Best Things To Do At Disney’s Boardwalk

These Best Things To Do At Disney’s Boardwalk cover the fun attractions, activities, and restaurants that you can enjoy whilst visiting or staying at the Boardwalk.

Walt Disney World has more to offer beyond the much-loved parks and thematic hotels. This is best seen along the vibrant Disney’s Boardwalk, a hive of activity filled with family fun.

What Is Disney’s Boardwalk?

Perhaps one of the most underrated spots in town is Disney’s Boardwalk, which consists of an array of gorgeous restaurants, lively bars, and souvenir stores. Not to forget the round-the-clock entertainment like exciting boat rides, mini concerts, and funfair-style games.

Visiting after the sun goes down is undoubtedly the best time to stop by, as the entire boardwalk is alight, outdoor movie theaters open up, and street performers line the waterfront.

If you’re not too exhausted from a day of magic, thrills, and adventure at the parks, make your way to Disney’s Boardwalk for an evening you won’t forget for a long time.

Things to Know Before You Go to Disney’s Boardwalk

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Boardwalk Zip Code: 34747

Disney’s Boardwalk Address: Friendship Launch, Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, Epcot Resorts Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747, United States

How to get to Disney’s Boardwalk

Located along Crescent Lake, Disney’s Boardwalk is positioned between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios and is easily reached from either direction.

The rear entrance to EPCOT is just a 10-minute walk away, while it’ll take you around 25 minutes to reach the boardwalk on foot from Hollywood Studios.

If you don’t fancy making the walk, your best options from the Hollywood Studios area are to travel by boat or Skyliner.

At the dock, simply hop on board the boat to the Boardwalk Resort, or jump on a Skyliner to the Caribbean Resort, get off, and switch to the Skyliner headed towards EPCOT. From the back entrance, you’ll only be a short but scenic walk away.

Anyone visiting from other parks or the Disney Springs area can get a bus directly to Disney’s Boardwalk, but it’s also a 10-minute ride from the likes of the Magic Kingdom and the Animal Kingdom if driving is an option for you. 

Parking is available at the Boardwalk Resort, though it’s quite limited and can cost up to $25, so you have to weigh up your options.

Best Things To Do At Disney’s Boardwalk

Walk Along The Waterside

When you’re visiting the boardwalk for the first time, make the quarter-mile stroll along the length of the walkway and take in the magical atmosphere.

If you time it just right, you might even catch the sunset.

This is also the best way to decide where you’ll spend the rest of your evening, as you’ll get a glimpse of all the restaurant and entertainment options.

Dance The Night Away At The Atlantic Dance Hall

Our next thing to do is for those over 21! The Atlantic Dance Hall boasts both a lively nightclub and outdoor terraces, where you can take a much-needed breather after giving it your all on the dancefloor.

The latest tracks are played alongside classics from the 80s up until the early noughties every Thursday – Sunday from 8 pm until 1 am.

Be Blown Away By The Master Pianists At Jellyrolls

Another spot for the older crowd, Jellyrolls, is a piano bar. It is consistently one of the most buzzing joints along the boardwalk.

Open from 7 pm until 1:45 am every night of the week; Jellyrolls hosts piano duals. This is where two outstanding pianists battle it out through requests and challenges from the audience.

Unsurprisingly, this is among the best-loved bars in the area, so get here early to snag a seat.

Admire Disney Artworks At The Wyland Gallery

Disney World and art galleries are not two things most of us would put in the same sentence. But the Wyland Gallery is home to a unique collection.

Expect to see impressive paintings, drawings, and sculptures inspired by Disney movies and characters.

Entry is free, and you can inquire about purchasing some of the pieces, provided your suitcase allows it, that is.

Let Your Competitive Side Out At The Carnival Games

Try your hand at some of the carnival games; from ring toss competitions to mini basketball is on the agenda.

You do pay for these stalls, but you’ll have your pick of Disney-themed prizes to take home with you.

Peddle Your Way Around The Waterfront On A Surrey Bike

Right in the middle of the boardwalk, you’ll notice a bike rental stand filled with colorful Surrey bikes.

You have the option of single-bench bikes that hold two people or double-bench alternatives for groups of three or four. Both of which will set you back $26 per half hour.

Thanks to the shady covering, these are an especially great way to explore the area on hot and humid days.

Stock Up On Souvenirs

Rather than worrying about having to carry your Disney mementos around the parks with you. Instead, do your gift shopping at the boardwalk.

Screen Door General Store and its sister shop, Thimbles & Threads, will be your go-to souvenir hub. Lying side by side, everything from t-shirts and mugs to jewelry and postcards is available between these two stores.

Screen Door even has a huge array of groceries at the back, should you need to get some grab-and-go snacks.

Be Dazzled By The Street Performers

Musicians, acrobats, jugglers, and dancers are just some of the amazing street performers you can expect to see as the boardwalk comes to life at night.

Most of the entertainers are in action from Thursdays to Sundays and are very simple to spot, as you’ll notice crowds gathering pretty quickly after dark.

