Disney World BoardWalk Restaurants

Disney World's BoardWalk is a unique quarter-mile promenade of shops, nightlife, and restaurants. The BoardWalk is located directly behind Disney's BoardWalk Villas & Inn Resort and is free to the public to walk around, shop, and dine. This article will discuss and review all Disney BoardWalk restaurants, including our favorite restaurants and meals.

I am a Disney World annual passholder, Disney Vacation Club member, and live about an hour away from the parks. I visit Disney World weekly and this article is based on my experience dining at Disney BoardWalk restaurants.

How to Access Disney's BoardWalk

Below are the many ways you can access the Disney BoardWalk, along with our recommended modes of transportation based on time, price, convenience, and availability.

EPCOT Area Resorts: If you are staying at one of the EPCOT area resorts, you are in luck! The BoardWalk is a just short walk away from the BoardWalk Inn and Villas, Disney's Yacht Club Resorts, and Disney's Beach Club Resorts. The Swan and Dolphin hotels are also within a short walking distance of the Disney BoardWalk. Staying at one of these resorts is a great option if you plan on visiting the Boardwalk.

EPCOT and Hollywood Studios: Another recommended option to get to the BoardWalk is walking from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. There is a nice walking path from Hollywood Studios just outside the park's front gates along Crescent Lake which takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also walk to the BoardWalk from EPCOT using the International Gateway entrance just outside of the World Showcase which can take about 5 or 10 minutes. Additionally, the FriendShip boats take guests between the BoardWalk, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios if you want to avoid walking.

Free Disney World Transportation: If you are not near EPCOT or Hollywood Studios, there are a few ways to get to the BoardWalk using Disney World's free transportation services. The Disney buses can take you to any of the BoardWalk Resorts from the theme parks, water parks, or Disney Springs. However, if you are at a resort, you will need to take a bus to either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios and then walk or take a FriendShip boat to the BoardWalk.

The Skyliner is another free mode of transportation from resorts located along this gondola-style transport's route. The Riviera Resort, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Caribbean Beach resorts are all located on the Skyliner path which can take guests between these resorts, EPCOT, or Hollywood Studios. We recommend taking the Skyliner to the EPCOT stop which is a shorter walk to the BoardWalk than Hollywood Studios.

Car or Rideshare: Using a rideshare app such as Lyft or Uber is another easy way to be dropped off at the Boardwalk without having to walk or worry about parking availability. You are able to drive yourself and park at one of the EPCOT area resorts. However, if the parking lots are near capacity, security may require confirmation of a resort or restaurant reservation for entry. They may also require valet parking which can be costly.

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Disney BoardWalk Restaurants – Table Service

The below list is all table service Disney Boardwalk restaurants available for dining. It is highly recommended to make reservations by either calling the restaurant or on the My Disney Experience app or website. It should also be noted these restaurants are all included on Disney World's Disney Dining Plan, which is returning on January 9, 2024.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Big River Grille & Brewing Works is a family-friendly microbrewery and restaurant open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday and 11 AM to 11 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. For reservations, Big River Grille requires a direct phone call to 407-751-1544. This table service restaurant has indoor and outdoor patio seating with beautiful views of the lake. Big River Grille is known for their handcrafted draft ales and lagers which are brewed on the premises. There is also a wide selection of wine and specialty cocktails including margaritas and sangria.

Their food selection is fairly typical American casual dining options ranging from burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and quesadillas. If you are looking for a unique and delicious beer and a more casual environment, Big River Grille is the way to go. However, we think the other table service BoardWalk restaurants have better food, detailed below.

Flying Fish

Flying Fish has the best food options out of all the Disney Boardwalk restaurants. While it is the most expensive restaurant at the BoardWalk (with entrées ranging between $35 and $60 per adult), it has the best quality and service. Flying Fish is open daily for dinner between 5 PM and 9:30 PM, and reservations can be made on the My Disney Experience mobile app or website.

The food, as you can expect, is primarily seafood as well as filet mignon, chicken, and even a tofu entrée for vegans and vegetarians. Flying Fish also has the best dessert options, including an artisan cheese plate and a fan favorite, the Chocolate-Hazelnut Bar. If you are looking for a signature fine dining experience at the BoardWalk, Flying Fish would be our number one recommendation.

Trattoria al Forno

A less expensive and more casual table service dining option is Trattoria al Forno. This restaurant is open daily for breakfast between 7:30 AM and 11:30 AM as well as dinner between 5 PM and 10 PM. Reservations are also recommended for Trattoria al Forno and can be made in the My Disney Experience mobile app or website.

Trattoria al Forno offers traditional Italian food including our favorites Coastal Mussels and Lasagna al Forno. For breakfast, the Sunrise Breakfast Pizza is not only less expensive option but is large enough to share. Trattoria al Forno's extensive wine list is 100% Italian and consists of over 60 different varieties in a bottle and over 25 in a glass.

