From this week's AllEars Newsletter:
FEATURE ARTICLE
"Overlooked Attractions" at Walt Disney World Deluxe Resorts
by Debra Martin Koma
AllEars® Editor
When talking about the Epcot area resorts, I have to start with the BoardWalk. The BoardWalk itself is one of my favorite Disney areas outside the theme parks, and in my opinion is often overlooked as something to do or somewhere to just BE.
Try taking a walk along the BoardWalk in the cool of the morning -- on a sunny day, is there anything prettier than the sun sparkling on the bright blue water of Crescent Lake, with the gulls chattering as they glide by? Sigh. Oh, to be there right now, sipping a cup of coffee and munching on a cinnamon roll from the BoardWalk Bakery!
If you've never ventured over there, there are lots of other reasons to not miss the BoardWalk area, including all the shops and restaurants. For a fun night out, there's Jellyrolls with the dueling pianos, or there's the brew pub at Big River Grille, or there's the ESPN Club if sports are your thing. There are midway games for the kids, typical of those found in seaside resorts like Atlantic City -- shoot some baskets to try to win a big stuffed animal. And several nights a week you'll find street entertainers performing along the BoardWalk -- maybe a magician, a juggler or even a one-man band.
If you're feeling energetic, you might want to rent a surrey bike. Don't miss this chance to terrorize innocent pedestrians as you pedal your way around Crescent Lake!
Inside the lobby that the BoardWalk Inn and the Villas share, be sure to notice how architect Robert A.M. Stern created the atmosphere of the 1920s and '30s Atlantic Seaboard with vintage furnishings. In particular, note the odd accent chairs with faces over near the fireplace. According to the sign nearby, these are "Nanny chairs," so-called because they were non-moving and placed on 19th century European carousels for adults to sit on while the children rode the moving animals. If you look at the back of these chairs, you'll note that one is named "Todd," the other "Paul." If you ask me, their faces are creepier than that of the resort's clown slide, which so many folks find nightmarish.
I wonder if they talk about these chairs on the BoardWalk Ballyhoo Guided Tour? I haven't taken it yet myself, but this 45-minute stroll around Disney's BoardWalk Resort begins at the Belle Vue Lounge, then moves on to the miniature carousel in the lobby and on to the boardwalk itself. The BoardWalk Ballyhoo Guided Tour takes place every week, Wednesday through Saturday, and departs from the Belle Vue Lounge promptly at 9 a.m. Admission to the tour is free of charge and no sign-up is necessary, but check in at the Belle Vue Lounge 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour.
Speaking of the Belle Vue Lounge, is this a great spot to hang out or what? Located on the BoardWalk Inn side of the resort, I like to relax there after dinner, enveloped in the overstuffed furniture listening to the old-time radio dramas playing on the antique radios. There are also tables with checkerboards and backgammon, if you want some mental stimulation while you sip your after-dinner cocktails. And don't underestimate the relaxation of sitting outdoors on the balcony, overlooking the goings-on on the BoardWalk down below.
The entire Boardwalk resort complex has been beautifully landscaped -- stroll the grounds. You'll find colorful flowers, quiet surroundings, fountains and benches. There are other quiet spots located around this resort, though -- in particular, Luna Park (the main pool area) in the morning; the quiet pools; and the balcony located off the lobby.
If you are hooked on fishing, be sure to inquire about the guided fishing excursions -- not free, but easily overlooked with all of the other things there are to do at this resort.
Stand on the bridge that leads to the Boardwalk for a great view of the IllumiNations fireworks (if the wind's blowing in the right direction you can faintly hear the music, too). Walk over to the Boardwalk vending carts and you can see the Magic Kingdom fireworks, too!
It's hard to overlook the Friendships that sail between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios, since they are the primary mode of transportation connecting the Epcot resorts to these locations. But don't miss the opportunity to treat the Friendships as an attraction on their own. If you're not in any hurry, try riding one for its entire circuit, or take it to one of the other Epcot area resorts and then walk back to the BoardWalk. It makes for a peaceful overview of the area.