Is Disney's BoardWalk Inn Worth It? An Honest 2026 Review

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a Deluxe resort with a 1920s Atlantic City vibe and the best location at Walt Disney World if EPCOT and Hollywood Studios are your parks — both are within walking distance. It also comes with a price tag that can rival a used car payment. So is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn worth it? Honestly, it depends entirely on what you want out of your trip, and a few things have shifted since I first wrote this. The dining-and-entertainment strip the resort was famous for has thinned out a lot, but some of the perks that make it worth the splurge have actually gotten better.

Quick verdict: Worth it if you’ll live at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, plan to eat your way down the boardwalk, and can stomach a bus ride to Magic Kingdom. Not worth it if Magic Kingdom is your home base or you were counting on the old nightlife — Jellyrolls and ESPN Club are gone, and a multi-area refurbishment is running through 2026. The upside: self-parking is now free, the Disney Dining Plan is back, and the new Cake Bake Shop is a genuinely great addition.

Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Worth it?

1. BoardWalk Resort Disney Location

2. The BoardWalk is a Disney Vacation Club Property

3. Disney BoardWalk Transportation

4. BoardWalk Disney Resort Theme

5. Room Options

6. Check-in

7. Restaurants at Disney BoardWalk

8. Disney BoardWalk Activities

9. Disney BoardWalk Entertainment District

10. Wi-Fi is Included

11. Housekeeping is Limited

12. Laundry Rooms Are Available

13. You Get Extra Time at the Theme Parks

14. You Can Have Park Purchases Delivered to the Resort

15. You Can See Fireworks

16. Ways to Save

17. No Pets Allowed

18. Checkout

19. Disney BoardWalk FAQ

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Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Worth it?

1. Where is Disney BoardWalk Located?

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn sits at 2101 Epcot Resorts Boulevard in Lake Buena Vista, on Crescent Lake (which I’m sure is alligator free). It’s walking distance to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, several other resorts, and the EPCOT station of the Skyliner, Disney’s gondola system.

You will need a bus for Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom. If you plan to spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom, this resort may not be worth it to you.

2. The BoardWalk is a Disney Vacation Club Property

Is Disney BoardWalk a deluxe hotel? Yes, which means it also has Disney Vacation Club villas.

The resort is divided into two sides, one for regular guests and one for Disney’s timeshare members. Guests have access to Disney BoardWalk amenities on both sides.

The resort itself is pretty condensed. Everything is very walkable. The larger budget resorts often require guests to walk an obscene distance to reach any food options. That is not the case here.

is disney's boardwalk inn worth it photos

3. Transportation and Disney BoardWalk Parking Options

Theme Park Transportation

Disney BoardWalk to Animal Kingdom

The only way to reach Animal Kingdom from the BoardWalk is via bus. The bus stop is located at the front of the resort. A bus is annoying, but it is a direct route with no other stops.

Pro tip: Arrive early. People line up early to rope drop (although not nearly as early as they do for Magic Kingdom).

Bonus pro tip: The buses start running 45 minutes before park opening and run constantly until an hour after park close. They aren’t always on time and are often crowded. Prepare yourself.

Extra bonus pro tip: There is a screen at the bus stop with the Disney BoardWalk bus schedule.

EPCOT to Disney BoardWalk

It is a short walk from Disney BoardWalk to EPCOT. Exit the resort in the rear of the property then walk to the right for about a half mile. You also have the option of riding a boat, but no one seems to do this because it is so close. Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn worth it for EPCOT? It absolutely is.

Pro tip: The Disney BoardWalk EPCOT entrance leads you into the World Showcase, not the main entrance. Adjust your touring plan accordingly.

Disney BoardWalk to Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is technically walking distance, but it is a fairly long walk. The best way to reach it is via the Disney BoardWalk water taxi. The boats also stop at the Swan and Dolphin and Yacht and Beach Club resorts.

Pro tip: You can’t ride the Skyliner to Disney BoardWalk directly. However, if you are traveling to or from Hollywood Studios after EPCOT opens, you can easily reach the BoardWalk Inn from the EPCOT Skyliner station. Ride the Skyliner from Hollywood Studios to EPCOT then walk back.

Disney BoardWalk to Magic Kingdom

The only free option from Disney BoardWalk Inn to Magic Kingdom is by bus. It is a direct route with no other stops. The bus stop is located at the front of the resort.

