Disney’s BoardWalk Villas is a waterfront hotel on Walt Disney World property that’s located in the Epcot Resort Area.
It’s also a Disney Vacation Club resort that embodies the pastimes of Coney Island and the turn-of-the-century Atlantic City.
You’ll find theming that embodies the turn-of-century Atlantic City and the pastimes of Coney Island. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, a Deluxe Disney World Resort, is also located nearby.
The resort is also in the middle of much-needed upgrades that will mean dealing with construction and some outdated spaces until it is complete.
Overall, this is a resort with charm and amenities that will be even better when it’s done in the coming years. In the meantime, you may find nearby resorts a better option with comparable perks and at a similar price point.
That said, here’s everything you need to know about BoardWalk Villas.
Pros and Cons
Pros: 10-15 minute walk to Epcot, some rooms have views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios, can take a boat or walk to Hollywood Studios, gorgeous theming, Disney Skyliner station nearby
Cons: No restaurants inside the resort (have to walk out on the Boardwalk to get to them), shared buses can sometimes mean long commutes, can be long walks to rooms (especially Villas rooms)
Overview
Resort category: Deluxe
Resort area: Epcot
Address & Phone Number
2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-8442
(407) 939-6200
One of the big perks of staying at BoardWalk Inn is it is within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Don’t worry, complimentary Disney transportation is available (including Skyliner access), but to be able to walk to to parks is a huge bonus.
There are also several high quality dining and entertainment options.
Another positive of BoardWalk Inn is the boardwalk itself. You can walk up and down an actual boardwalk that not only offers stunning views, but has shops and dining readily available for guests.
BoardWalk Villas’ beauty also can’t be beat. Just like its sister property, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, the Villas offer stunning views and are even prettier in the evenings.
On the con side, a lot of the resorts shopping and dining are outside so if it’s raining or super hot, you’ll have to walk out there in the elements for most everything.
The buses are also sometimes shared which can make it take awhile coming and going.
The long hallways often mean long walks to the rooms, so be sure to request to be near an elevator to help alleviate some of that.
The resort is on the pricier side compared to many other hotels featured on property, so keep that in mind. But, the theming, rooms, amenities, and more might be just enough to persuade you to book a stay.
There are also some important details to note about housekeeping services.
If you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member using your Membership to stay, you’ll receive service on the 4th and 8th days, unless you decide to decline the service. Rental Guests (non-Members or DVC Members not booking through Membership) receive Full Cleaning Services every day.
Here’s all you can expect.
Guest Rooms And Bathrooms
There are two types of room to book at BoardWalk Villas and they include: a one bedroom villa, a 3 bedroom grand villa, or a deluxe studio. The three bedroom even allows you to sleep up to 12 adults, whereas the others range from 4 to 5 adults.
Standard amenities are featured in each room, including a hairdryer, TV, free WiFi, a coffee maker, telephone, in-room safe, and an iron and ironing board. The rooms also include some great amenities like a microwave, a fully-equipped kitchen with either a full or mini-refrigerator, a washer and dryer in the villa-style rooms, and more.
Plus, you might even be lucky enough to book a room that overlooks the actual boardwalk area and that view can’t be beat.
If you’re wondering about outlets and USB ports, there are both scattered about for whatever you may need to plug in or charge. Regarding storage, there is both closet, drawer, and counter space, including in most of the bathrooms.
Speaking of the bathrooms, some of the the vanity areas do not have a separate own door for privacy, but there is a door separating the shower and toilet from the vanity/sink area.
Also, the beds do not have space underneath to store luggage or other belongings. Here are the rooms available to book.
Studios
- Deluxe Studio — Standard View: Views of Resort Grounds or Parking Area; 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Single Pull Down Bed; Kitchenette with small fridge and microwave; balcony
Villas
- 1 Bedroom Villa — Standard View: Views of Resort Grounds or Parking Area; 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa; Full kitchen and split bathroom with 2 sink areas
- 3 Bedroom Grand Villa: 1 King Bed and 4 Queen Beds and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa; Full kitchen, formal dining room, and a large balcony
Note: There are also both wheelchair and hearing accessible rooms available that include accessible bathrooms and visual alarms.
You can check out room layouts below.
