Boardwalk on lake with hotel

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort Review

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Are you looking for a wholesome, family-friendly place to stay at Disney World with plenty of playful, timeless elegance, all the amenities and recreational offerings you could need, and just the right amount of pixie dust? Then allow us to introduce Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Part of the Epcot Resort Area and Disney’s BoardWalk entertainment district, this sprawling deluxe hotel made up of the BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas offers an incomparable location with equal doses of old-fashioned charm and Disney magic. 

So, how do Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas stack up to other Disney World resorts? Who should stay there? Read on for our guide on everything you should know about this fanciful, romantic resort. (Updated September 7, 2022)

Disney Vacation Club resorts along shoreline with lights in the evening

Staying at the BoardWalk Inn & Villas at Disney World

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas is a deluxe resort like no other. From the moment you arrive, it truly feels as if you’ve taken a step back to a simpler time. Part of the Epcot Resort Area, this charming hotel takes its inspiration from the great boardwalks of Atlantic City and Coney Island, where playful whimsy, old-fashioned hospitality, and timeless romance meet. Here, quaint cottages the color of saltwater taffy dot the sprawling wooden boardwalk as they look out over the glittering Crescent Lake.

Unlike other Disney World resorts, however, the BoardWalk Inn also sits at the heart of the BoardWalk Entertainment Area. Boasting everything from 11 different dining outlets to entertainment offerings like midway games, street performers, and nightlife, this is one Disney resort that you never really need to leave. In short, whether you’re a couple on honeymoon or a family with young children, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers a delightful, relaxing stay that also doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Similar to other deluxe hotels and Disney Vacation Club properties like the Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge, you will find a mix of guestrooms, studios, and villas. From standard view rooms with just a king-size bed all the way up to a 3-bedroom grand villa and everything in between, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort has options for parties of all sizes, no matter whether you’re looking for an intimate stay for two or a villa large enough to host a small family reunion. Both the BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas boast a 4.5 on TripAdvisor. 

Standard Rooms and Suites

Villa with table and couch

With their yellow-and-white, candy-striped wallpaper, stately poster bed frames, and turn-of-the-century touches, Disney BoardWalk Inn guest rooms are bright and cheerful with a healthy helping of old-fashioned charm. Artwork inspired by the oceanside boardwalks and carnivals of yesteryear and accents featuring Disney characters and a hint of whimsy, while dark wood finishes with classic elements like turned legs and an elegant, modern-yet-traditional bathroom keep things grounded. 

In general, all standard rooms and suites at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn come with the following amenities:  a luxurious soaker tub, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, mini-refrigerator, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, and free Wi-Fi. 

Standard View

  • Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds or 1 king bed and 1 day bed or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the parking area, leisure pool, or the Disney BoardWalk Inn gardens

Garden View 

  • Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds or 1 king bed and 1 day bed or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the Disney BoardWalk Inn gardens

Water View 

  • Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Crescent Lake or Disney’s BoardWalk 

Kitchen with sink and cabinets

Outer Building – Garden Room

  • A spacious split-level room that comes with 1 king bed and a living room area with a sofa sectional
  • Sleeps up to 2 adults 
  • Views of the leisure pool or Disney BoardWalk Inn gardens

2 Bedroom Suite

  • Comes with 2 queen beds and 1 king bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 day bed or 2 king beds and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper and 1 twin-sized sleeper chair 
  • Sleeps up to 9 adults 
  • Views of the leisure pool or Disney BoardWalk Inn gardens

Sonora VP Suite

  • Comes with 2 queen beds 
  • Sleeps up to 6 adults 
  • Views of Crescent Lake or Disney’s BoardWalk 

Rooms With Club-Level Service

Bathroom with vanity

Club-level guest rooms at the BoardWalk Inn offer the same charming interiors and amenities (see above for details) as the standard rooms, plus a DVD player, as well as the following benefits as part of the Innkeeper’s Club: complimentary access to the health club, complimentary fax assistance, complimentary newspapers in the Innkeeper’s Club, evening turndown service, and access to Disney Signature Services. Club-level guests are also able to access the Innkeeper’s Club with their key when refreshments – continental breakfast, midday snacks, and wine, cheese, cordials, and dessert in the evening – are served between 7 AM and 10 PM.  

