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Saturday 16 March 2024
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What is there to do at Disney’s BoardWalk area?

Disney’s BoardWalk is an entertainment, dining and shopping area just outside the International Gateway entrance of Epcot which gives you the feel of an Eastern Seaboard from the 1920s and 1930s.  This location also makes it a popular change of pace if you want a break from the Parks or perhaps to spend an afternoon or evening doing something “different”. It includes the BoardWalk Inn and Villas, a Deluxe resort property. 


There are many activities you may experience on the BoardWalk. Here you will find everything from midway style games of chance with prizes ($3-5 each) to renting surrey bikes (available til 10:30 most nights) and “midway style” entertainment (think magic shows, juggling acts, sword swallowing, jazz quartets etc…) from 6:30 – 10:30 most nights. What entertainment is going on will vary by the time of day you visit, day of the week and the time of year. For adult evening entertainment and activities you will find Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar ($12 cover, no drink minimum) open from 7pm-2am, but arrive early for best (or ANY) seating, and the Atlantic Dance Hall (open 9pm-2am, closed Sunay and Monday, no cover… but plan ahead, this area is used for a lot of special events so it may be closed to accommodate that). You must be 21 or over to enjoy these venues.


If you would like to have dinner on the Boardwalk there are several wonderful restaurants which include celebrity chef Cat Cora’s Kouzzina, The Flying Fish Cafe, Big River Grille and Brewing Works and the ESPN Club, which features about 100 tvs, as well as the Boardwalk Pizza window! You can also get a snack at several of the food kiosks serving typical “seaside” foods  such as hot dogs and chili fries. Afterwards you might want to stop by Seashore Sweets or the Boardwalk Bakery for a sweet treat. The Bakery is also a popular spot for breakfast items and snacks throughout the day.



You say you want to go shopping? My favorite store here is the very unique Wyland Galleries. Located near the entrance to the BoardWalk Inn this flagship Wyland Gallery features works by world renowned artist Wyland and some others. If you’ve never seen this work it is well worth your time to browse through this Gallery. Here you will find beautiful paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more which typically feature vivid colors and a focus on marine life. If you’d like to learn more, click HERE . There is also a Wyland Gallery at the Polynesian Resort. You will sometimes find the artist(s) at these locations signing their work. (Wyland himself is scheduled to be at these locations  November 9th and 10th 2013.) As a bonus, these locations also feature “Disney Themed” pieces! (Think Little Mermaid characters or maybe Mickey or Donald scuba diving among the marine life.) There is also the Screen Door General Store, Disney’s Character Carnival, Thimbles & Threads and a Pin Station which will provide you choices ranging from forgotten sundries and apparel to plush and toys and other souvenir choices such as pins. If a sports fan is on your shopping list try The Yard next to the ESPN Club featuring authentic ESPN merchandise. If you have someone in your party that is having withdrawal from arcade and/or video games, or who you want to surprise with the results of your shopping trip, head to The Yard Arcade next to the ESPN Club to keep them happy (ok, and *you* happy as well  ðŸ˜‰  )!


“But wait” you say… “I thought this was supposed to be a Boardwalk! Where are the water activities?” Not to worry, there are several water based activities available here as well. How about renting a pedalboat or hydrobike? Not fast or thrilling enough? Try renting a Sea Raycer, it goes up to about 22 mph. Not your idea of fun on the water? Well you can rent a pontoon or canopy boat, or even take a fishing excursion as well. There are also nighttime Illuminations cruises and children’s “Treasure Cruises” available from docks in this area too. Please be aware that there are various age, weight and height requirements as well as extra costs for most of these activities. Many locations do offer a Passholder discount so be sure to ask if you have one.

I hope that this gives you some idea of the activities you may enjoy at the BoardWalk. As a side note, please remember that many of these special “entertainment” offerings can and do change on occasion.


~Darleen