Resort Thread Disney's BOARDWALK INN Resort

[marielynn724]

Does anyone know if it's likely that guests will have access to pools at other resorts (looking at you, Stormalong Bay) during the Jan/Feb 2027 refurbishment of the main pool? Or would we just have to use the quiet pools instead? Never had a pool refurb going on during one of my stays before but this one happens to correspond with my target travel dates. Not that I'm likely to swim much at that time of year anyway lol.

 

[LadybugsMum]

It is possible. We had a stay where the slide was closed off due to some issue on day and we were told we could go to SAB. We had park plans and didn't go, but there were plenty of families that did go. It was not a busy time of year; so that may have been why it was an option.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Does anyone know if it's likely that guests will have access to pools at other resorts (looking at you, Stormalong Bay) during the Jan/Feb 2027 refurbishment of the main pool? Or would we just have to use the quiet pools instead? Never had a pool refurb going on during one of my stays before but this one happens to correspond with my target travel dates. Not that I'm likely to swim much at that time of year anyway lol.

I'd never say never, but my guess would be no. Stormalong Bay itself was closed for the first 5 months of this year and guests were directed to the 3 quiet pools at Yacht and Beach and were not given access to Boardwalk or any other pools.

 

[CarolynFH]

Does anyone know if it's likely that guests will have access to pools at other resorts (looking at you, Stormalong Bay) during the Jan/Feb 2027 refurbishment of the main pool? Or would we just have to use the quiet pools instead? Never had a pool refurb going on during one of my stays before but this one happens to correspond with my target travel dates. Not that I'm likely to swim much at that time of year anyway lol.

I agree with @2xcited2sleep above - it’s highly unlikely that you’ll have access to another resort’s pool, especially SAB. There are two nice quiet pools, one inside the BW Inn courtyard and one on the DVC side next to the Community Hall.

 

[ChrisD34!]

Sorry if this has been addressed already, I only looked through the last few pages of posts.

Are there any updates about what, if anything, is going into the Red River Brewery space and the Dueling Piano bar. I had read the the piano bar closure was delayed, but haven't seen anything recently.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mrsap]

Sorry if this has been addressed already, I only looked through the last few pages of posts.

Are there any updates about what, if anything, is going into the Red River Brewery space and the Dueling Piano bar. I had read the the piano bar closure was delayed, but haven't seen anything recently.

Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately, nothing has been announced, as of yet, to replace Big River Grille or Jellyrolls.

 

[Dave006]

Dueling Piano bar. I had read the the piano bar closure was delayed, but haven't seen anything recently.

@mrsap covered Big River Grill. Jellyrolls (Dueling Pianos) closed on April 19, 2025 since you mentioned something about a delayed closing. There were rumors that a Disney owned Jazz Club type of venue would replace Jellyrolls but no concrete information has been announced.

Dave

 

[2xcited2sleep]

On a related note, at the time the Boardwalk site closure was announced, JellyRolls suggested they'd be announcing a new Orlando area location soon. Did that ever happen?

 

[Dave006]

JellyRolls suggested they'd be announcing a new Orlando area location soon. Did that ever happen?

Nothing has been announced or opened since the boardwalk location closed.

Dave

 

[mrsap]

Dinner with Santa Claus at The Cake Bake Shop Coming to Disney's BoardWalk

The Cake Bake Shop at Disney's BoardWalk is hosting a special Dinner with Santa Claus this holiday season, offering guests a festive evening of food, drinks, and holiday cheer on select dates: November 18, November 25, December 2, and December 9, 2025.

Each evening features cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a three-course holiday dinner, dessert, a family photo with Santa, and a sweet gift to take home. Pricing is $200 per adult and $150 per child (ages 12 and under), plus tax and 24% gratuity. The full, non-refundable cost (including tax and gratuity) is due at the time of reservation confirmation.

A Three-Course Holiday Dinner​

The event begins with holiday cocktails, followed by a three-course meal crafted by The Cake Bake Shop's culinary team.

