Disney's BoardWalk Orlando
A lively promenade with shops, dining, and entertainment, offering a vibrant atmosphere day and night. Perfect for a relaxed Disney experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & performers
Disney's BoardWalk Orlando
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & performers

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively promenade with shops, dining, and entertainment, offering a vibrant atmosphere day and night. Perfect for a relaxed Disney experience.
"It's a beautiful area to walk around, especially at night when all the lights are on and the performers are out!"
🎯 Park Ticket Not Required
Enjoy the BoardWalk's charm, dining, and entertainment without a park ticket!
🌙 Evening Ambiance is Best
The BoardWalk truly shines at night with performers and twinkling lights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stroll the Promenade
BoardWalk Promenade
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, street performers, and unique shops along the waterfront. A perfect evening stroll.

The Cake Bake Shop
BoardWalk Promenade
Indulge in decadent desserts and unique treats. The Funfetti Sundae is a must-try!

Sunset Views & Drinks
BoardWalk Promenade
Catch breathtaking sunsets over Crescent Lake with a refreshing drink in hand. Pure relaxation.

Abracadabar
BoardWalk Promenade
Experience a unique lounge with magical illusions and a captivating story.
Planning Your Visit
Skip the Parks, Embrace the Boardwalk
Evening Ambiance is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Ticket Not Required
Enjoy the BoardWalk's charm, dining, and entertainment without a park ticket!
🌙 Evening Ambiance is Best
The BoardWalk truly shines at night with performers and twinkling lights.
🚗 Parking Tip: Swan Hotel
Uber to the Swan Hotel for easy access; no security check, short walk to BoardWalk.
🍦 Don't Miss Boardwalk Ice Cream
A classic spot for a sweet treat after exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Ticket Not Required
Enjoy the BoardWalk's charm, dining, and entertainment without a park ticket!
🌙 Evening Ambiance is Best
The BoardWalk truly shines at night with performers and twinkling lights.
🚗 Parking Tip: Swan Hotel
Uber to the Swan Hotel for easy access; no security check, short walk to BoardWalk.
🍦 Don't Miss Boardwalk Ice Cream
A classic spot for a sweet treat after exploring.
✨ Abracadabar's Magic
Enjoy unique cocktails and surprising illusions at this themed bar.
🚠 Ride the Skyliner
Take a scenic ride for great views and access to other resorts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests rave about the BoardWalk's vibrant atmosphere, especially at night, and its convenient location for accessing Epcot and Hollywood Studios. The dining options and unique entertainment are frequently praised. However, some visitors note that certain areas can feel crowded, and parking can be a challenge if not using alternative methods.
"From the first time we visited years ago, we established this resort as our favorite. We love the atmosphere, theme, food, drinks, hospitality, etc. Always a pleasant experience and this past one a few days ago was one of the best. So close to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Highly recommend this wonderful Disney resort."
Meg C
"Let me tell you about one of the best-kept Disney secrets—Disney’s BoardWalk. No, it’s not a theme park. No, you don’t need a ticket. And best of all? It’s almost entirely free.
Think of it like this: Disney sprinkled a little pixie dust on Coney Island, added a lakeside breeze, and made it a perfect evening out for families, couples, and yes—even rabbis with a stroller and a coffee in hand.
⸻
How to Get There for Free (No Hotel Reservation Needed)
Here’s the hack:
Park at Disney Springs (it’s free!) and hop on a Disney resort bus to one of the BoardWalk-area hotels. I recommend grabbing a bus to Yacht Club, Beach Club, or BoardWalk Inn. Once you get dropped off, you’re right in the heart of it.
Bonus tip: If you’re already near EPCOT, just exit through the International Gateway and you’re basically there. No park ticket needed.
⸻
Top Free Things to Do at Disney’s BoardWalk
1. Watch the Fireworks (for free!)
You can see the EPCOT fireworks from the BoardWalk. Find a comfy bench, grab a snack, and enjoy the show—no FastPass, no crowds, no cost.
2. Street Performers
Magicians, jugglers, musicians—they come out at night and bring the place to life. It’s totally free entertainment that’s actually good. Your kids (and you) will be mesmerized.
3. Movies Under the Stars
Yup—Disney resorts play movies outside on big inflatable screens. Anyone can sit and watch, not just hotel guests. Just look like you belong. Bonus points if you bring your own popcorn.
4. Nighttime Strolls
It’s romantic, peaceful, and beautifully lit. There’s a whimsical joy in just walking the loop around Crescent Lake—past the Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan, and Dolphin.
5. Free Campfire and Marshmallows
The resorts often have real campfires going in the evening with marshmallows to roast. Completely free, and the vibes? Immaculate.
6. Photo Safari
Go on a little self-guided photo adventure—capture the lights, the boats, the architecture, and all the little Disney details. It’s Instagram gold."
Rabbi Yisroel Bernath
"Beautiful! The atmosphere was old time Disney, and some of the buildings wouldn't be out of place in a Wes Anderson movie. Loved the subtle placement of loudspeakers, so the 40's music seemed to be in the air everywhere. Restaurants were a bit pricey but hey, the location is unbeatable. Great stroll if you stay at the Swan & Dolphin."
Miguel Fliguer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take an Uber or Lyft and ask to be dropped off at the Swan Hotel, which is a short walk away and doesn't have a security check.
