Why I Keep Going Back to Disney’s BoardWalk (Even When I’m Not Staying There)

by Jenna Caron

Okay, hear me out: Disney’s BoardWalk is hands-down one of the most underrated hangout spots on property. Everyone talks about the parks and the resorts and the restaurants (and obviously I talk about those too), but the BoardWalk is this magical little pocket where time slows down, the lighting is perfect, and I basically convince myself that I live inside a cute coastal rom-com. ✨

The funny thing is, I rarely end up staying at the BoardWalk Inn. But I’m always wandering over there because it just scratches an itch I didn’t know I had. Sometimes it’s for dinner, sometimes it’s for a stroll, and sometimes it’s because I just need a break from the sensory overload that is… well, everything else at Disney. 😅

One of my favourite things about the BoardWalk is that it feels like Disney without feeling like Disney. You can grab a cute little treat, browse the shops, people-watch like it’s an Olympic sport, and catch street performers who are way more talented than anyone doing card tricks at 10 p.m. in the Florida heat should realistically be. There’s something about the atmosphere that’s cozy and familiar but still sparkly in that Disney way.

And don’t even get me started on the water views at sunset — like hello, emotional damage. I could sit on one of the benches there forever, just enjoying that combination of background music + boats + laughter that feels very “main character in a coming-of-age moment.”

I love looking at the overpriced coffee and sweet treats at the Cake Bake shop, or having a magical drink at Abracadabar! You can also grab a corn dog or pizza, which are some of the best on property.

The BoardWalk also has this sweet spot for low-commitment Disney fun. You don’t need a reservation, a plan, or a strategy. You just wander. You snack. You let the vibes take over. It’s almost like adult recess, and honestly, we should all be scheduling more of that into our lives.

So if you’ve ever rushed past the BoardWalk on your way somewhere else, try slowing down one evening and just exploring. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth the detour. And who knows — you might end up like me, pretending it’s your permanent address every time you visit.