Disney’s Boardwalk Villas

When Walt Disney World visitors think of deluxe accommodations, their minds often drift to iconic locations like the Grand Floridian or the Contemporary Resort. However, nestled along the shores of Crescent Lake lies one of Disney’s most charming and sophisticated properties: Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. This resort captures the golden age of the Atlantic seaboard, specifically paying homage to turn-of-the-century coastal destinations like Coney Island and Atlantic City. Disney’s Boardwalk Villas is located in the Epcot Resort area and is a Walt Disney World deluxe villa property.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Summary

• Disney’s BoardWalk Villas captures the charm and elegance of 1920s Atlantic coastal resorts, featuring detailed theming throughout its rooms and public spaces, including a stunning lobby with an authentic M.C. Illions carousel centerpiece and period-appropriate furnishings that transport guests to the golden age of America’s boardwalks.
• The resort’s prime location offers unparalleled access to both Epcot (10-minute walk) and Disney’s Hollywood Studios (15-20 minute walk), with multiple transportation options including scenic boat rides, bus service to other Disney destinations, and easy walking paths along Crescent Lake that connect to nearby deluxe resorts.
• Accommodation options range from cozy Deluxe Studios (359 square feet) to magnificent three-bedroom Grand Villas (2,142 square feet), with each room category offering various view options including Standard, Garden/Pool, and premium BoardWalk views that can include partial glimpses of Epcot’s fireworks from upper floors.
• The resort’s aquatic offerings center around the carnival-themed Luna Park Pool, featuring the iconic 200-foot Keister Coaster waterslide, complemented by two quiet pools perfect for peaceful relaxation, multiple hot tubs, and a children’s water play area.
• Dining options span from signature experiences at Flying Fish to casual brewpub fare at Big River Grille & Brewing Works, with additional choices including the character breakfast at Trattoria al Forno, quick-service options at BoardWalk Deli, and authentic boardwalk snacks from various food carts along the promenade.
• The lively BoardWalk entertainment district comes alive each evening with street performers, unique shopping experiences, and adult-oriented venues like the dueling piano bar Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance Hall, creating an energetic atmosphere that distinguishes this resort from other Disney properties.
• As part of Disney Vacation Club, the villas offer home-like amenities including full kitchens (in one-bedroom and larger villas), washer/dryers, and separate living spaces, though the rooms are available to all guests through regular Disney World booking channels.

The Historical Inspiration

To truly appreciate the BoardWalk Villas, we must first understand its brilliant theming. Disney’s Imagineers drew inspiration from the 1920s and 1930s, when Eastern seaboard destinations provided entertainment and escape for urban dwellers. During this era, families would venture to oceanfront boardwalks for entertainment, relaxation, and the simple pleasure of watching people stroll by. The architecture reflects this period perfectly, with its pale yellow and white façade, striped awnings, and detailed wooden balustrades that transport guests back to a more genteel time.

Location and Accessibility

One of the BoardWalk Villas’ greatest strengths is its prime location within Walt Disney World. Situated between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the resort offers unique transportation options that many other Disney properties can’t match. Guests can walk to both theme parks – Epcot’s International Gateway entrance is just a 10-minute stroll away, while Hollywood Studios can be reached in about 15-20 minutes along a scenic waterfront pathway. For those who prefer not to walk, complimentary water taxis service both parks, adding an extra touch of charm to your commute.

The BoardWalk entertainment district, which the villas overlook, connects the resort to several other deluxe properties, including Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels. This creates a vibrant community atmosphere and provides easy access to numerous dining and entertainment options.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Main Lobby

The BoardWalk Villas’ lobby transports guests to the refined elegance of a 1920s seaside hotel, creating an atmosphere that sets the tone for the entire resort experience. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a soaring three-story space bathed in natural light from large windows and an impressive chandelier. The color palette draws inspiration from the seaside setting, featuring soft creams, nautical blues, and warm wood tones that create a welcoming ambiance.

