“Some Disney Resorts are beautiful. Some are convenient. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is both.”
When people ask me which Disney Resort I’d recommend for families who want to maximize their park time, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is always near the top of my list.
In fact, it holds a special place in our family’s story.
It was the very first Disney Resort we stayed at together back in 2015. At the time, I was traveling with two young children, and I quickly realized something that completely changed the way I planned Disney vacations:
Location matters.
Being able to walk to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios wasn’t just convenient—it made our entire vacation feel more relaxed.
As a travel advisor, I still recommend Disney’s BoardWalk Inn to many of my clients because it offers one of the best combinations of location, atmosphere, and convenience anywhere at Walt Disney World.
Whether you’re planning your first Disney vacation or your tenth, here’s why this resort continues to stand out.
Resort Overview
Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a Deluxe Resort inspired by the charming Atlantic City boardwalks of the 1920s.
Instead of feeling like another hotel, it feels like a destination all on its own.
The waterfront promenade comes alive with restaurants, entertainment, street performers, and beautiful evening views that make it one of the most enjoyable places to spend time—even on a non-park day.
Unlike many Disney Resorts, you’ll often find yourself lingering here long after dinner just to soak in the atmosphere.
Why the Location Is So Incredible
If I had to choose just one word to describe the BoardWalk, it would be:
Walkable.
This is one of only a handful of Disney Resorts where you can comfortably walk to multiple parks.
From the BoardWalk you can:
🚶 Walk to EPCOT’s International Gateway entrance
🚶 Walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
🚠 Ride the Disney Skyliner (via the nearby EPCOT station)
🚤 Take Friendship Boats to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Yacht Club, Beach Club, and the Swan & Dolphin Resorts.
When we stayed here with our young kids, not having to fold a stroller onto a crowded bus after fireworks felt like a luxury.
Instead, we simply walked back to our room.
That convenience was priceless.
A Resort That Feels Alive
One thing that separates the BoardWalk from many other Disney Resorts is that there’s always something happening.
During the evening you’ll often find:
• Street performers
• Live entertainers
• Carnival-style games
• Musicians
• Families strolling along Crescent Lake
It’s one of those places where Disney magic continues even after you’ve left the parks.
Dining Around the BoardWalk
One of my favorite parts about staying here is the variety of dining options within walking distance.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast before rope drop or a relaxing dinner after a long park day, you have plenty of choices nearby.
Some guest favorites include:
🍕 BoardWalk Pizza Window
🍦 BoardWalk Ice Cream
🥐 BoardWalk Deli
🍺 Big River Grille
🍰 Cake Bake Shop
🍸 Flying Fish
And because you’re within walking distance of both EPCOT and the neighboring Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, your dining options expand even further.
As a travel advisor, this is something I always point out to food-loving clients.
Perfect for EPCOT Lovers
If EPCOT is your favorite park, it’s hard to beat the BoardWalk.
Instead of entering through the main entrance, you’ll use the International Gateway.
That means you’re only minutes away from:
🌍 World Showcase
🎆 Luminous: The Symphony of Us
🌸 EPCOT festivals
🍷 Food & Wine Festival
🌺 Flower & Garden Festival
For festival lovers especially, staying here is a game changer.
Hollywood Studios Is Just a Walk Away
This was one of the biggest reasons we loved staying here.
Instead of relying on Disney transportation first thing in the morning, we simply walked over to Hollywood Studios.
That extra convenience meant less waiting and more time enjoying attractions.
It’s a benefit that becomes even more valuable when traveling with young children.
Is Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Right for Your Family?
I often recommend the BoardWalk for travelers who:
✔ Love EPCOT
✔ Plan to visit Hollywood Studios multiple times
✔ Enjoy evening entertainment
✔ Want excellent dining choices
✔ Appreciate being able to walk instead of taking buses
It may not be the perfect fit for every family—but for the right travelers, it’s one of the very best resorts Disney offers.
My Perspective as a Travel Advisor
After helping many families plan Disney vacations, I’ve learned there’s no “best” Disney Resort.
There’s only the best resort for your family.
Some families prioritize pools.
Others want character dining.
Some want the lowest price.
Others value convenience above everything else.
For us, traveling with two small children, the BoardWalk’s location made our vacation dramatically easier.
Even today, it’s still one of the first resorts I recommend to families who want to spend most of their time in EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
That’s why I spend time getting to know my clients before making recommendations.
The right resort can completely change your Disney experience.
Final Thoughts
More than ten years later, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn still holds a special place in our family’s heart.
It was where we learned that choosing the right resort isn’t just about having a place to sleep—it’s about creating a vacation that feels easier, more enjoyable, and more memorable from the moment you wake up until the evening stroll back to your room.
Between its unbeatable location, lively atmosphere, outstanding dining, and easy access to two incredible theme parks, it’s easy to see why the BoardWalk remains one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved Deluxe Resorts.
If you’re considering a Disney vacation and wondering whether the BoardWalk is the right fit for your family, I’d love to help. Every family travels differently, and finding the perfect resort is one of my favorite parts of the planning process.
✨ Because every great vacation starts with a conversation.
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