimes, magicians etc.) are only Thursday through Saturday nights.

Thank you! This is really important to know. I will make sure our Boardwalk night is one of these nights.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Thank you! What is the attire for Flying Fish? Will we need to dress up?

Just neat and clean works although the restaurant suggests resort casual just as all the signatures do.

Seconding the Boardwalk has more of a carnival atmosphere in the evenings when the buskers are there. They interact with the audience and particularly zone in on the kids who are willing to play along without making those who are more shy feel left out.

 

[soccermom54]

Beaches and Cream or ESPN. Both fun places for kids and adults.

 

[have2getaway]

There aren’t any lunch or dinner ADR’s for Beaches and Cream. Flying Fish does have reservations available. Are there any places there where we can order pizza?