Deluxe Resort

Steps away from Epcot’s International Gateway and a short stroll to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn offers easy access to Orlando theme park magic, by way of Atlantic City.

With just 371 rooms, the Deluxe AAA Four Diamond resort, which debuted in 1996, is the smallest among Walt Disney World’s onsite hotel accommodations. However, its central location lends an open door to an extensive 1930’s seaside scene, complete with a mini-Midway, mimes, magicians and one of the greatest varieties of drinking and dining options you’ll find at any Disney property.

In fair weather, families flock to the resort’s Luna Park Pool, featuring a clown coaster slide, but when the mercury dips, there’s still plenty of action to be found on the BoardWalk. Guests can rent a surrey bike and take a trip around Crescent Lake, interact with live entertainers, sing-along with dueling pianists at Jellyrolls and visit a variety of shops, eateries and even an upscale art gallery.

More formal than the neighboring Beach Club Resort, but still family-friendly, the BoardWalk Inn offers family guests attractive amenities like an all-day family activity center and a tot-friendly playground, plus spacious accommodations, all freshly renovated in 2014.

At the top of the luxury ladder, at least by Disney standards, and a bit more formal than accommodations at the neighboring Beach Club Resort, rooms at Disney's BoardWalk Inn feature upgraded beds, linens and amenities, all at an upgraded price.

Standard rooms sleep four to five and have two queen beds or a king bed ($25 surcharge), and most have a balcony. Some rooms have a junior size daybed (sometimes called a "child bed"), as well -- this small sleeper measures 35 inches by 65 inches and is meant to accommodate a child between 3 and 9 years of age.

A new lightened design scheme includes wallpaper, bed skirts and draperies in retro stripes, complemented by monogrammed accent pillows, framed prints of historic boardwalk scenes and several Hidden Mickey's.

Besides a flat-screen TV, alarm clock with iPod docking station, complimentary Wi-Fi and a combination desk/dining table, family-friendly features include a Pack 'N Play, a coffee maker situated on a high dresser out of the reach of small children and an armoire with a kid-accessible storage shelf that's ideal for stashing toys or snacks. A mini-fridge is housed in a low-lying, non-locking cabinet -- this may be an issue if you're traveling with little ones. Microwaves and bedrails are available upon request.

If you want to see water, plan to pay around $85 more per night for a preferred view standard room. For an extra $155 to $200 per night, you can upgrade to a deluxe view Concierge Level room, which will gain you 30 percent more space and a sleeper sofa, as well as plush robes, a DVD player with complimentary rentals, a view of Crescent Lake and the BoardWalk and Concierge Level privileges.

Besides four daily food and beverage presentations and an excellent view of nightly Illuminations fireworks at the private Innkeepers Club lounge, Concierge Level guests enjoy perks like pre-trip itinerary planning service and complimentary access to weekly wine tastings at the Flying Fish Café.

Parents who don't want to be prisoners of the dark after the kids crash for the night have a number of space-stretching options. If you have the extra cash, you can book connecting rooms or spring for a Concierge Level suite, which accommodates four to nine and has separate living and sleeping areas. Of course, you could always check-in to the BoardWalk Villas next door -- these home-away-from-home Disney Vacation Club accommodations offer flexible room arrangements and direct BoardWalk access, plus some additional family-friendly features like a washer and dryer and a full kitchen in each unit.

If you're traveling with an infant and no additional children and want to stick with the standard room, you can gain some privacy by placing your child's crib in the bathroom vanity area, which is separated from the rest of the room by a dividing wall.

With regard to room location, Garden View rooms mean peace and quiet after lights out time, while BoardWalk View rooms come with a good chance of viewing the nightly Illuminations fireworks show, and an even greater possibility of noise from nighttime activity below. There's really no easy way to access the BoardWalk from the Inn if you're pushing a stroller, as you'll need to take two elevators to reach the BoardWalk level.

