Disney’s BoardWalk is arguably one of the best date night spots on Disney property. The picturesque boardwalk that transports you to a seaside town in New England becomes even more romantic as the sun goes down. There are plenty of ways to fill your night here and it can be hard to pick just a couple. Here's our itinerary for exploring the best of Disney's BoardWalk on a progressive date night.
Date Night at Disney's Boardwalk
Start with Drinks
Choose one of these locations to enjoy a drink at the beginning of your night.
Belle Vue Lounge
If you walk through the hotel lobby to get to the BoardWalk, head down the hallway to your right for a laid-back lounge with a relaxed atmosphere. Modeled after a 1930s drawing room, this cozy little spot is perfect for soaking up the seaside breeze with a glass of wine in hand.
If you feel like stirring up some competition, settle into a comfy couch in the drawing room and challenge your partner to a board game. Or, order a drink and sit outside on the porch to people watch.
Hours: 4pm–12am
AbracadaBar
Located on the right-hand side of the BoardWalk, this is a favorite place for many. BoardWalk tales say that this bar is where the magicians and illusionists would gather after their performances to compare tricks and create new cocktails. The enchantment is apparent inside this space.
Cozy up to the bar and order one of their magic-themed drinks, like a Magic Hattan, a Hoodunit’s Punch or the ever-mysterious Pepper’s Ghost.
Hours: 4pm–12am
RELATED: Best Places to Grab a Beer at Walt Disney World
Main Course
Flying Fish
Recently redesigned with an open kitchen, this seasonal seafood restaurant embodies luxury dining. For every dish, the presentation is key. There is a chef’s counter which lets you peek into the kitchen as your food is prepared.
If you choose to have your main course here, we highly recommend making reservations and checking out the dress code beforehand.
Hours: 5pm-9:30pm
Trattoria al Forno
If you prefer the cozy romance of a traditional Italian trattoria, this laid-back restaurant is the place to be. Think exposed brick, a warm show kitchen, and a wine list composed exclusively of Italian wines.
According to Disney legend, the trattoria was once a boarding house and tavern, owned by an Italian family on the boardwalk. Their authentic regional dishes and hand-picked Italian wines were so popular, the space was converted, room by room, into a full-blown restaurant.
Each room has a slightly different feel, so feel free to request a table to suit your mood. Try the Sala de Pranzo for a lively atmosphere, or the Taverna for a more intimate dinner date.
Hours: 5pm–10pm
Yachtsmen Steakhouse
Located at Disney's Yacht Club, Yachtsmen Steakhouse is a signature Disney restaurant beloved by many. It is a ten-minute walk around Cresent Lake from Disney's BoardWalk and a great alternative on our itinerary if you're looking to really explore the area.
As you might have guessed, hand-cut steaks are the star of the show here, and there is a fantastic selection of seafood and other options too. The atmosphere is very date night worthy, so get a little dressed up and enjoy the experience.
Hours: 5pm–9:30pm
BoardWalk Deli
Short on time? Build your own delicious picnic at the BoardWalk Deli, the newest addition to Disney’s BoardWalk. This nostalgic quick-service spot serves up “delectably delightful” pastries, hot or cold sandwiches, salads, and sides to go. You can even grab drinks, if you like! We’re especially keen on the playful cocktails, like the Social Hour Sunkissed Fizz. This summery blend of vodka, yuzu, peach, key lime, and jasmine is perfect for balmy evenings on the BoardWalk.
Pack a blanket for maximum picnic enjoyment, and spread out on the sandy shore of the Beach Club next door. To get there, exit the BoardWalk Deli, turn right, and continue around Lake Crescent until you hit the beach.
Hours: 7am–10pm
Now Open – Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs currently serves Hand-dipped Corn Dogs and other unique Corn Dog creations over in Disneyland at the Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs kiosk in Downtown Disney.
This new location will serve some favorites from Disneyland Resort as well as brand-new items exclusive to Disney's BoardWalk.
- Mexican Street Corn Dog
- Pickle Dog
- Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade (Non-alcoholic beverages)
- Fresh Spun Cotton Candy
After Dinner Fun
After indulging in all the food and drinks, take a break and let your food digest by visiting one of these game stops.
BoardWalk games
Throughout Disney's BoardWalk, you'll find various midway games and live entertainers, such as free throw shooting, ring toss, jugglers, magicians, and more. Take some time to explore!
Surrey Bikes
Rent a 2-person surrey bike for half an hour to travel around the BoardWalk and burn some calories. Surrey bike rental costs around $25 per half hour. The bike rental station is located right in the middle of the BoardWalk.
