Three Reasons You Could Spend a Full Day at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas

Posted:  DVC Rentals Resorts

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas is a wonderful resort. Walking distance from two of Walt Disney World’s theme parks, EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this resort is a popular pick for guests looking for other ways to get to the parks besides buses. However, I think this resort is perfect if you’re not planning to go to the parks at all.

The colorful buildings of Disney’s BoardWalk Villas seen from across the waters of Cresent Lake under a sky full of fluffy white clouds and sunshine.

I know that’s a pretty controversial statement. Going to Disney World, staying on property, and not going to the parks?! Well, whether it is a fully non-parks trip, a couple of rest days, or you’re just looking for something to do on your travel days, BoardWalk Villas has tons for you to do in and around the resort.

The phrases “To the BoardWalk, Showplace of the Shore” and “A Vacation Sensation!” are written in large blue and orange lettering on the pastel yellow side of one of the resort’s buildings. There is also a large, dark red arrow directing guests down towards the BoardWalk.

  1. Location

BoardWalk Villas is located on Crescent Lake, opposite Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Disney’s Yacht Club resort. As previously mentioned, it is located near the International Gateway at EPCOT and is about a 10-minute walk away. It’s also about a 15-minute walk to the front entrance of Hollywood Studios. Guests can also take boat transportation to either of those parks, Beach Club and Yacht Club, and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels.

The colorful buildings of Disney’s BoardWalk Villas are seen at a distance as 2 boats drive by on the waters of Cresent Lake under a blue sky. The boat in the foreground is blue and white with pink accents, and the one further back is yellow and white.

If you’re not headed into the theme parks, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the magic of the parks. At night, if you walk over the bridge towards the International Gateway at EPCOT, you should be able to see that night’s fireworks show. While you may not get the full experience, this is a great way to still get a sprinkle of the parks.

A white directional sign directs guests along the red-paved walkway between Disney’s BoardWalk Villas and other nearby destinations including Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, Epcot International Gateway, and a Disney Skyliner Station.

  1. Plenty of Food Choices

With being located so close to multiple resorts, there are a ton of dining options. From quick service to sit-down, lounges to signature dining and walk-up windows, the BoardWalk has options for whatever meal you’re looking for.

The blue exterior sign and awning of Flying Fish restaurant at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas between two light yellow resort buildings. The words “Flying Fish” are in orange with lots of fish with wings decorating the sign. Beneath the awing are the glass doors to the restaurant.

Disney’s Beach Club Villas and Yacht Club are a short walk around the lake or a quick boat over if you are looking for something else not offered at the BoardWalk, like Character Dining at Cape May Cafe.

Minnie Mouse poses in her pink, purple, and blue beach-inspired dress and hat at Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Villas. Behind her you can see blue and brown restaurant seating as well as some of the breakfast buffet area.

And I can’t forget to mention that there are plenty of sweet treat options at the BoardWalk! Stop by BoardWalk Ice Cream for frozen treats, Screen Door General Store for grab-and-go treats, or the BoardWalk Deli for delicious pastries and baked goods. The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers should be opening soon, and I can’t wait to try some of the sweets offered here!

BoardWalk Ice Cream at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. The building in light yellow with white trim, and there is a blue sign with the restaurant name on it and two pink ice cream cones. On the left side of the glass door entry there are the words “It’s always ice cream weather here” painted, and the words “Ice cream cups & cones, sundaes, shakes” are painted in blue on the right hand side.

  1. Lots of Entertainment

While we’ve touched on some of the things you can eat and see at the BoardWalk, let’s talk about the things you can do between meals and fireworks.

A life-sized black and white chess game is seen in front of the Community Hall area leisure pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. The red and white Community Hall building is seen on the left, and there are several sun loungers and blue and white striped pool umbrellas on the right around the pool.

During the day, the BoardWalk will have Surrey bike rentals for guests to ride around Crescent Lake. Choose between a 2- or 4-person Surrey bike and take off pedaling on the bike path between the resorts.

Green, blue, and red Surrey bikes in a line looking out to the BoardWalk. On the back of the bikes there are signs reading “Follow Me To Disney’s BoardWalk” in red and multicolored lettering.

Guests staying at the BoardWalk can head over to the Ferris W. Eahlers Community Hall, where they can watch movies or borrow sporting equipment, play video games or board games, and participate in paid or free crafts and activities. There are two courts for tennis and pickleball adjacent to the Community Hall and guests can book private or group lessons at the resort as well. 

The interior of the Community Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. There is a movie playing on TV in front of a beige couch, video game screens, and a wooden table with coloring supplies.

If you’re looking to spend some time in the Florida sun, there are three pools at the BoardWalk that guests staying here can enjoy. The Luna Park Pool is the feature pool at the resort with a 200-foot-long waterslide, zero entry, and quick service dining location. There are also two leisure pools, and all pools will have a whirlpool spa as well.

The Luna Park Pool at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas under sunny blue sky. The steps leading up to the Keister Coaster are visible under the colorful mural decorated with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald and Daisy Duck enjoying pool time.

For paid activities near the resort, there are fishing excursions, and Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf.

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas as seen from the wooden pier across Cresent Lake at Disney’s Beach Club Villas under a grey sky. On the right-hand side of the photo there are multiple burgundy and white boats in the marina.

There are some free evening activities at the resort like the BoardWalk Campfire and Movies Under the Stars. These are subject to weather and movies will change depending on the day of the week. Be sure to check the recreation calendar once you check in.

Small groups of guests sit on the grass to enjoy a Movie Under the Stars at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas at night. There is a large black inflatable screen showing a movie scene and the coral and white buildings of the resort and lit up in the background.

If you’re hanging out on the BoardWalk in the evening, there might also be some entertainers who stop by. Bringing the nostalgic feel of an old-fashioned carnival and Coney Island-inspired boardwalk, the performers will dazzle you with their remarkable talents.

A performer dressed in a silver suit and hat with sunglasses and a white wig, meant to make them look like a statue, stands on the BoardWalk at night. Behind them you can see lights, Cresent Lake, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas across the water.



As you can see, there is so much to do at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. Between free and paid activities and entertainment, a plethora of dining options, and an amazing location, you’ll never be bored when you stay at the BoardWalk!

~Taycee

 

Disney’s BoardWalk Villas lit up at night. Small strands of lights glow along the row of the colorful resort buildings and reflect on Cresent Lake.

 

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