The lobby’s centerpiece is a detailed miniature wooden carousel, hand-crafted by M.C. Illions, one of the most renowned carousel makers of the early 20th century. This masterpiece features intricate details including hand-painted horses and delicate gold leaf accents, rotating gently throughout the day. The carousel serves as more than mere decoration – it represents the perfect marriage of artistry and whimsy that defines the entire BoardWalk resort.

Comfortable seating areas feature period-appropriate furniture, including overstuffed chairs and wooden rockers that invite guests to linger. The furniture arrangements create intimate conversation areas while maintaining the open, airy feeling of a grand hotel lobby. Vintage photographs and artwork adorning the walls tell the story of America’s great boardwalks and seaside resorts, offering glimpses into the era that inspired the resort’s design.

The check-in area continues the seaside resort theme with its dark wood counter and brass accents. Behind the desk, a collection of antique keys and hotel bells adds authentic historic touches. The concierge desk, similarly themed, provides a welcoming spot for guests to plan their vacation activities or seek assistance.

A particularly charming feature is the lobby’s promenade-facing windows, which offer views of the bustling BoardWalk entertainment district and Crescent Lake beyond. These windows serve as a perfect transition between the refined interior space and the lively atmosphere of the BoardWalk itself, allowing guests to feel connected to both worlds simultaneously.

The attention to historical detail extends to smaller touches that reward observant guests: period-appropriate light fixtures, architectural moldings that mirror those found in historic Atlantic City hotels, and even authentic antique furniture pieces carefully preserved and positioned throughout the space. These elements work together to create an environment that feels both authentically historic and comfortably welcoming to modern travelers.

Accommodation Options

The BoardWalk Villas offers several room categories, each with distinct view options that can significantly impact your Disney experience:

Deluxe Studios (approximately 359 square feet) sleep up to five guests and include a kitchenette with a microwave, small refrigerator, and coffee maker. These rooms feature one queen bed, one double-size sleeper sofa, and one pull-down single bed, making them perfect for smaller families or couples. View options for Deluxe Studios include:

• Standard View: Overlooks the parking area, rooftop, or portions of the resort grounds
• Garden/Pool View: Offers views of the quiet pools, courtyards, or water features
• BoardWalk View: Provides direct views of the entertainment district and Crescent Lake, with some rooms offering partial views of Epcot’s fireworks

One-Bedroom Villas (approximately 714 square feet) sleep up to four guests and include a master bedroom with a king bed, a separate living area with a queen-size sleeper sofa, and a full kitchen. These villas also feature a washer and dryer, making them ideal for longer stays. View categories include:

• Standard View: Features views of the parking area or resort entrance
• Garden/Pool View: Overlooks Luna Park Pool, quiet pools, or landscaped areas
• BoardWalk View: Offers premium views of the BoardWalk entertainment district, with upper-floor rooms (4th and 5th floors) providing the most spectacular vistas of both the BoardWalk and Crescent Lake

Two-Bedroom Villas (approximately 1,071 square feet) accommodate up to eight guests and combine the amenities of a One-Bedroom Villa with an additional bedroom featuring two queen beds. These spacious accommodations are perfect for larger families or groups traveling together. View options mirror those of One-Bedroom Villas, with the added benefit that corner units often provide dual-direction views:

• Standard View: Faces the parking area or resort entrance
• Garden/Pool View: Shows the Luna Park Pool area or quiet pools
• BoardWalk View: Provides sweeping views of the entertainment district, with some rooms offering views of both the BoardWalk and Epcot in the distance

Grand Villas (approximately 2,142 square feet) are the crown jewel of the resort, sleeping up to twelve guests across three bedrooms. These two-story accommodations feature elegant touches like a formal dining room and multiple bathrooms, providing the ultimate in Disney luxury. Due to their premium status, Grand Villas typically offer the most desirable views:

• Garden/Pool View: Overlooks the serene resort grounds and pools
• BoardWalk View: Offers panoramic views of the entertainment district, Crescent Lake, and in some cases, partial views of both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. These villas, particularly those on the upper floors, provide some of the most impressive views in all of Walt Disney World

When selecting your view category, consider factors such as your typical schedule (BoardWalk views can be noisier in the evening), your desire for fireworks visibility, and your preferred balance between scenery and tranquility. Remember that even standard view rooms can offer pleasant vistas, and the money saved on room category can be allocated to other vacation experiences.