BoardWalk Villas Resort Room Options
Room type(s) | Bed size | Max people per room | Floor plan |
---|---|---|---|
Deluxe Studio – Standard View Views of Resort Grounds or Parking Area | 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Single Pull Down Bed | 5 | |
Deluxe Studio – Garden or Pool View Views of Garden or Pool | 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Single Pull Down Bed | 5 | |
Deluxe Studio – Boardwalk View Views of Boardwalk | 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double-Size Sleeper Sofa and 1 Single Pull Down Bed | 5 | |
1 Bedroom Villa – Standard View Views of Resort Grounds or Parking Area | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 4 | |
1 Bedroom Villa – Garden or Pool View Views of Garden or Pool | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 4 | |
1 Bedroom Villa – Boardwalk View Views of Boardwalk | 1 King Bed and 1 Queen-Size Sleeper Sofa | 4 |
VIDEO: Disney’s Boardwalk Resort (Pros and Cons)
Checking In And Out
When it comes to checking in and out, you have a few options: at the front desk, online through the official Walt Disney World website, or via the My Disney Experience app.
The front desk is located in the main lobby. Even though the front desk is there to assist guests, especially with checking in and checking out, all Disney World Resort guests are encouraged to check-in online or by using MDE.
- Checking-In: After you check-in online or using the app, you’ll receive a room-ready notification via next. You can then use your MagicBand or MDE’s digital key feature to unlock your room door.
- Checking-Out: Currently, guests will automatically be checked out of their rooms. You can also check out directly in the MDE app. But, if you have unresolved charges to your hotel folio, you’ll need to visit the front desk.
Note: Guests also have the option of to chat virtually with resort Cast Members via MDE for any assistance.
The lobby is perfectly themed. There is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smell. One of the many gift shops at the resort is also located near the lobby.
The pickup and dropoff location for Mears Connect (which is the replacement for Magical Express) is right outside in front of the lobby. You can find and luggage storage, aka Bell Services, inside the lobby near the front desk.
Note: Resort Airline Check-In and Magical Express are no longer available.
Package Delivery & Pick Up
You can have packages and groceries delivered to your Disney Resort hotel, along with shipping select items home.
Disney used to have a service where you were able to purchase items in the parks and then have them delivered to your resort’s gift shop. However, that service has been unavailable for several years now.
Parking
Although parking at Disney World resort hotels used to cost a nightly fee for resort guests, Disney has changed their policy so that parking is now free for all on-site resort guests. This change was implemented on January 10, 2023.
Valet parking is also available for $33 per night.
Complimentary standard self-parking is available for non-resort guests exploring dining, shopping, entertainment, and other experiences during the day.
We also have a complete Walt Disney World parking guide you can browse.
Important: Valet parking might not always be available.
Resort Map
BoardWalk Villas Building
BoardWalk Villas Resort rooms are located in one main building, which is also on one side of the resort — the opposite side of the BoardWalk Inn.
Once you enter the lobby (the main lobby for both BoardWalk Inn and the Villas), you walk past the front desk. The Villas are also closest to Jellyrolls and the Atlantic Dance Hall.
Amenities And Shops
From gift shops, to on-site laundry services, to spa and fitness, there are several amenities offered to guests at BoardWalk Villas.
Important note: Some of the following amenities might not be available at all times.
- Disney’s Character Carnival: Find apparel, accessories, pins, gifts, home goods, and other supplies.
- Dundy’s Sundries (now closed as work begins to turn it into a new coffee shop): A range of items can be purchased, including food, spirits, camera and media materials, and souvenirs.
- Screen Door General Store: The general store has your typical items, like food and beverages.
- Thimbles & Threads: Yet another shop to find apparel, accessories, pins, and other souvenirs.
- Wyland Galleries — BoardWalk: The gallery features art and other collectibles.
- Laundry Services: Villas with one ore more bedrooms feature in-unite washers and dryers. There is also a 24-hour self-service laundry facility near the 3rd-floor elevator.
- Dry Cleaning Services: Dry cleaning and valet laundry services are also an option.
- Movies Under the Stars: Watch complimentary Disney movies in Community Hall.
- Muscles & Bustles Health Club: Full-service facility with workout equipment, massages, and more.
- Childcare Services: In-room babysitting for children 6 months to 12 years old.
- Atlantic Dance Hall: A dance club open in the evenings (there is a cover charge)
- Jellyrolls: A popular dueling piano bar for guests over 21 (there is a cover charge)
Pools And Recreation
BoardWalk Villas has one feature pool and two leisure pools. If you need a non-park day, we recommended spending the day at your hotel and enjoying a Disney Resort pool.
Important note: Some of the pools and recreation options might not be available at all times.
Feature Pool
- Luna Park Pool: This feature pool has a carnival theme, a 200-foot-long waterslide, grinning elephant statues that spout water from their trunks, and vintage posters lining the pool area. There’s a whirlpool spa for adults and also a kiddie pool.