Standard Room – Club Level

  • Comes with 1 king bed or 2 queen beds or 2 queen beds and 1 day bed
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Courtyard Leisure Pool

Deluxe Room – Club Level

  • Comes with a larger room plus 2 queen beds and 1 queen-size sofa sleeper
  • Sleeps up to 6 adults 
  • Views of Disney’s BoardWalk

Disney BoardWalk Villas

Similar to the BoardWalk Inn’s standard and club-level guest rooms, Disney BoardWalk villas and studios are airy and welcoming. Unlike the hits of color contrasted with white and dark woods, however, rooms here have a more muted, understated elegance. Think, a quaint beach cottage with whitewashed furniture featuring clean, modern lines accented with darker vintage pieces.

Plus, this is the BoardWalk after all, so nods to Coney Island, Atlantic City, and other storied boardwalks can be found in the retro amusement park photographs that line the walls, adorable Dumbo-themed art in the pull-down beds, playful pops of color in the bathroom tiles. 

In general, all studios and villas at the BoardWalk Inn include a DVD player, flat-panel TV, luxurious soaker or whirlpool tub, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, coffee maker, refrigerator (a mini-fridge for the studios and a full-sized refrigerator for the villas), microwave, toaster, highchair, in-room safe, telephone with voicemail, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony.  Villas specifically also come with a fully equipped kitchen and washer & dryer, while studios come with a small kitchenette.

Deluxe Studio – Standard View

  • Comes with 1 queen bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper and 1 single pull-down bed 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the parking area or resort grounds

Deluxe Studio – Garden or Pool View

  • Comes with 1 queen bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper and 1 single pull-down bed 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the pool or garden

Deluxe Studio – Boardwalk View

  • Comes with 1 queen bed and 1 double-sized sofa sleeper and 1 single pull-down bed 
  • Sleeps up to 5 adults 
  • Views of the Boardwalk

1 Bedroom Villa – Standard View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper plus a split bathroom with 2 sink areas
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the parking area or resort grounds

1 Bedroom Villa – Garden or Pool View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper plus a split bathroom with 2 sink areas
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the pool or garden

1 Bedroom – Boardwalk View

  • Comes with 1 king bed and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper plus a split bathroom with 2 sink areas
  • Sleeps up to 4 adults 
  • Views of the Boardwalk

3 Bedroom Grand Villa

  • Comes with 4 queen beds, 1 king bed, and 1 queen-sized sofa sleeper 
  • Sleeps up to 12 adults 
  • Includes a formal dining room and a large balcony

Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Rates

BoardWalk Inn Resort with lights

If you’re wondering, “Well, if it’s a deluxe resort, it must be expensive. How much does it cost to stay at Disney’s BoardWalk?”, we will admit that rooms here aren’t cheap. If you’re looking for affordable Disney World hotels, your best bets are moderate resorts like Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans – or better yet, one of Disney World’s value resorts. However, if you’re looking for a comfortable, elegant stay with a good location and lots to do and you’re ok with spending more (we talking $600 per night minimum), then Disney’s BoardWalk Hotel can definitely be worth the price. 

That being said, just like any other hotel room at Disney World or anywhere else, the rate you get depends on when you go, how big of a room you need, and what you have to see when you look out your window. For example, while a stay over the low season in a room with a less-than-glorious view of a parking lot will have a lower rate, staying over Christmas and New Year’s in a club-level room or the three-bedroom grand villa will certainly put a dent in your budget.  

With rates starting out in the high $500s during the low season and climbing to the low $1,000s, standard rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk are the cheapest option. Meanwhile, with prices beginning in the mid-$2000s and reaching $4,000 and up during the winter holiday, the 3 Bedroom Grand Villa is easily the priciest choice.