Transportation at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

One of the BoardWalk’s greatest assets is its strategic location and variety of transportation options. Understanding these options can significantly enhance your Walt Disney World vacation experience.

Walking Options

The BoardWalk’s location allows for convenient walking access to multiple destinations. Walking often proves faster than other transportation methods for nearby locations:

To Epcot: A pleasant 10-minute stroll along the waterfront brings you to Epcot’s International Gateway entrance, located between the United Kingdom and France pavilions in World Showcase. The path is well-lit at night and offers beautiful views of Crescent Lake. This entrance typically experiences shorter security lines than Epcot’s main entrance.

To Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A scenic 15-20 minute walk along the waterfront path connects the BoardWalk to Hollywood Studios. The path takes you past the Swan and Dolphin Resorts and offers numerous photo opportunities. During cooler months or early mornings, this walk provides an enjoyable start to your day.

To Nearby Resorts: The BoardWalk connects directly to Disney’s Yacht Club and Disney’s Beach Club Resorts via the lakeside promenade, offering easy access to their dining and entertainment options. The Swan and Dolphin Resorts are also within easy walking distance.

Water Transportation

The Friendship Boats provide a charming alternative to walking, though they often take longer than walking to the same destinations. These water taxis follow two routes:

Epcot Route: Boats depart from the dock near the BoardWalk’s main entrance, making stops at the Yacht & Beach Club before arriving at Epcot’s International Gateway. The journey typically takes 15-20 minutes, accounting for stops.

Hollywood Studios Route: This service travels in the opposite direction, stopping at the Swan & Dolphin Resorts before reaching Hollywood Studios. The full journey usually takes 20-25 minutes.

The Friendship Boats operate from approximately 30 minutes before park opening until 45 minutes after park closing. Service may be suspended during inclement weather, particularly when lightning is in the area.

Bus Transportation

Disney’s complimentary bus service connects the BoardWalk to several destinations:

Magic Kingdom: Direct bus service runs continuously throughout the day. The journey typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses begin operating approximately 45 minutes before park opening and continue until two hours after park closing.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Direct service to Animal Kingdom follows a similar schedule to Magic Kingdom buses. The trip usually takes 20-25 minutes.

Disney Springs: Bus service to Disney Springs begins at 9:00 AM and runs until 2:00 AM or one hour after Disney Springs closes, whichever is later. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

Water Parks: When operating, both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach are accessible via bus. These routes often require a transfer at Disney Springs or Animal Kingdom.

Bus Stop Location and Features: The main bus stop is located near the front entrance of the resort. The stop features digital displays showing arrival times for the next buses, covered waiting areas with benches, and is fully accessible for guests with mobility devices.

Transportation Tips

Early Morning Parks: If you’re heading to Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom for early entry or rope drop, consider using Uber, Lyft or a Minnie Van to avoid potentially crowded buses.

Epcot Fireworks Return: After evening shows at Epcot, the International Gateway can become quite crowded. Consider watching the end of the show from the BoardWalk area and waiting for crowds to disperse before returning to your room.

Multiple Options: Remember that you often have several ways to reach your destination. For example, you could take a bus to Magic Kingdom, then utilize the resort monorail or ferry to access the Transportation and Ticket Center for connections to other locations.

Timing Considerations: During peak times (park opening, closing, and dinner time), build extra time into your schedule for transportation. Bus wait times can extend to 20-30 minutes during these periods.

Weather Impact: Florida afternoon thunderstorms can temporarily suspend boat service and make walking less appealing. Have a backup plan for transportation during inclement weather.