Adult Dinner Menu​

Beverages (up to three selections)

• Gwendolyn's Famous Cosmopolitan
• Gingerbread Martini
• Old Fashioned
• Winter Sangria
• The Cake Bake Shop Rosé Bubbles
• JCB Pinot Noir
• JCB Chardonnay
• Hot Chocolate
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
• Petunia Punch
• Pink Princess

Hors d'Oeuvre​

• Charcuterie: freshly sliced meats and cheeses with accoutrements.

Entrée (Choice of One)​

• Roasted Chicken - Half chicken with rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic, roasted with chardonnay, served with sun-dried tomato and spinach Tuscan cream sauce, butter-whipped potatoes, and roasted broccolini.
• Beef Bourguignon - Braised beef with carrots, pearl onions, and applewood smoked bacon in Côtes Du Rhône, served over Yukon Gold whipped potatoes.
• Roasted Leek Pasta - Fettuccine in a roasted leek cream sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan, served with a toasted French baguette and salted European butter.

Dessert​

• A seasonal holiday selection from The Cake Bake Shop's dessert menu.

Children's Dinner Menu​

Beverages​

• Hot Chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint, marshmallows, and Pixie Fetti Sprinkles
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
• Pink Princess
• Petunia Punch

Hors d'Oeuvre​

• Grilled Cheese Bites: buttered country white bread grilled with Tillamook cheddar, served with a cup of tomato soup.

Entrée (Choice of One)​

• Homemade Chicken Tenders - Hand-breaded and crispy, served with pommes frites.
• Cavatappi & Cheese - Creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, served with pommes frites.
• Cheeseburger Sliders - Sirloin sliders with Tillamook cheddar on Brioche buns, served with pommes frites.

Dessert​

• A seasonal dessert from the holiday menu.

Family Photo with Santa​

Each family will receive a professional holiday photo with Santa, captured by Disney PhotoPass. Guests can download their photo to keep as a memento of the evening.

A Sweet Gift to Take Home​

Every family will also receive a Bubbles the Bear cookie kit. The kit includes a handmade sugar cookie and ingredients for decorating at home.

Reservation Details​

Reservations can be requested at The Cake Bake Shop website now.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Dinner with Santa Claus at The Cake Bake Shop Coming to Disney's BoardWalk

The Cake Bake Shop at Disney's BoardWalk is hosting a special Dinner with Santa Claus this holiday season, offering guests a festive evening of food, drinks, and holiday cheer on select dates: November 18, November 25, December 2, and December 9, 2025.

Each evening features cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a three-course holiday dinner, dessert, a family photo with Santa, and a sweet gift to take home. Pricing is $200 per adult and $150 per child (ages 12 and under), plus tax and 24% gratuity. The full, non-refundable cost (including tax and gratuity) is due at the time of reservation confirmation.

A Three-Course Holiday Dinner​

The event begins with holiday cocktails, followed by a three-course meal crafted by The Cake Bake Shop's culinary team.

Adult Dinner Menu​

Beverages (up to three selections)

• Gwendolyn's Famous Cosmopolitan
• Gingerbread Martini
• Old Fashioned
• Winter Sangria
• The Cake Bake Shop Rosé Bubbles
• JCB Pinot Noir
• JCB Chardonnay
• Hot Chocolate
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
• Petunia Punch
• Pink Princess

Hors d'Oeuvre​

• Charcuterie: freshly sliced meats and cheeses with accoutrements.

Entrée (Choice of One)​

• Roasted Chicken - Half chicken with rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic, roasted with chardonnay, served with sun-dried tomato and spinach Tuscan cream sauce, butter-whipped potatoes, and roasted broccolini.
• Beef Bourguignon - Braised beef with carrots, pearl onions, and applewood smoked bacon in Côtes Du Rhône, served over Yukon Gold whipped potatoes.
• Roasted Leek Pasta - Fettuccine in a roasted leek cream sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan, served with a toasted French baguette and salted European butter.

Dessert​

• A seasonal holiday selection from The Cake Bake Shop's dessert menu.

Children's Dinner Menu​

Beverages​

• Hot Chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint, marshmallows, and Pixie Fetti Sprinkles
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
• Pink Princess
• Petunia Punch

Hors d'Oeuvre​

• Grilled Cheese Bites: buttered country white bread grilled with Tillamook cheddar, served with a cup of tomato soup.

