10 Things To Do at Disney’s Boardwalk
So, you’ve been at Disney World a few days and need a break from the crowds, the lines, and paying an extra $5 just because the ice cream bar is in the shape of Mickey Mouse. Believe it or not, there are places on Disney property where you can get away from all of these things but our personal favorite is taking a stroll down Disney’s Boardwalk.
Disney’s Boardwalk, located just beyond the International Gateway in Epcot, is a great way to take some much needed rest from the parks. Disney’s Boardwalk offers resorts, restaurants, shops, street performers, water activities, and so much more! So, head on over to the Boardwalk and grab some dinner, watch a magician dazzle his audience, and then end the night at a Dueling Piano bar.
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Take a Stroll Thru the Resorts
The Boardwalk has several resorts surrounding it. Closest is Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas. The resort is modeled after what a hotel in turn of the century Atlantic City might have looked like. The Yacht Club Resort is a nautical themed New England style resort. The Beach Club resort is themed after the seaside cottages of 19th century Newport, Rhode Island. Finally, the Swan and Dolphin are located just beyond the Boardwalk, while not owned by Disney, the Swan and Dolphin still feature many Disney themes in their resorts and have some excellent restaurants including award winning chef Todd English’s Bluezoo.
Have a Bite to Eat
There is a wide variety of dining options available on Disney’s Boardwalk whether you are looking for something quick or a fancy meal. Trattoria al Forno, serving Italian cuisine, even offers a character breakfast with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. For something fancier for dinner, we recommend Flying Fish Cafe featuring St. Augustine Soft Shell Crab, Hokkaido Scallops, and Wagyu Filet Mignon. If you’re looking for something quick, pop into the Boardwalk Bakery which offers a wide variety of baked goods and sandwiches or stroll over to the Pizza Window and pick up some pizza and side salads. Finish the night with a sampler platter of ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery.
Grab a Drink
One of our absolute favorite (and best themed) bars is located on the Disney’s Boardwalk – AbracadaBAR. AbracadaBAR’s theme centers around that of a place where magician’s would hangout after their shows and conjure up new cocktails until one day they all vanished into thin air. The decor features a wall of mirrors, magician’s props line the bookcases, and posters of illusionists line the walls. Even the cocktails are magical, we got the “Conjurita” – a mixture of tequila, cointreau, simple syrup and lime juice – that changes colors right before your eyes!
If magical cocktails aren’t your thing, you can also head over to Big River Grille and Brewing Works and partake in one of their many beers on the menu. If you want to stroll around with a drink, you can also hit up Joe’s Margarita Stand for a classic or frozen margarita.
Experience the Night Life
The Disney Boardwalk offers two enticing opportunity to experience the night life – Jelly Rolls Dueling Piano Bar and Atlantic Dance Hall. Our advice would be not to visit Atlantic Dance Hall unless it’s a Friday or Saturday night – it was always never very busy on weekday nights and therefore not as much fun.
Watch Street Performers
During the day and night, several different types of street performers can be seen at Disney’s Boardwalk. We have seen magician’s performing illusions and card tricks, phenomenal jugglers, death defying balancing acts, and fun musical numbers. The street performers will usually ask for audience participation so don’t be afraid to get in there and be a part of the act!
Get a Caricature Done
Last time we stayed at the Boardwalk, we decided to get a caricature done of both of us. Over the years, we had passed by the caricature artists tens of times but never thought about getting one done. However, I think there’s something special about seeing a caricature artist sitting on the Boardwalk, it just seems to “fit”. You can decide whether you want face only or pick one of the funny bodies for the artist to put your face on. The price per person is currently $15 for face only black and white, $20 for face only color; $20 for face and body black and white; $30 for face and body color. So, we ended up paying $60 for ours and were extremely pleased – it is one of our favorite Disney momentos.
Rent a Boat
Located on Crescent Lake, the Disney Boardwalk has plenty to offer in terms of boating activities. The Marina is located just a short walk away near the Yacht Club opposite the Boardwalk. You can rent Sea Raycer’s that seat two people and cost $32 per half hour, Boston Whaler Montauk’s which seat upto six people for $45 per half hour, Sun Tracker Pontoon boats which seat upto 10 people for $45 per half hour. Specialty cruises including fireworks cruises and Epcot Around the World cruises are available starting at $299.
Go Shopping
Screen Door General Store located right on the Boardwalk offers merchandise such as bakery items, groceries, and collectible pins. Thimbles and Threads offers clothing and accessories. Disney’s Character Carnival offers merchandise such as shirts, postcards, jewelry and more. Wayland Galleries, located just around the corner, offers artwork for sale.
Catch a Sporting Event
Does your Disney World vacation overlap with the Super Bowl? World Championship for Soccer? NBA Play-Offs? Are you stressing about where you can catch the game? Never fear, The ESPN Club on the Disney Boardwalk has you covered with over 100 television screens! The ESPN Club serves a menu of nachos, chicken strips, burgers, and delicious desserts.
Rent a Surrey Bike
A fun activity for couples or families is renting a surrey bike to pedal around Disney’s Boardwalk while taking in the sights. Surrey bikes can accommodate 2-4 riders and are available to rent for $25. Be advised that some parts of Disney’s Boardwalk can be hilly so make sure you get your momentum up and have lots of pedal power!