This diverse range of transportation options makes the BoardWalk an exceptionally convenient home base for your Walt Disney World vacation, offering flexibility in how you navigate the resort while adding elements of charm and adventure to your travels.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas’ Pools

Swimming pools are one of the main attractions at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas, even with the scary clown face slide at Luna Park Pool banished to Disney history books.

Luna Park Pool: The Main Attraction

The Luna Park Pool serves as the centerpiece of the BoardWalk’s aquatic offerings, designed to evoke memories of turn-of-the-century seaside amusement parks. The pool’s showstopping feature is the Keister Coaster slide, a 200-foot-long waterslide craftily designed to resemble a wooden roller coaster. The slide begins with riders climbing into the mouth of a giant clown face – a recreation of the famous face that once greeted visitors at Coney Island’s Steeplechase Park. While some young children might find the clown face intimidating, the slide itself offers a gentle, winding experience suitable for most swimmers.

The pool area draws inspiration from classic boardwalk amusement parks, complete with carnival-style touches like elephant statues spraying water and vintage-style signs. The deck features color-changing lights embedded in the concrete, creating a magical atmosphere after sunset. A whimsical water play area for younger children includes splash features and small slides, making it an ideal spot for toddlers and pre-schoolers to cool off.

The main pool ranges in depth from 3 to 4.5 feet and is heated to a comfortable 82 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The surrounding deck offers plenty of seating options, including loungers, tables with umbrellas, and semi-private cabana-style areas. Complimentary life jackets in various sizes are available at the towel station.

The Luna Park Pool also features the Leaping Horse Libations pool bar, themed after a carousel. This convenient spot offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, along with light snacks. Cast Members frequently organize poolside activities here, including trivia contests, dance parties, and arts and crafts sessions.

Quiet Pools: Tranquil Retreats

For those seeking a more peaceful swimming experience, the BoardWalk offers two quiet pools. The first is located near the Tennis Courts and Community Hall on the Villa side of the resort. This pool, while smaller than Luna Park, provides a serene environment perfect for lap swimming or quiet relaxation. The second quiet pool sits on the Inn side of the resort, nestled among gardens and offering a similarly peaceful atmosphere.

Both quiet pools maintain the same heated temperature as the main pool but feature a more sophisticated atmosphere with classic architectural details rather than carnival theming. These pools typically range from 3 to 5 feet in depth and are surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs and tables. Each quiet pool area includes a hot tub, making them popular spots for adults seeking to unwind after a day in the parks.

Additional Aquatic Amenities

The resort features two hot tubs near the Luna Park Pool, each maintaining a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. These spas are surrounded by natural landscaping that provides some privacy while still allowing views of Crescent Lake.

A unique feature of the BoardWalk’s pool area is its proximity to the waterfront. Guests can easily transition from pool time to a stroll along Crescent Lake, where they might catch a glimpse of the Friendship Boats transporting visitors to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.

Pool Hours and Access

All pools at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas are accessible 24 hours a day, though the Keister Coaster slide typically operates from 10 AM to 8 PM, with hours varying seasonally. Lifeguards are on duty during primary swimming hours (generally 10 AM to 10 PM), and the pools feature electronic key card access during overnight hours to ensure guest safety.

Pool hopping, or using pools at other Disney resorts, is not permitted at the BoardWalk pools. However, guests do have access to all three pools regardless of whether they’re staying at the Inn or Villas section of the resort.

Practical Pool Tips

The Luna Park Pool can become quite busy during peak afternoon hours, particularly during school breaks and summer months. For a more relaxed swimming experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. The pool area is especially magical after dark, when the embedded lights create a enchanting atmosphere.

During inclement weather, pools may close temporarily for safety reasons. However, the hot tubs typically remain open unless there’s severe weather in the immediate area. The resort provides indoor activities at the Community Hall during pool closures to help keep guests entertained.

Remember to bring your MagicBand or room key to access the pools, as they’re reserved exclusively for resort guests. Towels are provided at each pool area, so there’s no need to bring them from your room. Pool lengths are not quite suitable for serious lap swimming, but the quiet pools offer enough space for light exercise swimming during less busy periods.

