Disney Boardwalk

[Tiggers Friend]

Does anyone know if it is possible to walk all the way around the lake from the Boardwalk, past International Gateway, the Yacht and Beach Club hotels and then the Swan and Dolphin?

[Susan Veness]

It sure is! :)

The International Gateways isn't right along the lake, but it is down a pathway that runs along the canal, so although you can't reach International Gateway just by making the circle around the lake, you can take the short stroll down to the gates and either enter Epcot through World Showcase or come back up the pathway and continue along the lake that sits between the Boardwalk and the Yacht and Beach Clubs.

Same for the Swan/Dolphin. They're not right ON the lake, but they're down a short pathway that runs along the canal on that side of the lake.

It's a beautiful place to stroll. You'll see lots of joggers there early in the morning, too.

[yeehaa]

We asked several times at our hotel on I-Drive about Disney Boardwalk, and no one knew anything about it!

We found it for ourselves via the Epcot area exits on World Drive but not sure exactly if we parked up where we should have.

We entered via a private-looking car park with security barriers. The guard was cool though when we explained we just wanted to look and walk round the lake. He let us in and let us park for free.
On the exit, you were supposed to put a hotel room card in the barrier, but again a guard was pretty cool.
Daytime at the Boarwalk was pretty pointless as I guess it's an "After-Dark" kind of place.
No shops were open but it was a lovely setting and we took a casual stroll round the lake, had a beer at the Yacht Club Hotel and then wandered towards the Swan (Or was it Dolphon?) hotel.

[Susan Veness]

Welcome to the ATD family, yeehaa! We're glad you found us. :)

Typically the guard will direct you toward a parking area not far from the gates (but quite far from the hotel itself) which has been reserved for non-resort guests. The Boardwalk is a popular night spot and they know visitors want to come over for the shopping, dining, strolling, etc. Most Disney resorts give you a card to place in your window so they know you're not parking there and going somewhere else for the day, but the Boardwalk uses a special parking lot instead.

It's a beautiful place for a relaxing evening, isn't it, yeehaa? Did you see all the surrey bikes? It's funny to watch people trying to get up that big hill between the Yacht Club and the Dolphin.

[Simon Veness]

Quite often they need a push from passers-by to get to the top!!

But it is a beautiful area to walk, either by day or night (although it really comes into its own at night). I especially like the Big River Grille Brewing Co, as they have a micro-brewery there which serves up some pretty decent beer :cool:

[me again]

Quite often they need a push from passers-by to get to the top!!

But it is a beautiful area to walk, either by day or night (although it really comes into its own at night). I especially like the Big River Grille Brewing Co, as they have a micro-brewery there which serves up some pretty decent beer :cool:

could you bring young children?

[Susan Veness]

Are you asking if you can bring young children to the Boardwalk, or to Big River Grille Brewing Co.? It's Yes to both. :) Just to clarify, BRG is a restaurant, so families are welcome. Children are not allowed to sit at the bar in a bar or in a restaurant in the US, but they can sit at a table away from the bar. Does that help?

If you're asking if they can ride on the surrey bikes, it depends on their age. I'm racking my brain to remember, but I know they have to be a certain age to ride on a seat, and if they're under that age they can ride in the special basked on the front of the surrey bike (quite safe!). There is also an age limit under which they cannot ride at all, but again, my brain has gone blank.

Maybe someone else can think of it?

[me again]

Thanks a Susan have 2 young DDs one aged 3 the other 10mths this will be my 3rd trip to florida and have never been to boardwalk. :eek: was thinking of going down one night for a meal and a nice stroll :)

[Tiggers Friend]

The Boardwalk is well worth a visit in the evening, there are a few nice shops, entertainment and the restaurants (been in the ESPN bar). It's also a good place to see the EPCOT fireworks.