Boardwalk Area - Worth Going?

[cckp72]

Hello - we have never explored the Boardwalk area. Is it something that we should do? Is it similar to a smaller scale Downtown Disney (Springs?) with shops and restaurants? How is the parking situation there? Just wondering if it's worth taking a couple of hours to explore this area!

TIA!

 

[Mark P.]

Hello!
We love spending time there. That said, we often stay in one of the resorts there, so it's handy.
Here's a link that describes the Boardwalk restaurants: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/disneydining.cfm

In addition to the restaurants at the Boardwalk, the Yacht & Beach Club and Swan/Dolphin have nice places to dine, as well. Also listed on the above link.

The boardwalk has entertainment in the evening, such as magicians and jugglers, etc., and that's always a nice break and the kids have a great time, as they (and adults, too) are part of the show sometimes.

We like to check out the Wyland Gallery, too.

Happy Planning
-Mark

 

[asbyrneva]

I would vote no unless you are going to stay there or you are there to see something specific or dine around there. Its really a couple shops and a couple restaurants. If you are already over there sure but I wouldn't compare it to disney springs.

 

[loves to dive]

Another one for it's not worth it unless you happen to be in Epcot and just want a break for a hour. The only parking is a BWI, which means you are either valet parking or taking a parking place of someone who is staying there. I've stayed at BWI a couple of times and at BC/YC more times than I can count and the only time I've been on it was to jog in the morning or just to walk over there for about 1/2 hour in the evening just to look around.

 

[DVCcurious]

What's there to explore? There's like 3 restaurants, a bakery, and a dance hall. If you really want to see it just walk over on your Epcot day. Leave by France/UK through the International Gateway, spend 10 minutes walking over, look around and realize there's not much to see, then walk back.

I like staying at Boardwalk or Beach Club, but as a "destination" there's really not much there.

 

[jekjones1558]

The Boardwalk is best experienced at night. That is when the entertainers are out and they are fun to watch. If you will have kids with you, the performers often involve the kids, who seem to really enjoy the humor/acts. Jellyrolls (a dueling pianos bar) is very popular at night. If you are sports fans, the ESPN is great for watching games while having something to eat. There are shops but nothing special.
Parking is an issue, so the easiest way to experience Boardwalk is to make a stop there while visiting Epcot. If you exit through the International Gateway between France and United Kingdom, it is about a 7 minute walk or 5 minute boat ride. There is a bus from Boardwalk to Disney Springs or plan to use buses/monorail from Epcot (be sure to check their schedules). There is also a walking path and a boat from Hollywood Studios, about a 15 minute walk or boat ride.

 

[BalooFan]

It doesn't come close to the scale of Disney Springs, but it might be worth a look. As others said, if you go I would recommend taking a break of a hour or so from Epcot in the evening and walking over from the International Gateway. There isn't much going on in the daytime, but there is entertainment at night. If you are interested in other resorts, you can check out five in the Boardwalk area. You could walk from Epcot toward the Boardwalk and then toward the Swan and Dolphin and Yacht and Beach Clubs, then back to Epcot. You could grab something sweet at the Boardwalk Bakery and ice cream at Beaches and Cream To Go. It's a lovely area, especially at night.

 

[redsbe]

During Dec 2014 visit we took ferry from Epcot over for a look (I had never been there before) food and shops, nice if you looking for a different place for a few hours.

 

[TeamSy]

I think it's definitely a fun place to visit, especially at night! It's nowhere near the same scale as Disney Springs, but still worth it IMO. Much more laid back. I would plan dinner, do some shopping (the art store here is my favorite one), and as others have said, it really comes alive at night with performers and entertainers. You can see the Epcot fireworks and it's a great place to go for a stroll. Boardwalk Bakery is amazing for treats, and if you're up for it jellyrolls is a dueling piano bar!

 

[epcotty]

Hello!

Here's a link that describes the Boardwalk restaurants: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/************.cfm

Tried the link, it doesn't work even if I put boardwalk where the ************** are

 

[Disneylover99]

I vote no. We stayed at the BC last summer and we never ventured over in the evening at all, though we've walked through in the past. Unless you have a restaurant reservation in that area, I don't think it's worth it.

 

[DebbieB]

Tried the link, it doesn't work even if I put boardwalk where the ************** are

Not sure why the censor is picking it up, it's disney dining (without the space).
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/************.cfm

Try this one:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

 

[Mark P.]

Sorry, not linking...Just head to the DIS homepage and look for dining, then Boardwalk.

 

[Delirium]

Absolutely worth a trip at night. My kids love the performers and often get chosen to participate.

 

[DebbieB]

Given the option to only do one thing at WDW in an evening, I would choose to walk around the World Showcase, watch Illuminations and then walk along the boardwalk. I've actually had this choice when in Orlando for business. I love the carnival atmosphere. I actually planned to sell my DVC after my mom passed away but took one "last trip". The last night I was walking along the boardwalk, watching the acts and knew at that moment I couldn't give it up.

 

[suswa]

Glad to see this feedback. We are going to Cape May on our first night and are planning a walk about after. Sounds like a nice start for a non park day.

 

[mickeymom22]

I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. If you need a break from the parks and don't want to go back to your resort, it is a nice place to stroll.

 

[Dismama2boys]

We really enjoyed a family evening there when my son was 6 months old. It was low key, entertaining without being crazy or super-crowded. It's a standout moment from that trip. If you're looking for hours of high energy entertainment, it's the wrong place, but for dinner and a couple hours of quaint entertainment with little ones, it's great.

 

[DoingDisney]

Here are my thoughts, if you are looking to just go for a walk and enjoy the view, absolutely. But if you are looking for shops and such, no, there just isn't enough there for you to do. Unless you have a reservation at a restaurant, there really isn't much unless you are just there for a walk and a view. Both of which are great btw, but if its out of your way, it might not be worth the time it takes to get there.

 

[karrit2000]

As others have already said the Boardwalk area is a nice diversion for a couple of hours in the evening but that's about it. Parking is extremely limited so there are times they will only allow guests staying there access to the parking lot. Anyone can Pay to Valet Park. They will routinely turn away visitors especially during busy times like weekends, Food & Wine, Flower & Garden and major Holidays. There are many ways to access the area via Disney Transportation and it's fairly easy of you venture there from Epcot via the International Gateway either walking or taking the Friendship Boats. Also you can get there from Hollywood Studios via the walking path or the Friendship Boats. I would suggest using either of these options on your DHS or EPCOT day. The only shopping is the Wyland Art Gallery & the Hotel Store which is on the Boardwalk. There are some carnival type games open in the evenings as well as the already mentioned entertainment. There's a Bakery & several restaurants including the ESPN Club, the Dance Hall & Jelly Rolls Piano Bar. There are also a few food kiosks but some will only take credit cards or cash, no room charge or dining credits. Flying Fish is now closed for a lengthy refurb until the fall as is the Sweet Shop which sold candy & ice cream.