Pro tip: Arrive at the bus stop early. People start lining up for the bus well before park opening time to rope drop.

Bonus pro tip: The Disney BoardWalk transportation to Magic Kingdom starts running about 45 minutes before park opening and runs constantly until an hour after park close. The buses don’t always run on time and are usually very crowded.

Extra bonus pro tip: There is a screen at the bus stop that tells you when the next one is arriving.

Water Park Transportation

Blizzard Beach

There is a bus that goes directly to Blizzard Beach. The bus stop is located at the front of the resort.

Typhoon Lagoon

To reach Typhoon Lagoon, you must ride the bus to Disney Springs then transfer to a Typhoon Lagoon bus.

Disney Springs Transportation

Disney Springs is basically an outdoor mall with tons of stores and restaurant options. This area can only be accessed via bus.

Pro tip: Buses stop returning to the resorts around 11:00 p.m.

How Much is Parking at Disney BoardWalk?

Can you park at Disney BoardWalk for free? Good news: now you can. Disney eliminated overnight self-parking fees at its resorts in January 2023, so overnight self-parking for registered hotel guests is free. The old $25-a-night charge is gone, which was one of the more obnoxious nickel-and-dime fees on property.

Valet is the one parking option that still costs you — figure around $33 a day plus tax (confirm the current rate at check-in). Day visitors who come just to eat or wander the boardwalk also park free.

Pro tip: Because self-parking is now free for everyone, the old hack of renting Disney Vacation Club points just to dodge the parking fee no longer matters. Rent points to save on the room, not the parking lot.

Bonus pro tip: Resort guests also get free standard parking at all four theme parks — a perk day guests have to pay for.

Minnie Vans

You can book a Minnie Van, which is basically just a minivan with polka dots, for an extra charge. These vans are stupid expensive. Just book a regular Uber or Lyft to the BoardWalk and keep the difference.

Note: Minnie Van availability has come and gone over the years and is booked through the Lyft app when it’s running. Check whether it’s currently offered before you count on it.

4. What is the Disney BoardWalk Theme?

The hotel leans hard into an Atlantic City Boardwalk Empire vibe, complete with model carousels and roller coasters in the lobby. On a good evening you’ll catch street performers — magicians, jugglers, the occasional balloon artist — working the boardwalk out back. Heads up: a multi-area refurbishment that started in late 2025 is running through 2026, so expect some construction walls and a quieter strip than the resort’s heyday. Most dining, recreation, and shops stay open during the work.

Is Disney BoardWalk worth visiting? If you are interested in flappers and that dry period in history, this resort is a dream. If this isn’t your thing, the resort may not be worth it to you.

5. The Disney BoardWalk Hotel Room Options

The Disney BoardWalk resort is divided into two sections, the BoardWalk Inn and the BoardWalk Villas. The BoardWalk Inn is for regular hotel guests, while the BoardWalk Villa hold Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rooms. You can reach both from the lobby. The two sides really aren’t that different.

Do all rooms at BoardWalk Inn have balconies? No, they do not. Some have patios and some only windows. If the balcony is important to you, check the fine print when you book.

Pro tip: Magic Bands that open the door to your room are no longer free. Download the Disney app. Your room key is on it. The resort will give you a keycard, but you have to request it.

Bonus pro tip: The rooms are decently sized, but they are still much smaller than your home. Don’t make your room feel even smaller with a bunch of clutter. Your Disney World packing list will likely be longer than it needs to be. If you forget something, one of the Disney BoardWalk shops is more than happy to sell it to you. It even has a portable cell phone charger dispensing machine.

Disney BoardWalk Inn Rooms

How much does it cost to stay at Disney BoardWalk? BoardWalk Inn room rates vary by the season, but they are certain to be expensive. Check the rates at the time you want to visit.

Standard Disney BoardWalk Rooms

Disney BoardWalk Garden View Room

Garden view rooms are studios with views of the garden. Rooms may have one king, two queens, one king and one day bed, or two queens and one day bed.

Maximum number of guests: 5

Disney BoardWalk Studio Standard View

Standard view rooms have views of the garden, Leisure Pool, or parking lot. If you plan to spend the majority of your time at the theme parks, you probably don’t care about your view anyway. Sleeping options may be one king, two queens, one king and one day bed, one two queens and one day bed.