Below are some examples of room rate ranges, arranged by starting price, for each of the room types available at the BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas in 2023 (expect 2022 rates to be slightly cheaper):

BoardWalk Inn

  • Standard View: $597 to $1,044
  • Garden View: $626 to $1,065
  • Water View: $747 to $1,136
  • Standard Room – Club Level: $865 to $1,440
  • Deluxe Room – Club Level: $1,043 to $1,762
  • Outer Building – Garden Room: $1,122 to $1,893
  • 2-Bedroom Suite: $2,028 to $3,432

BoardWalk Villas

  • Deluxe Studio – Standard View: $596 to $1,044
  • Deluxe Studio – Garden or Pool View: $624 to $1,065
  • Deluxe Studio – Boardwalk View: $745 to $1,136
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Standard View: $824 to $1,402
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Garden or Pool View: $822 to $1,402
  • 1 Bedroom Villa – Boardwalk View: $830 to $1,415

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort Amenities

Christmas Tree and fireplace

With the entirety of the resort stretched along Crescent Lake like a string of pearls and intertwined with the Disney BoardWalk entertainment district, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort has an array of amenities that is almost unbeatable. Aside from its enchanting, old-timey atmosphere, as with other deluxe resorts at Disney World, the BoardWalk offers a ton of restaurants (with two dining outlets in the hotel itself), a few different pools, and enough recreational offerings to keep you busy for your first BoardWalk stay and beyond. 

Restaurants & Bars at the Disney BoardWalk Hotel

As part of Disney’s BoardWalk, the BoardWalk Inn & Villas has easy access to some must-try dining, along with the most restaurants of any Disney World resort hotel. So, no matter if you’re looking for something to nosh on in the AM on the way to the parks, a sit-down dinner or character breakfast, an invigorating cocktail after a full day of walking, or simply a snack to munch on as you stroll the boardwalk, you’re sure to find something that satisfies. 

At the BoardWalk Inn & Villas specifically, there aren’t any quick-service or full-service restaurants. However, you will find both a lounge and a pool bar. So, if you’re looking for food and you don’t want to take the short jaunt to the BoardWalk itself, you can swing by the Belle Vue Lounge in the morning for grab-and-go breakfast items or stop at Leaping Horse Libations for a bite during lunch and dinner. 

Belle Vue Lounge

Made to feel like a cozy sitting room from the 1930s, the Belle Vue Lounge is a quaint place to unwind with a nightcap or pick up a muffin and some coffee on the way to the parks. From the old-timey radios that play vintage shows from days gone by to the classic cocktails on the menu, like a Rye Manhattan or a Sidecar Noir, this hotel lounge is a delightful blast from the past. There are even board games available to enjoy while you sip. 

Leaping Horse Libations

Neighboring the Luna Park Pool with a design that is evocative of a classic carousel, Leaping Horse Libations is a whimsical place to cool off with an icy beverage. Get it? Leaping Horse Libations? Horses, and possibly some other animals too, leaping in an endless circle on their way around the merry-go-round. Ah, Disney – but we digress. Feeling hangry after swimming in the Florida sun? This pool bar serves up both snacks and light meals, like a Greek Salad Sandwich. Wash it all down with something fruity and refreshing, such as the Tilt-A-Whirl or Fun House

Although they are not technically part of the BoardWalk Inn & Villas at Disney World, restaurants at Disney’s BoardWalk area are literally right next door, making them a convenient option for any meal of the day. There you’ll find everything from one of our favorite Disney World bars to a yummy Italian restaurant that masquerades as a Disney character dining spot over breakfast. 

AbracadaBar

Liquor glass with pink and ice

A magic-themed bar attached to Trattoria al Forno that serves wine, beer, mixed drinks, and Italian-ish bar snacks. Admire the vintage magic tricks, stage props, spelled show posters, and enchanted mirrors as you enjoy both magic-inspired and nostalgic sips, like the Pepper’s Ghost or Negroni, alongside the cheesy Abra Fries

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

A casual table-service restaurant and microbrewery that dishes up familiar American pub favorites like Baby Back Ribs and a Wagyu Burger. Or for something on the lighter side, go for the Brewer’s Cobb Salad or the Brewer’s Club Sandwich.  Top it all off with a pint of Big River Beer or a fizzy Shirley Temple.  

