Boardwalk

[crim1978]

Hi

Never been to the Boardwalk before - sorry.

A few questions if I may:

1. Is the boardwalk worth visiting in the daytime, or is it more of a night time entertainment place?

2. I have been told that both Epcot and MGM are walking distance from the Boardwalk, is this true?

3. Bearing in mind that time is limited and we would only be able to fit in one visit to the Boardwalk, where would be the best place to eat, see a show or experience?

Thanks as ever for the info.

Crim

 

[KayleeUK]

1. Is the boardwalk worth visiting in the daytime, or is it more of a night time entertainment place? It depends what your after...in the daytime you can walk around, look in the shop's, visit a restaurant and ride a surrey bike in the evening you can do the same but there is some entertainment on the boardwalk...magician's, music etc...

2. I have been told that both Epcot and MGM are walking distance from the Boardwalk, is this true? Yes they are.

3. Bearing in mind that time is limited and we would only be able to fit in one visit to the Boardwalk, where would be the best place to eat, see a show or experience? Pick one of the restaurants on the BW we like Flying Fish and Spoodles and spend an evening enjoying the atmosphere. The shows are just mini shows where everyone crowds around to see, it is very casual.

HTH

 

[musketeer]

If you are in Epcot for the day then you can go to the Boardwalk through the International Gateway.

 

[KayleeUK]

On our first trip we went to Epcot and then at Lunch time went out through International Gateway, enjoyed a few hours in the Boardwalk area and then back through IG to watch the Illuminations at Epcot

 

[MrsJobba1]

We are in DVC and Boardwalk is my home resort

I prefer the boardwalk @ night time ( there are street entertainers out) but anytime is good.

Epcot is about 5 mins walk through the international gateway and mgm is about 20- 25mins walk away.

There are lots of good places to eat that caters fot all types.

We love the espn sports bar for ribs ,fries, sandwiches etc

Spoodles is mediterranean and also good

The carrot cake from the boardwalk bakery is also scrummy & huge, -1 slice lasted me 3 meals

 

[Miffy2003]

If I had to choose, I would be inclined to visit in the evening rather than the day when there is more of a buzz

We have had fantastic meals at the Flying Fish and at Spoodles, and for a more casual option we also enjoyed a meal at the Big River Grille & Brewing works

I like the idea about going to Epcot, popping over to the Boardwalk in the evening and then back to Epcot for Illuminations.

 

[UKDEB]

It's probably better during the evening, but to answer your question, it's definitely worth a visit during the daytime. We visit at least once per trip and almost always during the daytime because that tends to suit our plans best. If you want to eat there, the only options for lunch are ESPN and Big River Grille and Brewing Works. ESPN is good fun if you like that sort of thing (which we do, but we've probably done it to death).

During the evening, Spoodles is good if you've never done it before (again, we're probably suffering from over exposure) and Flying Fish Cafe is one of the better options at WDW (if you like the fine dining). Other than the mini shows which Kaylee mentions, there are the evening entertainment options of the Atlantic Dance Club and Jellyrolls (Duelling Pianos). We've never got around to either, but Jellyrolls sounds like a riot.

I'd get flamed on the US forums for suggesting this, but Disney definitely encourages visiting the BoardWalk as a destination in itself, so we often park there and walk, or catch one of the Friendship boats, to Epcot or MGM (walking is quicker to Epcot; the boats are quicker to MGM, but you will have the path to yourselves!). We only do it when we want to combine the BoardWalk with one of the parks, not when we're only visiting a park - it's not worth it (except maybe as a 'nice to do' if you've never done it before), because parking at Epcot is easy - we've always been within walking distance of the entrance - and getting to MGM from the BoardWalk will take you as long as parking in the regular lot. It is nice to watch IllumiNations from the far side of the lagoon and then take a leisurely stroll back to the BoardWalk via the International Gateway, so it's worth considering an early dinner at the BW followed by IllumiNations.