Maximum number of guests: 5

Disney BoardWalk Water View Rooms

Disney BoardWalk Inn water view rooms are studios that have views of either the boardwalk or Crescent Lake. Rooms may have one king, two queens, or two queens and one day bed.

Maximum number of guests: 5

Disney BoardWalk Club Level Rooms

Guests staying in Disney BoardWalk Inn Club Level rooms get access to a concierge to assist them with planning and some food and drinks in a lounge throughout the day. These rooms come with a substantial added cost, so you really need to do the math to see if it makes sense for you.

Disney BoardWalk Deluxe Room Club Level

Deluxe rooms are not special. They are just larger studio rooms. They include two queens and one queen sleeper sofa.

Maximum number of guests: 6

Disney BoardWalk Standard Room

The Club Level Standard room is the same studio as the regular standard room. Choices include one king, two queens, or two queens and one day bed.

Maximum number of guests: 5

Two Bedroom Disney BoardWalk Suites

Disney BoardWalk two bedroom suites have way more space than the studio rooms. They cost a small fortune. They either include (1) two kings, one queen sleeper sofa, and one twin sleeper chair, or (2) one king, two queens, one day bed, and one queen sleeper sofa.

Maximum number of guests: 9

Sonora Vice Presidential Suite

The ~~Place That Looks Like Where Your Ancestors Slept~~ Sonora Vice Presidential Suite is basically a giant, Victorian-themed apartment. It has one king and two queens.

Maximum number of guests: 6

Outer Building Disney BoardWalk Garden Suites

The Outer Building Garden rooms are small Disney BoardWalk cottages. They have one kind bed and a pull out sectional.

Maximum number of guests in the Disney BoardWalk Garden Cottage Suite: 2 per Disney, but there is the pullout….

Disney BoardWalk Villas

Disney BoardWalk DVC rooms differ from the regular hotel rooms. They come with a kitchenette that includes a microwave.

The cost of the studios tends to be reasonable. The Disney BoardWalk Inn prices for one bedrooms and up are hard to swallow.

Pro tip: Some of the villa rooms give you the option to reserve a view of the boardwalk. This sounds nice in theory, but there is a lot happening down there. Everyone I saw on the balcony was on display like Melissa Gorga. If you want to people watch, this is a good option. If you’re looking for some quiet time, this is not the way to go.

Bonus pro tip: You don’t need to be a Disney Vacation Club member to rent these rooms. For a substantial savings, consider renting points from someone else.

Deluxe Disney BoardWalk Villas Studio

The villas at the BoardWalk are better than those found at some other resorts. You get more space, and the sleeping arrangements are better.

The Disney BoardWalk Deluxe Studios come with one queen, one double sleeper sofa, and a single pull down bed. This is huge for families of four with two kids who don’t want to share a bed.

The Disney Boardwalk DVC studios come with a balcony. You can select between standard view (resort grounds or parking lot), garden view, pool view, and boardwalk view.

Maximum number of guests in the Disney BoardWalk Villas Deluxe Studio: 5

Disney BoardWalk Villas One Bedroom

Disney BoardWalk one bedroom villas come with one king and one queen sleeper sofa. Unlike studios, these villas offer you the option to close a door and get some privacy. They also feature a full kitchen, split bathroom, and an in-room washer and dryer.

You can select between a standard view (resort grounds or parking lot), garden view, pool view, or boardwalk view.

Maximum number of guests: 4

Pro tip: Disney will let members booking with points squeeze in a fifth person, but won’t give you any bedding. It is policies like not providing an extra pair of sheets to someone spending thousands of dollars on a room that earn Disney its money hungry reputation. This seems short sighted.

Disney BoardWalk Villas Two Bedroom

Disney BoardWalk two bedroom villas come with one king, one queen, one full sleeper sofa, one queen sleeper sofa, and one pull down bed. The room also features a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and an in-room washer and dryer.

Views include standard (resort grounds or parking lot), garden, pool, or boardwalk.

Maximum number of guests: 8

Pro tip: Disney will let members booking with points add a ninth person, but won’t give you bedding. The policy to not provide bedding is the epitome of nickel and diming.

Disney BoardWalk Three Bedroom Grand Villa

The Disney BoardWalk Grand Villa has one king, four queens, and one queen sleeper sofa. The room has a full kitchen, three bathrooms, and an in-room washer and dryer.

