About Disney BoardWalk
Disney's BoardWalk is a quarter-mile waterfront entertainment, dining, and shopping promenade located along Crescent Lake between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. Inspired by the mid-Atlantic boardwalks of the 1920s and 1930s, the BoardWalk offers a nostalgic atmosphere with restaurants, bakeries, nightlife venues, and stunning water views.
History of Disney BoardWalk
Disney's BoardWalk opened on July 1, 1996, as part of the BoardWalk Inn and Villas resort. Imagineered by Robert A.M. Stern, the area was designed to capture the charm and energy of 1930s-era Atlantic City. The BoardWalk has remained a popular evening destination for guests staying at the EPCOT-area resorts, offering a scenic walking path between EPCOT's International Gateway and Hollywood Studios.
Park Areas & Lands
🎡 BoardWalk Promenade
The main waterfront walkway lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers in the evening. Perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
🍕 Dining Row
Several restaurants and eateries line the promenade, from quick pizza to upscale Italian dining.
🎵 Entertainment Zone
Nightlife and entertainment venues including a dueling piano bar and a dance club.
Must-Do Attractions
- Jellyrolls - Lively dueling piano bar with audience participation, song requests, and a cover charge - ages 21+ only
- BoardWalk Deli - Quick-service bakery and deli open late offering pastries, sandwiches, and desserts
- Surrey Bike Rentals - Rent surrey bikes for a scenic ride along the waterfront around Crescent Lake
- EPCOT Fireworks Viewing - Watch EPCOT's nighttime spectacular from the BoardWalk waterfront for free - a hidden gem viewing spot
- Walking Path to Parks - A scenic walk to EPCOT's International Gateway (10 min) or Hollywood Studios (15 min) - no bus needed
Insider Tips
- The BoardWalk is free to visit for anyone - you do not need to be a resort guest
- Watch EPCOT's fireworks from the BoardWalk waterfront for a less crowded, free viewing experience
- Walk from the BoardWalk to EPCOT's International Gateway in about 10 minutes
- Jellyrolls piano bar is one of the best-kept secrets at Disney - arrive early on weekends as it fills up
- BoardWalk Bakery opens early for breakfast pastries and coffee - a great pre-park stop
- Street performers entertain along the promenade in the evenings
Best Times to Visit
The BoardWalk comes alive in the evening with street performers, live music, and waterfront dining. Weekday evenings are the most relaxed. Weekend evenings and holiday periods bring larger crowds. The area is quiet during daytime hours, making it a peaceful morning walk.
Tickets & Pricing
Disney's BoardWalk is free to visit - no admission charge. Individual restaurants and entertainment venues have their own pricing. Jellyrolls cover charge is $15-20. Surrey bike rentals start at $25 for 30 minutes.
Dining at Disney BoardWalk
Trattoria al Forno serves Italian breakfast and dinner with house-made pasta. The BoardWalk Deli offers quick bites and bakery items. Big River Grille and Brewing Works is a casual brewpub. For a special occasion, the recently refreshed dining options along the promenade provide waterfront views of Crescent Lake.
Official Resources
Group Visit to Disney BoardWalk? BusBrother drops your group at the front gate and picks you up after the fireworks. No parking fees, no rideshare surge. Round trip, multi-stop, ADA accessible. Get a free quote.