Boardwalk-Epcot question

[Boomerdog]

I asked a similar question recently but I am refining my plans. We want to enjoy the Boardwalk our first night at Disneyworld.

First of all, what time do the shops stay open?

Second, we have a fastpass for Test Track. My initial thought would be park at Epcot, jump on Test Track and then on to Boardwalk. However, Epcot will close during the time we are enjoying Boardwalk. So, is there a way to walk back to Epcot parking?

If not, is the best way to go about this? We are staying at Caribbean Beach.

Is that resort within walking distance? Probably not I assume.

I assume, and I am sorry to those that this offends, the best option would be to park at Boardwalk?

What kind of time would it take to walk from Boardwalk parking to Epcot?

 

[Tinkerbell8956]

I would park at the Boardwalk and walk into Epcot through the International Gateway. The Boardwalk has parking specifically for people who are just visiting. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your speed to get from the parking (it's pretty far out) to the International Gateway.

 

[Robo]

 

[Boomerdog]

I would park at the Boardwalk and walk into Epcot through the International Gateway. The Boardwalk has parking specifically for people who are just visiting. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your speed to get from the parking (it's pretty far out) to the International Gateway.

Thanks for the advice. We really just want to experience the Boardwalk as we never have before. I ran through it once in a half marathon though

On a side note, it is the Tuesday a week before Thanksgiving week. And for some reason, HS closes at 4pm that day!

 

[Tinkerbell8956]

They are having the cast member party that night. Sounds like you will be there at the same time we will!

 

[loves to dive]

I'm not sure what shops you are talking about at BW, there is your typical resort gift shop, a sort of grocery store type shop, an art gallery and I can't think of another shop there. Not sure what time that closes but I've been in the gift shop around 10 or 11. You can google boardwalk to find all that is located there. Yes, I've seen on another thread where you have asked them and it has been answered that it's not best for you to park at boardwalk as they are working on a parking lot and so one lot is closed and guests have been told there is a possibility they would have to pay for valet parking. Park at HS, there is a walkway between BW and HS that isn't very long, it's a pleasant walk.

 

[Boomerdog]

I'm not sure what shops you are talking about at BW, there is your typical resort gift shop, a sort of grocery store type shop, an art gallery and I can't think of another shop there. Not sure what time that closes but I've been in the gift shop around 10 or 11. You can google boardwalk to find all that is located there. Yes, I've seen on another thread where you have asked them and it has been answered that it's not best for you to park at boardwalk as they are working on a parking lot and so one lot is closed and guests have been told there is a possibility they would have to pay for valet parking. Park at HS, there is a walkway between BW and HS that isn't very long, it's a pleasant walk.

Eh, seems 50/50 people saying park there vs other forms of transportation. But, those that say don't park there are the people who stay at Boardwalk Inn, so, I take it with a grain of salt. But, I do take their concerns into consideration and it is why I am asking the questions about ways to work around the early HS closure that day and Epcot closing before we leave Boardwalk.

 

[supersnoop]

Parking at the Boardwalk would typically be limited to 3 hours and is intended only for people visiting the Boardwalk, not for theme park access. If you want to park at the Boardwalk, you should probably pay for valet. Otherwise, I'd recommend parking at Hollywood Studios and walk or take the boat to/from your car.

 

[Boomerdog]

I'm not sure what shops you are talking about at BW, there is your typical resort gift shop, a sort of grocery store type shop, an art gallery and I can't think of another shop there. Not sure what time that closes but I've been in the gift shop around 10 or 11. You can google boardwalk to find all that is located there. Yes, I've seen on another thread where you have asked them and it has been answered that it's not best for you to park at boardwalk as they are working on a parking lot and so one lot is closed and guests have been told there is a possibility they would have to pay for valet parking. Park at HS, there is a walkway between BW and HS that isn't very long, it's a pleasant walk.

Disney's Character Carnival, Pin Station, Screen Door General Store, The Yard, Thimbles & Threads, Wyland Galleries

Also all of the food that is on the Boarwalk. I am too lazy to list all of those...

 

[Boomerdog]

Parking at the Boardwalk would typically be limited to 3 hours and is intended only for people visiting the Boardwalk, not for theme park access. If you want to park at the Boardwalk, you should probably pay for valet. Otherwise, I'd recommend parking at Hollywood Studios and walk or take the boat to/from your car.

Well, parking there and then hitting test track and then Boardwalking the rest of the time seems fair to me. Especially since that would keep us in the 3 hour window. On top of no transportation to HS because of private party that day and no way to walk back to Epcot parking after the park closes. Plus, it is a very calm time of year...If it was Thanksgiving week, I would be more than happy to help out the Boardwalk Inn guests. But, seeing that it is Tuesday and a slow week, I don't think my car will cause anyone else to not find parking.