This combination of pools offers something for everyone – from the excitement and activities of Luna Park Pool to the peaceful retreats of the quiet pools – making the BoardWalk’s aquatic offerings some of the most diverse and appealing at Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Boardwalk Villas Dining Experiences

The BoardWalk area offers some of Disney World’s most diverse dining options. Flying Fish, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves exceptional seafood and steaks in an elegant atmosphere that recalls the golden age of seaside dining. Trattoria al Forno offers delicious Italian cuisine for breakfast and dinner, while Big River Grille & Brewing Works provides casual American fare and house-brewed beers.

For quick service options, the BoardWalk Bakery serves fresh pastries, sandwiches, and coffee throughout the day. Several food carts along the BoardWalk offer classic treats like funnel cakes, hot dogs, and ice cream, adding to the authentic boardwalk atmosphere.

Signature Dining

Flying Fish stands as the BoardWalk’s premier dining destination, offering a sophisticated seafood and steak experience. The restaurant’s interior evokes both whimsy and elegance, with subtle nods to the golden age of seaside entertainment through its parachute-inspired light fixtures and roller coaster-styled booth backs. The open kitchen allows diners to watch master chefs prepare signature dishes like the potato-wrapped red snapper or the char-crusted New York strip steak. The restaurant’s wine program deserves special mention, featuring an extensive list with particular emphasis on coastal wines that complement their seafood offerings. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made up to 60 days in advance.

Table Service Restaurants

Trattoria al Forno brings the flavors of Italy’s diverse regions to the BoardWalk. During breakfast hours, the restaurant hosts the “Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast,” a character dining experience featuring characters like Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, and Prince Eric. The breakfast menu includes both traditional American breakfast favorites and Italian-inspired morning dishes like the Breakfast Calzone. For dinner, the restaurant transforms into a more sophisticated setting, serving handcrafted pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and regional Italian specialties. The restaurant’s wine list focuses exclusively on Italian vintages, offering guests the opportunity to explore wines from various Italian regions.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works combines casual dining with on-site craft beer production. As Walt Disney World’s only working brewpub, it offers a unique dining experience where guests can watch brewmasters at work through glass walls while enjoying their meals. The menu features American pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, but the real draw is the selection of house-made beers, which typically includes five year-round brews and seasonal specialties. The restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a good option when other restaurants are fully booked.

Quick Service Options

The BoardWalk Bakery, recently renamed BoardWalk Deli, serves as the resort’s primary quick-service location. The deli offers breakfast items like fresh pastries and breakfast sandwiches in the morning, transitioning to hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salads for lunch and dinner. The location maintains the BoardWalk’s turn-of-the-century theme with a display case full of tempting baked goods and prepared items. Mobile ordering is available through the My Disney Experience app.

Pizza Window, located along the BoardWalk, provides whole pizzas and pizza by the slice, perfect for a quick meal or late-night craving. The window typically operates into the late evening hours, making it a popular option for guests returning from the parks or enjoying the BoardWalk’s nightlife.

BoardWalk Ice Cream (formerly Ample Hills Creamery) offers house-made ice cream in both traditional and innovative flavors. The shop features sundaes, cones, and shakes, with outdoor seating available along the BoardWalk.

Snack Locations

The BoardWalk’s promenade features several food carts reminiscent of classic boardwalk fare:

• The Funnel Cake Cart serves fresh-made funnel cakes with various toppings
• The Hot Dog Cart offers traditional hot dogs with assorted condiments
• Sweet Treats cart provides cotton candy, popcorn, and other carnival-style snacks

Lounges and Bars

Belle Vue Lounge, located in the Inn’s lobby, serves as a quiet retreat offering coffee and pastries in the morning and becoming a full-service lounge in the evening. The space features authentic 1930s radios that play programs from the golden age of radio.

AbracadaBar, a newer addition to the BoardWalk, tells the story of a magician’s lounge where the performers mysteriously disappeared one night in 1940. The cocktail menu features clever names and magical effects, while the decor includes various magic-themed memorabilia and interactive elements.

