Mouse Extra

Today we have the first installment of Mouse Hospitality, our collection of resort reviews.  Over the coming weeks and month’s we will try to post reviews for every resort in Disney World.   Hopefully this will be a useful reference for those of you planning a trip to the Mouse. 

Let’s begin on a positive note and talk about my favorite of all of Disney World’s Resorts; the Boardwalk.

I have never been so content at a Disney Resort like I was at the Boardwalk.  We spent a week here recently, and stayed in the Vacation Club’s Villas portion of the property, but there is little to differentiate the villas from the inn as they both share the same amenities.  The room was spotless and well themed, but that is to be expected from a deluxe resort.

There are few surprises here, except how much we enjoyed it.  I had been to the Boardwalk before, though this was the first time staying there.  I knew about all the bars, restaurants, and shops that lined the authentic feeling boardwalk.  I had been to the delicious bakery, pizza stand, and candy shop.  I knew the location was terrific, with easy walking access to the World Showcase in Epcot and the Disney MGM Studios.  I knew the pool looked like a blast, and that the building was beautiful inside and out.   None of these things were discovered during our stay there.

What I did discover was the first Disney resort that I actually made a point to spend time at.  Whether it was to have a cup of coffee on a bench overlooking Crescent Lake, sip a pint at the Big River Grille and Brew Works, or take a slide down the Keister Coaster at the Luna Park pool, the Boardwalk made me want to be there.  Often a resort is a place to sleep, get breakfast before your day at the parks, or maybe rest a bit during the hot mid-afternoons, but not this place.  For those who stay there, the Boardwalk becomes part of the vacation experience, and part of the fun.

This is the one place that I can truly say has something for everyone.  If you like some nightlife, they have the dueling pianos at Jellyrolls or dancing at the Atlantic Dance.  If you’re a sports fan, what more can you ask for then the ESPN Club?  If you are a tavern lover like me, the aforementioned Big River brewpub is a good spot to try some fresh and unique beers. Spoodles and the Flying Fish offer terrific menus for folks looking for a top-notch restaurant.   Also, the boardwalk area has funnel cakes, pizza, hotdogs, ice cream, and so much more.  You’ll never go hungry, and you’ll find yourself wanting to make time during your trip to experience all the resort has to offer.