Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Nestled along the shores of Crescent Lake at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn transports guests to the golden age of American seaside entertainment. This deluxe resort captures the charm and romance of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City, complete with a vibrant waterfront promenade that comes alive with dining, shopping, and entertainment. Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is located in the Epcot Resort area and is a Walt Disney World Deluxe Resort.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Summary

• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn captures the charm of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City, featuring elegant Victorian architecture and a prime location along Crescent Lake in the EPCOT resort area.
• The resort offers exceptional proximity to two Disney parks, with EPCOT’s International Gateway and Disney’s Hollywood Studios both accessible via a scenic walking path or boat transportation.
• The lively quarter-mile BoardWalk entertainment district provides an array of dining options, from the signature Flying Fish restaurant to casual eateries, along with evening entertainment including street performers and nightlife venues.
• Accommodations range from well-appointed standard rooms to luxurious suites, with the option of Club Level service at the Innkeeper’s Club. Adjacent Disney Vacation Club villas offer home-like amenities for longer stays.
• The resort’s centerpiece Luna Park Pool complex features a 200-foot carnival-themed water slide, while two quiet pools with hot tubs provide more serene swimming options.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Architecture

The moment you arrive at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, you’re transported to the coastal Northeast of the 1920s and 1930s. The resort’s architecture draws inspiration from the grand seaside hotels of Atlantic City’s heyday, featuring white clapboard siding, striped awnings, and elegant turrets that reach toward the Florida sky. The distinctive green roof and pale yellow facade create an instantly recognizable landmark along Crescent Lake.

Boardwalk Inn Lobby

Stepping through the resort’s entrance, guests are immediately enveloped by the grandeur of a bygone era in the magnificent lobby. The space is anchored by a spectacular chandelier, its crystalline elements casting warm, dancing light across the gleaming hardwood floors below. The lobby’s focal point is an intricately detailed miniature carousel, handcrafted with exceptional attention to detail. Each tiny horse has been individually painted and positioned, creating a mesmerizing display that captures the whimsy and artistry of classic boardwalk amusements.

The lobby’s walls tell stories through carefully curated vintage photographs depicting scenes from America’s great boardwalks and seaside resorts. Rich wooden accent pieces and elegantly upholstered furniture invite guests to linger and soak in the atmosphere. The check-in area features detailed woodwork reminiscent of classic ticket booths, while the concierge desk recalls the grand hotel reception areas of the early 20th century.

Perhaps most striking is the lobby’s coffered ceiling, adorned with intricate moldings and architectural details that draw the eye upward. Custom-designed carpeting features subtle patterns that echo the nautical themes found throughout the resort, while brass and copper accents add warmth and period authenticity to the space.

Cast members in their crisp, nautical-inspired costumes complete the immersive atmosphere, offering a level of service that would have been expected in the finest hotels of the era. The lobby serves as more than just an entrance – it’s a carefully crafted introduction to the resort’s narrative and a space that sets the tone for the entire guest experience.

Boardwalk Inn Accommodations

The BoardWalk Inn offers 378 guest rooms and suites, each thoughtfully designed to balance modern comfort with period charm. Standard hotel rooms span approximately 371 square feet and can accommodate up to five guests, making them ideal for families. The rooms feature elegant furnishings in soft, coastal colors, custom artwork depicting scenes from classic boardwalk attractions, and subtle Disney touches that don’t overwhelm the sophisticated ambiance.

Room Categories and Views

The resort offers several room categories, each with distinct advantages. Standard View rooms typically overlook the entrance area, parking lot, or leisure pool areas. While these rooms offer the most economical option, they can provide a quieter experience away from the evening entertainment of the BoardWalk. Garden View rooms face the meticulously maintained courtyards and quiet pools, offering serene vistas of the resort’s lush landscaping.

Water View rooms are among the most sought-after accommodations, with views ranging from peaceful Crescent Lake vistas to vibrant BoardWalk scenes. These rooms are further divided into two subcategories: rooms facing the quiet Village Green and Crescent Lake, and those directly overlooking the BoardWalk entertainment district. While BoardWalk-facing rooms offer prime views of the evening entertainment and festive atmosphere, light sleepers should consider that the activities below can continue until late in the evening.

