Disney's BoardWalk: Our Favorite Spot for a Disney Rest Day 🎡
If you've followed along for a while, you know our family does Disney a little differently. We do two park days, then a rest day, then two more park days. And on those rest days? You'll often find us strolling Disney's BoardWalk.
The BoardWalk is more than just a resort. It's a whole area wrapped around Crescent Lake, right between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. It has a 1920s Atlantic City seaside feel, with a quarter-mile wooden boardwalk, waterfront restaurants, sweet treats, and some of the prettiest sunsets on property. And no park ticket is needed.
Here's everything you need to know, including some brand-new additions this fall.
Where is the BoardWalk?
The BoardWalk sits in what Disney calls the EPCOT Resort Area. Picture a lake with a boardwalk on one side, the Yacht & Beach Club across the water, the Swan and Dolphin just beyond, and EPCOT's back entrance (the International Gateway) a short walk away.
That location is the whole magic of it. You can spend the afternoon in EPCOT, walk out the back gate, and be sitting down for dinner on the water in about 10 minutes.
Getting there: transportation 🚤
This is one of the best-connected areas at Walt Disney World.
Walking. The BoardWalk is about a 10-minute walk to EPCOT's International Gateway (between the France and UK pavilions). You can also walk to Hollywood Studios on a waterside path along the canal in roughly 20-25 minutes.
FriendShip boats. These little boats loop around the lake and down the canal, connecting the BoardWalk, Yacht & Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin, EPCOT's International Gateway, and Hollywood Studios. It's slower than walking sometimes, but the kids love it (and so do tired feet).
Skyliner. The EPCOT Skyliner station is at the International Gateway, just a short walk away. From there you can ride to the Caribbean Beach hub and on to Hollywood Studios, Riviera, Pop Century and Art of Animation.
Buses. Disney buses from the area resorts go to Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs.
Driving. If you're staying off-site, you can drive in for dinner or an evening stroll. One heads-up: as of June 2026, Disney limits resort-to-Disney Springs buses and boats to guests with an active Disney resort reservation (hotel stay, dining reservation, etc.), so off-site guests shouldn't plan on "resort hopping" through Disney Springs.
Where to eat on the BoardWalk 🍝
Table service:
The Cake Bake Shop — Pink, sparkly and over-the-top in the best way. It replaced the old ESPN Club and serves full meals, afternoon tea, and giant slices of cake that are basically a whole dessert course. Book ahead.
Flying Fish — The BoardWalk's signature restaurant, known for seafood and steaks. A great pick for a date night or a special-occasion dinner.
Trattoria al Forno — Italian comfort food in a cozy, old-world setting. Pasta, pizza and a great family dinner spot.
Quick bites and treats:
BoardWalk Deli — Sandwiches, salads and pastries. An easy breakfast or lunch.
Pizza Window — Big slices to eat on a bench by the water.
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs — One of the newer additions, and exactly what it sounds like. 🌭
BoardWalk Ice Cream — Scoops for a sunset stroll.
The Cake Bake Shop Bakery — Grab-and-go cake slices and sweets if you don't have a reservation.
Drinks:
AbracadaBar — A tiny, magician-themed lounge with fun cocktails.
BoardWalk Joe's — Coffee and specialty drinks from a walk-up window.
Hurly-Burly (new! more below) — Including a walk-up cocktail window that opens at 11 AM.
Coming soon: Disney has announced a new quick-service restaurant in the former Big River Grille space. Details haven't been released yet, so stay tuned.
The surrounding resorts (and their restaurants) 🏨
Part of what makes this area so great is how much is within walking distance.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Villas The resort itself sits right on the boardwalk, with Luna Park pool and its clown-mouth "Keister Coaster" waterslide. It's a Deluxe resort, with Disney Vacation Club villas too.
Disney's Yacht Club & Beach Club Just across the lake, with a New England coastal theme. Fun fact: Beach Club is where we stayed for our Honeymoon & it was pure perfection!
Stormalong Bay — A three-acre, sand-bottom pool with a shipwreck slide. It's one of the best pools on property (and only open to Yacht & Beach Club guests).
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop — Burgers, shakes and the famous Kitchen Sink sundae.
Cape May Cafe — Character breakfast with Minnie, Goofy, Donald and Daisy.
Yachtsman Steakhouse — Classic steakhouse. Another one of our absoloute faves!
Ale & Compass — A relaxed spot for breakfast and dinner.
Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin & Swan Reserve These are Marriott-run hotels on Disney property, and they have some great restaurants open to everyone.
Shula's Steak House, Todd English's bluezoo and Il Mulino for date nights
Garden Grove for a casual sit-down meal
Kimonos for sushi and karaoke
Bonus nearby: Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf is right across from the Swan, a fun rest-day activity with the kids.
Entertainment and things to do 🎶
Hurly-Burly (NEW!) Hurly-Burly opened on October 1, 2026 in the old Jellyrolls space, with a vintage vaudeville theme. From 4 to 9 PM it's family-friendly, with trivia and games. After 9 PM it switches to 21+, with live music on select nights. It's walk-up only, no reservations.
Atlantic Dance Hall ended its regular public nights at the end of September 2026. It's now used for private events and weddings.
Watch the EPCOT fireworks. The BoardWalk is a popular spot to watch EPCOT's nighttime show over the water. Find a spot near the International Gateway end for the best view.
Take a sunset stroll. Honestly? This is our favorite thing to do here. Grab a treat, walk the boardwalk, watch the boats, and let little legs run off some energy with no lines and no schedule.
Hop a boat ride. Ride the FriendShip just for fun. Our girl thinks it's an attraction on its own.
Shopping 🛍️
Screen Door General Store — Snacks, essentials, and BoardWalk souvenirs.
Basin on the BoardWalk (coming soon) — A new bath and body shop where you can blend your own bath tea, make your own soap, and personalize your purchase. An opening date hasn't been announced yet.
What's changing at the BoardWalk
The BoardWalk has seen a lot of changes over the last couple of years. ESPN Club, Big River Grille, Jellyrolls and the funnel cake stand are all gone. But Disney is filling those spaces with new spots like The Cake Bake Shop, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, Hurly-Burly, Basin, and the upcoming quick-service restaurant. There's also refurbishment work happening around BoardWalk Inn through 2026, while most dining, shopping and recreation stays open.
It feels like the BoardWalk is getting its sparkle back, and I'm here for it. ✨
Should you stay in the EPCOT Resort Area?
If your family loves EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, being able to walk or take a boat to two parks is a huge perk. You'll pay Deluxe prices, but for a lot of families the location makes up for it, especially with little ones who need a midday break.
Every family is different, though. That's exactly what we figure out together when we plan.
Let me help you plan your BoardWalk day (or stay!)
Whether you want to stay right on the boardwalk, plan the perfect rest day, or snag a Cake Bake Shop reservation, I'd love to help. I'll help you pick the right resort, plan your park days, and book the dining that makes your trip feel special.
Fill out my travel inquiry form here and let's start planning. 🤍
xoxo,
Katie