The Grand Villa has a view of the boardwalk.

Maximum number of guests in the Disney World BoardWalk Three Bedroom Villa: 12

6. Check-in

You can check into the hotel without ever speaking to a person. Check in on the app, then head straight to your room. I generally find less human interaction to be a plus.

Pro tip: Official check in time is 4:00 p.m., but if your room is ready early, they will let you in.

7. Disney BoardWalk Restaurants and Bars

In addition to the options below, there are plenty of restaurants near Disney BoardWalk Villas. You can easily walk to EPCOT, the Beach Club, Yacht Club, and Swan and Dolphin. You can also hop the Skyliner from the EPCOT station to the Caribbean Beach and Riviera resorts. Is the BoardWalk worth it for restaurants? Still yes — but with an asterisk. The boardwalk strip itself has lost a few originals (ESPN Club and Big River Grille are both gone), so a chunk of the dining you’ll actually do is at neighboring resorts and EPCOT, all of it an easy walk away.

Pro tip: Disney World allows you to make dining reservations 60 days in advance of your trip. Make them as soon as possible. Things fill up fast.

Bonus pro tip: If you are staying on property, you can make Disney BoardWalk reservations for up to ten days from the start date of your trip when your booking window opens. If you are off property, you will need to make reservations one day at a time (when you are exactly 60 days from the day you want to dine).

Extra bonus pro tip: Sebastian’s Bistro at the Caribbean Beach resort is worth a stop for dining near Disney BoardWalk. It has the added bonus of giving your kids a chance to ride the Skyliner.

Disney BoardWalk Resort Restaurants for Table Service

What restaurants are at Disney BoardWalk?

Big River Grille (Now Closed) and the Food Trucks That Replaced It

Big River Grille & Brewing Works — a 1996 opening-day original — served its last burger on January 21, 2024. It’s gone for good. The food wasn’t anything special and the bar-heavy room was rough with little kids, so I won’t pretend I’m devastated, but it does mean one fewer sit-down option on the boardwalk.

In its place, Disney brought in rotating food trucks for lunch along the boardwalk starting in early 2024. It’s grab-and-go counter food rather than a real restaurant, so manage your expectations.

Pro tip: The food trucks come and go and aren’t full-service. If you want a proper sit-down lunch on the boardwalk, plan to walk over to EPCOT or a neighboring resort instead.

Location: On the boardwalk

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers (Goodbye, ESPN Club)

For the sports-bar dads still mourning it: the ESPN Club is permanently closed. It never reopened after 2020, and Disney made the closure official. The screen-in-every-bathroom era is over.

What moved into the space is a much bigger deal: The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, which fully opened October 25, 2024. It’s the marquee new addition to the boardwalk and the best reason to walk this strip right now. There’s a full sit-down restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a separate bakery for grabbing a slice of cake or a coffee to go.

Pro tip: This place is popular and gorgeous, which means it books up. If you want a table, make a reservation as soon as your dining window opens.

Bonus pro tip: The bakery side keeps long hours, so you can swing by for dessert without committing to a full sit-down meal. Bring your appetite and a credit card with a generous limit — it is not cheap.

Location: On the boardwalk

Disney BoardWalk Flying Fish

Flying Fish is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants at Disney World. It serves fancy seafood. It also costs as much as your plane ticket to Florida. This is not a good choice with children who will not appreciate it.

Pro tip: This Disney BoardWalk Inn restaurant is popular. Make a reservation.

Location: On the boardwalk

Disney BoardWalk Trattoria al Forno

Trattoria al Forno is an Italian restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. With ESPN Club and Big River Grille both gone, it’s now the workhorse table-service spot actually on the boardwalk (alongside the pricier Flying Fish and the new Cake Bake Shop).

It has a beautiful interior. The food is good and not horribly overpriced. There is a Disney BoardWalk menu for allergies with lots of great options. This one is worth a stop.

Pro tip: Make a reservation.

Bonus pro tip: You can mobile order to go orders.

Note: Trattoria once hosted the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast — a character meal with Rapunzel, Flynn, Ariel, and Eric that cost a good bit more than a regular breakfast. It has not returned, and as of this update the princesses are still parked elsewhere. If a quiet, character-free meal is what you’re after, that’s a win; if your kids were hoping to dine with royalty, you’ll need to book a character meal at another resort. Check current menus and to-go availability when you go.

