12 Things to Do at Disney’s Boardwalk (A Resorts Gal Guide)
We love to visit Disney’s Boardwalk and do so fairly often. However, we spend more time there as day guests than resort guests. With those thoughts in mind, I compiled a list of things to do at Disney’s Boardwalk. If you’ve never visited the Boardwalk, you might like to check it out on a day off from the parks. You might also consider walking over from Epcot’s International Gateway if you need a break from the busyness of the theme park.
Disney’s Boardwalk is more of a place to see than anything else. It’s a gorgeously constructed resort hotel designed to resemble turn-of-the-century boardwalks in Atlantic coastal towns. Some might compare it to the charm and nostalgia of the original Coney Island and Atlantic City. For most, an evening stroll around the Boardwalk will suffice. You might even pick up an ice cream cone or a corn dog while you’re there.
That said, several things come to mind that anyone visiting the resort can do. Unfortunately, most of these things are not free other than casual sight-seeing. But I have included a few things that will not cause you to incur any extra charges. Regardless, anyone who enjoys exploring new places will likely want to visit the Boardwalk and tour the entire Epcot Resorts Area. It’s one of the most stunning places I’ve ever visited. But I might be a little partial.
#1 Take a Casual Stroll Around the Boardwalk and Crescent Lake
Most will agree that enjoying a casual stroll around the entire Crescent Lake area is one of the best things to do at Disney’s Boardwalk. It’s also free and healthy. But there’s one big caveat. You want to be intentional about what time you visit the Boardwalk. You’ll quickly melt if it’s a clear sunny day and hot outside. I walk through this area often and assure you most guests don’t come out until closer to sunset in the evening.
So it probably won’t be pleasant if you’re at Epcot and think you’ll head over to the Boardwalk for a break around 1:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. Of course, you can always go inside and cool off in the lobby. However, the Boardwalk is best explored when the sun shifts away from it later in the day. So keep that in mind when planning your visit.
#2 Enjoy a Snack or Treat on Disney’s Boardwalk
You’ll have plenty of options to pick up a snack or fun treat on your visit. You can order an ice cream cone or sundae at the Boardwalk’s Ice Cream shop. Warning: remember that a cone will melt quickly in the sun. I made the mistake of buying an ice cream cone after lunch one afternoon, and it melted so quickly that I had to throw most of it away.
Other options on the Boardwalk include Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, which offers a variety of corn dogs, cotton candy, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas has Mickey-shaped pretzels, multiple flavors of margaritas, and more. The Screen Door Store has a candy case where you can purchase items like cupcakes, cookies, and fudge. They will also have bottled sodas and snack items like you might get at a convenience store. The Cake Bake Shop bakery is also now open. This walk-up section of the restaurant has a variety of cakes and other tasty treats.
Inside the Boardwalk, you can also pick up a specialty coffee at Carousel Coffee. However, they tend to close early, so check their hours. The Boardwalk Deli will also have a few pastries and treats in their case.
Speaking of the Boardwalk Deli, if you have a refillable mug, bring it along. You can refill it inside. A sign on the right entrance indicates where to refill your mug.
Related: Rapid Fill Mugs at Disney’s Boardwalk
#3 Rent a Surrey Bike
You can rent a Surrey Bike at Disney’s Boardwalk, but I would not necessarily recommend it. You’ll have to maneuver through possible crowds on the Boardwalk and encounter two fairly sizable inclines on the route around Crescent Lake. This activity also requires a fee.
Now, I do see others laughing and enjoying their rides. But I also see many guests struggling to get up the inclines. It’s challenging, and it’s not uncommon to see mom or dad have to get out and push the bike up the rest of the hill. But you’ll probably be okay if you get a good go of it before you reach the hill. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
#4 Enjoy the Evening Entertainment at Disney’s Boardwalk
Evening entertainment has returned to Disney’s Boardwalk regularly this last year. For a while, I saw posts where guests shared that entertainers were available during their stay. Then, I would drive over and walk through the area and not see anyone. But the last five or so times I’ve been through in the evening, I’ve seen a variety of entertainers. Skip Easy has become one of my personal favorites. They perform a variety of numbers with jump ropes, sometimes incorporating the help of guests. A magician is often out on the Boardwalk around Abrcadabar. He always draws a crowd. As always, entertainment is subject to change, but you should see a couple of performers most evenings.