 

[Missyrose]

Don't be surprised if the security guard at Boardwalk sends you to the overflow parking lot across the street, next to the Hess station. The Boardwalk self-parking lots aren't very big. So unless you're a guest or have an ADR, you'll likely be sent across the street.

 

[Boomerdog]

Don't be surprised if the security guard at Boardwalk sends you to the overflow parking lot across the street, next to the Hess station. The Boardwalk self-parking lots aren't very big. So unless you're a guest or have an ADR, you'll likely be sent across the street.

Thanks. Yeah, we don't care if we park way in the back, we just want to make sure we have a way home as it will be late when we arrive and leave. Taxi is an option, but, being on a budget, and renting a car, we'd rather not also have to pay to go that route.

 

[Robo]

Thanks. Yeah, we don't care if we park way in the back, we just want to make sure we have a way home as it will be late when we arrive and leave. Taxi is an option, but, being on a budget, and renting a car, we'd rather not also have to pay to go that route.

Late at night there are buses that run from the Boardwalk to all WDW resorts.
They can be boarded at the Boardwalk's bus stop, out in front of the hotel.

 

[Boomerdog]

Late at night there are buses that run from the Boardwalk to all WDW resorts.
They can be boarded at the Boardwalk's bus stop, out in front of the hotel.

This is an interesting development! Are you sure about this?

That would make the whole to park or not to park at Boardwalk hullabaloo moot...We would just bus to Epcot and Bus home from the walk!

 

[Boomerdog]

Darn, I just contacted Disney, and they said I'd have to bus to DTD and then bus home

 

[Robo]

Darn, I just contacted Disney, and they said I'd have to bus to DTD and then bus home

Do not ever call Disney to ask questions about park operations or transportation.

The "Phone CM's" know nothing about these things.
But, that doesn't stop them from answering, regardless.

 

[schoolinmy3]

We arrived in WDW today and this evening visited Boardwalk after dinner.... Love the one man show acts they have there. The shops are open until 11 pm I believe. We are staying at POR and took a bus to Downtown Disney and then from there boarded a bus to Boardwalk. It really was quite easy and we didn't have to wait long at all for either of the buses. We did hitch a ride back to the resort with our friends...

 

[smidgy]

if you do have to park in the overflow lots by the hess station: when I have stayed at Boardwalk villas the first day I always walk over to the hess station for beer, wine, snacks, etc. from exiting the lobby to entering the station was a 6 minute walk for me last year. this year was 7 minutes (I'm slipping)
I also have heard that they are now.. finally ..providing bus transportation late at night from the boardwalk to other resorts. that's all I've heard. no schedule or anything..
I am glad to hear this. not only to save parking spaces for BW guests, but to keep people who are enjoying ESPN club, atlantic city dance hall and jelly rolls from driving back to their resort. when disney offers nighttime entertainment for ALL guests at a resort like this I think they shoudl provide transportation.. boardwalk has a lot more than most resorts. quite a few restauarants, "streetmosphere" entertainment , a brewery, dance hall, sports bar, dueling pianos bar, a few shops.
this was the entire point of the boardwalk hotel. the reasonit doesn't have it's own counter service food venue, or sit down restaurant is because it is adjacent to the boardwalk itself.. which is a destination.

 

[goopysolelady]

Late at night there are buses that run from the Boardwalk to all WDW resorts.
They can be boarded at the Boardwalk's bus stop, out in front of the hotel.

if you do have to park in the overflow lots by the hess station: when I have stayed at Boardwalk villas the first day I always walk over to the hess station for beer, wine, snacks, etc. from exiting the lobby to entering the station was a 6 minute walk for me last year. this year was 7 minutes (I'm slipping)
I also have heard that they are now.. finally ..providing bus transportation late at night from the boardwalk to other resorts. that's all I've heard. no schedule or anything..
I am glad to hear this. not only to save parking spaces for BW guests, but to keep people who are enjoying ESPN club, atlantic city dance hall and jelly rolls from driving back to their resort. when disney offers nighttime entertainment for ALL guests at a resort like this I think they shoudl provide transportation.. boardwalk has a lot more than most resorts. quite a few restauarants, "streetmosphere" entertainment , a brewery, dance hall, sports bar, dueling pianos bar, a few shops.
this was the entire point of the boardwalk hotel. the reasonit doesn't have it's own counter service food venue, or sit down restaurant is because it is adjacent to the boardwalk itself.. which is a destination.

GLAD to hear this about the buses to resorts! On our arrival day, plans are to stay in HS until closing and then boat to the Boardwalk area to look at Christmas decorations. Being able to take a bus back to WL would be wonderful!

 

[wilma-bride]

I am intrigued about the 'bus from Boardwalk to WDW resorts' information. Many times, when staying at other resorts, we have visited the Boardwalk late at night, to go to Jellyrolls, and gone back to Boardwalk concierge desk to ask for a taxi back to our resort. Not once have they told us there are buses running to the resorts. So either they don't run that late or concierge don't know their stuff either (which I find strange).