What do you do at the Boardwalk?

[PSUGuy]

About half of our WDW stays have been at BW. For us it's all about atmosphere. We enjoy the shows, having a drink (or three) on the Belle Vue Lounge porch and you can't overlook the fact that you can walk to half of the WDW parks. So it's not a replica of the AC boardwalk, although few of us can claim to have walked the 'boards there in the 20's, the time frame being honored here so maybe it's not so inaccurate. We'll be there in Oct.

Bill From PA

 

[DaisyNY]

With Kouzina's closing...would anyone recommend another restaurant on the Boardwalk? Is Flying Fish a dress-up restaurant? and...How do we get from DHS there? Thanks!

 

[Dan Murphy]

With Kouzina's closing...would anyone recommend another restaurant on the Boardwalk? Is Flying Fish a dress-up restaurant? and...How do we get from DHS there? Thanks!

No restaurant, other than Victoria & Albert's, is truly 'dress up'. It is a signature restaurant and possibly more dressy....

Men - Dress pants, jeans or dress shorts and a T-shirt or long sleeve shirt with collar is required.

Women - Jeans, skirts or dress shorts and blouse, sweater or dress is required.

NOT PERMITTED: Tank tops, swim suits or swim cover ups, hats for gentlemen, cut offs or clothing with rips/tears are not allowed.

It is a good restaurant.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works is another good restaurant, though more casual that Flying Fish.

 

[sethschroeder]

Growing up going to "real" Boardwalks at the Jersey Shore, I have to kind of laugh at the Disney version. It definitely is nice but isn't really a destination by any means. We stayed at BWV this past trip and did enjoy going up to the Boardwalk Bakery or Seashore Sweets a few nights and eating our treats on the Boardwalk. The busker shows are fun and well done and there are some nice restaurants. But other than that, I would classify it as a diversion. Its nice, especially if staying there, but definitely not a whole evening worth of entertainment.

Glad its not the "real" boardwalk of Jersey Shore, worst thing that could happen to Disney is to have Snookie and "The Situation" (if I got those names right) walking up and down challenging people to fights.

I don't think people give the buskers enough credit. They are really a good show (obviously you wont watch the same ones over and over). I guess its like going into the Lion King Show looking around leaving and saying there wasn't much there. If your not into buskers than the Boardwalk is likely a pass for you.

 

[AndreaDM]

We like going on an evening if we have no park tickets for that day or if we are eating at FF. I wouldn't give up park time or go too far out of my way just for that though.

 

[MagicalMerida]

The boardwalk is my absolute favourite place in the whole world. There's just something about it, I love sitting outside the pizza window looking across the lake at one of the most beautiful views. The peaceful atmosphere, the theming, it's all just so amazing. Some would disagree, but I think you're missing out if you don't at least see the boardwalk and the Epcot resort area, it really is absolutely beautiful.

 

[puffkin]

Glad its not the "real" boardwalk of Jersey Shore, worst thing that could happen to Disney is to have Snookie and "The Situation" (if I got those names right) walking up and down challenging people to fights.

My comparison to real Boardwalks (like at the Jersey Shore) is more that they are destinations in and of themselves with lots of activities and things to do. Anyone who has grown up going to one knows that while there is a little of the MTV version of the Jersey Shore stuff going on, they are also very family friendly destinations with a wide appeal. My comparison was that the Disney version just doesn't have much going on in terms of entertainment and attractions. It's a nice spot on property, and does have a certain amount of thematic appeal, but it really isn't much of destination place like a true Boardwalk would be.

I know we devoted a whole note to the Boardwalk on one of our first trips and it wasn't what I was expecting at all. It was nice (and I do enjoy it) but it would have helped to have a better idea that first trip (my fault for just expecting it to more like the Boardwalks I know).

 

[L&Lfan]

Having lived 5 minutes away from the Ocean City (NJ) boardwalk and about 20 minutes away from the Atlantic City boardwalk for the last 30 years I much prefer the Disney version. When we stay at the Boardwalk Inn, we usually spend an evening people-watching on our balcony with some pizza and adult beverages. We enjoy on occasion the Flying Fish Café and Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance. We visit the bakery and sweet shop and the Screen Door General Store. We enjoy cocktails in the Belle Vue Lounge inside the Inn. I agree that there's not a whole lot to do but we find Disney's Boardwalk just a nice place to stroll and relax after a day in the parks.

 

[sethschroeder]

My comparison to real Boardwalks (like at the Jersey Shore) is more that they are destinations in and of themselves with lots of activities and things to do. Anyone who has grown up going to one knows that while there is a little of the MTV version of the Jersey Shore stuff going on, they are also very family friendly destinations with a wide appeal. My comparison was that the Disney version just doesn't have much going on in terms of entertainment and attractions. It's a nice spot on property, and does have a certain amount of thematic appeal, but it really isn't much of destination place like a true Boardwalk would be.

I know we devoted a whole note to the Boardwalk on one of our first trips and it wasn't what I was expecting at all. It was nice (and I do enjoy it) but it would have helped to have a better idea that first trip (my fault for just expecting it to more like the Boardwalks I know).