Dessert
BoardWalk Ice Cream
What was once home to Ample Hills Creamery, is now simply named BoardWalk Ice Cream. This classic ice cream parlor offers awesome sundaes and shakes, as well as simple scoops of ice cream.
The vintage style beverages like the classic Egg Cream and Cherry Limeade are an affordable date idea. Currently, the only plant-based options are soy-based chocolate and vanilla.
Hours: 3pm–11pm
BoardWalk Treats
Just like there are games scattered around the BoardWalk, there is also food! And we all know fried, greasy fair food is the best. So, grab a funnel cake and enjoy!
Now Open – The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers
This whimsical full-service restaurant features sweet and savory eats, dreamy desserts, and a lavish afternoon tea service.
Stop in for a sweet bite and a glass of French bubbles in the pastel-hued tea room. The Cake Bake Shop features dozens of desserts made with the finest ingredients. All cakes are made in-house daily, and you can also order pies made from scratch, cheesecakes, cookie bars, french pastries, and ice cream. Pair your treats with champagne, elegant specialty cocktails, or imaginative espresso drinks.
The shop even has its own exclusive blend of French rosé bubbles, created in partnership with Jean-Charles Boisset! Try Gwendolyn’s Famous Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake, an award-winning signature recipe beloved by the likes of Dick Van Dyke, Ina Garten, and Elton John.
Continue the Night
Jellyrolls
Probably the most famous spot on Disney’s BoardWalk is Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar. While the cover to get in might seem a little expensive, it is definitely worth the cost. It’s a little bit tamer than your usual non-Disney piano bar, but the piano players are incredibly talented.
The bar can become standing room only as everyone wanders over after visiting EPCOT, or after watching the fireworks. And the later it gets, the better the music and environment become. Request one of these songs for a truly unique performance: “Disney Medley,” “TV Show Medley,” “Boy Band Medley,” and “Rainbow Connection.”
Hours: 7pm-2am
Photo credit: Walt Disney World
Atlantic Dance Hall
Dance the night away at this 1940s-style dance hall. There’s no cover charge, so you can dance all night long, or just pop in for an hour before moving on. The club plays music from the 80s, 90s, and today, and is open on the weekends for maximum enjoyment.
Ages 21+ only.
Hours: Thursday–Sunday 8pm–1am
BoardWalk Courtyard
Before you leave for the night, take a nice romantic walk around the grounds of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. If you venture back into the hotel, make a left and walk straight out of the far doors. This will lead you to a private courtyard where many of the inn's suites are located. It is a very secluded, romantic spot where you can enjoy some alone time away from the crowds. Please be mindful of the guests and do not visit this spot too late.
Pro Tips
Parking
When parking at Disney’s BoardWalk, you must present an ID. Keep in mind it may be difficult to find parking if there is an event going on at Epcot. Sometimes having a dining reservation helps. You can always use a rideshare app or Disney transportation from Disney Springs.
Fireworks
Disney’s BoardWalk is one of the locations we recommend for fireworks viewing. Be sure to include this in your schedule if you are interested.
Sit at the Bar/Make Reservations
We highly recommend you sit at the bar at each location, especially if you're just ordering a few things to share. Reservations are highly recommended for any table service restaurant.
Hidden Mickeys
While you are at Disney, you might as well be looking for hidden Mickeys. You can search for their locations in advance, or conduct your own scavenger hunt to see how many you can find during your visit.
Hours
Please note: Hours for restaurant locations can change based on the season. Please check the website before making your final plans.
Disney's Mobile Ordering
You can Mobile Order food at select restaurants and quick service locations through the MyDisneyExperience app. This includes select table service restaurants like Ale and Compass at Disney's Yacht Club. This is a great option if you want to enjoy a meal away from the busy dining room. There is plenty of seating throughout the entire BoardWalk area.
Disney Boat and Skyliner Transportation
The BoardWalk area is beloved because of its prime location between EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios. These theme parks are within walking distance, and there is also boat transportation and Disney Skyliner transportation. The Skyliner station is near the back entrance to EPCOT by Disney's Beach Club. Check out our Skyliner Crawl itineraries.
Additional Options
While some of these options are not immediately part of Disney’s BoardWalk, they are convenient and can always be included or substituted for any of the locations listed above.
- Ale and Compass
- Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
- Crew’s Cup Lounge
- Kimonos Lounge for karaoke, sushi and sake
- Il Mulino
- Amare
- Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf (across the street from the Swan & Dolphin)
Feature image credit: Jellyrolls