Luna Park Pool Complex
A 200-foot rollercoaster-style slide (aptly dubbed the "Keister Coaster") is the centerpiece of the Coney Island-themed Luna Park Pool complex. The slippery ride twists and dips before spitting you out of a clown's mouth -- be sure to bring a camera to capture the comedy. Poolside activities include Carnivals, Dance Parties, Bingo and Name That Tune Contests, and parents are encouraged to join in on the fun. Unlike some other Deluxe and Moderate Disney resorts, this pool doesn't offer zero entry for toddlers, but in a back corner, you'll find a 1-foot deep pool that's suitable for little ones. Lifeguards and slide hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Kid-friendly Movies Under the Stars are screened at 9 p.m. nightly.

Nearby, the Luna Park Crazy Play Area (open 24 hours) features play structures for both toddlers and older kids. For those seeking calm, there are two "Quiet Pools" on property. Lifeguards are on duty at the main pool only, and you can borrow life jackets at this location, as well as at Community Hall. Complimentary towels are provided at all pools. Swim diapers are required for non-potty trained children and can be purchased at Dundy's Sundries or Screen Door General Store.

Disney's BoardWalk District
By day, a panoramic view of Disney's BoardWalk is picture-postcard worthy, but at night, the area really shines, with illuminated shops and eateries, live mimes, musicians and magicians and a mini-Midway featuring carnival snacks and old-fashioned games of chance. The merrymaking includes live entertainers (generally from 6:30 to 10 p.m.), Midway games (4 to 11 p.m.), hair wrap kiosk (6 to 10 p.m.), and pin trading cart (4 to 10:30 p.m.).

Surrey Bike Rentals
On the boardwalk, borrow a four-wheel canopy bike and take a quick trip around Crescent Lake. You'll have to beep your horn and pedal fast, in order to return before the clock expires. Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; $20 to $25 for 30 minutes.

Bayside Marina
Rent bikes and take a trip along the BoardWalk, or borrow a boat and cruise Crescent Lake. Half-hour boat rental options range from Sea Raycers ($32) to Sun Trackers and Boston Whalers ($45 each), and bike rentals are $9 per hour or $18 per day. Training wheels and baby seats are also available (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Albatross Treasure Cruise
Recommended for ages 3 to 12, but probably most appreciated by kids 5 to 10, the two-hour nautical scavenger hunt departs 9:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with stops at "Ports of Call" along Crescent Lake and Epcot. The $36-per-child fee includes a snack and some loot. Call 407-939-7529 for reservations.

Community Hall
A hidden gem, this spacious fun zone for families is located adjacent to the BoardWalk Villas area Quiet Pool and features old-fashioned games like Ping Pong, air-hockey and foosball (tournaments weekly), plus PlayStation II consoles, Wii, an art corner and a play area for pre-schoolers and toddlers. You check out movies, books, board games and tennis racquets for free, and for a fee, you can borrow bikes, paint your own pottery, or create a custom necklace or umbrella (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

Side Show Games Arcade
Located near the Luna Park Pool, this small arcade features games from retro to modern (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

The BellVue Lounge
The intimate lobby area is a gathering spot for breakfast and evening fare, featuring an outdoor balcony overlooking Crescent Lake. Breakfast: 6:30 to 11 a.m.; Bar: 5 p.m. to midnight.

BoardWalk Bakery
What kid wouldn't love a personal Mickey Cake for dessert? Via an open kitchen, guests gain a window to bread-making magic. Sweets and sandwiches are served from breakfast through dinner. Waits can be long -- divide and conquer if you can (6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.).

BoardWalk Pizza
Grab a slice or order a whole pie at this quick-service spot. Hours are 12 noon to midnight.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works
This is a casual lunch through late-night restaurant offering handcrafted beer and a pub-style menu; BoardWalk patio seating is available (11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; bar open until midnight).

ESPN Club
Tons of TV's, sports memorabilia and an onsite arcade keep the kids occupied while everyone enjoys American fare at this casual table service eatery open from lunch through late night. A merchandise shop stocks ESPN, team and college logo wear. ESPN Club is open 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., with the arcade open 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Flying Fish Cafe
This dinner spot serves up seafood, steaks and fresh specialties in an intimate dining room with an open kitchen. There's a dress code and stroller parking is outdoors. Choices for children include Mickey-shaped pasta, baked fish and for dessert, a paint-your-own edible Mickey chocolate puzzle or a Mickey chocolate "cauldron" with fruit and cake dippers. This may not be suitable for small kids.