Leisure Pools
- You can one leisure pool in the Rose Garden Courtyard and the second next to the Community Hall building. Both pools have whirlpool spas.
Some other recreational options include:
- Side Show Games Arcade
- Playground at the Luna Park Crazy Play Area
- Jogging
- Fishing
- Tennis
- Surrey Bike Rentals
- Campfire to roast marshmallows
- Yoga on the Lawn (only select day of the week on the Village Green Lawn; all ages; space is limited to 20 guests staying at BoardWalk Inn and BoardWalk Villas; mats and towels provided)
- Ferris W. Eahlers Community Hall (complimentary games, arts, crafts, DVDs, and more)
- Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf (themed miniature golf course with two 18-hole courses; an additional cost for both adults and kids)
Restaurant & Dining Options
You can find both Quick Service and Table Service options here, along with lounges, bars, a pizza window, and a bakery.
Take note that BoardWalk Bakery and the Pizza Window have Mobile Order.
Plus, Trattoria al Forno and Flying Fish has Mobile Dine Check-In, meaning you’ll check-in using the My Disney Experience app rather than going to the host stand. When your table is ready, you’ll be notified to proceed to a specific location.
You can read more about the dining options below.
Quick Service
BoardWalk has several Quick Service locations. You don’t need reservations to eat here, but Mobile Order is available, which is definitely handy during peak dining times.
BoardWalk Deli (formerly BoardWalk Bakery)
BoardWalk Deli serves a range of items including the popular grilled cheese and tomato soup, breakfast sandwiches, salads, plant-based options, desserts, cocktails, and more.
Location type: Bakery
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
- Pros: Large selection of baked goods and sandwich options, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
- Cons: No indoor seating
Pizza Window
The Pizza Window is mainly known for serving pizza, but there are also limited breakfast options here.
This is along the lines of a grab-and-go spot for those who want a quick breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find a range of items, like breakfast platters, pastries, cookies, sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.
Location type: Pizza Window
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
- Pros: Convenient to grab a pizza to eat on the Boardwalk or back in your room, mobile ordering in My Disney Experience available
- Cons: No indoor seating
BoardWalk Ice Cream (formerly Ample Hills)
Location type: Ice Cream Shop
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snack
- On the Disney Dining Plan? N/A
- Pros: Convenient to grab some ice cream during a hot day or for dessert after dinner
- Cons: No mobile ordering, limited outdoor seating
BoardWalk Ice Cream serves a range of ice cream, including sundaes and milkshakes.
Food Trucks
Food Trucks are popular across the nation, and with the closing of Big River Grille, Disney has brought them in to the BoardWalk area for the lunch service. Who and what you’ll find can depend on the day, but we’ve never had a bad meal at one and like the quick dining options they provide.
Location type: Quick Service/Food Truck
Type of food: American
Meals served: Lunch
- On the Disney Dining Plan? No
- Pros: Rotating selection with unique food choices.
- Cons: Limited seating nearby
Carousel Coffee
Who doesn’t love some good coffee first thing in the morning?! At Carousel Coffee you can find coffee, specialty coffees, and teas. Plus, they have snacks like muffins, scones, and brownies. They also have a select number of Grab-and-Go items (perfect for a quick Disney breakfast!).
Location type: Quick Service
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast/snacks
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, Snack Credits
- Pros: Great spot for a quick breakfast or a snack
- Cons: Closes early and a limited selection of heartier items (it’s mostly just snacks and breakfast pastries)
Table Service
BoardWalk has a variety of Table Service restaurants. Reservations are recommended for the following. You can book up to 60 days in advance online or in the My Disney Experience app. Some may even have a walk-up list that you can join.
Flying Fish
Location type: Fine/Signature Dining
Type of food: American, Seafood
Meals served: Dinner
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 2 Table Service credit(s)
- Pros: Though they serve many great fish dishes, their steak is especially good; select plant-based options
- Cons: Pricey
Flying Fish is a more upscale restaurant (Disney calls it “Signature Dining”) that serves seafood and steaks, along with appetizers and desserts. The menu also has plant-based items.
Trattoria Al Forno
Location type: Character/Casual Dining
Type of food: Italian
Meals served: Breakfast & dinner
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
- Pros: Unique breakfast offerings and the only place to see Rapunzel and Flynn Rider & Ariel and Prince Eric together; often easy to get in without a reservation, all wines are Italian
- Cons: Service is inconsistent and can be slow at times, food is often mediocre
Trattoria al Forno is an Italian restaurant attached to Abracadabar. The servings here are large and the food is good.
In the past, breakfast was character dining known as the “Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast”; however, that is currently unavailable and Disney has not mentioned when – or if – it will return.
