By: Zoe Dmuchowsky
If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend and you love Disney, why not visit Disney’s Boardwalk? Open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. on most days there is plenty of time to explore and hang out at the Boardwalk. Why not take a weekend break and come see what Disney has to offer? I have been to this great attraction many times myself, and I would highly recommend to anyone looking to get the Disney experience without spending the big bucks. This venue is located near Epcot and is an easy walk away from the theme parks to a more relaxed atmosphere. You do not have to pay for parking here, saving you money to spend on the many wonders of Disney.
Disney’s Boardwalk is meant to evoke memories of a simpler time, around the boardwalk cities of America. Here guests can stroll the boardwalk and enjoy world-class entertainment as well as dining. This is a great trip for you and your friends if you are trying to find somewhere worth driving. With so much to offer, Disney’s Boardwalk will not let you down!
The Boardwalk has countless options in dining ranging from an Italian restaurant to a high-class seafood place that even has a standard dress code to enter if you are feeling fancy. There are many restaurants, and quick services in between that are bound to meet your party’s needs.
Enjoy a beautiful night-walk around the boardwalk, open until 2 a.m.! Credit: Wikimedia Commons
As far as dining goes, I would highly recommend the ESPN club. Here, patrons can experience their sports teams in a more personalized way. The restaurant is set up as a casual sports bar with plenty of TV’s broadcasting major games. You can sit at the bar and enjoy a few drinks or choose a more laid-back table for an evening meal. I really enjoyed the overall layout of the restaurant and enjoyed it’s comfortable and welcoming dining area.
For those concerned about finding a great meal, I would have to recommend the Fried Chicken Breast Sandwich to any chicken lover who loves great, bold flavor. This sandwich is equipped with Applewood-smoked bacon, arugula, dijonnaise and beer-cheese sauce on a pretzel bun served with choice of one side. For me, the best part is that it is on a pretzel bun! It is a chicken sandwich like no other that is sure to blow you away. I got this my first time here, and I was not expecting to have such a world-class meal in a sports bar; I was pleasantly surprised.
There are plenty of options at the ESPN club, and everyone is sure to find their thing ranging from Guinness Beer-battered Fish & Chips to their famous wings perfect for watching a game and relaxing! Everyone is welcomed here, and you do not need to be 21 to sit and enjoy a nice meal.
There are also plenty of other restaurants on the Boardwalk to satisfy anyone’s desires. Those who have a sweet tooth they want to fill can check out the Boardwalk Bakery with a wide variety of sweet Disney themed treats! My favorite thing to order here is the Oreo Cupcake. Being the cupcake aficionado, I am, I can vouch this cupcake is worth the visit! The Oreo on top is even Disney themed into Mickey Mouse! If cupcakes aren’t your thing and you want to try something a little colder, try Ample Hills Creamery on a hot sunny day!
Any students of legal drinking age would find AbracadaBar to have a really full and interesting menu to find the right drink! All in all, Disney’s Boardwalk offers guests the opportunity to try lots of new foods as well as kick back and enjoy a meal at a casual sports bar.
Most people would recommend visiting the Boardwalk during the evening and night hours as it is truly a beautiful sight of lights to take in at night. Again, since they are open until 2 a.m., you have plenty of time to take in all the sights especially if you will not be getting there until the evening hours. There is also free live outdoor entertainment on certain days.
If you are done eating and want to find something fun to do, go to the Atlantic Dance Hall! Here you can kick back and enjoy a break from school while dancing to songs from the ’80s, ’90s and today! I don’t think a lot of places today offer full dance rooms where you can just let loose and enjoy a throwback. This is a very interesting part of the entertainment offered at Disney’s Boardwalk, and many guests highly recommend visiting the hall at least once! If you are at least 21 years old, you can visit this great attraction around 9 p.m. and enjoy a fun night. They have stars that shine from their ceilings and a very welcoming atmosphere. Atlantic Dance Hall is open until 2 a.m.
Sing along to piano songs at Jellyrolls, a piano bar for guests over 21! Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Another addition to the Boardwalk’s thriving night scene is Jellyrolls, a venue that specializes in live piano duels and audience sing-alongs. Again, you must be 21 to enter, but it definitely is worth the visit once you are of age. The musicians here openly take song requests and will even let you swap seats with them if you want to give the piano a try! If you are hesitant about testing your piano skills in front of a crowd, you can always sit back and enjoy the sounds of experts and guests alike.
Another great feature of Disney’s Boardwalk is the surrey bikes! You can enjoy a breezing bike ride by renting a surrey bike (four seated bike) and cruise along the entire Boardwalk. They even have roofs for shade in case it is too sunny outside for you. There are many entertainment options both indoors and outdoors of the Boardwalk.
Disney’s Boardwalk isn’t too far of a drive from Saint Leo if you are looking for something entertaining to do one weekend. Here you can let loose and destress from the hassles of school and immerse yourself in the magic that Disney has to offer. You won’t be disappointed!