Leaping Horse Libations, the pool bar near Luna Park Pool, offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with light snacks. The bar’s design resembles a carousel, complete with decorative horses.

Practical Dining Tips

• Always make advance dining reservations for Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno, particularly during peak seasons
• Consider dining during off-peak hours (before 6:00 PM or after 8:00 PM) for better walk-up availability at table service locations
• The BoardWalk’s proximity to Epcot’s International Gateway provides easy access to additional dining options in the World Showcase
• Disney Dining Plans are accepted at most BoardWalk restaurants when available
• Mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app can save significant time at quick-service locations
• For guests staying in villas with kitchens, the Screen Door General Store offers basic groceries and supplies for in-room meal preparation

The Disney Vacation Club Experience

As part of Disney Vacation Club (DVC), Disney’s timeshare program, the BoardWalk Villas offers additional benefits for members. DVC members enjoy larger rooms with full kitchens, separate bedrooms, and washer/dryers, making longer stays more comfortable and cost-effective. However, non-members can still book rooms at the BoardWalk Villas through regular Disney World reservation channels, though availability might be more limited.

The villa rooms themselves feature subtle touches that elevate the experience. The decor includes vintage-style artwork depicting early 20th-century boardwalk scenes, carousel horses, and other nostalgic elements that reinforce the resort’s theme without becoming overwhelming.

Special Experiences and Hidden Gems

One of the BoardWalk’s lesser-known features is its collection of authentic memorabilia from actual boardwalk attractions of the past. Display cases throughout the resort showcase items like vintage bathing suits, carousel figures, and original postcards from places like Atlantic City and Coney Island.

The resort also offers several unique viewing spots for Epcot’s nighttime spectacular. The bridge between the BoardWalk and the International Gateway provides an excellent vantage point, while several upper-floor villas offer partial views of the show from their balconies.

Planning Your Stay

When booking a stay at the BoardWalk Villas, several factors deserve consideration:

Room Views: Request a BoardWalk view to enjoy the entertainment district’s lively atmosphere and potentially glimpse Epcot’s fireworks. Garden/pool views offer more tranquility but might include some parking lot views on lower floors.

Best Times to Visit: The BoardWalk area is particularly magical during Epcot’s various festivals, especially the International Food & Wine Festival (fall) and the International Flower & Garden Festival (spring). The resort’s proximity to Epcot makes it an ideal base for enjoying these events.

Transportation Tips: While boat service is charming, walking often proves faster for reaching Epcot or Hollywood Studios. The resort also offers bus service to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, and water parks.

Tips for a Better Stay

To maximize your BoardWalk Villas experience, consider these insider tips:

Book a room on a higher floor for better views and less noise from the BoardWalk entertainment below. The fourth and fifth floors typically offer the best combination of views and quiet.

Take advantage of the full kitchen (in villas) by ordering grocery delivery from local services. This can save both money and time during your vacation.

Explore the entire Crescent Lake area, including the Yacht and Beach Club resorts. Each property offers unique dining and entertainment options that are easily accessible from the BoardWalk.

Consider splitting your stay between the BoardWalk Villas and another Disney resort to experience different areas of Walt Disney World. The resort’s proximity to two theme parks makes it particularly valuable during the middle portion of your vacation.

Why Boardwalk Villas

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas offers a unique combination of prime location, sophisticated theming, and versatile accommodations that make it one of Walt Disney World’s most compelling resort options. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway, a family requiring space and convenience, or a Disney enthusiast wanting to immerse yourself in early 20th-century charm, the BoardWalk Villas delivers an exceptional experience.

The resort’s ability to transport guests to a bygone era while providing modern amenities and convenient access to Walt Disney World’s attractions makes it a standout choice for discerning travelers. As you stroll along the waterfront, watching street performers entertain passersby and smelling fresh popcorn wafting through the air, you’ll understand why the BoardWalk Villas holds a special place in Disney history – and in the hearts of countless guests who have called it their home away from home.