Oh no doubt that where you grew up it has a lot more going on. That location needs to draw people in from all over. The Disney Boardwalk is meant to be a great spot for those at the Boardwalk Resort to rest and relax. Also the shot at Snookie was more in joking.

I would be interested to rank Resort areas though for those not staying at that resort. I would guess Boardwalk would likely be the top, trying to think of any other location that would have really any draw?

Poly beach is just a beach for fireworks viewing?
Wilderness has the waterfall?
Animal Kingdom has the Safari for viewing?
Yatchclub has boat rentals but your likely just grabbing the boat and leaving that area?

 

[DisneyKidds]

As for 'what there is to do' at The Boardwalk......it all depends on what kind of people you are, and what you typically look for.

If you are a fast paced, high action, need something to 'do' every minute family that isn't in to street-mosphere and you are looking to fill an evening......well, The Boardwalk might not have much for you.

On the other hand, if you have time and like to explore at a slower pace, enjoy seeing Disney resorts and soaking up atmosphere, and you like to have a nice meal and a cold beverage or two.....well, The Boardwalk is a can't miss.

We very much enjoy spending time at the Boardwalk and Epcot Resorts. Walk the Boardwalk proper for the relaxed and fun atmosphere, explore the lobby and pool area of The Boardwalk resort, grab a drink at the Belle Vue Lounge, have a nice meal at Flying Fish, afterwards venturing back on to The Boardwalk to catch one of the performers, or partake in a carnival game (the Lobsters are a tradition for us), maybe your daughter wants a hair wrap, or you are feeling like a surrey bike ride around the lake, or a stroll past the Swalphin and Yacht/Beach Club resorts. Skipped dessert at Flying Fish?....grab a Kitchen Sink at Beaches and Cream at the BC. There until 9:00? Catch some of the Illuminations fireworks from the bridge. All that can keep you busy for quite a while, a somewhat relaxing escape just a short stroll away from the chaos of the parks. If that sounds like fun to you, The Boardwalk is definitely a worthwhile destination for an evening.

 

[auntyjenn]

We like to put a day in between our park days for just touring the hotels and sleeping-in. This sounds great for that day.

 

[Robo]

...How do we get from DHS there? Thanks!

You can walk or take a (free) Friendship boat.

 

[tonga]

We love the Boardwalk. We stay there every second or third trip, and even when we don't stay, we visit a few times per trip. It helps that Flying Fish is our favourite restaurant, and we are sports fans so we always visit ESPN a couple of times. Before we had DS, DH and I used to enjoy dinner at either restaurant, a walk around to see the performers, and finish the evening at Jellyrolls. Now with 5 year old DS we still enjoy dinner and a walk around to see the performers, and DS loves to run around on the lawn in front of the Boardwalk Inn. He can usually find other children there to play tag or throw a ball around. We enjoy the atmosphere, and it's a nice low key evening for us.

 

[bweagle]

We took our kids here for the first time on our most recent trip. DH & I had gone years ago and enjoyed Jellyrolls, but I really didn't know what we'd do with our kids there so we hadn't returned. Anyways, we went to Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club for the Kitchen Sink on our arrival day and decided to walk over to the Boardwalk. We enjoyed the surrey bikes and entertainment before heading back over to Beach Club via boat and to our resort. The kids really enjoyed it and we will probably make it part of future trips.

 

[auntyjenn]

I think this is the most replies I've ever gotten on a thread i started. Woot!

So, what's the best time of day to go, especially if I like street performers?

 

[vincym]

Im not personally a fan of the waterparks, but they are great for kids.

 

[Robo]

Im not personally a fan of the waterparks, but they are great for kids.

Just to keep things clear, the Boardwalk is not a water park.

 

[wilma-bride]

I think this is the most replies I've ever gotten on a thread i started. Woot!

So, what's the best time of day to go, especially if I like street performers?

The performers are only there in the evenings, from around 7pm until about 9.

 

[bryanb]

With its nightclub and restaurants, I always thought that Boardwalk would be a destination entertainment complex. According to the Disney website, it's open until 2 a.m., so I actually planned to spend one evening there during my trip last October. Sounded like some great late night fun!

In reality, there's no convenient Disney transportation back to most resorts (unless you're walking) and the place really went quiet after 9:30pm. So it's not really a great place for nightlife as the brochure might suggest.

 

[wilma-bride]

With its nightclub and restaurants, I always thought that Boardwalk would be a destination entertainment complex. According to the Disney website, it's open until 2 a.m., so I actually planned to spend one evening there during my trip last October. Sounded like some great late night fun!

In reality, there's no convenient Disney transportation back to most resorts (unless you're walking) and the place really went quiet after 9:30pm. So it's not really a great place for nightlife as the brochure might suggest.

Did you go into any of the clubs? Atlantic City Dance Hall? Jellyrolls? In fairness, that is where all the action is after about 9pm. Jellyrolls is one of our favourite night spots at WDW. You are right, in that there is no real convenient transport back to other resorts (one of the many reasons we like to stay in the Epcot resort area) but it is easy enough to get a taxi from either Boardwalk Inn or Yacht/Beach Club - we have done that on many occasions too.