Complete Guide to Boardwalk Villas (w/ review)

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The resort is also in the middle of much-needed upgrades that will mean dealing with construction and some outdated spaces until it is complete.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.

Quick review

Submit your review at the bottom of the page.

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

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.

Here’s everything you need to know about having packages delivered and picking them up.

Grocery Delivery

You can have groceries delivered directly to your Disney Resort hotel. Dry-good storage and refrigerated storage are offered (subject to availability).

Important: a $6 fee will be charged to your room account for each grocery delivery order brought to your room by Bell Services or Luggage Assistance. Or, you can pick up these deliveries yourself from Bell Services or Luggage Assistance — at no charge.

Select items will need to be picked up in person, like alcohol. Most grocery delivery services require an individual of age to sign for alcohol and to show valid identification. Disney Resort hotels will not accept these types of orders on behalf of you.

Resort Hotel Delivery (temporarily unavailable)

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can have park souvenirs delivered to your hotel instead of carrying them around with you all day.

Just tell the Cast Member at checkout that you want your purchase delivered to your hotel. You’ll usually pick up these items at your hotel’s gift shop (a Cast Member should tell you the designated pick-up location).

Home Delivery

In-park purchases can also be shipped to your home via UPS or FedEx for an additional fee.

Sending and Receiving Mail

Sending Mail

You can mail postcards, letters, and packages from the theme parks and select Disney Resort hotels.

Letter and Postcards
Postcards and letters with postage already applied can be mailed from any mail box located throughout the theme parks and at the Front Desk of Disney Resort hotels.

Packages
You can ship pre-packed, pre-labeled packages at the Front Desk or Concierge desk of most Disney Resort hotels. Hotels that include an onsite Business Center, including Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, can also ship packages for you.

Regular shipping and handling fees will apply.

Purchasing Postage
Postage stamps are available for purchase at various gift shops including:

• Art of Disney (Epcot)
• Celebrity 5 & 10 (Hollywood Studios)
• Disney Springs Welcome Center (Disney Springs)
• Disney Traders (Epcot)
• Garden Gate Gifts (Animal Kingdom)
• Heritage Manor (Epcot)
• Main Street Chamber of Commerce (Magic Kingdom)
• Mickey’s Gift Station (Transportation and Ticket Center)
• Mickey’s of Hollywood (Hollywood Studios)
• Movieland Memorabilia (Hollywood Studios)
• Newsstand (Magic Kingdom)
• The Outpost Shop (Animal Kingdom)
• Sundries (Disney Springs)

Receiving Mail

If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can receive mail throughout your stay. Occasionally, some guests will ship items in advance of their vacation to help save luggage space.

If you want to receive mail during your vacation, be sure the letter or package:

• Includes the mailing address of your Disney Resort Hotel
• Clearly features the word “Guest” on the front and the date of your arrival

Important: a $6 per package handling fee will apply to all packages that are received through the Front Desk or are delivered to your Disney Resort hotel room.

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.

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)

BoardWalk Ice Cream serves a range of ice cream, including sundaes and milkshakes.

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

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

Flying Fish is a more upscale restaurant that serves seafood and steaks, along with appetizers and desserts. The menu also has plant-based items.

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

Trattoria Al Forno

Trattoria al Forno is an Italian restaurant attached to Abracadabar. Breakfast is character dining, known as the “Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast,” which is currently unavailable. Characters that typically meet during breakfast are Ariel, Prince Eric, Rapunzel, and Flynn Rider.

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

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Big River Grille & Brewing Works is a family-friendly microbrewery and restaurant serving award-winning beers and fresh twists on American pub favorites.

Location type: Casual Dining
Type of food: American
Meals served: Lunch & dinner

• On the Disney Dining Plan? Yes, 1 Table Service credit(s)
• Pros: Extensive drink menu (including several beers brewed here), glass walls give you the ability to watch the brewing process, both indoor and outdoor seating options (choose outdoor seating if you want to overlook the Boardwalk area)
• Cons: Limited menu, food is often not great

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers (former ESPN Club; opening in 2023)

The Cake Bake Shop is both a Table Service restaurant and 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

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.

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American
Meals served: 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

Leaping Horse Libations

Leaping Horse Libations is the carousel-themed bar by the Luna Park Pool. Enjoy frozen cocktails, beer, wine, sangria, snacks, and more.

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

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

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.

Location type: Lounge
Type of food: American
Meals served: None

• On the Disney Dining Plan? No
• Pros: Often quiet, comfortable seating, great place to grab a drink (drink menu is fairly extensive compared to many locations), board games available
• Cons: Limited hours

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.

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: 12/31/2023

Other Info

• BoardWalk Villas Resort Maps
• Pros and Cons of on-site Walt Disney World Resort hotels

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