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Planning Your Resort Day at the Boardwalk Resort at Walt Disney World

Disney’s Boardwalk is a fun place to visit in the evenings, but it is even better when you are staying there as a guest.  In the mornings the Boardwalk itself is quiet and peaceful, then in the evenings it comes alive with people and entertainment—just like an actual Boardwalk.  If you are staying at the Boardwalk you owe it to yourself to schedule a day to enjoy all the resort has to offer.

1. Morning Stroll on the Boardwalk

On my Boardwalk Resort day I would start the day with a walk or jog around the Boardwalk and Beach Club Resort area.  It is so peaceful here in the mornings, and watching the resorts wake up and come to life for the day is almost magical to me.  Plus, it never hurts to get in a little exercise if you aren’t doing miles of walking in the parks that day.  Check your activity schedule, there may be an organized walk or run going on that day you can participate in.  If you want a longer walk you can follow the path to Hollywood Studios along the water.

2. Bon Voyage Breakfast

After burning a few calories, I’m going to consume a few at my favorite character breakfast (currently), the Bon Voyage Breakfast served at the Trattoria al Forno restaurant.  This meal features characters you rarely see together:  Ariel and Prince Eric, alongside Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (characters subject to change).  The interaction with these characters is so entertaining . . . come prepared with some questions for them about their adventures to get the conversation started.  And the meal itself is really outstanding.  I love that it is served to you, so no buffets to worry about.  You get a plate full of themed pastries (served in a skillet a la Rapunzel), a starter (love the yogurt parfait), and your choice of entrees.  Each one is delicious and well prepared.

3. Pool Time

My next stop is going to be poolside to catch up on some relaxing and fun.  The Boardwalk’s feature pool is quite large, and features a very fun slide, the “Keister Coaster.”  Some people are intimidated by the Clown theme of the pool and slide (you splash into the pool through the clown’s mouth).  But if you can overlook that part of it, the Boardwalk pool is a lot of fun.

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4. Lunch on the Boardwalk

Lunch on the Boardwalk offers us a couple of options that I really enjoy:  The Boardwalk Bakery and the Pizza Window.  Both have good options, and they are so close together your group can split up and order from one or the other.  Sitting out on the Boardwalk to enjoy your meal is a lot of fun—it makes for great people watching (most of the time I see at least 1 wedding party), and I love watching the boats come and go in Crescent Lake.

5. “Day Cruise Around the World”

Speaking of boats, after lunch there is an activity I’ve been wanting to try, the “Day Cruise Around the World.”  This specialty cruise departs from the marina at the Yacht Club, just a short walk from the Boardwalk.  It accommodates up to 10 people including soft drinks and snacks, but you can also add specialty dining if you want a more substantial meal.  The cruise goes around the resort area of Crescent Lake and enters the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot.  This is a great way to see the sights of Disney from a different perspective, and it seems like a very relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

6. Arcade, Shopping and Mini-Golf

If you want to pack in a little more fun before dinner you have several choices.  A visit to the arcade is always fun, or some shopping.  The Boardwalk has a large souvenir type gift shop, along with the Wyland Gallery specialty shop.  If you want to add some friendly competition to your day, the Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf is a quick walk away right across the street from the Swan & Dolphin Resorts.  You can play the easier, traditional mini golf course at Fantasia Gardens, or if you want a real challenge test your skills at the Fantasia Fairways course.  Remember if you play before 4pm and you have a Walt Disney World package booked you should have vouchers for a free round.

Photo Credit: Disney

7. Cocktails and Dinner

Dinner time on the Boardwalk opens up lots of options.  It may be fun to start your evening with a specialty cocktail at the AbracadaBar.  This place is filled with magic show themed props and décor, and even the drinks are part of the theme.  Signature dining at Flying Fish is a must while you are at the Boardwalk.  There is an amazing menu, and impeccable service, but it is still very family-friendly—this is Walt Disney World after all.

8. Boardwalk at Night

Following dinner you may want to go back to your room and put on some more comfortable clothes (remember Flying Fish is a Signature Restaurant with a dress code). There is a lot of fun to be had on the Boardwalk after the sun goes down. Take some time to let your food digest by watching some of the live performers who juggle, do mime shows, spin plates, and other feats.  The shows are often interactive with audience participation, so have your camera ready.  Along the Boardwalk you will find some fun Carnival type games you can play (for a small) fee.  You will also find a photo booth—just like the ones you find at seaside amusement parks.  You can scan the photos into your account with your Magic Band, and if you have Memory Maker they will be included in the ones you can download.  My kids love doing this!

9. Rent a Surrey Bike

After playing a little bit you may want to rent a Surrey Bike to take a scenic ride around the Boardwalk and Yacht & Beach Clubs.  I highly recommend doing this at night for a couple of reasons.  One, it isn’t as hot once the sun goes down.  And, more importantly, the dark will hide the grimace on your face to passers-by as you struggle up the two hills on the bridges.  Because your kids will say they are going to help pedal—but they aren’t.

10. Ice Cream at Ample Hills

Now that you’ve survived the loop around the resorts I am sure you are hungry again, and there is no better place to end your night with dessert than the Ample Hills Creamery.  This place offers up some premium ice cream.  You can get an ice cream flight to sample several different flavors, or you can take my advice that the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake is THE best flavor.

Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

11. Music at Jellyrolls

Now if you have kids it is probably time to go back to your well-appointed room to get some sleep.  But, if you are a group of adults and ready to keep partying, head down to Jellyrolls.  A small cover fee is your entry and you will enjoy some great fun and great music courtesy of dueling pianos who take requests from guests.

There are so many activities on the Boardwalk you may need more than one resort day to enjoy all of them!  What are your favorite things to do at the Boardwalk Resort?

About Sarah Chapman

I am a long time Disney fan since I was hooked on Walt Disney World with my first trip in 1987. Since that time I’ve tried experiencing everything I can in the parks, with a total of 30 visits and counting (I’m always planning my next trip) to Walt Disney World—not to mention Disney Cruise Line and even (shhh!) Universal Orlando and Sea World. I’ve turned my Disney obsession into a profession helping others plan their magical vacations as a Dream Vacation Maker at LBAC Travel. I am a work at home mom to three wonderful boys, and each one has been properly indoctrinated with all things Disney. Walt Disney World is definitely our “Laughing Place.” Look for me on Facebook at Facebook.com/SarahLBAC for updates, discount announcements, tips, tricks and planning advice for your next vacation. You can also find me on Instagram (sarahdreamvacationmaker) and Pinterest (sarahlbactravel).