BoardWalk Bakery

A quick-service café neighboring Trattoria al Forno and serving up a delightful array of sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. Pop by in the morning for the indulgent Brioche Boston Cream Doughnut or a Butter Butter Sandwich, then swing back in the afternoon for a Jersey-style Italian Hoagie mounded with cold cuts. 

BoardWalk Ice Cream

A colorful ice cream parlor scooping up dreamy cones of the good stuff along with decadent sundaes. Feeling like the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop but you’d rather not walk all the way to Disney’s Beach Club Resort? BoardWalk Ice Cream is a great alternative. Go for the Thundering Surf Peanut Butter and Chocolate Sundae.

Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas

Margaritas with sugar and lime

A drink kiosk shaking up alcoholic and non-alcoholic sips like smoothies, soda, cocktails, beer, and wine. Looking for something to cool you off as you stroll along Crescent Lake? The Marvelous Watermelon Margarita and a Jalapeno-Stuffed Pretzel are sure to hit the spot.

Flying Fish

A signature surf-and-turf restaurant serving sustainable seafood and prime steak for both lunch and dinner. Peek into the open kitchen as you devour such elegant dishes as Sardinian Seafood Pasta stuffed with lobster, shrimp, and scallops or a Tomahawk Rib-Eye for Two. Although the vibe here is decidedly more adult, kids can also get in on the bounty with pint-sized versions of seared fish, grilled steak, or shrimp scampi on also offer. 

Funnel Cake Cart

A walk-up snack cart whipping up nostalgic childhood classics like Funnel Cake, Cotton Candy, and Fried Ice Cream. Or, take the BoardWalk home with you with a Funnel Cake Gift Kit.

Pizza Window

A walk-up pizza window serving both piping-hot slices and family-sized wood-fires pizza pies dripping with cheese and toppings like Pepperoni, Sausage & Mushroom, Veggie, and classic Cheese. While you’re there, be sure to grab something to drink, like a can of beer, a glass of red wine, or some refreshing sangria. 

The To-Go Cart

A convenient food cart serving eats that are as American as apple pie. Go for something simple like a Corn Dog or Mac & Cheese Bites, or opt for something more filling such as a Barbecued Pulled Pork Cheeseburger or Loaded Boardwalk Chips

Trattoria al Forno

A table-service restaurant with the Mediterranean-inspired Bon Voyage Adventure character breakfast starring Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Ryder by day and old-world Italian classics just like Nonna used to make by night. Try the Poached Eggs with polenta and Pomodoro sauce or Caprese Omelet in the AM, then treat yourself with Veal Osso Buco or Shrimp Pappardelle for dinner. 

Disney BoardWalk Pools

Pool at night with carousel

Hoping to take a dip in the pool or to cool off with the kiddos during your stay? Well, with the Luna Park Pool and two leisure pools, you’ve got options. Take a trip to the amusement park at the Luna Park feature pool. Inspired by the carnivals and boardwalk midways of the 1920s, this playful feature pool sports adorable elephant statues that spritz you with water and a 200-foot-long waterslide made to look like a retro roller coaster. Or, soothe your achy feet with a soak in the whirlpool spa. 

Looking for a more secluded escape? Two leisure pools are located on the opposite ends of the resorts, each with a hot tub to match. 

Disney BoardWalk Inn Merchandise Locations

Located just inside the main entrance to the BoardWalk Inn, Dundy’s Sundries is the only merchandise outlet inside the hotel, selling everything from toiletries and snacks to souvenirs and apparel. Otherwise, Disney’s Character Carnival, Screen Door General Store, and Thimbles & Threads all sell a mix of similar items along the BoardWalk. Or, stop into the Wyland Gallery for beautiful ocean-inspired art and jewelry.

Other Recreation at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort Hotel 

While the rooms may be cozy and the views may be lovely, the best thing about staying at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is its unbeatable location along the Disney BoardWalk entertainment district. The pièce de resistance of resort recreation amenities, the BoardWalk is a veritable waterfront playground. As you stroll along the shores of Crescent Lake, you’ll come across a jewel box of activities straight off the midway. 

