Things to Do at Disney’s Boardwalk

Stroll along Disney’s Boardwalk entertainment area, where timeless glamour meets lively celebration, and make unforgettable memories in the heart of the magical Walt Disney World Resort. This vibrant, lakeside promenade takes you back to the charm of yesteryear, offering an eclectic mix of dining, nightlife, and family-friendly entertainment. Disney’s Boardwalk Entertainment area is the perfect destination for a night out with friends or a family-friendly day filled with fun, laughter, and entertainment. So come and join me explore the best things to do at Disney’s Boardwalk.

Things to Do at Disney’s Boardwalk

The Boardwalk is built around Crescent Lake and is reminiscent of Coney Island circa the 40’s.   Even if the parks are jammed-packed, the Boardwalk is a little less busy so it is a great place to unwind and get away from the crowds.

Experience the excitement of street performers, caricature artists, and magicians, or take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic waterfront. Savor a delicious meal or indulge in some tasty treats at the many dining venues and snack kiosks, and then dance the night away to live music, classic games, and carnival delights.

How to Get to Disney’s Boardwalk

It is easy to get to if you are staying on Disney property.  Disney buses can take you to the Boardwalk resort from any park or Disney Springs. During non-peak seasons you can also park at the Boardwalk resort for a short period of time (2-3 hours) to enjoy a meal or do a little shopping. You can also take a Friendship Boat from Hollywood Studios or walk from Epcot. 

Quick Service Restaurants at Disney’s Boardwalk

At night all of the restaurants are open for a bite to eat and you can even just grab a quick slice of pizza and sit on the boardwalk and enjoy the evening. There are lots of vendors selling inexpensive food items.

Pizza Window– The pizza slices are huge and come with chips or salad.

The To-Go Cart– This cart offers simple favorites like chicken strips and hot dogs. The fried Macaroni & Cheese bites are awesome and are just $4.50

Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas.

AbracadaBar– The AbracadaBar “curious cocktail lounge” combines the Golden Age of Magic with the magic of Disney storytelling, with whimsy in the design from the Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) team that creates stories in true Disney fashion.

Choose from classics like the traditional Frozen Margarita or Spicy Jalapeno Margarita, or try one of their unique creations like the Smoky Pineapple or Watermelon Basil Margarita. Whatever you choose, each drink is expertly crafted, making them a true work of art.

The Cake Bake Shop® Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers – This new bakery opens later in 2023. In addition to the regular menu, you’ll also be able to enjoy an elegant afternoon tea service – how lovely! And the offerings don’t stop there. Not only, will there be table-service offerings, but also a quick-service bakery for you to pick up these delicious delights on-the-go.

Funnel Cake Cart– Yummy funnel cakes.

A quick boat ride across Crescent Lake will bring you a few more options to enjoy near the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Plus, those resorts have quite a few nice, grassy areas to have a picnic.

Fun Things to Do at Disney’s Boardwalk

Window Shopping. The Boardwalk is great for window shopping. Since the crowds are a lot less, the window shopping and cast member interactions are a bit more enjoyable in my opinion.

Family-Friendly Games. You can try out some inexpensive games at the arcade.  There are also some carnival-type games on the Boardwalk.

Street Performers. One of my favorite free activities are the street performers on the Boardwalk that will perform tricks and magic. It is fun to sit and watch them – they are great at interacting with the crowd.

Surrey Bike Rides. You can also rent an old-fashioned surrey bike for four and bike the Boardwalk.

Character Fun. Daisy, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy will also be around the pool area at the BoardWalk to partake in the fun. Meetings are meant to be informal. No end date was given. No daily schedule is available so count as an extra magical moment if you run into one of them on the Boardwalk.

Go to a Club. If you are visiting the Boardwalk without your kids you can visit Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar for the 21 and over crowd featuring sing-a-longs to pop tunes.  Jellyrolls requires a cover charge, or check out the Atlantic Dance Hall which features a DJ and no cover charge.  The Atlantic Dance Hall plays the hottest songs from the 80’s, 90’s, and today!

Photo Shoot. Love to take family pictures? The Boardwalk offers many picture-perfect backdrops against Crescent Lake. Many people get engagement photos done at the Boardwalk.

Watch the Epcot Fireworks. It is so pretty at night because it is beautifully lit up with strings of vintage lights and you can catch a glimpse of the Epcot fireworks from one end of the boardwalk down by Jellyrolls.

Schedule time during your next trip to visit Disney’s Boardwalk!

Thinking about staying at a Boardwalk Resort check out this awesome Boardwalk Resort Guide and find out how to stay there on the cheap!

What are your favorite things to do at Disney’s Boardwalk? Let me know in the comments!

Post Originally Published June 26, 2014.

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