Location: On the boardwalk

Disney BoardWalk Quick Service Dining

Quick service options are spread throughout the resort. There is no Disney BoardWalk food court.

Belle Vue Disney BoardWalk Lounge

~~Where old people hang out~~ Belle Vue Lounge has takeout coffee and pastries in the morning and cocktails at night. It has a 1930s theme with a radio playing. This is not somewhere to visit with allergies.

Pro tip: The lounge serves alcoholic beverages that are acceptable for a brunch in the morning.

Location: BoardWalk Inn

Disney BoardWalk Bakery

The BoardWalk Bakery is a wannabe Starbucks. If you are looking for Disney BoardWalk breakfast options to go, this is really your only option on the boardwalk.

Pro tip: Use mobile order if you don’t want to wait in a line that takes much longer than it should. The mobile order items are placed at a table near the front. Do not attempt to retrieve your order at the counter from an employee. They don’t like that.

Bonus pro tip: If you purchased refillable drink mugs, you can refill them here.

Note: This. Restaurant. Is. Infuriating. The employees move slowly and with an attitude. Mobile ordering will ensure you get your order is a more timely fashion, but it won’t ensure you have a better experience. One of our mobile orders was placed in a puddle of water. The bottom of the paper bag gave out on the walk back to the room and the entire order fell to the ground.

Note: The Disney BoardWalk bakery menu has almost nothing gluten free.

Location: On the boardwalk

Disney BoardWalk Ice Cream

BoardWalk Ice Cream is a takeout ice cream parlor. It has several fun options.

It is always packed at night. Fortunately, the employees at the ice cream parlor seem to have more energy and be in a better mood than those at the bakery, so the wait is more reasonable. It is the best Disney BoardWalk food option for a quick treat.

Location: On the boardwalk

Disney BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas

BoardWalk Joe’s is a cart with nachos, pretzels, frozen cocktails, and beer. You won’t be able to make a meal out of this, but it is a nice option for a snack for your kids and some sanity for you.

Location: On the boardwalk

Funnel Cake Cart

The Funnel Cake Cart only serves funnel cakes with ice cream and cotton candy. Not much to report here.

Note: Carts like this open and close with crowd levels and the ongoing refurbishment, so check whether it’s operating during your stay rather than counting on it.

Location: On the boardwalk

Disney BoardWalk Leaping Horse Libations

Leaping Horse Libations is a Disney BoardWalk Inn pool bar. It serves food and fun frozen cocktails. The prices for the food are quite reasonable.

Pro tip: You can charge things to your room.

Note: This line is always a mile long. If you see it less than a few people deep, jump in.

Location: Disney BoardWalk Luna Park pool

Disney BoardWalk Pizza Window

Pizza Window, an originally named establishment, is a walkup window that slings pizza. It is more expensive than what you will pay at home, but a whole pizza is a more economical option than you will find at other Disney BoardWalk eateries.

Pro tip: It has alcohol.

Note: There are no gluten free options.

Location: On the boardwalk

The To-Go Cart

The To-Go Cart is not somewhere to eat with allergies. It serves things like hot dogs and burgers.

Note: Like the other boardwalk carts, its hours and operation vary; verify it’s open before you make a special trip.

Location: On the boardwalk

8. Disney BoardWalk Things to Do

You’re at Disney World, so the BoardWalk Inn probably thinks it has done enough. There aren’t a ton of scheduled activities throughout the day. There are, however, plenty of things to do to fill a day. What’s at the Disney BoardWalk?

Disney BoardWalk Arcade

Side Show Games Arcade is a tiny arcade near the Disney BoardWalk pool. Half of the games seem to be broken at any given time. It is not worth the money.

Pro tip: Skip the arcade. The Community Hall building and foosball tables outside are free.

Bonus pro tip: If you have to go, the arcade has a massage chair.

Campfire

The resort has a campfire on select nights. Check the schedule posted in the lobby.

Disney BoardWalk Carnival Games

The boardwalk has carnival games on select nights (typically Thursday through Sunday). Check the schedule in the lobby if you want to participate.