#5 Tour the Promenade Fine Art Gallery
Those who enjoy art will want to stop in the Promenade Fine Art Gallery at Disney’s Boardwalk. This gallery contains an extensive collection of fine art, including original paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
#6 Play Carnival Games (Later in the Day)
Disney’s Boardwalk offers a variety of carnival-style games in the afternoon through the evening. These games are reminiscent of what you would expect on a typical Boardwalk. They require a fee, but you might win a prize if you’re lucky.
#7 Have a Casual or Elegant Dinner at Disney’s Boardwalk
If you visit the Boardwalk for a meal, you’ll have a variety of places to dine. The Boardwalk Deli is the resort’s primary quick-service restaurant. They offer mobile orders, or you can walk inside and purchase something. You can also enjoy a corn dog from Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs or a slice of pizza from the Pizza Window near Trattoria al Forno.
Reservations are strongly recommended for table-service dining. Options include Trattoria al Forno and Flying Fish, the Boardwalk’s signature dining location. The Cake Bake Shop is also available. This restaurant offers a full menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
#8 Browse the Gift Shops at Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk has one long gift shop with three entrances, each with a separate name. So, some might say the Boardwalk has three gift shops: the Screen Door General Store, Thimbles and Threads, and Disney’s Character Carnival.
Inside the trio of connected shops, you’ll find anything from Boardwalk-branded merchandise to men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel. We enjoy stopping by to browse what’s available.
Related: The Gift Shops at Disney’s Boardwalk
#9 Enjoy the Adult Entertainment Offerings at Disney’s Boardwalk
Disney’s Boardwalk has a couple of late-night entertainment offerings geared toward adults ages 21 and older. Those options are Jellyrolls with Dueling Pianos and Atlantic Dance Hall. Jellyrolls is open nightly and has a cover charge. Atlantic Dance Hall is typically open on Wednesday through Sunday evenings. You’ll want to check the exact hours before you plan to visit.
#10 Stop in for a Movie Under the Stars on the Boardwalk’s Lawn
Each evening, Disney’s Boardwalk offers a Movie Under the Stars on the Boardwalk’s lawn. Anyone can find a spot on the faux grass courtyard and enjoy the movie. If you arrive early enough, you might even happen upon the nightly marshmallow roast. These things are listed on the Boardwalk’s recreation calendar. A copy of the calendar with the movie schedule is posted in front of the lawn. Don’t let the photo below fool you. By the time it gets dark, the lawn is usually packed. It’s a fun experience if you don’t mind sitting on the ground.
#11 Explore the Boardwalk’s Lobby (Especially During the Holidays)
While at Disney’s Boardwalk, you might step inside to freshen up and explore the lobby or Belle Vue Lounge. Both are located on the resort’s second floor, which is one level up from the Boardwalk. You can take the stairs or an elevator. The Boardwalk has a quirky lobby with a moving miniature carousel displayed over a circle settee, a tremendous chandelier that’s half mermaid, half horse, a display case with a tiny wooden roller coaster, and these miniature nanny chairs that sit near the fireplace. The lobby offers quite a few things to see.
If you visit during the holidays, don’t miss the endearing gingerbread display and Christmas decorations that decorate the entire lobby. It’s one of the most cheerful holiday displays I’ve seen.
#12 Find a Bench and Relax!
When it all comes down to it, you don’t have to do anything to have a good time at Disney’s Boardwalk! Just find a spot to relax and take in the surrounding views.
Depending on your origin point, you’ll have a variety of ways to travel to Disney’s Boardwalk. We’ve created a separate guide that offers directions to the Boardwalk from every Disney Resort and other popular destinations on property.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoyed this list of things to do at Disney’s Boardwalk. We always enjoy our time here and look forward to returning. For more information on the resort, you might like to read our Disney’s Boardwalk Resort Guide. Or try the following:
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Pool Photos and Details
- The New Rooms at Disney’s Boardwalk
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Review
- Disney’s Boardwalk Restaurants Guide
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