Over 20 million people visit Disney World each year. So, when you’re planning a trip to Disney, places to stay can book up quickly. And some of the first to book up – are the Disney Boardwalk area resorts.
To be clear, there’s technically only one resort on the actual “Disney Boardwalk” – Disney’s Boardwalk Resort; however, there are three other resorts within short and easy walking distance – The Yacht Club, The Beach Club, and The Swan & Dolphin.
Collectively, these are commonly referred to as the Epcot area resorts as well as the boardwalk area resorts.
With the exception of The Swan and Dolphin which are owned and operated by Marriott, the Disney’s Boardwalk Resorts are official Disney Resorts in the deluxe resort category.
Let’s go through our comprehensive guide to Disney Boardwalk Resorts.
Boardwalk Inn
Boardwalk Inn is a resort hotel at Disney World. The Disney Boardwalk Inn is designed to evoke the charm of a bygone era, with a turn-of-the-century Atlantic City boardwalk theme.
The resort features vintage artwork, dark wood furnishings, and warm colors. This creates a unique and inviting atmosphere.
The hotel is located within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This makes it a convenient choice for visitors who plan to spend time in those parks.
It features a variety of guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites with multiple bedrooms.
Guests staying at the Boardwalk Inn have access to a variety of transportation options, including buses, boats, and the Disney Skyliner, which can take them to other areas of Walt Disney World.
As with all Disney-owned resorts, guests staying at the Boardwalk Inn have access to a variety of benefits. This includes early park access, the ability to book dining reservations up to 60 days in advance, and on select nights evening hours.
The resort also features a range of different great amenities, including several restaurants, a pool with a water slide, a fitness center, and a spa. Additionally, the Boardwalk area itself is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for visitors to Walt Disney World.
There are plenty of great restaurants available near the Boardwalk Inn. You can check out the Flying Fish. It is an upscale seafood restaurant located on the Disney Boardwalk that features a diverse menu of seafood dishes. Some of the other popular dining options include Trattoria al Forno, ESPN Club, and Boardwalk Bakery.
The Boardwalk area features many entertainment options, including carnival games, street performers, and live music. The area also has a dance hall and a sports bar, as well as an ice cream shop and a candy store.
Boardwalk Villas
This is a Disney Vacation Club property that shares many of the same amenities as the Boardwalk Inn. DVC members can use their points to stay at this property.
Like the Boardwalk Inn, the Boardwalk Villas offer a variety of amenities. This includes several restaurants, a pool with a water slide, a fitness center, and a spa. Guests staying at the Boardwalk Villas also have access to the amenities at the Boardwalk Inn, as well as the entertainment options in the Boardwalk area.
There are lots of amazing entertainment options near the Boardwalk Villas. Families will want to check out Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf. This miniature golf course is themed after Disney’s Fantasia movie.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Disney’s Beach Club Resort is designed to resemble a New England beachside resort, with a charming and relaxed atmosphere.
The Beach Club Resort features a variety of newly remodeled guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites with multiple bedrooms. The rooms are decorated in a classic coastal style, with light colors and furnishings that evoke a sense of relaxation.
There are tons of great entertainment options near this luxury resort. Stormalong Bay is an expansive pool complex featuring a sand-bottomed pool, a lazy river, and a water slide.
The area also offers Movies Under the Stars, so guests can enjoy classic Disney movies on the beach or on the lawn. If you have kids, you can bring them to the Sandcastle Club. This supervised activity center offers children ages 3-12 a variety of games, crafts, and activities.
Fans of light shows will want to check out Epcot Forever. This nightly fireworks and laser show is held at Epcot and can be seen from the Beach Club Resort.
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a deluxe resort hotel located at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The resort is designed to resemble a New England seaside resort, with a nautical theme throughout.
The Yacht Club Resort features a variety of newly remodeled guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites with multiple bedrooms. The rooms are decorated in a classic nautical style, with crisp whites, blues, and grays, and furnishings that present a sense of sailing and adventure. Even the fabrics are chosen to evoke those found on a sailing yacht!
The resort also features several restaurants, a pool with a water slide, a fitness center, and a spa. Additionally, the Yacht Club is located within walking distance of Epcot. It’s also close to other Walt Disney World theme parks and attractions.
Yacht Club Resort shares amenities with the neighboring Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Additionally, both resorts share access to several restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
This hotel is adjacent to the Yacht Club Resort and shares some amenities with it. The Beach Club Resort is themed after a New England beach club, with pastel colors and elegant details.
The resort features a large pool, Stormalong Bay, which is shared with the Yacht Club Resort. It has a lazy river, waterfalls, and a sand-bottomed lagoon. The rooms and suites are luxurious and offer views of the pool or the lake.
The Beach Club Resort offers many dining options, ranging from fine dining to casual fare. The Cape May Cafe, for example, serves a seafood-centric buffet for breakfast and dinner.
The Yachtsman Steakhouse serves dry-aged beef and seafood in a nautical-themed setting. Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill is a great poolside option that serves sandwiches, salads, and drinks.
For cozier options, Martha’s Vineyard Lounge serves small plates in a New England-inspired setting.
The Yacht & Beach Club Resorts offer many entertainment options, including a beachside campfire or a pirate adventure cruise. The resorts also have a tennis court as well as a marina, where guests can rent watercraft. Fans of the great outdoors can take guided fishing trips on Crescent Lake.
Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts
Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts are two sister deluxe resorts located between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World. While not owned by Disney, they are still located on Walt Disney World property and offer many of the same benefits as Disney-owned resorts.
The Swan and Dolphin Resorts offer a variety of guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites with multiple bedrooms. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and offer views of the resort’s beautiful landscaping or nearby attractions.
One of the unique features of the Swan and Dolphin Resorts is the ability to walk to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are also plenty of great food options.
Shula’s Steak House serves premium beef and seafood in a club-like atmosphere. Todd English’s Bluezoo features a menu of ocean-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable ingredients.
Il Mulino New York Trattoria serves classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta and fresh seafood. Garden Grove features Disney character dining experiences for breakfast and dinner in a whimsical garden setting. This is a great choice if you want to ensure your kids get to see their favorite characters.
There are plenty of great entertainment options, too. The resorts feature a total of five outdoor pools, including the grotto pool, which features waterfalls and a waterslide.
Kids will want to check out Camp Dolphin. This supervised activity center offers a variety of activities for children, including arts and crafts, movies, and video games.
People who love exercise will want to hit the trail around Cresent Lake for a nice walk. If you want a good place to take a photo, pose in front of the Dolphin Fountain.
If you plan your trip right, you can hit the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This annual event is held at Epcot and features international cuisine, celebrity chefs, and live entertainment.
Disney Boardwalk Resorts: Now You Know
Clearly, there are a lot of different options when it comes to Disney Boardwalk resorts. All of these Epcot resorts offer a variety of complimentary transportation and are within walking distance of the Disney Skyliner, so there are no wrong answers.
Are you ready to start planning your vacation? We’ve got you covered. Get a consultation from Magic Lamp Vacations today.