Leaping Horse Libations Pool Bar
The limited menu includes frozen drinks and sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Seashore Sweets
Saltwater taffy, chocolates and hand-dipped ice cream to make the kids scream are served here. Kids' cones are an affordable $2. Seasonal hours: 1 to 11 p.m.

In-Room Dining
The room service menu features wholesome kids' meal choices like grilled chicken breast with whole grain pasta, veggies and fresh fruit. Craving pizza? You can save 30 percent on a whole pie by forgoing room service and getting it to go from the BoardWalk Pizza Window instead.

Refillable Mugs
For around $8 to $18, depending on length of stay, you can purchase a Disney mug, good for unlimited refills on coffee, tea and soft drinks at BoardWalk Bakery, Leaping Horse Libations, Seashore Sweets and BoardWalk Pizza Window.

All About the Extras
For families, the reason to stay here is kid-friendly conveniences. Besides the ability to travel to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios by foot or boat (and boats are enclosed, so no need to collapse your stroller -- which is a huge benefit in itself), family visitors enjoy all-day access to Community Hall, where there are a multitude of diversions for toddlers to teens.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the Inn's many decorative touches, like antique penny flip film arcade machines, a miniature carousel and a model rollercoaster, and a super-sized comfy couch that makes for a great family photo-op.

Overnight guests enjoy a number of special perks, like early-entry and late-stay theme park privileges (Extra Magic Hours), free onsite transportation, free parking, the ability to make FASTPASS+ reservations 60 days in advance and the opportunity to participate in a Disney Dining Plan with a Magic Your Way Package. Additional family-friendly privileges include online room check-in (up to 10 days in advance), resort airline check-in and airport transportation service via Disney's Magical Express.

Fitness Center
Muscles and Bustles Health Club offers some of the latest in exercise equipment, as well as massages (by appointment). An attendant is on duty 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily and access is available 24 hours with a venue activated resort key card or Magic Band.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the property and guestrooms.

Babysitting
Guests can utilize the Sandcastle Club, the childcare center located at the Beach Club Resort nearby (ages 3 to 12; open 4:30 to midnight; reservations, 407-939-3463). An alternative, Kids' Nite Out, an independent agency, provides in-room resort childcare. Rates are $16 per hour for the first child, with a four-hour minimum and a $10 caregiver transportation fee.

The Art of Smart Timing
When traveling to Walt Disney World Resort, it's best to avoid peak travel periods. Generally, these times include holidays and the summer months -- in other words, any time schools are out of session. If you do opt to visit in summertime, pack sunscreen, hydrate frequently and, unless you want to squander your souvenir money on ponchos at the parks, don't forget your raingear.

Fortunately for travelers on a budget, the least expensive times to visit Walt Disney World theme parks (Value Season) tend to coordinate with dates when crowds are the lightest. If your kids aren't in school yet, September is a great time to visit. Another prime time is after Thanksgiving through early December, when parks and resorts are decked out in holiday splendor. A visit to the BoardWalk Inn Lobby to see the spectacular Gingerbread Workshop is a longtime guest tradition.

Getting There
From Orlando International Airport (MCO): Free roundtrip airport transportation via motorcoach is available to guests (advance reservation required; limited hours) via Disney's Magical Express. To reach the resort by car, take the South Exit Road from Orlando International Airport to SR 417 Toll Road (GreeneWay) West and follow signs to Walt Disney World/Disney's BoardWalk Resort. Plan on about $3 in tolls.

Getting Around
You can reach Epcot (five to 10 minutes) and Disney's Hollywood Studios (15 to 20 minutes) via walkway (a stroller is a must), and complimentary daily boat service is provided to and from these parks, as well. Free transportation to and from the Magic Kingdom Park and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney waterparks and Downtown Disney is provided by bus.

For Mom and Dad
Enjoy a kids-free dinner at Flying Fish Cafe (advance reservations are key). Afterwards, head over to Jellyrolls dueling piano bar for a drink and some side-splitting fun.