Five Reasons I Love Disney's Boardwalk Villas

In the sixth of my series on Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort (WDW), I’m covering the 1940s Atlantic City-style Disney’s Boardwalk Villas. Being a DVC member gives my family the flexibility to stay in deluxe villas at different resorts at Walt Disney World (and beyond). I have covered the Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Old Key West Resort, Villas at Disney’ Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Disney’s Beach Club Villas.

Here are my five reasons that I love Disney’s Boardwalk Villas.

1. Location

Are you attending Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival? Is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival on your to-do list? Do you love walking (and eating and drinking) around the World Showcase in Epcot? Just like Disney’s Beach Club Villas, it’s a very easy 5 minute walk to the International Gateway entrance to Epcot from Disney’s Boardwalk Villas. There is also boat transportation available. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about a 15-20 minute walk as well. I usually opt for the Friendship boat for that park.

2. Restaurants and shops

There are many restaurants from which to choose, signature/fine dining, table service, quick service, and lounges. You can enjoy the newly-reimagined Flying Fish, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, the fairly new Italian restaurant Trattoria al Forno, or the casual ESPN Club. There is also the Boardwalk Bakery, Seashore Sweets, and the Pizza Window. Enjoy a quarter-mile long stretch of great shops like the Wyland Gallery or find Disney merchandise, basic groceries, snacks, and a selection of beer and wine at Screen Door General Store.

Big River Grille-Photo Credit Disney

3. Nighttime activities

Looking for some adult-only time? Stop by the piano bar, Jellyrolls, or the Atlantic Dance Hall. There is also the sports-themed ESPN Club so you can have a beverage and keep track of your favorite sports team action. There are also performers along the Boardwalk to entertain the entire family. You can also see some of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from the bridge that connects Disney’s Boardwalk to Disney’s Beach Club without having to venture into Epcot.

Street performer, Image courtesy of Disney Parks

4. Recreation

Are you planning a morning or day away from the theme parks? Here you can enjoy a guided fishing excursion, play a bit of tennis, take your pick of jogging paths, or rent a surrey bike to pedal around Crescent Lake.

5. Pools

There is the main pool, Luna Park Pool, which is a Coney Island carnival-themed pool that features a 200-foot-long waterslide. Yes, this is the pool with the giant clown face. There are also two leisure pools at Disney’s Boardwalk Villas if you like it a little quieter. Each of the pools offers a whirlpool spa as well.