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Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas - 22 Reasons To Book Your Stay

7/29/2020

With the choice of so many Disney World properties to book when visiting the most magical place on earth, Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas gets our vote for your next stay.

From its Atlantic coast boardwalk theme to the many food and entertainment options and its proximity within the Epcot resort area, the Boardwalk Inn is hands down my gang's favorite on-site property. But, we are not going to leave it there - here are 22 reasons why this resort should be at the top of your list when booking your next stay.

The Promenade at Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas lit up at night (c) travelincousins.com

1. Charming turn-of-the-century theme
The Boardwalk Inn is impeccably designed in a style reminiscent of east coast towns like Coney Island, Atlantic City and Cape May. Its exquisite construction and charming decor takes guests back in time to the turn of the 20th-century with its themed promenade and architecture.

2. Quarter-mile Boardwalk Promenade
The quarter-mile promenade is a delight. Surrounded by water, the Boardwalk Inn promenade consists of dine-in and boardwalk food kiosks with coastal city favorites like hot dogs, giant pretzels. The outdoor bench seating facing the water adds a coastal town feel, which we love.

3. Beautiful atmosphere day and night
Whether strolling the wooden promenade in the light of day looking out over the water or enjoying the fun and festive pier with its strung lights, and outdoor eateries, this property's youthful atmosphere is captivating.

4. Waterfront View
I believe that a waterfront view says it all. Set along Crescent Lake, the boardwalk is surrounded by water with lovely views of the Yacht and Beach Club.

View from the boardwalk of Crescent Lake (c) travelincousins.com

5. Walking Distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Your feet can do the walking to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios which means no need to take Disney bus service and no need to wait for it in either direction.

6. Friendship Boat to Epcot and Hollywood Studios
Whether heading to the park or returning back, the Friendship Boat is a super fun and scenic way to travel. Conveniently located at the pier on the Boardwalk promenade, this breezy water mode of transportation offers guests rides to and from Epcot and Hollywood Studios as well as to the Yacht and Beach Club Resort, Swan and Dolphin.

7. Atlantic Dance Hall on the Boardwalk
If you are looking for some night action close to "home," this adult-only nightclub and dance club features music from the ‘80s, ‘90s and today.

Disney's Hollywood Studios (c) travelincousins.com

8. Surrey Bikes
The Surrey bike rentals allow you and your gang to step back in time. Just like in old Atlantic City, you can take in the sites along the promenade as you leisurely ride by.

9. Boardwalk Bakery
Definitely one of my gang’s favorite places for a grab and go snack or quick service meal any time of day. Amazing bistro style sandwiches and salads, muffins and baked goods as well as all kinds of beverages. We usually hit the bakery on our way to the park as we start our day or for an evening bit while hanging out on the promenade.

10. ESPN Club
If your group is still energetic after a day at the parks, this club is open to teens and adults and features live radio sports shows and interviews with celebrity athletes.

11. Jelly Rolls
The Boardwalk Inn is home to a terribly cool and upbeat, lively piano bar for the over-21 crowd with dueling pianos and audience sing-alongs.

12. Funnel Cake Cart
Reminiscent of days gone by, the Boardwalk’s Funnel Cake Cart is more like a funnel cake dessert bar! Whether you prefer to sprinkle sugar, drizzle chocolate syrup or pair with ice cream, these fresh ‘n’ hot funnel cakes are well worth the indulgence.

13. Pizza Window
We just love the pizza window! Serving piping-hot pizza by the slice or by the pie, as well as beer, sangria and soft drinks, it’s a treat for kids of all ages!

EPCOT is a short walk or boat ride to and from The Boardwalk Inn (c) travelincousins.com

14. Outdoor Movies on the Lawn
Imagine watching a movie under the stars just like they used to do at seaside towns. During one of our stays we enjoyed Disney’s Frozen. It’s a festive way to wind down from a busy day of rides and attractions.