When it was operating as a character meal, this spot was extremely popular because it was the only character dining where you could meet couples together (Ariel & Prince Eric and Rapunzel & Flynn Rider).
Big River Grille & Brewing Works (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)
Big River Grille & Brewing Works was a family-friendly microbrewery and restaurant that served award beers and pub food.
It closed on January 21, 2024.
The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers (former ESPN Club; opening in 2024)
The Cake Bake Shop is both a Table Service restaurant and a bakery. The menu will feature savory and dessert menus, plus tea service.
Location type: Table Service/Bakery
Type of food: American
Meals served: TBD
- On the Disney Dining Plan? N/A
- Pros: N/A
- Cons: N/A
Everything Else
If you want to grab a beverage to drink by the pool, while you’re hanging at the resort, or need something quicker to eat, you may want to try one of the following dining options.
Abracadabar
Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, snacks, small bites
- On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Quick Service credit(s)
- Pros: Fun themed drinks and atmosphere
- Cons: Small with limited seating, limited food options
Abracadabar is a lounge attached to Trattoria al Forno with a fun atmosphere serving a range of drinks and lounge-style food. You can also grab quick bites here for breakfast.
Leaping Horse Libations
Location type: Pool Bar
Type of food: American
Meals served: Lunch, dinner & snacks
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
- Pros: Convenient location, especially if you have a room near the pool
- Cons: Limited menu and hours
Leaping Horse Libations is the carousel-themed bar by the Luna Park Pool. Enjoy frozen cocktails, beer, wine, sangria, snacks, and more.
BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas
Find small snacks and frozen beverages, including margaritas, piña coladas, and the Captain’s Seaside Sensation — a pineapple smoothie with a shot of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
Location type: Bar and snack stand
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snacks
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, snack credits, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
- Pros: Quick place to grab a margarita and a snack (like a Mickey pretzel)
- Cons: Limited menu
Belle Vue Lounge
Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American
Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Quick Service credit(s)
- Pros: Great place to grab standard breakfast items, often quiet, comfortable seating, great place to grab a drink (drink menu is fairly extensive compared to many locations), board games available
- Cons: Limited menu
Belle Vue Lounge is located inside the main building near the lobby. You can get a quick breakfast (like pastries), coffee, a light lunch, and order from the bar, as well, including alcoholic beverages.
Blue Ribbon Corn Dog (formerly The To-Go Cart)
Opening sometime in 2024, the beloved Blue Ribbon Corn Dog will be housed in the former Boardwalk To Go space and will serve delicious hand-dipped corn dogs.
Location type: Quick Service/Cart
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snacks
- On the Disney Dining Plan? TBD
- Pros: TBD
- Cons: TBD
Funnel Cake Cart (Temporarily Unavailable)
The Funnel Cake Cart serves funnel cakes, fried ice cream, cotton candy, coffee, and more.
Location type: Quick Service/Cart
Type of food: American
Meals served: Snacks
- On the Disney Dining Plan? No, 0 Quick Service credit(s)
- Pros: Delicious funnel cakes and fried ice cream available here
- Cons: Usually only open in the evenings
How to get from Boardwalk Villas to anywhere at Disney World
There are several forms of transportation available, including buses, Friendship Boats (service to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and Swan and Dolphin), and the Disney Skyliner, which can be accessed at Epcot’s International Gateway.
As previously mentioned, guests can also walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
All of the different ways to get from the BoardWalk Villas to anywhere in Disney World is detailed below.
wdt_ID | Starting Point | Ending Point | How to get there |
---|---|---|---|
1 | All-Star Movies | All-Star Music | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
2 | All-Star Movies | All-Star Sports | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
3 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom | Follow these steps:
Want to get there faster? Or have feedback about a route for us? |
4 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo House (main bldg) | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
5 | All-Star Movies | Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
6 | All-Star Movies | Art of Animation | Follow these steps:
|
7 | All-Star Movies | Bay Lake Tower | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
8 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club Villas | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
9 | All-Star Movies | Beach Club | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
10 | All-Star Movies | Blizzard Beach | Follow these steps:
Or have feedback about a route for us? |
Scheduled Refurbishments
Name: Boardwalk Renovation
Description: In March 2022, Disney announced many changes that will be coming to the Boardwalk area, including that the ESPN Club would be permanently closing and will be replaced by a table service restaurant called The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. Changes will also be coming to the Boardwalk Bakery, Boardwalk resort lobby, lounge, and guest rooms.
From: 03/15/2022
To: 12/31/2024
Other Info
Boardwalk Trip Reports
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