Big Top Fun at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas!

Reminiscent of the seaside resorts in turn-of-the-century Atlantic City, Disney’s Boardwalk Villas is a charming DVC destination that’s great for kids of all ages!

From the villas to the pools, and of course, the Boardwalk itself, there is so much to see, and I think it would be great fun if we went on a virtual trip to the resort together!

As the doors slide open to the lobby, you find yourself transported to a charming and cheerful waterside resort of yesteryear. The check-in area is bright and cheerful, with glittering chandeliers and plenty of comfortable seating. The model of a wooden rollercoaster, circus elephant guarding over the fireplace, and carousel above the circular settee are just a few of the pieces that set the theme.

Once you’ve completed your check-in, Bell Services will gladly hold your luggage until your room is ready so you can enjoy the resort! Perhaps you’d like to start with a dip in one of the pools? The Luna Park pool is definitely a showstopper!

The carnival theme keeps going strong, as guests plunge down the 200-foot long Keister Coaster waterslide, splashing happily into the water! Not only do you have an epic waterslide, but there’s also a whirlpool spa and a poolside lounge. Leaping Horse Libations is just steps away, offering a menu full of snacks, salads, sandwiches, and a wide variety of beverages.

If you’d rather have a more leisurely pool experience, you’re in luck! The Boardwalk Villas offers two quiet pools perfect for cooling off and relaxing. Both quiet pools also feature whirlpool spas so you can soak in the sun with a smile!

Once you’ve cooled off in the pool, maybe you’d like to explore some of the other activities the Boardwalk Villas have to offer! Adjacent to the quiet pool, you’ll find the Ferris W. Eahler’s Community Hall, where there are a variety of crafts, board games, video games, movies, and table games to enjoy.

Many of the activities available to guests at the Community Hall are complimentary, and you’ll often see a bunch of families taking advantage of the fun found inside!
On top of the pools, waterslide, and games found at the Community Hall, the Boardwalk Villas also offers a complimentary BBQ grill area that guests can use to enjoy a family meal al fresco. Nearby there is a playground that little ones can enjoy and a small arcade where kids of all ages can enjoy a variety of games. This peaceful spot along the back of the resort is also where you’ll find the walkway along the water to Hollywood Studios park!

By now, it’s likely that your room is ready, so let’s make our way back inside! The seaside theme continues in the DVC villas, with décor that is subtle, yet still captures the spirit of fun that carnivals are all about.

The walls are covered in pastel colors that remind me of salt-water taffy, with artwork of iconic boardwalk attractions such as Ferris wheels and roller coasters. The bedding is soft and plush, and there is plenty of storage and living space.

Once you’ve unpacked and settled in, let’s continue our tour by heading down to the big showpiece of the resort – the Boardwalk! I love seeing how perfectly the pretty pastels pop with bright colors and help to truly showcase the vibrant atmosphere of the resort. I also highly recommend spending a few moments soaking in the stunning view of Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resorts across the shimmering waters of Crescent Lake!

As you tread across the wooden planks, you’ll see just how much more there is to see and do (and eat) right at your fingertips! The colorful facades house a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, and after all of the fun activities, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. Here we have everything from snacks, quick service meals, and signature dining to choose from, so let’s check out some of the dining options the Boardwalk has to offer!

Sophisticated Signature Dining can be found at Flying Fish, where seafood and steak are the stars of the show. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, yet chic and elegant, and the master chefs deliver deliciousness with each bite!

Over at Trattoria al Forno, you can stuff yourself silly with hearty pastas and other Italian classics, or enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired Bon Voyage character breakfast with Rapunzel, Flynn, Ariel, and Prince Eric!

Big River Grille & Brewing Works is another great restaurant along the Boardwalk, with an award-winning microbrewery and a menu full of pub-inspired food such as BBQ ribs, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, nachos and more! The ESPN Club is also a great spot to sit and check on the scores of the game while noshing on some delicious pub-grub. Here you’ll find menu items such as chicken wings (my mother will rave that they’re the best she’s ever eaten), burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and my personal favorite – the Chocolate Hat Trick cheesecake!
If you would prefer a quick service meal, there are still plenty of options for you to choose from!

Counters and kiosks along the Boardwalk offer classic American favorites, such as corn dogs, chicken fingers, and pulled pork sandwiches, and even funnel cakes and margaritas.
There’s also the Pizza Window, which serves up delicious pies, salads, Italian sandwiches, and mini cannoli for dessert!

Speaking of dessert, don’t you worry about those sweet tooth cravings! The Boardwalk Bakery has tasty soups, salads, and sandwiches on their menu, but also cookies, cupcakes, and more scrumptious treats lining the shelves of the bakery case!

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that will also help you cool off in the Florida heat, Ample Hills Creamery is the place to go! With an expansive list of flavors, sundaes, floats, and milkshakes to try (I suggest the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake), you’re sure to walk out of this turn-of-the-century ice cream parlor with a big, ear-to-ear grin!

Of course, there’s more to find along the Boardwalk than just food! Two and four-person Surrey Bikes can be rented, there are carnival-style games, and I always enjoy popping into the Wyland Gallery to see what kinds of beautiful art they have on display. You can also arrange a guided fishing excursion on Crescent Lake if you’re traveling with an avid angler!

I’m more of an avid shopper myself, so I like to check out the goods at the Screen Door General Store, Thimbles & Threads, and Disney’s Character Carnival.

As you make your way down the quarter-mile Boardwalk, you’re sure to have noticed the boat dock. The Friendship Boats are a great way to get around the area, with transportation to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, as well as the Swan and Dolphin and Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. It’s one of my favorite ways to travel, and I find the boat ride very peaceful! If you’d rather get some extra steps in, you can also use the walkways.

By now, the sun is starting to set, and the stars are beginning to twinkle, but that doesn’t mean our fun has to come to an end! Along with campfires and movies under the stars, the Boardwalk really shines when it comes to nightlife!

Jellyrolls is well-known for it’s dueling piano performances, and the lively atmosphere has made it a fan-favorite over the years! The talented musicians will tickle the ivories playing your favorite tunes (requests are welcome), as the audience gleefully sings along. It is a popular hot spot for entertainment, so be sure to arrive early!

If you’d rather cut a rug than sing and shout, perhaps you’d like to pop into the Atlantic Dance Hall!

Located at the end of the Boardwalk along the edge of Crescent Lake, this glittering Art Deco ballroom has a large dancefloor, perfect for those over the age of 21 who want to boogie down!
For those visitors who would like a quieter place to relax in the evening, the Belle-Vue lounge offers a wide range of beverages, and the cozy 1930s-inspired sitting room is perfect for a quiet, relaxing nightcap. You may also want to simply continue strolling along the Boardwalk, taking in the sights and sounds, and enjoying the busker-style performers who happily entertain passersby with feats of magic, skill, music, and comedy!

Now that you’ve made a splash in the pool, participated in some amazing activities, satiated your stomach, and enjoyed some evening entertainment, it’s probably time to get some beauty sleep in your villa!

It’s been a magical day; thanks for exploring Disney’s Boardwalk Villas with me!

~Stacy