It's also worth mentioning that the Yacht and Beach Clubs, and Swan and Dolphin are just across the lake and walkable from the BoardWalk.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Although a villa is always our 1st choice, mainly to suit Joshua, we had a look round the Boardwalk last August and really liked it.
We visited twice , the 1st time was in the afternoon and we were shown around one of the villas and the 2nd time we went for an evening walk just to take it all in, although I was kind of distracted by the ESPN Sports Bar

I would say it's a great place for an evening visit, just to sample the atmosphere, not necessarily to eat there which we have never done.

The location is good and we have also booked a character breakfast at the Beach Club as it is so close by.

We are staying there for a few nights in August where we plan to view the other DVC resorts prior to buying into DVC itself.

 

[Andrew Bichard]

The Boardwalk is definitely livelier in the evening than during the day. During the day, its a nice view across the lake, plus surrey bikes to ride all the way around the lake Boardwalk -> Yacht & Beach Clubs -> Boardwalk plus shopping & restaurants & hot dog stands etc. Hair braiding - pin stands face painting as well I think. Can be quiet when everyone is at the parks. Shopping no better than at any of the resorts.

At night everything light up. Games that you would find at the seaside are open - shooting targets with water pistols - shooting basketballs - Hit the Turkey game. Various acts on Boardwalk at night : Jugglers, magicians, comedians; musicians, balancing acts, escapoligist. Lots of corny jokes for the children. You can partially see Epcot Illuminations from a couple of places and even Wishes in the far, far distance. Lots of people waiting to go into restaurants & bars. There is a real buzz to the place after dark.

I always stay at Boardwalk September or October which is 'off season' with the park hours cut back somewhat. At that time of year there is less 'street entertainment mid-week and you should aim to visit Friday or Saturday nights.

I rate Flying Fish as one of the best sit down restaurants at Disney with prices to match. One year we saw Roy Disney eating there. Spoodles is mid-range used to get rave reviews but menu has changed & now gets mixed reviews. I like Brewing Works for lunch with beer, though I have also read bad reviews from others. Its a microbrewery and has beers with some flavour, not the usual US flavourless style. ESPN looks fun, often huge lines to get in when there is a major sports game to watch on the huge TVs. I'm not into US sports so have never been. Lots of good things said about Jellyrolls and their duelling pianos - but its a smoking bar so I give it a miss. There is also a pizza take out window with tables and benches nearby. Seashore Sweets also sells lots of flavours of ice creams to take out and eat along the Boardwalk. Bellvue Lounge, off the Boarwalk Inn Lobby also serves a variety of cocktails. Nice place to hang out late before going to bed, listening to Jack Benny and The Shadow on the radio.

Andrew

 

[Minniespal]

I would certainly recommend it if you get the chance. It is lovely during the day but takes on a different atmosphere in the evening.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

ESPN looks fun, often huge lines to get in when there is a major sports game to watch on the huge TVs. I'm not into US sports so have never been.
Andrew

They have SkySports there too and often cover big football games in the UK etc

 

[jockey]

The Boardwalk really is worth a visit. Can't really comment on day time as we have only ever been at night. The entertainment and atmosphere are great.

 

[crim1978]

Thanks for all the really helpful advice.

We have planned to visit Epcot for a full day and then later on in the holiday an afternoon after Animal Kingdom in the morning. So I think we will opt for, on the second visit, walking over to The Boardwalk at about 4ish have a look around, maybe a meal. Hopefully we can then catch a bit of the evening entertainment before returning to Epcot for IlluniNations at 9.

Sound feasable?

 

[Miffy2003]

Sound feasable?

It does indeed!

The only snag would be at what time the evening entertainment arrives. If you eat at say 4, have a browse round the shops etc that might take you to 5.30 or 6. I'm not sure what time it tends to begin? We were always out late afternoon early evening and enjoyed it when we got back to the Boardwalk at 8 or so - but for all I know it might have started a lot earlier.

Someone will know I expect