Room Locations and Building Layout

The resort’s rooms are distributed across several wings, each with its own character and advantages. The main building houses many of the Water View rooms, with those on higher floors (fourth and fifth) offering the most expansive views. The east and west wings contain a mix of Standard and Garden View rooms, with some upper-floor corners providing partial water views.

Club Level rooms occupy prime locations on the fourth floor of the main building, offering easy access to the Innkeeper’s Club lounge. When requesting room locations, guests should consider factors such as proximity to elevators, distance to the main lobby, and walking distance to the BoardWalk promenade. Rooms near the main elevator bank provide convenient access to resort amenities but may experience more foot traffic.

Room Interiors and Amenities

The attention to detail in room interiors reflects the resort’s early 20th-century coastal theme while incorporating modern comforts. Each room features a custom-designed wooden headboard with intricate carved details, complemented by period-inspired furniture including a writing desk, armoire, and seating area. The color palette combines soothing blues and creams with warm wood tones, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere.

Standard rooms are configured with either two queen beds or one king bed, with most rooms including a day bed that can accommodate a fifth guest. The sleeping areas feature premium Beautyrest mattresses dressed in crisp, white linens, while blackout curtains ensure a peaceful night’s sleep regardless of the room’s orientation.

The bathrooms continue the refined theme with vintage-inspired tile work and fixtures. A spacious vanity area with double sinks is separated from the bathing area, which features a combination shower/tub with a rainfall showerhead. The vanity area provides ample storage and a makeup mirror, while the toilet is separated by a pocket door for added privacy.

Modern amenities are thoughtfully integrated throughout the space. Each room includes a 55-inch smart TV with access to Disney streaming content, a mini-refrigerator concealed within the furniture, a Keurig coffee maker, and a laptop-sized electronic safe. High-speed wireless internet is complimentary throughout the resort, and multiple USB charging ports are conveniently located near the beds and desk area.

Suite Accommodations

For guests requiring additional space, the BoardWalk Inn offers several suite configurations. Deluxe Room Suites feature a separate living area with a pullout sofa, while One and Two-Bedroom Suites provide fully separate living and sleeping spaces. These larger accommodations include upgraded amenities such as full-size refrigerators, dining areas, and multiple bathrooms.

The most luxurious options are the Garden Suites, which feature unique layouts and premium furnishings. These spacious accommodations offer separate living and dining areas, master bedrooms with king beds, and luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate showers. Many Garden Suites include furnished balconies or patios, providing private outdoor space for enjoying the Florida weather.

The Innkeeper’s Club Level Experience

For guests seeking an elevated experience, the Innkeeper’s Club provides exclusive access and amenities for club level rooms. Located on the fourth floor, this exclusive lounge offers panoramic views of Crescent Lake and the BoardWalk while serving complimentary refreshments throughout the day.

The club’s offerings begin with a continental breakfast featuring fresh pastries, fruit, and hot items. Throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy light snacks and refreshments. Evening hours bring hot appetizers, wine, and cordials, followed by desserts and after-dinner drinks. The lounge’s décor continues the resort’s elegant theme, with comfortable seating areas perfect for relaxing or planning the next day’s adventures.

Dedicated concierge staff in the Innkeeper’s Club assist with dining reservations, transportation arrangements, and special requests. This personalized service helps guests maximize their vacation time and take full advantage of all Walt Disney World has to offer.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Adjacent to the BoardWalk Inn, Disney’s BoardWalk Villas offer home-like accommodations as part of the Disney Vacation Club portfolio, though they’re available for all guests to book. The Villas maintain the same Atlantic City boardwalk theme but provide additional amenities for longer stays.

Studio Villas sleep up to five guests and include a kitchenette with microwave, small refrigerator, and coffee maker. One-Bedroom Villas accommodate up to four guests and feature a full kitchen, washer and dryer, separate living room with queen-size sleeper sofa, and a private bedroom with a king-size bed. Two-Bedroom Villas can sleep up to nine guests and combine all the amenities of a One-Bedroom Villa with an additional bedroom with two queen beds or one queen bed and a sleeper sofa.

