Originally I was going to break this into two articles: the left side and the right side. But then to what perspective would be the left side? Looking at it from across Crescent Lake? Looking at it from the Boardwalk lobby? So I consulted Google Maps. Perhaps I should do West side/East side? Better yet, I’ll flip a coin to determine which side to start on, and then we’ll get strolling along Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.
Atlantic Dance Hall
We’re starting over on the far west side, closest to the bridges that lead to the Swan & Dolphin and Yacht Club & Beach Club. While Atlantic Dance Hall wasn’t open much in the past, and used to only be lively during conventions, we hear it’s open more regularly now, playing recent hits as well as 80s and 90s. Atlantic Dance Hall is a 21+ venue, though. I don’t believe there is a cover charge for admission.
Jellyrolls
A dueling piano bar! Jellyrolls is a favorite bar of nearby resort guests, and from what I understand, a fair number of cast members and Disney College Program attendees. Jellyrolls is a very lively place and while sitting on the opposite end of the Boardwalk, I’ve been able to hear what song is being played at the moment in Jellyrolls. There is a cover charge to get in and this location is also 21+.
Crest O’ The Wave?
Not to worry, dear reader, these are simply guest rooms. The west side of the Boardwalk property is for Disney Vacation Club members. There is also a Disney Vacation Club Preview Center here at the Boardwalk where you can tour a model 1-bedroom villa, as well as chat with DVC cast members to find out more information. (they are not pushy time-share sales people)
Big River Grille and Brewing Works
Looking for a place to eat that isn’t fancy and doesn’t have a walk-up window? Maybe you or someone in your group enjoys craft beer. Big River Grille and Brewing Works is the place to go! While I haven’t been in several years, the lunch I had at Big River was really good and proved to be a great place to grab lunch while waiting for our room to be ready. They still make craft beer on site! We approve of this place!
Thimbles and Threads
Boardwalk has many things going for it: it’s location, it’s proximity, and also it’s size. It’s a long resort, and what does a long resort need? A long gift shop! Yes, friends, this is only half of the gift shop, but inside you’ll find all kinds of gifts and trinkets and souvenirs. You’ll also find Boardwalk-exclusive DVC merchandise here. Pins, lanyards, stuffed animals. It’s all here.
Screen Door General Store
Screen Door General Store is the other half of the gift shop. I told you it was long! The balconies that you see on the 2nd-5th floors are still the Disney Vacation Club side of the Boardwalk Resort.
To the left of Screen Door is a shaded grassy mall area, which is really a multi-purpose area of the resort. There are benches to sit and relax on. Kids can run around on the grass to burn off energy. There’s even sunrise yoga in the mornings. Behind Screen Door and along the side of the grassy mall is:
Wyland Galleries
I don’t have much to say about Wyland Galleries. I’m scared of bumping into fancy art, and the art inside this store is expensive, so I did not go inside. However, the pieces I could see through window shopping looked exquisite!
Beyond Wyland Galleries is a breezeway leading to the Boardwalk DVC pool area, a game room and gym. After that, it’s up some stairs and you’re back in the Boardwalk lobby!
Next article, I’ll go over the other side of the Boardwalk Resort. Some of those pictures are now a little outdated since there have been some changes recently, but I’ll go over that next time.
Thanks for reading!
Disney Rover 