Hop On A Boat And Set Sail Around The Lake

Even if you’ve already made your way to both Hollywood Studios and EPCOT during your vacation, the chilled-out boat ride between the two is a great little afternoon activity.

These services are free of charge and allow you to recharge and take in the beauty of the boardwalk and surrounding hotels from a different perspective.

Grab Some Margaritas On The Go

Kick off an evening at Disney’s Boardwalk with a drink at the famous BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas, a retro kiosk dishing out cocktails, beers, and savory snacks every day of the week.

Open from 12 pm until 11 pm, add a little flavor to your stroll along the walkway with a frozen margarita or a pina colada in hand, and be sure to sample the Mickey Mouse pretzels while you’re here.

Witness The EPCOT Fireworks

As the boardwalk is situated right by EPCOT, you’ll have some of the best views of the nightly fireworks show from here.

Every evening at 9 pm, the colorful displays kick off from within the park grounds, making your night extra special and that bit more memorable.

Better yet, order your drink from Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas beforehand at around 8:45 pm to get the best of both worlds!

Watch A Movie Under The Stars

Many of the hotels and resorts in the area have regular screenings of Disney classics each night, including Disney’s Boardwalk Inn & Villas.

As the name suggests, this lodging is just steps from the boardwalk and holds movie nights all year round, with everything from Monsters Inc. to Sleeping Beauty on display.

The film usually gets going at around 8 pm on a big screen right by the pool area.

Cool Down With An Ice Cream

BoardWalk Ice Cream, formerly known as Ample Hills Creamery, is an excellent dessert spot along the boardwalk.

Choose between classic flavors like cookies ‘n cream or mint chocolate chip, or go all out and treat yourself to a strawberry shortcake sundae.

The creamy vanilla milkshake is another one of our favorites; it’s a famously over-the-top kitchen sink concoction featuring an ice cream cookie sandwich, fudge sauce, whipped cream, and any other topping you can imagine.

Stop by from 3 pm until 11 pm midweek or from noon at weekends.

Pay A Visit To A Caricaturist

To get your hands on a keepsake like no other, keep an eye out for some of the caricaturists who often set up stations along the waterside.

Though you might encounter some queues, these talented artists can usually complete a picture within 30 minutes, so you shouldn’t have to spend too long waiting for your turn.

Once you reach the top of the line, your caricaturist can transform you into your favorite Disney character for around $40 apiece.

Unwind At The Belle Vue Lounge

Whenever you need a break from the sun, head over to the Belle Vue Lounge, a quirky and charming cafe and restaurant filled with old-world charm and vintage decor.

This enchanting lounge lies just off of the boardwalk, plays 1930s radio shows throughout the evening, and always has a super relaxed ambiance.

When you want a little downtime with some good-quality cocktails, the Belle Vue Lounge will be right up your alley.

Eat Your Way Around The Boardwalk At The Many Fabulous Eateries

You certainly won’t leave Disney’s Boardwalk hungry, as superb places are abundant to each dotted along the promenade, from small establishments serving light bites to swanky full-service restaurants.

For something quick and easy, look no further than Surf Doggies or Pizza Window, both of which are pretty self-explanatory.

Operating from 12 pm until 12 am daily, Pizza Window offers massive slices of favorites like pepperoni and classic cheese as well as sangria and draft beers. 

In comparison, Surf Doggies prepares beef and plant-based hot dogs between 12 pm and 5 pm.

When it comes to sit-down meals, Trattoria al Forno and Flying Fish have got you covered. 

Trattoria al Forno is a fantastic spot for some mouthwatering Italian eats like truffle gnocchi, lasagna, and bruschetta. They also have a delectable breakfast menu that includes pancakes and omelets. Try it for yourself between 7:30 am and 10 pm any day of the week.

If it’s fresh seafood or a juicy steak that you’re craving, thsi restaurant is for you. Try the Chilean salmon, filet mignon, or lobster bisque at the Flying Fish. The restaurant is open every night from 5 pm until 9:30 pm.

Spend An Evening At AbracadaBar

Nestled between the Flying Fish and Trattoria al Forno is AbracadaBar. A magician-themed bar with lavish turn-of-the-century decor and an unbeatable vibe.

There’s a limited food menu consisting of pizzas, fries, and a charcuterie board if you get peckish, but the lengthy cocktail menu is the star of the show here. Expect to find a mix of timeless classics and funky, one-of-a-kind alternatives.

You might even happen to notice some of the hidden Mickeys that are scattered in different corners of the bar if you look closely.

Sample Beers Brewed On-Site At Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Did you know that Disney’s Boardwalk has its very own brewery?

The team at Big River Grille has been serving an ever-changing array of local beers produced right on the premises for years now, and you’ll be able to see the machinery in operation right in front of you during your visit.

Tell your server what you like in a beer, and they’ll find something from their current selection suited to your tastebuds, or order a flight and taste a range of different brews.

Big River Grille is open for business from 11 am until 10 pm during the week and until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and they also cook up pub grub reliables like BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, and fish tacos.