Why was the Boardwalk dead?

[starbox]

We just got back from the weekend at WDW - we were staying offsite this trip because we did commando Christmas-touring and wanted to avoid the high weekend points.

We had a GREAT trip - I was not sure what to expect in terms of crowds the weekend before Christmas, but was prepared for the horror of Spring-break/NYD level crowds and was pleasantly surprised to see it more like early June. I loved the Christmas shows and specials at EPCOT and WDW - but we went by the Boardwalk at 10pm to hang out and it was totally dead. No entertainers, only a few people out, no music coming from Atlantic Dance or Jellyrolls. It was really warm and beautiful out and I expected to see people on the balconies and a happy "buzz" on the boardwalk. In the summer, that area is hopping at 10pm. Do they not do boardwalk entertainment except in the summer? Or does it start early (like sundown) and end really early? Or have they just cut back with the enconomy?

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed at BWV in a bw view room in October and it was busy late. What night did you go? I don't think Atlantic Dance is open everynight.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I think you are witnessing the cut backs Disney is doing, ever so silently. Atlantic Dance hall isn't open everynight. I think Jelly Rolls has different hours based on the day. As far as the entertainers, I think its the cutbacks.

 

[starbox]

I stayed at BWV in a bw view room in October and it was busy late. What night did you go? I don't think Atlantic Dance is open everynight.

This was Sunday, 12/21 - only a few days before Chrsitmas so I expected everything to be in full peak-season swing. Stunningly beautiful weather - highs around 80 and lows maybe at 60 - we were comfy in t-shirts at night.

The Boardwalk was like a ghost town though. DH said maybe it just starts at dusk (which would be around 6:30) and ends X number of hours later.

 

[spiceycat]

what time did you go?

really though with Disney closing PI - that BW would be it.

can't believe Jellyrolls wasn't opened.

 

[PamOKW]

You were in the lull before the storm. Kids are still in school in many places and folks aren't yet in town for the many Florida Bowl games, etc. It's too close to the holidays for most company conferences, etc. While it was in Disney's Holiday season, I'm guessing occupancy might have been low; hence they cut back on the entertainers.

 

[starbox]

While it was in Disney's Holiday season, I'm guessing occupancy might have been low; hence they cut back on the entertainers.

This is sad to me - the boardwalk is so magical the way it comes to life at night. I hope that they don't cut back on the entertainers/atmosphere.

I think Disney must be hurting though, because they had insane sales at all the stores. All t-shirts 40% off, even ride/resort-specific ones. Christmas ornaments 50% off, hats 50% off, boxed jewelry 50% off, Crocs 25% off. The DTD Christmas store had those resort bags with Christmas trim for 5$ each - no minimum purchase required. And we were at WOD Saturday morning and they were announcing openings for Bibbity Boppity Boutique appointments.

 

[fishermouse]

Sounds like you don't usually go this time of year. A lot is different in Dec. except Christmas week, and Jan. has been as long as we've been doing "winter" trips. Things tone down earlier and some things are closed throughout the week. Even fewer kiosks in the parks. We like it slower pace, relaxing nights etc. Also go in the spring, summer and F+W love all the different seasons at WDW.

 

[starbox]

Sounds like you don't usually go this time of year. A lot is different in Dec. except Christmas week, and Jan. has been as long as we've been doing "winter" trips. Things tone down earlier and some things are closed throughout the week.

Yup - I've never been to Epcot or the MK right before Christmas. I just assumed this was a peak week - and the parks were certianly as crowded as summer-levels. The parks were incredible - loved all the special entertainment and decorations and the CMs were really friendly. I'd have thought the resorts would be hopping too.

 

[twotoohappy]

can't believe Jellyrolls wasn't opened.

Jellyrolls is open every night 7pm - 2am
(except Christmas Eve)

I never see people in Atlantic Dance Hall.
I wish they'd make that the new home
of the Adventurers Club!

 

[starbox]

Jellyrolls is open every night 7pm - 2am
(except Christmas Eve)

I never see people in Atlantic Dance Hall.
I wish they'd make that the new home
of the Adventurers Club!

Last summer they were rocking at Atlantic Dance Hall - really loud music one night till after midnight. DH and I were cracking up because some of the music had some "unmagical" lyrics.

We're still mourning the loss of the Adventurer's Club as well - it was such a gem. I'm really glad we decided to be bad parents and take our kids once before they closed. I'd love it to reopen somewhere. I think Disney needs someplace that's open and lively till late. We were thrilled to discover the Boardwalk area after we joined DVC.