Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Worth it?: It Depends
The BoardWalk Inn is one of the deluxe hotels on Disney World property. It is a cute resort with a prohibition vibe and an amazing location for those who want to spend time at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It also comes with a steep price tag. Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn worth it? It really depends what you want out of your trip.
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 COVID-19 Precautions
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Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Worth it?
1. Where is Disney BoardWalk Located?
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is located at 2101 Epcot Resorts Boulevard in Orlando. The resort sits on Crescent Lake (which I’m sure is alligator free). It is walking distance to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, several other resorts, and 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.
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? Not in most cases.
Parking for resort guests costs $25 per night. If you need the valet to do it, it will cost you $33 per night. You can get free parking if you are just visiting to eat.
Pro tip: If you rent Disney Vacation Club points, you get Disney BoardWalk free parking.
Bonus pro tip: You have to pay to park at the resort, but resort guests get free parking at the theme parks.
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 private Uber to Disney BoardWalk.
Note: Minnie Van service is temporarily suspended due to COVID-19.
4. What is the Disney BoardWalk Theme?
The hotel has an Atlantic City Boardwalk Empire vibe. There are cute models of carousels and roller coasters in the Disney BoardWalk lobby. In non-pandemic times, it is not uncommon to see street performers hanging out on the Boardwalk.
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 access the Skyliner station at EPCOT, which will get you to the Caribbean Beach and Riviera resorts. Is Disney BoardWalk Inn worth it for restaurants? It definitely is.
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 Disney BoardWalk Brewery
Big River Grille is located on the boardwalk. It is a cramped space with a lot of barstools that are not ideal for small children. This Disney BoardWalk food is just OK, but the prices are reasonable. There isn’t an allergy specific menu, so you will need to talk to your server about options if that is a concern.
Pro tip: This restaurant is not owned by Disney, but will accept Disney gift cards.
Bonus pro tip: This restaurant offers Disney BoardWalk outdoor dining.
Location: On the boardwalk
Disney BoardWalk ESPN Club
Disney BoardWalk ESPN Zone appeals to the sport-o dads that just can’t take any more characters. There are a million screens firing stimuli at your children. It even has screens in the bathroom. This seems excessive.
The restaurant serves typical bar and grill/Hooters food. There is an extensive alcohol menu. Allergy menus are available upon request.
Pro tip: Make a reservation.
Note: This Disney BoardWalk hotel restaurant is currently closed due to COVID-19.
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 that serves breakfast and dinner. This is the best of the Disney BoardWalk area restaurants at this time.
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: This restaurant used to offer a Disney BoardWalk character breakfast, but has not done so since COVID-19. Said character meal costs much more than a regular one. I hope it never comes back, but check at the time of your visit to see if it did. It will be a very annoying different experience if the princesses come back.
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: The Funnel Cake Cart is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
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: The To-Go Cart is currently closed due to COVID-19.
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 are willing to take a short walk, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways miniature golf is located at the Swan and Dolphin resort.
Note: Mini golf is not free. It costs $14 for guests ages ten and up and $12 per child. Kids two and under are free.
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: Disney BoardWalk surrey bike rental is currently temporarily suspended.
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 resort is located on a boardwalk with a strip of businesses. Most are family friendly, but there are a few places for a Moms Gone Wild event. If you are traveling with adults only and think you may take advantage of these, this resort is a great choice.
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 Disney BoardWalk Dance Hall is a bar and dance club (and I use that term loosely) for those ages 21 and up. Disney informs its guests that they can “groove” here to music from the 1980s and beyond. That probably gives you a good idea what the crowd will look like.
Disney BoardWalk Jellyrolls
Jellyrolls is a Disney BoardWalk piano bar. Here, you will find overpriced drinks and drunk adults singing. It is also 21 and up.
Note: This Disney BoardWalk dueling piano bar has a cover charge, which I find ridiculous.
10. Wi-Fi is Included
Wi-fi is included with your stay at no extra charge.
11. Housekeeping is Limited
Daily housekeeping is a thing of the past. At this time, you will get a light service every other day when you book the BoardWalk Inn side. While housekeeping is not a deal breaker for most people, it may be hard to accept that you paid several hundred dollars per night and don’t get a daily cleaning.
Disney Vacation Club members or those staying on rented points get housekeeping on their fourth and eighth days.
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
Guests of all Disney World resorts get into all four theme parks 30 minutes before the general public. This may not sound like a big deal, but it is. It is impossible for off property guests to rope drop at this point. Rope dropping is key to enjoying your morning.
Note: Only certain rides are open during these 30 minutes. Check the list to make your plan.
Extended Evening Theme Park Hours
Disney lets guests of its deluxe resorts only stay in the theme parks later than everyone else on select nights. Unlike early park entry, this is only available to deluxe resort guests. This is a small crowd, so this perk is a big one.
Pro tip: This is not available every day at every park. Check the schedule to plan your park days.
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 will be the same as any other guest. You can still use resort transportation. You get the same booking windows for dining reservations as everyone else. A Disney dining plan (currently suspended due to COVID-19) can be added to your reservation like any other guest.
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: Parking for Disney BoardWalk Inn and Villas is free at the resort when you stay on Disney Vacation Club points.
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. COVID-19 Precautions
As of the time of this writing, Disney continues to require masks indoors regardless of vaccination status. It is not, however, encouraging social distancing, as it actually instructs guests to fill in all available space in line. If you feel uncomfortable in crowds, you should postpone your trip.
Final Thoughts – Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Worth it?
The BoardWalk resort is beautiful. It has a great location for people who want to spend time at EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. There are tons of dining options. All of this comes at a price.
Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn worth it? If you want to spend time at EPCOT, will utilize the Disney BoardWalk dining options, and can live with the bus to Magic Kingdom, I believe that it is.
If you want to spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom or would like to have character dining at your resort, it is not for you. The boardwalk is free and open to the public to visit, so you can always take a stroll around if you want to see it without staying there.
Be sure to plan ahead to get the best deal if you decide to try it. Visit Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. You will not regret it.
A very concise and informative post. I will definitely save it for my next trip.
This a very extensive review. Now I have more information for the next time that I plan my trip to Disney. Thanks!
Good stuff. Thanks for having a detailed list of EVERYTHING available at the resort on one handy page. There’s one Pro tip I’m not sure to agree. Taking the Skyliner from HS to get back to the room sounds good in theory but I’d only advise this as a fun detour for 2 reasons. You need to transfer at Caribbean Beach to go from HS to Epcot, then walk back to Boardwalk. And Boardwalk is roughly right between HS & EP (both parks are ~10-15 minute walk depending on room location) so just walk back from HS (or take the boat) and save yourself two Skyliner lines plus a 10 minute walk from the Epcot station anyway. That’s probably a better tip for Beachclub, which can be 5+mins to EP and 15+mins to HS by foot.
I love the vibe and atmosphere of The Boardwalk, and it will probably be the one we stay at next. But I’m a little annoyed that it doesn’t have a dedicated sit down quick service area. That’s the only thing it’s “missing” in my book. But other than that I agree with you on all its pluses!
Nice detailed post! I finally treated myself to a two night stay at Boardwalk a couple of months ago. I spend a lot of time in Epcot and loved being able to just walk back to my room at the end of the night. Such a beautiful hotel!
This is a really great detailed review of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. We were always curious about this one and wanted to try it. We love Epcot and it’s great if you can stay at a hotel within walking distance. It really makes a difference! We stayed at the Yacht Club and it was so convenient!
Great and detailed review- I always loved Epcot when visiting years ago. Will have to put this place on the list if we go!