BoardWalk Inn is another of the Walt Disney World Deluxe resorts. The complex is a detailed replica of an early-20th-century Atlantic coast boardwalk. Facades of hotels, diners, and shops create an inviting and exciting waterfront skyline. In reality, the BoardWalk Inn & Villas are a single integrated structure behind the facades. Restaurants and shops occupy the boardwalk level, while accommodations rise up to six stories above. Painted bright red and yellow along with weathered pastel greens and blues, the BoardWalk resorts are the only Disney hotels that use neon signage as architectural detail. The complex shares a pool having an old-fashioned amusement-park theme (there are also two quiet pools). Refurbished in 2008, the BoardWalk Inn's 371 Deluxe rooms measure 371 square feet each. Most contain two queen-size beds with hardwood headboards, an upholstered sleeper sofa, a cherry desk and chair, an iPod-capable alarm clock, and ceiling fans. Decor includes yellow-and-white-striped wallpaper and striped green curtains. Closet space exceeds that in other Disney Deluxe rooms. Most rooms have balconies.

The inn and villas are well staffed and offer excellent service. They're also home to some of Disney World's finest restaurants and shops. The complex is within walking distance of Epcot and is connected to other destinations by bus and boat. Walking time to transportation loading areas from the most remote rooms is 5-6 minutes.

Reader comments about the BoardWalk Inn & Villas include the following. From an Iowa City, Iowa, family:

We were surprised that so relatively few rooms at the BoardWalk Inn have interesting views. We were in a group staying there before a Disney cruise, and the one couple who actually had a view of the boardwalk said it was noisy.

A number of readers have complained about the bus service at the BoardWalk Inn. This comment is typical:

Regarding the BoardWalk, the transportation by bus (Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom) was the worst. We waited at least 40 minutes every time and almost missed a dinner reservation (for which we left 1.5 hours early). I also didn't like having multiple stops.

Blog Posts About Boardwalk:

November 2, 2011

August 17, 2010

August 10,2010

February 9, 2010

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Hotel Definitely (+/- since 2010)
Disney's BoardWalk Inn 73% + (33%)
Average for WDW hotels 74% (+3%)
Average for off-site hotels 79% (+10%)
Average for vacation homes & condos 95% (N/A)

Would you stay at this hotel again?
Hotel Definitely (+/- since 2010)
Disney's BoardWalk Inn 100% + (20%)
Average for WDW hotels 90% (+1%)
Average for off-site hotels 94% (+5%)
Average for vacation homes & condos 100% (N/A)

Hotel Photos

Good (and Not-So-Good) Rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn

The complex comprises several wings that radiate from the lobby complex, roughly in the shape of a giant H. Crescent Lake and the Promenade (pedestrian boardwalk) are to the north, the entrance is to the south, and the canal that runs to Disney's Hollywood Studios is to the west. At the BoardWalk, the "water" part of "water view" can mean Crescent Lake, the canal, or a small pool. There are two concierge floors for those wanting extra service.

Most rooms at the inn and villas have a balcony or patio, though balconies on the standard upper-floor rooms alternate between large and medium. The BoardWalk Inn & Villas each share about half the frontage on the Promenade, which overlooks Crescent Lake. The Promenade's clubs, stores, and attractions are spread about equally between the two sections, leading to similar levels of noise and commotion. However, the inn side is closer to Epcot and the nearby access road; this provides better views of Epcot fireworks and easier access to that park, but it also means more road noise.

Otherwise, the inn is actually less noisy than the more expensive villas; there's one tranquil, enclosed courtyard, and another half-enclosed area with a quiet pool (where BoardWalk's Garden Suites are). There are many rooms to avoid at the inn, starting with rooms overlooking access roads and parking lots, and rooms looking down on the unattractive roof of the adjacent conference center. And although the aforementioned quiet rooms face courtyards, the views are pretty ho-hum.

When you get right down to it, the only rooms with decent views are those fronting the Promenade and lake, specifically, odd-numbered rooms 3213-3255 and 4213-4255. We're told by Disney insiders that most of these rooms are reserved more than 10 months in advance, so snagging one requires advance planning and a lot of luck. As for the others, you're more likely to get a better view at the far less expensive Port Orleans, Caribbean Beach, or Coronado Springs resorts.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths Weaknesses
Lively seaside and amusement-pier theme No restaurants within easy walking distance suitable for children
Newly refurbished guest rooms No restaurants in hotel
10-minute walk to Epcot rear entrance Limited children's activities and no character meals
15-minute walk to Dinsey's Hollywood Studios No transportation to Epcot main entrance
Boat service to Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot Distant guest self parking
Well-themed swimming complex
3-minute walk to BoardWalk midway and nightlife
Good selection of off-site dining within walking distance
Health and fitness center
Good views from waterside guest rooms
On-site child care

Disney's BoardWalk Inn Dining

Commuting Times to the Parks
Park Commuting Time
Magic Kingdom 7 minutes
Epcot 6 minutes
Animal Kingdom 7 minutes
Disney's Hollywood Studios 3 minutes