Boardwalk at Night

[Lizziekris]

Where do you recommend parking to go to the Boardwalk area at night time? Is there really a lot to do there, or is it just restaurants and viewing the scenery? We tried to go once before and couldn't find any place to park nearby. So, we went one morning and walked around, but there wasn't much to do other than walk around. Are there really some cool carnival type games a 9 year old can play or is it mainly to go for the restaurants and Ample Hills?

Thanks so much! We are trying to find at least one new thing to do each time we go this year since we got Annual Passes.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Well, it's not something that I would use my time on. Maybe just a few minutes or so. You'd probably need to park at DHS and either walk over or ride the boat. Parking at BW is really limited with the construction and the number of guests staying there.

 

[McFly913]

I believe there is a parking lot across the street, we park there when we go for dinner on the boardwalk.

It's a nice place to relax and have dinner or hang out for a drink. I like it at night with the sunset and the nighttime atmosphere. There are some carnival games. But I think it's mainly a food and drink place above all else. One of my favorite bars on property is there in the little. Small hidden place. I enjoy the boardwalk alot but mainly it's bc we stay there often with the DVC.

 

[JARNJ3]

There are entertainers on the Boardwalk. Jugglers, Magicians, etc.

But I think you'd only end up spending 2 hours there, unless you combine it with dinner - or a ride on the Surrey bicycles - or a walk around the whole Boardwalk\SwanDolphin\YachtClubBeachClub loop.

There's only 3 carnival games - which are, as you would suspect, a rip-off. They are either $5 or $10 for some chances.

If you eat at one of the restaurants - you can park at the Boardwalk for free.

We stay at the Boardwalk most of our trips, so we take it for granted......

 

[Farro]

It should only be a destination if you are planning to eat dinner there. Or if you are at Epcot, walk over and check it out.

Otherwise if not staying at one of the resorts, I wouldn't bother making a trip just to see the Boardwalk.

 

[sachilles]

I like it there, but it's more of a stroll around type of place. I find it's a cool place to hang out if Epcot closes early on that night. Good place to grab a drink/late night snack and do a little people watching.

 

[Shellyred8]

if you do plan some time there, you might want to check out the Fantasia Gardens mini golf while you are in the area. It's just on the other side of the Swan and Dolphin. Perhaps park at the Fantasia Gardens and golf and then walk over to the boardwalk to check things out.

 

[Marionnette]

Where do you recommend parking to go to the Boardwalk area at night time? Is there really a lot to do there, or is it just restaurants and viewing the scenery? We tried to go once before and couldn't find any place to park nearby. So, we went one morning and walked around, but there wasn't much to do other than walk around. Are there really some cool carnival type games a 9 year old can play or is it mainly to go for the restaurants and Ample Hills?

Thanks so much! We are trying to find at least one new thing to do each time we go this year since we got Annual Passes.

Boardwalk parking is for guests of the resort and those with confirmed ADRs. Sometimes, they will also allow guests who "just want to look around" to also park in the resort lot, but don't count on it. Parking is extremely limited at the resort, especially if there is a large convention being held there.

There isn't a lot to do on the Boardwalk itself. A couple carnival games. A magician or a juggler, never both at the same time. You can rent a surrey bike or grab ice cream either at the Creamery or at Beaches and Cream over at the YC/BC.

FWIW, I would not make it a destination in itself. If you're there or at the YC/BC or S/D for dinner, then it's a nice place to stroll around for an hour or so. But I would not go out of my way to go there just to do something different.

 

[NH-to-FL]

I'll agree with the previous posters and say that it really isn't a destination activity.

We have stayed at the Boardwalk Inn many times and enjoyed spending time strolling the boardwalk, getting some ice cream, and watching the world go by. We considered it part of the resort's theming. But unless you are nearby for dinner or want to take a break out the back door of Epcot I wouldn't make a special trip just to see the boardwalk.

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I wish I could tell you it is more exciting than it is.....Luckily our kids are old enough to go over the Beaches And Creme by themselves [ages 15 and 20] and my husband and I went to Abracadabra bar and had drinks .It was pretty cool...great atmosphere and theming. There is also Atlantic Dance Hall and Jelly Rolls piano bar but we have not tried those yet. Mostly you can just walk around and see a few sights but it is not like Disney Springs or anything.

 

[Jadyreen1282]

We go to DHS half day then Boardwalk for dinner then Epcot on night EMH. Get to see all three. No special trip to BW.

 

[OneinThree]

Flying Fish and AbracadaBar are both very good locations and worth the trip if they are in the plan, IMO. Aside from that, not much going on there. Time better spent at Disney Springs.

 

[Lyricallie]

We had a late reservation at beaches and cream. So we went for a wander after our ice cream but mainly we had a nosey around the nice hotels. Wasn’t much going on tbh. Much prefer DS.

 

[WEDWDW]

Much prefer DS.

The Boardwalk is to Disney Springs as The Barnstormer is to Rock n' Roller Coaster!lol

 

[DisneyWishes14]

It depends on what your 9-year old is interested in. My DS10 LOVES the Boardwalk. Even when we stay at other resorts, I take him there at least one evening so he can go to ESPN, watch the jugglers and magicians, eat ice cream at Ample Hills and play the carnival games (bring cash, they don't accept cc's or MB's). If you are going for dinner, you can definitely make a night of it. Perhaps add in a ride on a surrey bike or walk over to Fantasia mini-golf near the Swan/Dolphin. It's not terribly lively there - DS is definitely livelier - but still a nice evening.

 

[jcvalenti]

The Boardwalk might be our favorite spot on Disney property, though I suspect that will only last until the gondolas go live and it gets packed full of people. For us it's an ambiance thing, not a "what is there to do" thing. If you're looking to be entertained, definitely hit up Disney Springs instead. If you like a leisurely stroll, some great theming, some people watching and maybe a few snacks or adult beverages, the Boardwalk is definitely your vibe. I much prefer it as the sun is going down, as it looks great when the lights come on.

Being able to park at the Boardwalk Hotel is hit or miss - if they are at capacity, they will deny you entry but if it's slower, they usually have no problem letting you park. Unfortunately so many people were abusing parking there (parking early and walking to Epcot or DHS) they had to tighten it up. Just tell them you want to stop for ice cream at Ample Hills or visit Abracadabar. They will always let you valet park, though that has a fee unless you have Tables in Wonderland and are planning on buying some food or a drink (you need to show a receipt).

 

[DaisyDuck001]

There is also dueling piano bar entertainment there in the evenings, for adults only.

 

[married2mm]

Is there a charge to enter over 21's establishments?

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Yes, the Jellyrolls dueling piano bar has a cover charge. I think it was around $14 or so.