RESORT REVIEW: Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas




We love the Disney Boardwalk. The Boardwalk Inn & Villas is the resort located in the entertainment district of the same name, the Disney Boardwalk just behind Epcot. It’s not quite as happening as Downtown Disney, but it’s still fun and lively, especially at night. The resort carries that same vibe throughout, making it a really enjoyable place to stay. It is considered a Deluxe Resort and can be pricey because of its location.

The lobby inside the Boardwalk Inn

The location is one of the reasons we chose this resort in the first place. It’s within walking distance of Epcot; there is a special entrance to the park that spits you out in the World Showcase between England and France. We love Epcot, so we love that you can easily walk there from the Inn.

We’ve stayed at the Boardwalk Inn three times; the first time in a regular room B.K. (before kids) and the second and third times in a 1-bedroom villa with the kids. Every time was great. In the regular room we had two double beds and the balcony looked out over the Boardwalk, which was fantastic. I loved looking at all the action outside before closing that room-darkening curtain and going to sleep. The Boardwalk is especially cool at night when it’s all lit up – definitely worth a look if you’ve never checked it out before! Though it is definitely bustling with activity, even with a room overlooking the action I did not find it was too noisy or bright.




All the 1-bedroom villas are the same in all the Disney villas: a small entranceway, living room, kitchen and dining area, washer & dryer (AWESOME when travelling), a bedroom with king sized bed and bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and a separate shower. Some of the villas look over the Boardwalk and the others look out behind it. We had one that faced the quiet pool at the Inn, and we could also see the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios in the distance. That was kind of cool because it meant we could also see fireworks from the Fantasmic! show. 

Making use of the pull-out couch in the living room

Our villa faced the quiet pool and Hollywood Studios (see the Tower of Terror on the far right)

The main pool features a waterslide that looks like a rollercoaster and spits you out the mouth of a giant and somewhat creepy clown face. I like the idea of combining an amusement park feel – which, of course, meshes perfectly with the rest of the resort – with a modern pool, though as far as the various pools at the Disney resorts, this one isn’t as impressive as the others. Still, it works, and chances are the kids aren’t going to mind – that is unless they catch a glimpse of Stormalong Bay over at the Beach & Yacht Club Resorts nearby.




the Boardwalk pool with rollercoaster water slide (and creepy clown)





Another fun perk of staying in a Disney resort is that most of them have pool parties every afternoon. On our most recent trip, I took my eldest down to the pool every afternoon while his baby brother napped. Cast members have fun games and activities around the pool for the kids to take part in, and every child leaves with a prize. I know my son looked forward to this special part of our Disney day, every day!




The Boardwalk restaurants are indeed on the Boardwalk, which means you have to walk outside the resort to the actual Boardwalk to get to them. There’s Flying Fish – a Disney Signature Restaurant – and the ESPN Zone for when you’re in more of a sports bar kind of mood. There’s also a walk-up pizza place, a bakery, and carts selling traditional seaside boardwalk snacks like popcorn and corn dogs. They always smell amazing!

Enjoying popcorn on the Boardwalk



I just love the Boardwalk Inn, I really do. I think the best word to describe this resort is “charming”.  It reminds you of a bygone era on the mid-Atlantic seaside, with delightful Victorian details. And it just makes me feel happy being there, which is what Disney does best.

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