Disney’s Boardwalk
4.7(1.9K)google
3.9(197)yelp
City Landmark
Overview
Evoking the nostalgic romance of historic 1930s Atlantic coastal resort towns, Disney's Boardwalk is a magnificent, quarter-mile quarter pedestrian promenade surrounding the shimmering waters of Crescent Lake. This lively entertainment district features a delightful collection of upscale seafood restaurants, lively dance halls, vintage mid-way carnival games, and unique street performers. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing evening stroll, rent Surrey bikes for family fun, or enjoy exceptional waterfront dining with gorgeous views of the illuminated Disney resort night skyline.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended after 5:00 PM when the quarter-mile lakeside wooden boardwalk lights up with retro neon. Enjoy live street performers and musicians, and find a cozy spot to view the distant Epcot evening fireworks.
Getting ThereAccessible via a scenic walk or complimentary FriendShip Boat from Epcot's International Gateway or Disney's Hollywood Studios. Alternatively, take the Disney Skyliner. Standard self-parking fees may apply for non-resort day visitors.
Travel Tips
- Non-resort guests without a valid fine-dining table QR reservation are flatly denied vehicle access at the main security gate. To bypass this, self-park at EPCOT or Disney's Hollywood Studios, then utilize the complimentary Disney Skyliner or water ferry to access the boardwalk.
- Nightlife venues like Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar enforce a strict 21+ checkpoint after dusk. Bouncers mandate original, physical passports or US driver's licenses; digital images are legally rejected. All bars operate on a 100% cashless flow.
Photo Tips
Photo Spots
- The central boardwalk bridge provides a premium, zero-cost panoramic vantage point for EPCOT's Luminous fireworks show. Post-9:00 PM show end, ferry boats and Skyliner lines bottleneck severely; delay your return by lingering at the Ample Hills creamery for 30 minutes.
Reviews
Positive
- Perfectly replicating the early 20th-century Atlantic City vintage boardwalk visual scenery; the moonlit lake delivers romance and tranquil vibes.
- The boardwalk features completely free access without park tickets, offering great value alongside fantastic free street magicians and acrobats.
- It houses upscale themed dining, vintage bakeries, and the famous Jellyrolls dueling piano bar, maintaining pristine Disney service standards.
- Transit convenience is stellar; free Disney FriendShip Boats and the Skyliner cable car connect directly to Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
Heads up
- Being a core part of a premium Disney resort area, restaurant dining secondary spend and bar snacks are universally expensive with premium pricing.
- Driving parking is highly inconvenient for non-resort day guests; the main guard gates often turn away day-trippers, forcing distant off-site parking.
- Most entertainment, ice cream shops, and night bars stay closed during the day, leaving it deserted and highly discouraged for midday touring.
- At night post-fireworks or weekend prime hours, tourist density spikes instantly, leaving boardwalk seating benches in short supply.