Trattoria al Forno used to have character meets at breakfast but it is currently unavailable – hopefully they return soon! Otherwise, this table service restaurant is one of our favorites especially for the overall quality and price of their food.

Disney Boardwalk Restaurants – Quick Service

The following dining options are considered quick service restaurants and do not require reservations. These quick service locations have almost anything you'll need- from morning bagels to a quick slice of pizza to go.

BoardWalk Deli

The BoardWalk Deli has delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner between 7AM and 10PM. Start your day with a house-baked bagel, or enjoy a warm sandwich for lunch and a hand-piped cannoli for dessert. You can also save time by using the My Disney Experience mobile app to pre-order food for pickup. This favorite quick service restaurant also has a bakery offering many great options such as a Mickey cinnamon roll, snickerdoodle muffin, or my favorite chocolate-dipped cream puff. There are also a large variety of specialty coffees, beer, and cocktails for purchase. The BoardWalk Deli is truly a one stop shop for your quick service dining needs.

Additionally, the BoardWalk Deli also sells the Disney Rapid Fill Refillable Mug which can be used for unlimited drink refills at all almost all Disney World property resorts throughout your vacation.

Pizza Window

The Pizza Window offers Italian salads and pizza by the slice or as a whole pie between 12 PM and 12 AM daily. This is one of my favorite spots to grab a late night bite on my walk back from EPCOT to one of the nearby resorts. The Pizza Window also offers pre-ordering through the My Disney Experience app.

In addition to pizza, the Pizza Window has a small selection of beer, sangria, and mini cannolis for purchase if you're looking for something sweet. Although the menu is smaller than the BoardWalk Deli's, their hours of operation and quality of food makes it worth stopping by if you're in the mood for a slice of pizza.

Disney Boardwalk Restaurants – Bars and Lounges

The BoardWalk is known for their nightlife, including several unique bars and lounges. This section details the bars you can visit at the BoardWalk. Although some of these bars offer a limited amount of food, we thought they would be worth mentioning given their popularity and fun atmospheres.

Jellyrolls

For the 21 year old and up crowd, Jellyrolls dueling piano bar is a very fun spot to end your night. It is open nightly between 7 PM and 1:45 AM and has a $20 admission fee. This is a popular nightspot so we recommend arriving as early as possible to grab a table. The talented pianists can take any request and encourage guests to sing along during their performance.

Although Jellyrolls also offers specialty drinks to enjoy, the only available food is the free popcorn. Therefore, we recommend grabbing a bite to eat at one of the previously mentioned restaurants before walking over.

AbracadaBar

AbracadaBar is a magical illusion-themed bar open daily between 4 PM and 12 AM. Although it is small and can be hard to find a table, it is one of my favorite bars on Disney World property. While you are there, keep an eye on the lounge's show posters and mystifying mirrors on the walls that can change in the blink of an eye.

Bar snacks such as pizza, fries, and salumi (assorted meats and cheeses) are available between 5 PM and 10 PM, however, they always serve a wide variety of beer, wine, specialty cocktails, or other liquors upon request.

BoardWalk Joe's Marvelous Margaritas

If you're looking for a specialty margarita, BoardWalk Joe's is open daily between 12 PM and 12 AM. This kiosk-style bar serves several types of margaritas, beer, wine, and a Piña Colada. I highly recommend the Marvelous Watermelon Margarita which is unique and very refreshing. For DOLE Whip lovers, BoardWalk Joe's offers the Captain's Seaside Sensation, which consists of a DOLE Whip Pineapple smoothie with Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum. BoardWalk Joe's also serves nachos, a Mickey pretzel with cheese, and a jalapeño-stuffed pretzel.

Disney Boardwalk Restaurants – Desserts

BoardWalk Ice Cream

No boardwalk is complete without an ice cream shop, and this one delivers. There is always a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including dairy-free options. They also offer the infamous Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae for $24.99 which includes vanilla and chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, marshmallow topping, an ice cream cookie sandwich, whipped cream, white and dark chocolate curls, and a cherry served in a souvenir Mickey Kitchen Sink.

BoardWalk Ice Cream also offers vintage beverages including a cherry limeade, egg cream, and tropical orange seltzer for a more nostalgic option. The BoardWalk Ice Cream shop is a great way to end the night while taking an evening stroll and enjoying the BoardWalk views.

Coming Soon – The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers

Coming early 2024 to Disney’s BoardWalk, The CakeBake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will feature delicious cakes, cookies, pies, macarons, coffee, croissants and more. We are very exited for this new addition to the BoardWalk!

Plan Your Next Disney World Vacation

For more dining recommendations and other ways to save money on your next Disney World vacation, be sure to subscribe to our FREE newsletter for the most up-to-date planning information. This also includes exclusive deals and the lowest ticket prices anywhere. Additionally, make sure to check out our other guides related to Disney's BoardWalk and other related topics:

• Disney BoardWalk – Complete Guide
• FREE Things to do at Walt Disney World
• Finding Discount Walt Disney World Tickets
• Walt Disney World Genie+ Guide

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