Entrée (Choice of One)​

• Homemade Chicken Tenders - Hand-breaded and crispy, served with pommes frites.
• Cavatappi & Cheese - Creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, served with pommes frites.
• Cheeseburger Sliders - Sirloin sliders with Tillamook cheddar on Brioche buns, served with pommes frites.

Dessert​

• A seasonal dessert from the holiday menu.

Family Photo with Santa​

Each family will receive a professional holiday photo with Santa, captured by Disney PhotoPass. Guests can download their photo to keep as a memento of the evening.

A Sweet Gift to Take Home​

Every family will also receive a Bubbles the Bear cookie kit. The kit includes a handmade sugar cookie and ingredients for decorating at home.

Reservation Details​

Reservations can be requested at The Cake Bake Shop website now.

Automatic 24% gratuity?!!!!! It's no longer a tip if it's required. The adult choices look good but not for $200 apiece. The kid's meal is way overpriced for what you get.

 

[I Run Long]

Yowza! Those are insane prices for what you get. On top of that everything, including that 24% gratuity, is due at time of booking AND is non-refundable. That's a hard pass.

 

[mrsap]

Automatic 24% gratuity?!!!!! It's no longer a tip if it's required. The adult choices look good but not for $200 apiece. The kid's meal is way overpriced for what you get.

…and it’s not even with the real Santa!!!!! I’m out.

 

[RickNJane]

Dinner with Santa Claus at The Cake Bake Shop Coming to Disney's BoardWalk

The Cake Bake Shop at Disney's BoardWalk is hosting a special Dinner with Santa Claus this holiday season, offering guests a festive evening of food, drinks, and holiday cheer on select dates: November 18, November 25, December 2, and December 9, 2025.

Each evening features cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a three-course holiday dinner, dessert, a family photo with Santa, and a sweet gift to take home. Pricing is $200 per adult and $150 per child (ages 12 and under), plus tax and 24% gratuity. The full, non-refundable cost (including tax and gratuity) is due at the time of reservation confirmation.

A Three-Course Holiday Dinner​

The event begins with holiday cocktails, followed by a three-course meal crafted by The Cake Bake Shop's culinary team.

Adult Dinner Menu​

Beverages (up to three selections)

• Gwendolyn's Famous Cosmopolitan
• Gingerbread Martini
• Old Fashioned
• Winter Sangria
• The Cake Bake Shop Rosé Bubbles
• JCB Pinot Noir
• JCB Chardonnay
• Hot Chocolate
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
• Petunia Punch
• Pink Princess

Hors d'Oeuvre​

• Charcuterie: freshly sliced meats and cheeses with accoutrements.

Entrée (Choice of One)​

• Roasted Chicken - Half chicken with rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic, roasted with chardonnay, served with sun-dried tomato and spinach Tuscan cream sauce, butter-whipped potatoes, and roasted broccolini.
• Beef Bourguignon - Braised beef with carrots, pearl onions, and applewood smoked bacon in Côtes Du Rhône, served over Yukon Gold whipped potatoes.
• Roasted Leek Pasta - Fettuccine in a roasted leek cream sauce with mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan, served with a toasted French baguette and salted European butter.

Dessert​

• A seasonal holiday selection from The Cake Bake Shop's dessert menu.

Children's Dinner Menu​

Beverages​

• Hot Chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, peppermint, marshmallows, and Pixie Fetti Sprinkles
• Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
• Pink Princess
• Petunia Punch

Hors d'Oeuvre​

• Grilled Cheese Bites: buttered country white bread grilled with Tillamook cheddar, served with a cup of tomato soup.

Entrée (Choice of One)​

• Homemade Chicken Tenders - Hand-breaded and crispy, served with pommes frites.
• Cavatappi & Cheese - Creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, served with pommes frites.
• Cheeseburger Sliders - Sirloin sliders with Tillamook cheddar on Brioche buns, served with pommes frites.

Dessert​

• A seasonal dessert from the holiday menu.