The crown jewel of the Villas is the Two-Bedroom Grand Villa. These two-story accommodations sleep up to twelve guests and offer stunning views of Crescent Lake or the BoardWalk. The first floor includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, living room with a queen-size sleeper sofa, and a bedroom with a king-size bed. The second floor features two bedrooms, each with two queen-size beds. These grand accommodations provide the ultimate in space and luxury for large families or groups traveling together.

Dining at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

The BoardWalk’s dining scene offers an impressive array of options ranging from signature fine dining to quick-service treats, each venue carefully themed to complement the resort’s turn-of-the-century atmosphere.

Signature Dining

Flying Fish stands as the crown jewel of BoardWalk dining. This elegant restaurant combines sophisticated coastal cuisine with whimsical décor inspired by vintage seaside amusement parks. The open kitchen allows guests to watch master chefs prepare sustainable seafood and prime steaks. The restaurant’s wine collection is particularly noteworthy, with sommeliers available to suggest perfect pairings. Signature dishes include the potato-wrapped red snapper and char-crusted New York strip steak. The Chef’s Counter provides an intimate dining experience where guests can interact directly with the culinary team.

Table Service Restaurants

Trattoria al Forno brings the flavors of Italy to the BoardWalk. During breakfast hours, the restaurant hosts the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast, where guests can meet beloved Disney couples like Ariel and Prince Eric or Rapunzel and Flynn Rider while enjoying Italian-inspired breakfast dishes. For dinner, the restaurant transforms into a romantic trattoria serving authentic regional Italian cuisine, fresh-made pasta, and Neapolitan-style pizzas from its wood-burning oven. The restaurant’s extensive Italian wine list features selections from various regions of Italy.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works offers a unique dining experience as the only working brewpub at Walt Disney World. Guests can observe the brewing process through glass walls while enjoying classic American comfort food. The brewery produces several signature beers, from light lagers to rich stouts, available for sampling through flight options. The menu includes hearty entrées like meatloaf, ribs, and various pasta dishes.

Lounges

The Belle Vue Lounge, tucked away on the first floor of the Inn, provides an intimate retreat themed to a 1930s sitting room. In the morning, this cozy space serves as a quiet spot for coffee and continental breakfast, offering pastries, bagels, and cereals from 6:30 AM to 11:00 AM. As evening approaches, the lounge transforms into a sophisticated bar serving cocktails, wine, beer, and light appetizers until midnight. The space features comfortable leather chairs, vintage radios playing shows and music from the golden age of radio, and elegant art deco styling, making it a peaceful alternative to the livelier venues along the BoardWalk.

Casual and Quick-Service Options

The BoardWalk Pizza Window serves fresh-made pizzas by the slice or whole pie, perfect for a quick meal or late-night craving. The window’s location makes it ideal for grabbing dinner to enjoy while watching the BoardWalk’s evening entertainment.

BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas offers more than just its namesake beverage. This counter service spot features a variety of frozen drinks and light snacks, providing a perfect refreshment stop during a warm Florida day.

Pizza Window provides perfect slice-and-go options for enjoying along the boardwalk, while various food carts offer traditional boardwalk treats like hand-dipped corn dogs, fresh popcorn, and cotton candy.

Sweet Treats and Snacks

The BoardWalk’s dessert options capture the essence of seaside treats. Beaches & Cream To-Go Window offers ice cream classics including sundaes, floats, and hand-scooped cones. The funnel cake cart produces fresh-made funnel cakes with various toppings, from classic powdered sugar to elaborate sundae-style creations.

In-Room Dining

Room service is available daily from early morning until late night, offering everything from full breakfasts to late-night snacks. The menu includes many items from the resort’s restaurants, allowing guests to enjoy signature dishes in the comfort of their rooms. A special children’s menu caters to younger palates.

