Top 8 Disney Pro Tips for BoardWalk Inn at Walt Disney World

The BoardWalk Inn at the Walt Disney World Resort invites guests to step back in time and experience the charm of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City. The deluxe waterfront resort offers fun for the entire family, from kid-friendly recreation to romantic dining options for Mom and Dad.

Here are eight of our pro tips for getting the most out of your stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn!

8. Appreciate the Décor

Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk was designed to bring visitors back to another era. The BoardWalk Inn resort evokes the memories of Atlantic City in the early 1900s, so be sure to take the time to appreciate all of the BoardWalk Inn’s historical touches, from antique penny flip film arcade machines to a miniature carousel and model rollercoaster.

7. Have an Adventure on Two Wheels

Because of its beautiful waterfront location, the Boardwalk Inn is the perfect place to rent bicycles and do some exploring. You can experience the beauty of Crescent Lake in a whole new way as you pedal along beautiful canals on tree-lined trails. Both adult and children’s bikes are available (some even have training wheels), and helmets and child seats are complimentary. You can get the entire family in on the fun with a two-person, four-person, or six-person surrey bike.

6. Catch a Boat Ride

One of the best features of the BoardWalk Inn is the convenience; you can easily arrive at the gates of either Epcot or Hollywood Studios by boat—an added bonus for little ones is that the boats are enclosed, so there’s no need to collapse your stroller. If you don’t mind a little walking, Epcot is a five- or 10-minute walk, and Hollywood Studios can be reached on foot in about 15 or 20 minutes…so there’s no public transportation standing between you and all the fun. Better yet, there are four other resorts within walking distance to the BoardWalk Inn…which means you’ll have your pick of dining and entertainment options.

5. Have Fun Around the Clock

For families, the BoardWalk Inn offers all-day access to Community Hall, where guests will find lots of diversions appropriate for children from toddlers to teenagers. This recreation area is located near the quiet pool of the BoardWalk Villas, and in addition to bicycles, offers rentals of pool noodles, life jackets, and tennis equipment. There are also movie rentals and daily activities for kids, including face painting, crafts, fishing excursions, and more.

4. Make a Splash. The resort is home to three pools; the main pool is called the Luna Park Pool, and boasts a 200-foot-long water slide known as the Keister Coaster. For a truly magical family experience, check out the schedule of outdoor movies and enjoy a Disney movie under the stars right near Luna Park Pool.

3. Savor the Unique Dining Opportunities

If you’ve had your fill of counter service meals in the Disney theme parks, be sure to book a reservation at the Flying Fish at the BoardWalk Inn for a sophisticated, luxury dining experience. Recently renovated and re-imagined, the Flying Fish serves seafood prepared in an on-stage kitchen, and the restaurant’s stylish ambience was designed to channel the spirit of a classic Atlantic boardwalk. In the mood for a more personal dining experience? You can book the Chef’s Tasting Wine Dinner and feast on fresh seafood and meats, enjoy farm-fresh produce, and sip fine while interacting with the chef from your seat at the chef’s counter directly in front of the onstage kitchen. The Flying Fish chefs will create five courses using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the manager will select wines that complement each course.

2. Take a Taste of Magic

Your stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn means you’re just a stone’s throw away from all of the exciting nightlife on the BoardWalk, from Atlantic Dance Hall to Jellyrolls and the new AbracadaBar, where patrons can go back in time to experience the golden age of magic inside this cocktail lounge. Formerly a favorite watering hole for famous magicians, illusionists, and magician’s assistants, this secret lounge was said to seemingly vanish into thin air…only to re-open its doors this year. You’ll savor signature specialties while viewing enchanted show posters, vintage props and tricks, and lots of other magical fun.

1. Catch a Show

The BoardWalk Inn offers concierge services that include access to a private lounge called the “Innkeeper’s Club,” and along with a complimentary continental breakfast buffet, English-style tea in the afternoon, and desserts, cordials, wine, and cheese in the evenings, the balcony of the lounge also happens to be one of the best spots locations to view the IllumiNations fireworks show at Epcot.