Why do I not see Boardwalk mentioned as often as DTD and the parks?

[Richard M Nixon]

I know it's got some fun attractions like Jellyrolls, dance areas, what I assume is an art gallery, etc. but I don't see the area talked about a lot for planning. Just looking at the map I see it's a lot smaller than even one area of DTD, so it it best treated as a sidenote rather than a full-on "let's plan X hours to see it" type of place? How long would it take to wander around, watch the dueling pianos, check out the bakeries and shops, and see the sights? Best saved for an evening after dinner on an off day?

 

[DHSbutcher]

If you are staying at an Epcot area resort, then an evening after dinner is perfect, but I would not go out of your way to see this area. The means of accessing it are hard as well. Parking can be awful, and you have to walk through Epcot to the international gateway to get to the area if you come from your own resort. I feel it's not meant to be a huge destination like dtd because they did not design it to be that accessible, except for those guests staying at those hotels.

 

[livndisney]

I know it's got some fun attractions like Jellyrolls, dance areas, what I assume is an art gallery, etc. but I don't see the area talked about a lot for planning. Just looking at the map I see it's a lot smaller than even one area of DTD, so it it best treated as a sidenote rather than a full-on "let's plan X hours to see it" type of place? How long would it take to wander around, watch the dueling pianos, check out the bakeries and shops, and see the sights? Best saved for an evening after dinner on an off day?

One "bakery" and basically one shop plus the "art gallery". The bakery is a counter service-not much to see. The shop does stretch along one side of the BW. Small grocery area, wine, some dish wear, toys, clothes-typical Disney shop.

We enjoy the walk around the lake more than an "evening at BW".

 

[OnSpaceshipEarth]

I agree with DHSButcher...it's an AWESOME area for those staying at any four of the resorts. We stayed at BWI in 2009 and it became our favorite hotel and area instantly. It's well worth checking out if you have an "off-day" to burn and just want to check out unexplored areas of WDW. If you are in World Showcase near France and are in the mood go check it out through the International Gateway. It's a 5 minute walk to the Boardwalk.

I'd call it a "minor destination"...not major...but not insignificant, either.

 

[JennyMP03]

We missed it on our honeymoon and decided to check it out on our anniversary trip. Having seen it once, I won't go out of my way to get to it again. It's a pretty enough area and nice if you're staying in one of the resorts, I'm sure, but kind of dull to me. I prefer the energy of DTD.

 

[EMode]

We stay at BC and really like the Boardwalk area but I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

It's nice for an adults only trip, kind of boring for kids.

 

[mountdew1]

You have ESPN Club, Flying Fish, Big River Grille and Brewing Works, Jellyrolls, Atlantic Dance Hall, whatever replace Kouzzina, a few counter service places (bakery, ice cream, pizza), a typical resort gift shop, and a Wyland gallery. That's about it. Yes, there are a few fair/carnival type games, and perhaps a few performers on the boardwalk, but no guarantee that they will be there/open at any given time. So sure, you could catch an afternoon game with a few beers at ESPN, then get dinner at Flying Fish, and then wander over to Jellyrolls for some dueling pianos and a few more drinks, but that's really the only way I can see to stretch it out. ADH just started a cover charge, brought on a karaoke/play along with the band type show once a week and by all reports they still end up with maybe 30-40 people in the place. Jellyrolls also has a cover charge as well.

As adults staying in the Epcot resort area, not a terrible way to spend an evening now that PI is closed. With party members under 21, not worth it at ADH and Jellyrolls are both 21+ I believe. Or if you want to catch a game while at the world, ESPN isn't a bad place to do it. But mid day or for someone staying at another resort, not much to it.

I'd really compare it to visiting almost any other deluxe resort on property. Resort gift store, a few TS dining selections, and some smaller entertainment options. It could have been more, but WDW seems content to let it linger as such.

 

[kastoney]

I agree with DHSButcher...it's an AWESOME area for those staying at any four of the resorts. We stayed at BWI in 2009 and it became our favorite hotel and area instantly. It's well worth checking out if you have an "off-day" to burn and just want to check out unexplored areas of WDW. If you are in World Showcase near France and are in the mood go check it out through the International Gateway. It's a 5 minute walk to the Boardwalk. I'd call it a "minor destination"...not major...but not insignificant, either.

It's also a short walk/boat ride from hollywood studios.

 

[kmb584]

It's merely a sidenote for us. If we happen to be staying at one of the Epcot resorts we do find ourselves in the Boardwalk area for a little bit on most nights but it's definitely not a venue we'd venture to when staying elsewhere. I really enjoy the Wyland gallery and now that its location inside of the Poly has closed a special trip might be made but only if I'm in the market for a piece of artwork.