Disney BoardWalk Community Hall

Community Hall is way better than the arcade and completely free. It is located near one of Disney’s BoardWalk quiet pools. Here, you will find an air hockey table, ping pong, arcade games, bags, and video games. It is rarely crowded and has a fun, chill vibe.

Pro tip: You can also paint a craft here at an extra charge.

Fishing

If you’re really in it to win it, you can charter a fishing boat and sail around Crescent Lake.

Note: This comes with a substantial added cost. You need to call for reservations.

Fitness Center

Muscles & Bustles is a small fitness center in the resort. It is usually populated by young men and not many others. It is open 24 hours per day. Lockers are available for use.

Pro tip: There is a sauna and steam room in this area. You can also book spa services here.

Note: Guests must be at least 14 to use the gym. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Foosball

There are free foosball tables located outside near the Disney BoardWalk Resort pool.

Mini Golf

If you’re willing to take a short walk, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways miniature golf sits near the Swan and Dolphin resort.

Note: Mini golf is not free. Plan on roughly $19 for adults and around $12 per child, plus tax, with little ones two and under free. Prices creep up, so confirm at the kiosk.

Disney BoardWalk Movie Under the Stars

The resort sets up a screen that plays a Disney movie each night in the courtyard area. The schedule is posted in the lobby.

Pro tip: Get a drink from a Disney BoardWalk bar and bring it to the movie. It will be much more entertaining.

BoardWalk Inn Disney Pools

Pro tip: Disney BoardWalk pool hours vary by the day. Check the schedule in the lobby to make sure you don’t miss them.

Bonus pro tip: Free life jackets are available at the pools.

Luna Park Pool

Luna Park Pool is the main pool area. It is chaotic.

There is a large pool with a Disney BoardWalk water slide, known as the Keister Coaster. It also has a hot tub and kiddie pool. Employees sometimes lead trivia in this area. This is not the place to visit to decompress.

Pro tip: The water slide used to exit through a demented clown’s mouth. Fortunately, there has been a Disney BoardWalk pool refurbishment. If you were avoiding this resort because of the pool, it is no longer a concern.

Leisure Disney BoardWalk Hotel Pools

The leisure Disney BoardWalk Villas pools are quiet and low on kids. One is located by the garden, and the other is near the Community Center.

Playground

The Luna Park Crazy Play Area has playground equipment that appeals to young kids.

Note: The age limit for this playground is 2 to 5.

Disney BoardWalk Bike Rental

You can rent Surrey bikes near the water. I’m not sure what would compel one to do so, but the option is there.

Note: Surrey bike rentals have come and gone here over the years. Check whether they’re being offered during your stay before you build your evening around them.

Tennis

Tennis courts are located on property and are complimentary. You can borrow free equipment from the staff in Community Hall.

Yoga

Yoga classes are sometimes conducted on the lawn. Check the activities schedule when you visit to see if it is available.

9. Disney BoardWalk Nightlife for Adults

The boardwalk used to be one of the better grown-up scenes on Disney property, and this is where the past few years have hit hardest. Jellyrolls — the dueling piano bar that ran for nearly three decades — closed for good in April 2025. The Promenade Fine Art Gallery is gone too. What’s left for adults-only fun is thinner than it was, so don’t pick this resort for the nightlife alone the way you once could. That said, there are still a couple of spots worth a drink.

AbracadaBar

AbracadaBar has a dark magician theme. It is connected to Trattoria al Forno. The drinks are expensive, but they are unique. The bartenders are also great.

Pro tip: You can take your drinks to go.

Bonus pro tip: You can order bar snacks here in addition to alcohol.

Disney BoardWalk Atlantic Dance Hall

The Atlantic Dance Hall is a bar and dance club (and I use that term loosely) for the 21-and-up crowd. Disney still bills it as a place to “groove” to music from the 1980s and beyond, which tells you exactly what the crowd looks like. It’s still hanging on, but operations have gotten minimal — sometimes it’s open for private events more than for walk-ins — so check before you put on your dancing shoes.

Jellyrolls (Now Permanently Closed)

For roughly 29 years, Jellyrolls was the boardwalk piano bar: overpriced drinks, a cover charge I always found ridiculous, and a room full of adults belting out requests. It closed for good in April 2025. If you came here specifically for the dueling pianos, I’m sorry — that ship has sailed. It was the standout of the BoardWalk’s adult scene, and losing it is the single biggest hit to the resort’s old “great nightlife” pitch.