Carnival games like basketball and vintage fair games are fun for those willing to risk a few bucks for a toy. Or, for something that makes you really work for your nostalgia, rent one of the surrey bikes. Ride around in style on a (surrey) bicycle built for 2 or 4 people for the somewhat steep price of $25 per person.  

However, at night is when the boardwalk truly comes alive. Street performers do up-close magic and dazzle with their juggling skills. Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar, fills the night with musical covers that run the gamut from Lady Gaga and Bon Jovi to Disney singalongs and silly-yet-somewhat-embarrassing audience participation songs, along with a whole ton of fun. 

Back at the hotel, you’ll also find a kaleidoscope of recreational offerings for both kids and adults alike. Looking for some family-friendly fun that’s a nostalgic and pleasantly mellow departure from the theme parks? During the day, the Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course is a reasonable walk or short drive away, while the Luna Park Crazy Play Area and Side Show Games Arcade pack in more hands-on thrills. In the evenings, The BoardWalk campfires and Movies Under the Stars light up the night with beloved Disney films and flames made for marshmallow roasting. 

Interested in more active, outdoorsy activities instead? Get in a workout at the Muscles & Bustles Health Club, on a jog around Crescent Lake or one of the other jogging paths, with a game of tennis (complete with complimentary balls and racquets from Community Hall), or during yoga on the lawn. Or, get out on the water with a catch-and-release guided bass fishing excursion. 

Disney BoardWalk Inn FAQs

Want to know more about Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort? Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions. 

Can you see the fireworks from the Disney BoardWalk Inn?

Yup! Although, we actually recommend that you take a stroll along the BoardWalk to watch the fireworks instead. As the BoardWalk is located between Epcot and Hollywood Studios, you are able to see both nighttime spectaculars from different spots along the strip.

To catch the Epcot fireworks, enjoy the show from one of the benches in front of Jellyrolls and along that stretch of Crescent Lake. To take in the Hollywood Studios fireworks, wander over to the bridge that leads from Disney’s BoardWalk to the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel. Or, if you absolutely have to watch the fireworks from your room, your best bet is to ask for a Garden View near or on the floors below the Innkeeper’s Club. 

Do all BoardWalk Inn rooms have balconies?

No, unfortunately not. However, all of the rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas come with balconies.

Can you walk to Epcot from Disney’s BoardWalk Hotel? 

Yes! Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas are incredibly close to Epcot, with the BoardWalk just a 5-10-minute walk away from Epcot’s World Showcase and the International Gateway entrance. 

Can you walk to Hollywood Studios from Disney’s BoardWalk Hotel? 

Also yes! Although it’s a slightly longer walk – around 15-20 minutes (or ¾ mile) depending on how fast you go – you are able to walk to Hollywood Studios from Disney’s BoardWalk. Just take the paved path that follows the waterway from the Crescent Lake boat launch to the main entrance of Hollywood Studios. 

Can you get to the BoardWalk from the Skyliner?

Yes again! When you exit Disney’s Skyliner at the International Gateway entrance to Epcot, take a right off of the Skyliner and head toward the bridge that leads to the BoardWalk area. This whole thing is just a few minutes’ walk, and a charming way to get to a similarly delightful place. 

Well folks, that concludes our tour around Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas. This enchanting resort really strikes the perfect balance between a vibrant hotel filled with whimsy and Disney magic and a romantic retreat that’s made for honeymooning.  

During your stay, maximizing your time in the parks is crucial to checking everything off your to-do list. Make it happen with our one-day plans for two Disney World theme parks in the area, Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Looking to maximize your budget instead? Then don’t skip over our discounted Walt Disney World tickets

Have you stayed at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort? Which room or restaurant is your favorite? What’s your favorite spot along Crescent Lake? Any tips or tricks we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort Review
The Final Word
Disney's BoardWalk Inn is one of our top-rated hotels due to its easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, multiple transportation options and fantastic dining. This place is a must-stay.
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