During our last trip, Timothy and I indulged our foodie sides by checking out the eateries at Disney’s BoardWalk. Even though the BoardWalk Villas is our home resort, we realized there were a lot of places we had not yet tried, and we were pleasantly surprised by just how many options there were.
Flying Fish
Flying Fish has to be one of our all-time favorite restaurants on Disney property. While I may still be mourning the loss of the crab cakes and potato wrapped red snapper that used to be offered before the renovation and change in chefs, we have never had a bad meal here. Any of the scallop dishes I have had were delicious. The setting is now much more elegant than the old whimsical decor, and it makes for a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or have a nice date night.
Trattoria Al Forno
We have only come to Trattoria Al Forno for breakfast, but it does not disappoint. In addition to the usual Mickey waffles, you can get some unique items like the breakfast calzone–so good! Timothy also likes the press pot coffee. One quick tip: if you are not interested in the Bon Voyage Breakfast with the characters from Tangled and The Little Mermaid, there is a side room where you can forgo the character experience but still have the same menu. Typically you don’t even have to wait too long for a table for the non-character breakfast. It also tends to be quieter in this side room.
ESPN Club
ESPN Club is a fun spot to catch a game or grab a late-night bite, like nachos, wings, and fries. It’s usually easy to get a table unless there is a big game on. With screens everywhere (even in the restroom), you won’t miss a second of the game!
Big River Grille & Brewing Works
The food at Big River Grille & Brewing Works is admittedly not our favorite, but Timothy loves coming here for the craft beers, which are made onsite. Big River Grille & Brewing Works is actually the only microbrewery on Walt Disney World property, and you even get a flight of house-made beers to sample. The restaurant also has a great location on the boardwalk. When you’re seated outside, it’s nice to relax and watch the Friendship boats come and go.
Ample Hills Creamery
Yes, there is an Ample Hills Creamery at home in New York. Yes, I still love getting ice cream here anyway. The flavors here are so good from the ooey gooey butter cake to my favorite, baked unbaked that has both chocolate chip cookie pieces AND brown butter cookie dough! If you can’t decide which flavor to pick (I wouldn’t blame you), get the ice cream flight and try 6 flavors.
AbracadaBAR
AbracadaBAR is a magician-themed bar. It has some fun drinks even for people like me who don’t care for alcoholic beverages. While there are no actual magicians here, the bartenders have a few tricks up their sleeves that make for fun presentations of your drinks.
Pizza Window
Maybe we’re biased New Yorkers, but the pizza at the Pizza Window isn’t all that great. However, this spot along the boardwalk is certainly convenient if you are in need of a late-night bite. Aside from pizza, you can get a meatball hoagie or a Caprese salad.
BoardWalk Bakery
BoardWalk Bakery offers your standard Disney bakery options like cookies, muffins, and pastries. However, they also have some fun seasonal cupcakes. They also offer sandwiches and salads if you’re looking for something more substantial. If you are staying at the BoardWalk Inn or Villas or dining at one of the resort restaurants, you can also order custom cakes from the BoardWalk Bakery.
Boardwalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas
As the name implies, this stand offers margaritas–both regular and frozen. They also have beer and wine. For snacks, they have nachos, Mickey pretzels, jalapeno stuffed pretzels, and roasted almonds or pecans.
Funnel Cake Stand
Here you can get classic funnel cakes, jazzed up funnel cakes with ice cream and chocolate, or even cookies ‘n cream funnel cakes. This stand along the boardwalk also sells fried ice cream and cotton candy. If you really love funnel cakes, you can get the funnel cake gift kit to make them at home.
Leaping Horse Libations
Near the pool, you’ll come across Leaping Horse Libations, a quick service location. It offers sandwiches and salads and a variety of boardwalk-themed alcoholic beverages. You can also get some classic Disney snacks like Mickey ice cream bars and Mickey pretzels.
Belle Vue Lounge
Towards the BoardWalk Inn side of the resort is the Belle Due Lounge, another quick service location. It is usually only open for food in the morning and drinks at night. For breakfast, there is coffee, pastries, and fruit. It’s also a quaint little place to relax since it’s tucked away and has plenty of couches and even some board games!
Screen Door General Store
Okay, so this shop isn’t technically an eatery, but I did want to mention it since they have a nice selection of goods that you would normally find at confectionaries like cupcakes, cookies, rice krispy treats, and caramel apples.
What are your favorite things to eat or drink at the BoardWalk?
Good news! The potato-wrapped red snapper with creamy leeks and red wine reduction is back on the menu at Flying Fish! Our server pointed this out to us when we dined there February 5th. My husband and I both ordered it — still delish!!
Hurray! Thanks for sharing! I’ll be there soon. 🙂