10. Wi-Fi is Included

Wi-fi is included with your stay at no extra charge.

11. Housekeeping is Limited

Housekeeping at the BoardWalk isn’t what it was. Cadence on the Inn side has bounced around over the past few years — generally lighter-touch service rather than a full daily clean — so confirm exactly what you’re getting when you book. It’s rarely a deal breaker, but it stings to drop several hundred dollars a night and not get a daily tidy.

Disney Vacation Club members and guests on rented points are on a different, more limited schedule than cash-room guests — historically a light service around the fourth day and a fuller clean around the eighth on longer stays. Policies have shifted, so verify the current DVC housekeeping schedule before you arrive.

12. Disney BoardWalk Laundry Rooms Are Available

Free laundry rooms are available near the Disney BoardWalk gym and arcade on the Villas side. They don’t work very well and are often full, but the price is right.

Pro tip: Check to see if they are available before you haul your luggage down there.

Bonus pro tip: The villas have ironing boards.

13. You Get Extra Time at the Theme Parks

Early Park Entry

Every Disney World resort guest gets into all four theme parks 30 minutes before the general public, every single day. This is confirmed to run through 2027, so you can count on it. It may not sound like much, but it’s huge — those 30 minutes can be the difference between walking onto a headliner and watching its standby line balloon past two hours. Off-property guests simply can’t rope drop the way you can.

Note: Only certain rides are open during these 30 minutes. Check the list to make your plan.

Extended Evening Theme Park Hours

On select nights, guests of Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts — which includes the BoardWalk — can stay in a theme park after it closes to everyone else. This is the perk that genuinely justifies a Deluxe price tag. The eligible crowd is small, so the park empties out and the lines melt. It typically lands on EPCOT (often Mondays) and Magic Kingdom (often Wednesdays), and it’s also confirmed through 2027.

Pro tip: It’s not offered every night at every park, and the schedule shifts. Check the current calendar and build your park days around the Extended Evening nights — staying somewhere walkable to EPCOT makes the late EPCOT nights especially easy.

14. You Can Have Park Purchases Delivered to the Resort

You can have merchandise purchased in the park or on the Disney World app delivered to the resort. Items can be picked up at the Disney BoardWalk General Store.

15. You Can See Disney BoardWalk Fireworks

The resort doesn’t have its own, but you can see the EPCOT fireworks from Disney Boardwalk at night. These can be enjoyed in a leisurely environment on a bench. No elbow throwing required.

Pro tip: If you want to watch Hollywood Studios’ fireworks, walk around the path to the Swan and Dolphin.

16. Ways to Save

An extended stay at this hotel costs more than a semester of community college. Don’t pay full Disney BoardWalk prices.

Rent Disney Vacation Club Points

If you are willing to plan ahead and pay full price upfront, renting Disney Vacation Club points will save you a ton of money. You can book directly with an owner, but that comes with the risk of getting ripped off.

A safer way to go is to rent through a company like David’s Vacation Club Rentals. This third party broker ensures your money is safe. If the owner of the points flakes, you will get a refund.

Downsides to Renting Disney Vacation Club Points

There are some downsides to renting Disney Vacation Club points as opposed to booking with Disney. These include:

A. You must pay in full at the time of your Disney BoardWalk booking

B. You cannot get a refund or make changes to your Disney BoardWalk hotel reservation

C. You only get housekeeping on the fourth and eighth days of your trip

Aside from those issues, your experience is the same as any other guest’s. You still use resort transportation and get the same dining reservation windows as everyone else. And good news: the Disney Dining Plan returned in January 2024 after its long pandemic hiatus, so you can add it to your reservation again if the math works for your family. If you book through Disney directly, watch for the occasional “Free Dining” promotion too.

Pro tip: You can book as early as eleven months before your trip. Book as soon as possible. Availability will disappear as you get closer to your trip.

Bonus pro tip: Self-parking at the BoardWalk Inn and Villas is now free for every overnight guest — cash room or rented points — so you no longer have to play the DVC game just to skip a parking fee.

Extra bonus pro tip: The BoardWalk Disney Villas side of the resort has a free laundry facility.

Extra bonus pro tip: Buy discounted Disney World tickets from Undercover Tourist.