 

[goofy4tink]

I love BW...I own DVC there and stay there often. BUT...a destination place for anyone not staying there? Nope. Sure, it has Jellyrolls. But, that's over 21, doesn't serve food and can be a pain to get back to your resort at night when you leave. Oh, and there is a cover charge there. Atlantic Dance Club? Yeah, not really. There are seldom many people in there...wish they would think of something else to do with that area. Shops? Nothing very different than any other resort. Art gallery? Nope..Wyland Galleries is a shop with some lovely yet overpriced pieces. Bakery? It's nice to stop off at in the morning, but I certainly wouldn't make it a destination. Flying Fish is worthy of a special trip for dinner, but that's about it.
Strolling entertainers are out and about on weekend evenings..used to be every night but things got cut back, so there is usually not much going on during the week. And even then, it's a magician or a juggler or a bicycle riding piano player. And there are a few carnival game type activities...basketball toss, etc.

But in all reality? It just isn't 'all that and a bag of chips'. You could kill maybe an hour there..if you worked at it. If you're in the area, or at Epcot, then it may be worth your time to go over and walk around. But a special trip? Nah, I don't think it's that big a deal.

 

[Richard M Nixon]

I'm mainly interested in Jellyrolls. It sounds like a lot of fun and I've always enjoyed piano bars. I'd rather not have to walk all the way through Epcot just to get there. I've read that if I have a dinner reservation I can get in to the parking lot, which sounds like a good plan.

 

[Delirium]

So much misinformation

If you have a car, and are staying at any Disney resort, you can drive there. No need to walk there from one of the parks.

My kids had an absolute blast on the Boardwalk last October. We actually did it twice on nights when the parks closed early. They have interactive street performances for kids (magicians, jugglers, and the like). The performers did a great job of involving the kids in teh audience.

Can you spend 6 hours there? No. But, for a couple of hours, it is a very nice change of pace and much more relaxing than Downtown Disney. I would recommend doing it at night. It would get warm in the sun.

 

[wmpenguin]

Is it worth walking around with my kids after a dinner at Beaches & Cream?

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm mainly interested in Jellyrolls. It sounds like a lot of fun and I've always enjoyed piano bars. I'd rather not have to walk all the way through Epcot just to get there. I've read that if I have a dinner reservation I can get in to the parking lot, which sounds like a good plan.

You can park at BW if you're heading to JRs...that won't be an issue. The only time it becomes an issue is when people park there in order to avoid paying parking fees at the parks..especially Epcot and DHS. Eating at BW or heading to the entertainment and parking there is fine.

So much misinformation

If you have a car, and are staying at any Disney resort, you can drive there. No need to walk there from one of the parks.

My kids had an absolute blast on the Boardwalk last October. We actually did it twice on nights when the parks closed early. They have interactive street performances for kids (magicians, jugglers, and the like). The performers did a great job of involving the kids in teh audience.

Can you spend 6 hours there? No. But, for a couple of hours, it is a very nice change of pace and much more relaxing than Downtown Disney. I would recommend doing it at night. It would get warm in the sun.

I like to make sure that people realize exactly what they're going to get at BW...I've had people come back and complain that they made the 'walk' over there and been hugely disappointed. They said there was nothing more than a guy doing magic tricks or a juggler...not really worth the time and effort. So sure, some people think it's terrific while others think it's pretty lame. It's just a good idea to make sure you know what you're going to be able to do before you get there.

Is it worth walking around with my kids after a dinner at Beaches & Cream?

Absolutely! I love seeing different resorts. The kids can participate in whatever is going on, get an ice cream or such. You can sit back and relax for a bit. You can take the Epcot boat over to BW from YC/BC...or you can walk. The walk takes about 10 mins..and is very pleasant.

 

[Richard M Nixon]

You can park at BW if you're heading to JRs...that won't be an issue. The only time it becomes an issue is when people park there in order to avoid paying parking fees at the parks..especially Epcot and DHS. Eating at BW or heading to the entertainment and parking there is fine.

You don't make reservations at Jellyrolls, right? Would I just tell the lot attendant that I'm heading there or do I need to conjure up some kind of proof? I'd happily do dinner and then the roll, but if it's a time limited parking permit I would be worried.

 

[Delirium]

You don't make reservations at Jellyrolls, right? Would I just tell the lot attendant that I'm heading there or do I need to conjure up some kind of proof? I'd happily do dinner and then the roll, but if it's a time limited parking permit I would be worried.

We parked there twice in October and did not have to show proof either time. When you're arriving at 8 or 9 at night, I think teh guards realize you're not parking there to go to HS or Epcot. You should be okay.

 

[Richard M Nixon]

We parked there twice in October and did not have to show proof either time. When you're arriving at 8 or 9 at night, I think teh guards realize you're not parking there to go to HS or Epcot. You should be okay.

Great point, thanks!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Boardwalk is not a major entertainment destination.

2 clubs that are 21+ only. There are no street performers in the daytime, and they have cut back on the number of performers.

 

[MomofKatie]

We like the Boardwalk area, but it isn't someplace you need go out of your way to plan a visit to. If you want to eat dinner at one of the TS restaurants there, or decide to hit Jellyrolls, it is a lovely place to wander around. But there isn't enough stuff to do that you'd need to make it over there just for the area. We make it over to the Boardwalk about once every 3rd trip or so, when we want to eat at Big River Brewing Co or another restaurant.