Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort Review – How to Choose a Disney World Resort

A recent visit to Walt Disney World brought me to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn so I could be close to my favourite park EPCOT.

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is is part of the luxury category of resorts and located near EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

It is also across the lake from two other deluxe resorts – Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Inspired by boardwalks of decades past, this resort combines seaside and carnival décor, design and colors.

 

Rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

Despite the name, there is nothing inn-like about Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

Rooms are spacious and can accommodate up to 5 people and an infant in a portable crib.

My room was located on the ground floor just a few steps from the main lobby. Like all standard rooms, mine had two queen beds, a sofa bed, mini fridge, microwave and coffee maker.

The bathroom and vanity area gave plenty of space to get ready in the morning and before bed every night.

Dining Options at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

The BoardWalk has four table service restaurants including the only microbrewery at Disney World, Big River Grille & Brewing Works and ESPN Club for those who want to keep up with the latest sports scores.

There’s several counter service options as well including Boardwalk Bakery – a popular place for desserts, sandwiches, salads and breakfast pastries.

I may or may not have had three desserts a day each day of my stay.

Activities & Amenities at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

There’s plenty to do at this resort. Guests can rent surrey bikes and ride them along the boardwalk, go to the arcade, watch street performers every night, catch a dueling pianos show at Jellyroll’s or dance at the Atlantic Dance Hall.

The boardwalk area gets quite busy with hotel guests and resort visitors shortly after dinner time.

A large circus themed swimming pool, a quiet pool for little ones, a playground area, gift shops with pin trading boards and pressed pennies machines are also where you can expect to spend a few hours (and money!) each day.

Being just a short boat ride away from the Beach Club Resort and the Yacht Club Resort, guests can also spend some time people watching from the other side of the lake.

Reasons to Skip Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

Not a Monorail Resort – Buses and boats are the two complimentary transportation options available to resort guests. If your plan is to play at Magic Kingdom most of the time, skip the BoardWalk Inn Resort.

A Bit Noisy – Because of the activities and entertainment available at night, the boardwalk area can get quite noisy. If you have young children or light sleepers in your family, this is not the most ideal Disney resort for them. I could still hear stuff going on outside at midnight during my weekend stay here.

Reasons to Stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort

Conveniently Located to 2 Disney Parks – EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is a short walk or boat ride away from the BoardWalk Inn. The walk to the World Showcase entrance at EPCOT took me approximately 5 minutes! If you’re visiting during a special event like the Food & Wine Festival, the Flower & Garden Festival at EPCOT or Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios, this is a great place to stay and get a head start on the festivities.

Tons of Fun – Those looking for fun after the sun goes down there’s the dance hall, the piano bar, the sports bar, an arcade and street performances to watch every night.

Plenty of Dining Options – Although BoardWalk Inn Resort doesn’t have a character meal like other deluxe resorts, there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal. You can also visit the Beach Club or the Yacht Club too to check out their restaurants.

Would I stay at here again? Yes, I definitely would. But my kids would have to be a bit older to enjoy all the amenities and entertainment available at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort.

More About Disney’s BoardWalk Inn

Address: 2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL 32830-8442
Price Range: $$$
Hotel Class: 4 stars
Reviews: Over 75% of reviewers rated this hotel Very Good or Excellent
Availability: Click here for rates and availability