Use Disney Gift Cards

You can pay for your all dining and merchandise purchases with Disney gift cards. Purchase these gifts cards at several locations at a discount. This is an easy way to shave a few percentage points off your meals, which will add up to a substantial amount.

If you decide to book your room directly with Disney, you can pay for your entire stay using Disney gift cards. This will cost more than renting Disney Vacation Club points, but you will have more flexibility.

Use Miles and Points

Disney Visa from Chase

Disney offers Visa credit cards through Chase. These cards are mediocre at best, but come with a decent sign up bonus. As an added bonus, you get discounts at some restaurants and stores on property.

Pro tip: Chase has a 5/24 rule. If you have taken out or been listed as an authorized user on a five or more credit cards from any company (not just Chase), your application will be declined.

Capital One Venture

Capital One’s Venture cards allow you to erase travel purchases from your statement. You could book the BoardWalk directly with Disney, then erase it from your statement.

Travel at an Off Peak Time

If you have flexibility in when you visit, consider visiting at an off time. If school is in session, you will get a cheaper rate.

Check Third Party Providers

You may be able to find a good deal on third party sites like Expedia, Travelocity, Tripadvisor, or Hotels.com.

Disney BoardWalk Grocery Delivery

If you want to save on food, you can have food delivered from a number of companies, including Amazon and Garden Grocer.

17. No Pets Allowed

Is Disney BoardWalk pet friendly? No, it is not.

Some other resorts allow you to bring dogs. As of the time of this writing, you can bring animals to Art of Animation, Port Orleans Riverside, Yacht Club, and Fort Wilderness (in the cabins only).

18. Checkout

You can check out without ever encountering a person. Your invoice will be slipped under your door. No need to visit the Disney BoardWalk front desk.

Note: Check out time is 11:00 a.m. You can request a late checkout, but it is almost never granted.

19. Disney BoardWalk FAQ

Are masks or COVID restrictions still required at Disney’s BoardWalk?

No. Masks are optional everywhere at Walt Disney World — indoors, outdoors, and on transportation — and there’s no social-distancing enforcement. The pandemic-era rules this post originally described are gone. Wear a mask if you want to; nobody’s going to make you.

Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn worth the money?

It’s worth it if you’ll spend most of your time at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, since you can walk to both. The walkability, free self-parking, Early Theme Park Entry, and Deluxe-only Extended Evening Hours are real value. It’s a much harder sell if Magic Kingdom is your main park (that’s a bus ride) or if you were banking on the old boardwalk nightlife, which has thinned out.

What’s new at the Disney BoardWalk?

The headline addition is The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a sit-down restaurant and bakery that opened in October 2024 in the old ESPN Club space. On the downside, Big River Grille (closed January 2024) and Jellyrolls (closed April 2025) are both gone, and a multi-area refurbishment runs through 2026.

How much is parking at Disney’s BoardWalk?

Overnight self-parking is free for registered hotel guests — Disney dropped the old self-parking fee in January 2023. Valet still costs extra (roughly $33 a day; confirm at check-in). Day visitors park free too.

When can I book dining at Disney’s BoardWalk?

If you’re staying on property, you can book dining 60 days before check-in and reserve for up to 10 days of your trip in one shot (the “60+10” window). Off-site guests book one day at a time, exactly 60 days out. Either way, popular tables — looking at you, Cake Bake Shop — go fast, so book the moment your window opens.

Final Thoughts – Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Worth it?

The BoardWalk is still a beautiful resort with an unbeatable location for EPCOT and Hollywood Studios people. The honest update is that its dining-and-entertainment strip has lost some of its shine — ESPN Club, Big River Grille, and Jellyrolls are all gone, and a 2026 refurbishment has the promenade feeling quieter than it used to. The flip side: the new Cake Bake Shop is a genuinely great addition, self-parking is free now, and the Dining Plan is back.

So, is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn worth it? If you’ll live at EPCOT, take advantage of the walkable dining nearby, lean on Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours, and can live with a bus to Magic Kingdom, I still believe it is.

If Magic Kingdom is your home base or you wanted character dining at your resort, look elsewhere — somewhere like Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge might suit you better. And remember: the boardwalk is free and open to the public, so you can always stroll it and grab a slice of cake without booking a room.

Whatever you decide, plan ahead and don’t pay rack rate. My full rundown of how to save money on Disney trips will help you knock the price down before you book.