Resort Spotlight: Disney's Boardwalk Resort
Step back in time to the turn of the century at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, which is located on the shores of Crescent Lake between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will be memorized as they walk into a one of a kind lobby of vintage furniture, a fireplace, a miniature replica of a carousel, and wooden roller coaster. Then, to the right you have the Boardwalk Inn and to the left you have the Villas at Disney’s Boardwalk. As you pass through the lobby, you step onto a porch with rocking chairs, as well as unique chairs the kids love. This breathtaking view is definitely a great place to snap a few pictures, as well as view the happenings of the Boardwalk, Crescent Lake, and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts in the distance.
As you walk down the steps from the porch, you step back in time to the 1920’s Atlantic City themed Boardwalk. This is one of the favorite resorts in the “world” and one of mine too. It is more than just a resort; it is a complete entertainment district featuring restaurants, shops, nightlife, and recreation. As you stroll along the Boardwalk, the child in you (or your children) can enjoy the many old-style carnival games that line the Boardwalk. Along your journey, you may also be delighted by variety act entertainers, such as jugglers, magicians, or musicians. Furthermore, The Boardwalk is included in an exercise path for joggers. My husband, who is a disciplined runner, always enjoys running this path.
For those of us who DO NOT enjoy exercising on vacation, but DO enjoying eating, the Boardwalk is lined with full-service restaurants, quick service, and a lot of places to grab sweets and snacks. The pizza window is one of my favorite quick service restaurants…you can enjoy your “slice” while watching people along the Boardwalk. The unique Boardwalk Bakery is always one of my stops; their pasties cannot be beat. On a personal note, I am thrilled that the Big River Grill is featured on Disney’s Boardwalk. It was founded and still remains very popular in my hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. You can watch your favorite televised game, while enjoying classic American cuisine at ESPN Club. It is a culture of non-stop action and a perfect place for the sports lover. Ages twenty-one and up can enjoy the home of the dueling pianos at Jellyrolls, located at the end of the Boardwalk. This is a special place for me because many memories were made there when I was a Disney Cast Member. The dueling pianos and crowd sing-a-longs are a must for those looking to let down your hair and have a little fun!
We enjoy starting our mornings sitting along the waterfront, eating delicious pastries from the Boardwalk Bakery, while watching the watercraft begin their day. The Friendship boats are the transportation on Crescent Lake; they transport guests to EPCOT, Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can also walk to EPCOT (about a ten minute walk) and enter through World Showcase or if you enjoy a longer walk there is a path to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (about a twenty minute walk). Buses are also available to take guests to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, and Typhoon Lagoon.
The carnival themed Luna Park pool is one of our absolute favorite places to cool off. The Keister Coaster is a 200 foot wooden roller coaster waterslide that the kids will love to do again and again. The kiddie pool and playground area are a bonus for smaller children. My daughter, Giuliana, loves the pools at Disney because they feature poolside trivia and entertainment. Do you want something more relaxing? This resort features two quiet pools; one is located at the Boardwalk Inn and the other at the Boardwalk Villas. A few other features we enjoy are the fitness center (more my husband than myself), the tennis courts, and then arcade.
One of my first memories of the Boardwalk is renting surrey bikes. They are equipped to accommodate parties of two, four, or six riders. Be forewarned, this can be quite the workout! Do you enjoy fishing? The Boardwalk Resort offers guided fishing excursions. Climb aboard a pontoon boat for a catch-and-release fishing trip. I you wish to book, then call 407-WDW-BASS or visit the concierge desk. Each evening, as the sun sets, a Disney film is featured on a giant screen at the Boardwalk’s Village Green. This is fantastic way to enjoy some of your favorite Disney movies free of charge.
The Boardwalk theme is continued in the guest rooms. At the Boardwalk Inn, the average guest room is 370 square feet and includes two queen size beds and a daybed. The rooms are decorated with vibrant colors continuing with the turn of the century ambiance. The elegant bathrooms are divided in two distinct spaces. The shower room includes the toilet and is set apart for your privacy. The dressing area features double vanities, sinks, and mirrors. My mother loves this resort because of the magnifying mirrors that swing out from the side for easy makeup application. The villas give you that extra space for larger parties or families who desire to have a kitchen. When our daughter was an infant, the villas were ideal having quick access to a washer and dryer for her clothes and a dishwasher for her bottles. My mother was able to stay in the room with us and help with the baby, which was amazing for us! Balconies overlook several areas of the resort, depending on what category you book. Our favorite is Boardwalk view, where you can experience the sights and sounds of the Boardwalk from the privacy of your own balcony. Pool View is also fun, but with a five-year-old it is a constant reminder there is a pool and rest times are soon filled with begging to go swimming!
This distinct resort leaves you with the lasting impression that you have personally encountered the Atlantic City Boardwalk during the turn of the century.
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Brooke Towe