15. Choice of Various Accommodations
Flanked between a hotel lobby, one side of the Boardwalk Inn has inn-style rooms, while the other features villa-style accommodations for guests. Garden View outer room inn accommodations are just adorable, each with their own lush garden decorated with colorful flowers and just right for romantic stays for couples and honeymooners.

My group always opts for the villa-style accommodations since they are a bit more roomy and offer separate bedrooms, which serves us well and is a great feature for families. We also love the convenience that the villas offer with in-room kitchenette for studios and full kitchen and in-room washer-dryer in one bedroom villas and larger.

16. On-Site Spa and Fitness Center
Muscles & Bustles Health Club, has state of the art treadmills, bicycles and ellipticals available to guests during their stay. Now that my girls are both old enough, we love to make a few visits to work off some of the yummy Disney food during our stay.

The Boardwalk Promenade (c) travelincousins.com

17. Boardwalk “Street Entertainers”
Just like the boardwalks of Cape May, New Jersey and Coney Island, Brooklyn, there are carnival-style street performers along the promenade. From Thursday to Saturday evenings, you can take in the talents of jugglers, balancing act performers and street musicians under the stars. If you are inclined, get your portrait done by the on-site caricature artist.

18. Unique Decorative Points of Interest
Throughout the lobby, there are quaint miniature, glass-enclosed replicas of rollercoasters and carousels reminiscent of the elements that made up the actual Atlantic coast boardwalk towns of the early 20th century. You can even spy the reproduction “Nanny Chairs” that were used in the late 1800’s for nannies to sit in while the children rode the carousel. Trivia - nanny chairs were used since carousels did not have the bench style seats that are found on them today.

19. Three Pools to Enjoy
If you and your group enjoy romping in the pool, you’ll be happy to know there are two leisure pools and one themed pool. The themed Luna Park Pool is designed with a “carousel-style” pool bar.

Beautiful View at night of The Boardwalk Promenade (c) travelincousins.com

20. Quaint Belle Vue Lounge
When you are looking for a quiet place to sit and relax, you must visit the quaint 1930’s-style Belle Vue Lounge. Although it is just a sitting room, it is designed to take guests back in time with comfy chairs and radios playing programs from the era. Enjoy coffee and pastries in the morning or a cocktail in the evening. There are also board games available to guests.

21. Lots of Outdoor Green Spaces
The Boardwalk Inn is designed with lots of outdoor spaces. So whether you are in the mood to walk about or hang loose under a tree on one of the many benches, you have your choice. This feature makes this property great for kids to run about and play.

22. Character Dining at Trattoria Al Forno
This Italian restaurant offers a delicious “Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast with a chance to meet Disney’s Princess Ariel and Prince Eric and Princess Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. You'll find it a bit quieter and more intimate than some of the park character breakfasts, which we love.

Till next time,
Travelin' Elisa & Kelsey

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5 Important Items to Pack for Disney World for Coronavirus Safety

7/22/2020

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With so many changes in the rules and regulations at the Walt Disney World theme park, you may want to add a few items to your packing list for your next trip to the most magical place on earth!

There’s no question that the “new normal” at the theme park, at least for the foreseeable future, is going to take a bit of getting used to. Fortunately, new necessities that every Disney guest should bring will not weigh heavy in your suitcase or your park carry bag.

(photo credit: disneyworld.disney.go.com)

1. Facial Covering/Masks

This is, of course, the obvious must bring to Disney World since the theme park contains both indoor and outdoor spaces with large groups of people. However, I’m here to tell you that not all masks are created equal. Design versus functionality is key when packing your face covering.

Disney is a place to have fun and as such, why not embrace your inner fashionista by bringing along masks that reflect your own personal style. With every retail outlet and brand jumping on the bandwagon with fun and fresh masks, the choices are quite vast. Disney themselves has come up with their own proprietarily Disney-designed masks available online for purchase.

