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ResortsDeluxe

Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Deluxe Resort • EPCOT Area

From $500/night

Category
Deluxe
Theme
1940s Atlantic City
Transportation
Walk + Skyliner
Opened
1996
Rooms
378 + Villas
Renovation
2023-2024
Disney's BoardWalk promenade during the day BoardWalk Inn village green and resort exterior
BoardWalk Energy

Pick this when the resort should be part of the night.

BoardWalk is at its best after the parks: performers outside, EPCOT close enough for a dessert lap, and Hollywood Studios within walking distance when buses feel like a tax on your evening.

Best useAdults, couples, repeat visitors.
Big edgeWalkable EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
TradeoffLess quiet than some deluxe resorts.

Quick Decision Guide

✅ Best For

  • Walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios
  • Entertainment district on your doorstep
  • Couples who enjoy nightlife
  • Recently renovated rooms fans

⚠️ Maybe Skip If

  • Want quiet evenings
  • Traveling with young kids
  • Want Magic Kingdom access
  • Seeking a tropical escape

Bottom Line: Location is fantastic for park access, and the boardwalk entertainment is a unique bonus no other resort offers.

Compare Resorts Budget Guide

Overview

Disney's BoardWalk Inn is Disney's most underrated deluxe resort and the nightlife capital of Walt Disney World. This charming 1940s Atlantic City-themed resort sits on a quarter-mile boardwalk promenade filled with restaurants, street performers, shops, and entertainment. You can walk to EPCOT in just 5 minutes and Hollywood Studios in 10 minutes — making it the closest walk to HS of any resort. The recent major renovation (2023-2024) has brought stunning new room designs while maintaining the nostalgic charm. The boardwalk itself is free to visit and serves as one of Disney's best evening entertainment districts with live performers, musicians, and jugglers creating a festive carnival atmosphere every evening.

✨ Best For

Couples wanting nightlife and walkability, repeat visitors seeking something different, anyone who wants to walk to two parks.

🎪 Vibe

1940s seaside boardwalk charm, lively evenings, charming and nostalgic atmosphere. Recent renovations bring modern sophistication to classic theming.

Accommodations

Standard Room

Sleeps
5
Square Feet
371 sq ft
Bedding
King + Double

Recently renovated with elegant new designs inspired by Atlantic City's golden age. Features modern amenities, plush bedding, spacious bathroom with rainfall showerhead, flat-screen TV, and all the comforts of a true deluxe resort.

$500 - $750/night

Garden View

Sleeps
5
View
Lush Gardens
Price
$650/night

Peaceful views of landscaped gardens. Slightly farther from the boardwalk action but perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Pool View

Sleeps
5
View
Luna Park Pool
Price
$750/night

Overlooks the resort's main feature pool with fun views of splash action and poolside activity.

Boardwalk View

Sleeps
5
View
Promenade
Price
$1,000/night

Premium views of the boardwalk and Crescent Lake. Perfect for people-watching and soaking in the evening entertainment. Note: Can be noisy with evening activities.

Club Level

Sleeps
5
Lounge Access
5 Daily
Price
$900-$1,300

Exclusive access to the BoardWalk Club Lounge with complimentary beverages and snacks throughout the day. Includes breakfast, afternoon refreshments, evening cocktails and appetizers. Concierge service and priority reservations included.

DVC Studio

Sleeps
4
Kitchenette
Yes
Price
$450-$700

Efficient one-room villa with kitchenette. Perfect for couples or small families looking to save on dining costs.

DVC 1 & 2-Bedroom Villas

Sleeps
4-8
Kitchen
Full
Price
$700-$2,500

Spacious villas with full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and washer/dryer. Ideal for families or groups. DVC owners get points-based pricing.

DVC 3-Bedroom Villa

Sleeps
12
Layout
3 BR + Full
Price
$2,000-$2,500

The ultimate villa experience. Three separate bedrooms, full kitchen, living areas, and sleeping up to 12 guests. Perfect for multi-family trips.

Dining & Drinks

Flying Fish
Signature Seafood

BoardWalk's premier dining destination featuring fresh seafood with a contemporary American twist. Recently revamped with an elegant new design and updated menu.

⭐ Recently renovated with stunning ambiance
AbracadaBar
Magic Cocktail Lounge

Themed bar featuring creative cocktails inspired by Disney magic. Interactive magic shows and a whimsical atmosphere make this a must-visit evening spot.

✨ Excellent craft cocktails & magic entertainment
Big River Grille
Craft Brewery + American

On-site brewery and grill serving craft beers and American comfort food. Great for a casual meal with a craft beer selection brewed right here.

🍺 House-brewed craft beers available
BoardWalk Deli
Quick Service Deli

Casual deli counter with sandwiches, soups, and salads perfect for a quick lunch. Convenient location right on the boardwalk promenade.

🥪 Quick, convenient boardwalk location
Pizza Window
Late-Night Pizza

Authentic wood-fired pizza available for late-night snacking. Perfect after enjoying the boardwalk entertainment and bars.

🍕 Open late for post-entertainment bites
Belle Vue Lounge
Lounge & Coffee Spot

Quiet morning coffee spot with pastries and fresh roasted coffee. Transforms into an elegant evening cocktail lounge with sophisticated ambiance.

☕ Peaceful mornings, elegant evenings

Pools & Recreation

🎪 Luna Park Pool

The resort's largest feature pool themed after an old-fashioned carnival. Highlights include a whimsical clown slide, splash pads for younger guests, and plenty of lounging areas. This is where the action is — great for families and those who want the lively pool atmosphere.

🏊 Quiet Pool

For guests seeking a more peaceful swimming experience. The quiet pool provides a relaxing alternative to the main Luna Park Pool without sacrificing amenities or charm.