Alternatively, you can park at Disney Springs and take a free bus to the BoardWalk. If you have a park ticket, parking at Hollywood Studios and taking the Skyliner is also an option.Yes, you can often park by stating you're visiting a walk-in restaurant like Belle Vue Lounge, or by saying you're using valet services.
During non-peak seasons, parking at nearby hotels like the Yacht Club or Beach Club is also feasible if you mention a walk-in dining option.You can take a leisurely walk from Epcot's International Gateway (between the UK and France pavilions) directly to the BoardWalk.
While there isn't a direct free shuttle from all offsite locations, you can utilize Disney's complimentary bus system from places like Disney Springs.
Yes, the Disney Skyliner connects to the BoardWalk area, offering scenic views and access to other resorts. You can take it from Hollywood Studios or Epcot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a park ticket to explore the BoardWalk, enjoy its shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
The BoardWalk area is generally accessible throughout the day and into the night, with shops and dining venues having their own specific hours. Entertainment often starts in the evening.
There is no admission fee to walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of Disney's BoardWalk.
Yes, you can enter the BoardWalk area and its public spaces without a hotel reservation.
Absolutely! Enjoy the street performers, the ambiance, and the beautiful views of Crescent Lake. Many consider the entire experience a free activity.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Don't miss a stroll along the promenade, catching street performers, indulging at The Cake Bake Shop, and enjoying sunset views with a drink.
The BoardWalk often features live music, jugglers, dancers, and other street performers, especially in the evenings.
Yes, there are various shops offering souvenirs, apparel, and unique gifts.
Yes, Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf is located nearby, close to the Swan and Dolphin resorts.
The BoardWalk is most vibrant and magical in the evening when the lights are on and street performers are active.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular choices include Flying Fish for seafood, Trattoria al Forno for Italian, and Yachtsman Steakhouse. For a special treat, try The Cake Bake Shop.
Yes, the BoardWalk Deli offers quick service options. Refillable mugs can be used here and at the pool bar.
BoardWalk Ice Cream is a popular spot for a sweet treat.
Abracadabar offers a unique, magical experience, while Belle Vue Lounge provides a more relaxed atmosphere.
It can be cost-effective if you plan to use it frequently at the BoardWalk Deli or pool bar, but the selection at the pool bar is limited.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire promenade offers picturesque views, especially during sunset and at night with the lights. The whimsical architecture and waterfront provide great backdrops.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour lighting, while nighttime provides a magical ambiance with the illuminated boardwalk and surrounding resorts.
Yes, Epcot fireworks are often visible and offer a great photo opportunity from certain vantage points on the BoardWalk.
The whimsical carousel, the charming street performers, and the unique architecture of the resorts provide many opportunities for memorable photos.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most visitors. For more advanced shots, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive promenade, and a telephoto lens can be useful for fireworks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the BoardWalk Without a Park Ticket
Beyond the promenade itself, the BoardWalk area offers access to other Disney resorts via the Skyliner and Friendship Boats. This allows for resort hopping and exploring amenities like the lounges at the Yacht and Beach Clubs, or even taking a scenic ride on the Skyliner for stunning aerial views. The area also boasts several highly-rated dining options, from quick bites to signature experiences, making it a culinary destination in its own right.
For those looking for activities, mini-golf is available nearby, and the evening entertainment, including live performers and the beautiful illumination of the boardwalk, creates a truly magical ambiance. It's an ideal place for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a different pace of Disney exploration.
Dining Delights on the BoardWalk
For those with a sweet tooth, The Cake Bake Shop is a must-visit, famous for its decadent cakes and unique desserts like the Funfetti Sundae. If you're looking for a more casual bite, the BoardWalk Deli offers a variety of sandwiches and snacks. Don't forget to grab a scoop (or two!) from BoardWalk Ice Cream for a classic treat.
When it comes to drinks and ambiance, Abracadabar offers a whimsical setting with creative cocktails and surprising illusions, making it a unique lounge experience. Belle Vue Lounge provides a more tranquil setting for a relaxing drink. Exploring the lounges at the adjacent Yacht Club is also recommended for a sophisticated evening.
Getting Around: Transportation Options
If you're already within Disney property, the Disney Skyliner provides a scenic and efficient way to reach the BoardWalk, connecting it to Epcot and Hollywood Studios, as well as other resorts. For a more direct route from Epcot, a pleasant walk from the International Gateway entrance will lead you straight to the BoardWalk's promenade. Friendship Boats also offer a charming way to travel between the BoardWalk, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios.
For those looking to explore beyond the immediate BoardWalk area, consider utilizing the bus transportation from locations like Disney Springs. While not always the fastest, it's a free and accessible option for reaching various Disney destinations.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit