The Boardwalk Inn and Villas is located on Crescent Lake in the Epcot resorts area.  These two sister resorts combine with the actual Boardwalk entertainment area to create a unique resort destination.  These are my top my reasons to stay here.

#1  Overall Ambiance

The Boardwalk is themed as a whimsical seaside resort district.  Entering the lobby, the first thing guests notice is a gorgeous horse/mermaid chandelier.  This sort of whimsy is carried across the entire resort.  On the far side of the lobby is a cozy fireplace flanked by cryptic chairs and an elephant lurking above.  In the background, the upbeat jazz-esque music completes your transformation to the Boardwalk.

 

#2 Easy Access to Crescent Lake (Epcot) Resorts

One of my favorite breaks from the parks is walking from Hollywood Studios to Epcot.  This relaxing walk takes you along Crescent Lake which is home to several resorts including the Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Beach Club and Villas, Yacht Club, Swan, and Dolphin.  These resorts are nestled along the shores of Crescent Lake and provide guests with close proximity to a multitude of dining and recreational opportunities.  Unlike the monorail which closes at a certain hour each night, guests are free to roam around Crescent Lake at all hours.  Coming from a mom that had a 14 month old that liked to wake up at 5am while on vacation, this was a perfect walk to take to let the rest of my family get some much needed rest.  This is also the perfect location for an early morning run.  (I saw about a dozen each day on my super early walks)

 

The following dining locations are within a TEN MINUTE walk of the Boardwalk:

[QS = quick service; TS = table service; L = lounge]

AbracadaBar (L)

Ale and Compass Lounge (L)

American Dream Food Truck (QS)

Ample Hills Creamery (QS)

Beach Club Marketplace (QS)

Beaches and Cream Soda Shop (TS)

Beaches and Cream To Go (QS)

Belle Vue Lounge (L)

Big River Grill (TS)

Boardwalk Bakery (QS)

Boardwalk Pizza Window (QS)

Boardwalk To Go (QS)

Cabana Bar and Beach Club (L)

Cape May Cafe (TS)

Captain’s Grille (TS)

Crew’s Cup Lounge (L)

Dunddy’s Sundries- Market (QS)

ESPN Club (TS)

Fittings and Farings- Market (QS)

Fly Fish (TS)

Fresh Mediterranean Market (TS)

Funnel Cake Kiosk (QS)

Garden Grove (TS)

Hurricane Hanna’s Grill (QS)

Il Mulino (TS)

Java Bar (QS)

Java’s Coffee Food Truck (QS)

Juan and Only Food Truck (QS)

Kimonos (TS)

Leaping Horse Libations (QS)

Lobby Lounge Dolphin (L)

Martha’s Vineyard (L)

Oasis Food Truck (QS)

Picabu (TS)

Shula’s Steakhouse (TS)

Solarium- Afternoon Tea (TS)

Splash Terrace (TS)

The Fountain Eats and Sweets (TS)

The Screen Door- Market (QS)

Todd English’s Blue Zoo (TS)

Trattoria al Forno (TS)

Yachtsman Steakhouse (TS)

 

**Yes, this list seems  a bit long, but it shows how convenient staying at the Boardwalk can be.  Add in the restaurant options at Epcot and Hollywood Studios and you’d be amazed at what is available to close to the Boardwalk.

 

#3:  The Actual Boardwalk Exists

Yes, the Boardwalk is a real place.  It’s kind of like the back yard of the resort.  Here, you can find dining, shopping, recreation, and entertainment.   One of my favorites is the Boardwalk Bakery.  They open at (approximately) 6:30am and you can get everything from soft drinks and coffee to small meals to delicious desserts.

 

#4:  Super Close Proximity to Epcot

Epcot has been my favorite park for as long as I can remember and one thing that I love about staying at the Boardwalk is how close it is to Epcot.  To get there, guests have two options.  They can walk or take a water taxi.  I’ve never timed the walk, but even in the insane summer heat, it’s a quick walk.  The bus is nice and generally strollers do not need to be folded, but sometimes you need to wait a few minutes before one arrives.  When you stay at the Boardwalk, you enter Epcot through the International Gateway.  This is the ‘back’ entrance to Epcot and allows you to enter in World Showcase in between the UK and France.  I absolutely love this entrance!!!  Lines are minimal.  It’s almost like your own private entrance.  Not only is Epcot an amazing park on a daily basis (have you looked at the the dining possibilities?), but they also have the Flower and Garden Festival and Food and Wine Festival.  Several RunDisney events launch from Epcot.  You’ll need to take a bus to the front of the park, but it’s still super close.

The two parts of Epcot open at different times.  Check your times guide, but generally Future World opens at 9 and then World Showcase at 11.  Les Halles at the France pavilion opens with Future World.  This leaves me with two suggestions, stop by Les Halles on your way to Future World or plan to stop by Les Halles on a resort day.  I have never had a bad thing from Les Halles, but my favorites include any of the sandwiches, croque monsieur, baquette, napoleon, mousse, croissants, and iced cappuccino.

 

#5:  Nighttime Entertainment

Each night, the Boardwalk hosts a number of entertainers who perform various ‘shows’ on the Boardwalk.  These are super fun and I definitely highly recommend these performances.  As a mom, I love finding casual attractions.  Peruse the Boardwalk, grab a bite to eat, and it’s easy to stop by and watch a performer.  While it can get crowded at times, there’s no need to stake out a prime spot in advance.  We just typically wonder that was once we see that something is about to start.  In the event of inclement weather, the performers move indoors.  They are not cancelled.  Ask a cast member for details about their rain location.

Another part of the nighttime entertainment scene is the nighttime shows at Epcot at Hollywood Studios.  The Boardwalk is located right in between these two theme parks and while the views aren’t prime, you can still see portions of both shows from the Boardwalk area.  Illuminations at Epcot is always at 9pm and the Star Wars fireworks at Hollywood Studios currently are at 8:45pm (check times guide).  Disney does an excellent job of staggering these shows so you should be able to catch pieces of both.  This is a prime example of staying right in the middle of the magic!!