💪 Muscles & Bustles Fitness Center

Full-service fitness facility with modern equipment, cardio machines, free weights, and fitness classes. Open to all resort guests. A convenient option for maintaining your fitness routine during your stay.

Getting Around

🚶
EPCOT
Walk
5 minutes
🚶
Hollywood Studios
Walk
10 minutes (CLOSEST!)
🚡
Multiple Parks
Skyliner
Nearby Connection
EPCOT & HS
Friendship Boat
Alternative Route
🚌
Magic Kingdom
Bus
15-20 minutes
🚌
Animal Kingdom
Bus
20-25 minutes

Guest Ratings

Overall 4.5/5
Theming 4.5/5
Rooms 4.5/5
Dining 4/5
Transportation 5/5
Value 4.5/5

Strengths & Considerations

✓ Strengths

  • Walk to EPCOT (5 min) and Hollywood Studios (10 min) — closest walk to HS of any resort
  • Major renovation (2023-2024) delivers fresh, modern room designs
  • Boardwalk nightlife and entertainment right outside your door
  • AbracadaBar offers excellent craft cocktails and magic entertainment
  • Flying Fish is a signature dining destination with elevated cuisine
  • Most underrated deluxe resort with unique 1940s Atlantic City theming
  • Slightly cheaper rates than neighboring resorts
  • Free access to the BoardWalk promenade for evening entertainment

⚠ Considerations

  • No monorail access — limited to bus, Skyliner, and boats to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
  • Bus-only transportation to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom
  • Boardwalk-facing rooms can experience noise from evening entertainment and crowds
  • Pool amenities are dated compared to newer resort pools like Stormalong Bay
  • Less kid-focused theming compared to family-centric resorts
  • Limited quiet spaces during peak evening hours
  • Evening boardwalk activity may not suit those seeking tranquility

Insider Tips

1
Request a Quiet Room

If you're sensitive to noise, specifically request a room away from the boardwalk and away from Luna Park Pool. Garden-view or back-building rooms offer maximum tranquility.

2
Enjoy the Boardwalk at Night

The real magic happens after 7 PM when street performers, musicians, and jugglers take over. This is free entertainment that rivals theme park shows — don't miss it!

3
Walk to EPCOT Early Morning

Head to EPCOT before rope drop by walking — you'll beat the bus crowd and arrive fresh. The walk is scenic and only takes 5 minutes.

4
Book AbracadaBar Early

Reservations fill up fast. This is one of Disney's best-kept secrets for evening entertainment and cocktails. Make dining plans as soon as bookings open.

5
Try the Late-Night Pizza Window

After boardwalk bar hopping, the Pizza Window stays open late for authentic wood-fired pizza. Perfect midnight snack after entertainment.

6
Use Belle Vue Lounge Strategically

Morning: quiet coffee spot with pastries. Evening: sophisticated cocktail lounge. Visit at different times to experience both personalities.

7
Check Out the Newly Renovated Rooms

Request a standard room over old rooms if available. The 2023-2024 renovation delivered sophisticated new designs with modern amenities.

8
Explore the BoardWalk History

The resort's 1940s Atlantic City theming is authentic and charming. Ask Cast Members about the carousel and themed shops — they love sharing details!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BoardWalk Inn worth the deluxe price?
+
Absolutely. BoardWalk offers incredible value for a deluxe resort. The walkability to two parks saves on transportation time and costs, the newly renovated rooms are stunning, and the boardwalk entertainment is complimentary. You're essentially paying for a deluxe resort while getting perks of proximity to two parks. It's one of Disney's best-kept values.
Can you really walk to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios?
+
Yes! The walk to EPCOT takes 5 minutes and is pleasant, scenic, and easy. The walk to Hollywood Studios is 10 minutes, making it the closest walk to HS from any Disney resort. Both walks are enjoyable and can save you transportation time and hassle during peak hours.
Will I be able to get to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom easily?
+
Transportation to MK and AK relies on buses, which take 15-25 minutes. There's no monorail access. However, the Skyliner is nearby (though not at the resort itself) and offers an alternative. If visiting MK or AK is your priority, consider a monorail resort instead. BoardWalk shines for EPCOT and HS visitors.
What's the noise situation with boardwalk rooms?
+
Boardwalk-view rooms enjoy premium views but experience noise from evening entertainment, crowds, and performers (especially 7 PM onwards). If you're noise-sensitive, request a garden-view or back-building room. Garden rooms are quieter and still beautiful without the premium price tag.
How good is Flying Fish restaurant?
+
Flying Fish is excellent and recently underwent a major renovation with an updated menu and stunning new ambiance. It's one of Disney's premier seafood destinations. Reservations are highly sought after, so book early. The caliber of cuisine justifies the deluxe price point.
Is this resort good for families with young children?
+
BoardWalk is better suited for couples and older kids. The theming and nightlife focus appeal more to adults. However, Luna Park Pool has excellent amenities for young swimmers, and the walkability to EPCOT and HS is invaluable for families. It's not a poor choice, just not as family-focused as Art of Animation or Caribbean Beach.
What makes BoardWalk different from other deluxe resorts?
+
BoardWalk is unique for its 1940s Atlantic City theming, walkability to two parks, and the free boardwalk entertainment that happens nightly. Most resorts are themed to Disney locations; BoardWalk celebrates classic Americana. The evening boardwalk becomes an entertainment district in itself — something no other resort offers.
Are the renovated rooms really worth it?
+
Yes. The 2023-2024 renovation transformed the rooms into sophisticated, modern spaces with elegant design, updated fixtures, premium linens, and contemporary bathrooms. If available, opt for a renovated room. The quality jump is noticeable and worth the stay. It's one of Disney's better recent room renovations.

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