Family Photo with Santa​

Each family will receive a professional holiday photo with Santa, captured by Disney PhotoPass. Guests can download their photo to keep as a memento of the evening.

A Sweet Gift to Take Home​

Every family will also receive a Bubbles the Bear cookie kit. The kit includes a handmade sugar cookie and ingredients for decorating at home.

Reservation Details​

Reservations can be requested at The Cake Bake Shop website now.

Disney Resorts are now truly the playground for the rich. Why add the 24% tip up front at these prices. Are they afraid that the service will be that bad, or that folks won't tip because they over paid so much for the meal. Gratuity is for Gratitude. Am I supposed to be grateful that I over paid for a meal? TIP originally stood for "To Insure Promptness". Paying up front is a tax and the staff has no incentive.

I would not do this at even half the price.

 

[trishadono]

Yes. I was just there a few weeks ago and got daily housekeeping. In fact I even got a phone call on the 2 days I left my room occupied sign on the door just to make sure I didn't need anything. I was quite happy with the housekeeping all week.

Quoting this because yes they do call if you have or accidentally left the sign on,

Don’t forget you can call housekeeping and request a cleaning time. I usually say before noon because we come back midday and it’s usually not done yet.

You can also call at any time for extra coffee, towels, blankets etc. They deliver pretty fast now compared to olden days.

 

[Dave006]

You can also call at any time for extra coffee, towels, blankets etc. They deliver pretty fast now compared to olden days.

To add to @trishadono' s great comment, @#1Disfann you can also use the "Hey Disney" Amazon device in your room to request extra coffee, towels, blankets etc... by voice request or using the device's screen.

Dave

 

[auntfrannie]

I just returned from a Boardwalk Inn stay and have to say that I was disappointed with the housekeeping. The floors were never touched in my room; the only thing done was to remove the trash and replace the towels.

How long ago was the BWI refurbished? I was surprised that the shower head is the kind that you found in hotels 20 years ago! No hand-held shower and no grab bars in the shower. I don't need an accessible room but find a grab bar helpful.

This was the first time staying at BWI without doing club level so I'm not sure if the higher level of service is only done in the club rooms or if the housekeeping service has just gone downhill.

 

[Marrila]

I just returned from a Boardwalk Inn stay and have to say that I was disappointed with the housekeeping. The floors were never touched in my room; the only thing done was to remove the trash and replace the towels.

How long ago was the BWI refurbished? I was surprised that the shower head is the kind that you found in hotels 20 years ago! No hand-held shower and no grab bars in the shower. I don't need an accessible room but find a grab bar helpful.

This was the first time staying at BWI without doing club level so I'm not sure if the higher level of service is only done in the club rooms or if the housekeeping service has just gone downhill.

Grab bars are in accessible rooms.
I'm sorry they didn't sweep your floors.
How was your trip outside of your room?

 

[RLM852]

I just returned from a Boardwalk Inn stay and have to say that I was disappointed with the housekeeping. The floors were never touched in my room; the only thing done was to remove the trash and replace the towels.

How long ago was the BWI refurbished? I was surprised that the shower head is the kind that you found in hotels 20 years ago! No hand-held shower and no grab bars in the shower. I don't need an accessible room but find a grab bar helpful.

This was the first time staying at BWI without doing club level so I'm not sure if the higher level of service is only done in the club rooms or if the housekeeping service has just gone downhill.

I’m very surprised by this; we’re were there 3weeks ago on the villas side and were very happy with mousekeeping. They came every day and called my cell on a day when we were out but left the “in the room” hanger on the door inadvertently to see if we needed anything. Additionally, on check-out, my wife forgot her AirPods in the room. We were at Orlando airport and received a call before she even knew she didn’t have them and they were mailed and received within a week!

 

[Dave006]

How long ago was the BWI refurbished? I was surprised that the shower head is the kind that you found in hotels 20 years ago!

It was just finished with a major refurb in the June 2024. With the new flooring they just run a swifter dry mop around the room daily.

If they only emptied trash and replaced towels are you sure that you were not on the Boardwalk Villas side of the resort? They did not make the beds daily or clean up the bathroom or replenish your consumables?

Dave