Private Dining and Special Occasions

The resort’s restaurants offer private dining spaces for special occasions, and the catering team can arrange custom menus for celebrations. Flying Fish, in particular, features a private dining room perfect for intimate gatherings or special events.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Recreation

The Luna Park Pool complex serves as the resort’s main recreational hub, capturing the spirit and energy of early 20th-century beachside amusement parks. Named after the famed Coney Island attraction, the pool area features a carnival-themed water play area that delights guests of all ages. The centerpiece is the Keister Coaster, a 200-foot-long water slide that winds through a replica of a wooden roller coaster structure. Riders begin their journey by climbing stairs within a carnival-themed tower, then plunge through the coaster framework before splashing into the pool. The slide’s entrance used to feature a larger-than-life clown face – a tribute to the historic Steeplechase Park figure from Coney Island, but that scary clown has been replaced delightful Disney water park animation.

Near the main pool, a whimsical elephant statue named Ellie sprays water from her trunk, creating refreshing fun for younger guests. The pool deck maintains the vintage carnival theme with colorful awnings, string lights, and themed lighting fixtures. A seasonal pool bar, Leaping Horse Libations, serves refreshing beverages and light snacks from a carousel-themed counter. For families with young children, the adjacent children’s pool and splash area provides shallow water play opportunities with playful water features.

The resort also offers two leisure pools that provide quieter alternatives to the lively Luna Park atmosphere. The Villa Pool, located near the BoardWalk Villas, offers a tranquil setting surrounded by lush landscaping and comfortable lounge chairs. This pool features a gradually sloping entry, making it easily accessible for all guests, and includes a hot tub perfect for relaxing after a day in the parks. The garden setting includes fragrant flowering plants and palm trees that provide natural shade throughout the day. Similarly, the Quiet Pool, situated on the Inn side of the resort, provides a peaceful retreat with its Mediterranean-inspired surroundings and its own hot tub spa. Both leisure pools maintain comfortable water temperatures year-round and are accessible 24 hours a day for guests’ enjoyment. Each quiet pool area includes plenty of seating options, from traditional lounge chairs to cozy conversation groupings, along with convenient towel stations and shower facilities.

The resort’s recreation offerings extend well beyond swimming. The Community Hall provides a gathering space for families, offering board games, crafts, and scheduled activities throughout the day. Active guests can take advantage of the tennis courts and volleyball facilities, while the fully-equipped Muscles & Bustles Health Club provides state-of-the-art fitness equipment and complimentary fitness classes.

For those looking to explore the BoardWalk area, Surrey bike rentals offer a unique way to travel along the promenade. These four-wheel bicycles built for multiple riders provide a whimsical transportation option and wonderful photo opportunities. Fishing excursions on Crescent Lake can be arranged through the resort, offering both guided experiences and equipment rentals for independent anglers.

The Muscles & Bustles Health Club provides a comprehensive workout experience. Located on the first floor near the quiet pool, this well-equipped fitness center is accessible to resort guests 24 hours a day with their room key. The facility features state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment, including treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes, each outfitted with personal TV screens for entertainment during workouts. A complete circuit of weight training machines complements the free weights area, which includes a range of dumbbells and benches for strength training. A dedicated stretching space offers yoga mats and balance balls for flexibility work and cool-down sessions. The facility maintains high standards of cleanliness, providing complimentary chilled towels and water for guests’ comfort, along with well-maintained locker rooms and shower facilities.

Evening entertainment includes Movies Under the Stars, where classic Disney films are shown on an outdoor screen near the Luna Park Pool. The Side Show Games Arcade provides classic and modern gaming options for guests of all ages.

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Transportation

One of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn’s greatest assets is its prime location and variety of transportation options that connect guests to every corner of Walt Disney World Resort. The resort’s position between two theme parks makes it particularly convenient for guests wanting to maximize their vacation time.

Epcot stands as the most accessible park from the BoardWalk Inn, with the International Gateway entrance just a short walk away through picturesque garden paths. This back entrance to Epcot leads directly into the World Showcase between the United Kingdom and France pavilions, making it especially convenient during festivals or dining reservations in World Showcase restaurants. For those who prefer not to walk, the Friendship Boats provide regular water taxi service from the BoardWalk’s dock directly to Epcot’s International Gateway.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is also within walking distance, accessible via a scenic waterfront pathway that takes about 15-20 minutes. The same Friendship Boats that serve Epcot also provide direct water taxi service to Hollywood Studios, offering a relaxing alternative to walking. Both parks are additionally accessible via the Disney Skyliner gondola system, with a station conveniently located at the International Gateway. This innovative transportation option provides not only an efficient way to reach Hollywood Studios but also connects guests to other resorts including Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century.

Travel to Magic Kingdom begins at the resort’s well-organized bus stop, located near the main entrance. Complimentary bus service runs continuously throughout the day, typically beginning 45 minutes before the park opens and continuing until an hour after closing. Digital displays at the bus stop show expected arrival times, helping guests plan their departures efficiently. The same dedicated bus service connects guests to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with buses operating on a similar schedule to those serving Magic Kingdom.

Disney Springs is accessible via dedicated bus service that operates from early afternoon until about an hour after Disney Springs closes, typically running later during peak seasons. Evening service becomes more frequent to accommodate dinner reservations and nighttime entertainment plans. These buses pick up and drop off at the same main bus stop near the resort’s entrance.

The resort’s transportation hub near the main entrance serves as a central point for ride-share services and personal vehicles, with a dedicated area for pickup and drop-off. Disney’s Minnie Van service, powered by Lyft and driven by Disney cast members, provides point-to-point transportation anywhere on Disney property in polka-dotted vehicles equipped with complimentary car seats. Beyond Minnie Vans, valet parking is available for both resort guests and visitors dining at BoardWalk restaurants, though self-parking is also available in the resort’s main lot. For guests using their own vehicles, the location provides easy access to all Walt Disney World destinations via well-marked roads.

The Friendship Boats deserve special mention as they not only transport guests to the parks but also connect the BoardWalk Inn to other Crescent Lake resorts including Disney’s Yacht Club, Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin hotels. This water transportation begins operating 30 minutes before the earliest park opening and continues until 90 minutes after the latest park closing, offering both convenience and charm as guests cruise across the peaceful waters of Crescent Lake.

Walking remains one of the most popular transportation options due to the resort’s central location. The pathways connecting BoardWalk Inn to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios are well-maintained and beautifully landscaped, offering pleasant views and photo opportunities along Crescent Lake. During peak times or major events, walking can often prove faster than waiting for other transportation options, and many guests enjoy the opportunity to stroll along the waterfront, particularly in the cooler morning and evening hours.

Special Events and Seasonal Celebrations

Throughout the year, the BoardWalk Inn embraces seasonal celebrations with distinctive flair. During the winter holidays, the resort transforms with elaborate decorations, including a spectacular life-size gingerbread display in the lobby. Special holiday dining offerings and themed entertainment on the BoardWalk enhance the festive atmosphere.

The resort’s proximity to Epcot makes it an ideal location for enjoying the park’s various festivals. The International Food & Wine Festival, Festival of the Arts, Flower & Garden Festival, and Festival of the Holidays are all easily accessible via the International Gateway entrance.

Why Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers a unique combination of location, theme, and amenities that sets it apart from other Disney Resort hotels. The property successfully balances sophisticated theming with family-friendly features, creating an environment that appeals to various types of travelers. While the price point may be higher than moderate or value resorts, the convenience of the location and the quality of the experience often justify the investment for many guests.

The resort’s greatest strength lies in its ability to create an immersive environment that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Whether you’re watching the sunset over Crescent Lake, enjoying street performers on the BoardWalk, or simply relaxing by the pool, the BoardWalk Inn provides a distinctly different Disney resort experience. It’s a place where the charm of a bygone era meets modern comfort and convenience, all while maintaining the high standards of service and attention to detail that Disney is known for.

For guests seeking a resort that offers more than just a place to sleep between park visits, the BoardWalk Inn delivers an experience that becomes an integral part of the vacation itself. The combination of location, amenities, dining options, and atmospheric theming creates a compelling package that continues to make it one of Disney World’s most beloved resorts.