Depending on the length of your stay, I would absolutely recommend bringing along numerous masks for every member in your party. Considering that Disney requires constant face covering everywhere in the parks, except while eating in designated areas, your mask will probably be quite used by the end of each day.

In fact, WDW just updated their mask rules after a week of being open. According to an article in CNN Travel “The update to the policy reads: "You may remove your face covering while actively eating or drinking, but you should be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing."”

Then there are also the other unexpected contingencies like masks getting wet or accidentally dropping It on the floor. You’ll want to be prepared with replacements each day in the park and for the duration of your trip

Construction is another consideration. Be sure that the material of your mask(s) best fits your park plans and the weather for each day. Cotton fabric masks are great and more aesthetically pleasing, but can be rather hot for those days with higher temps. Pack a variety of fabric masks so you can choose which is best and switch off accordingly.

(photo credit: www.rte.ie)

2. Thermometer

Just like many other public venues, Walt Disney World is conducting temperature checks on all guests arriving at the parks. If anyone in your party has a temperature above 100.4 then all party members will be denied access to the park. It really behooves anyone traveling to WDW to self check temperatures prior to setting off for a day of fun. The last thing any Disney guest wants (especially the kiddies) is to be disappointed after traversing to a particular park and being told they cannot enter.

(photo credit: thoughco.com)

3. Hand Sanitizer

Folks have been carrying hand sanitizer with them for a while but now more than ever with the covid-19 pandemic. Be sure to pack enough to have on hand (no pun intended!). Of course WDW has installed hand sanitizer and washing stations, but, it’s always better to have a small stash of your own for your group.

(Werneuchen/commons.wikimedia.org)

4. Disposable gloves

This is one of those items that is a “better safe than sorry” one to bring. If you have older individuals in your party or like to take extra precautions when going on rides, attractions or when using the rest rooms, be sure to throw a small box in your suitcase so you have plenty for your stay.

5. Portable cell phone charger

We all like to stay connected but these days our cell phones are a greater necessity when visiting WDW. You want to be able to have access to things like the My Disney Experience app for park maps, dining reservations, fast pass schedules, making bookings and more. There are many inexpensive portable chargers, a number of which start at just $20. Amazon listed its top sellers as these are growing in popularity as public charging stations are not always accessible.

Till next time,
-Travelin' Elisa

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Know Before You Go - New Rules and Regulations at Walt Disney World to Safeguard Against Coronavirus

7/15/2020

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Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World (c) travelincousins.com

Slowly but surely, Orlando's Disney World is opening back up. Last week, both Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom reopened after four months of closure due to the coronavirus and today Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios parks will reopen as well. Exciting news for Disney World lovers!

However, like most places these days, visiting Disney World will also become an entirely new experience for visitors with new rules and restrictions to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. now that. Here's what to expect when visiting the "most magical place on earth" during 2020 and 2021, so take note!

Epcot's Future World (c) travelincousins.com

Park Reservations Required

Never before in the history of the world’s largest theme park operator has there been a requirement to have reservations for entry. In fact, most guests, like myself, loved the fact that visiting the various Disney World parks could be a very impromptu and spontaneous decision. This is no longer the case, at least through September of 2021. According to Bloomberg.com, "Guests have to make reservations to enter the parks, a first for Disney, but a move that allows the company to control capacity and keep visitors more socially distant on rides and other attractions. Bookings are being accepted through September of next year."

(photo credit: shopdisney.com)

Mandatory Face Masks

Not to beat a dead horse with the obvious, but like other public places, Disney World requires all guests to wear facial coverings. Not the most comfortable way to make your way around a theme park, but certainly a safe one and a rule that will be enforced. The good news is that in today's safety climate, masks are becoming a bit of fashion statement, and forward-thinking Disney has gotten on the bandwagon with a plethora of fun and fashionable Disney-themed mask options with which to choose.

(photo credit: blogmickey.com)

Limited Capacity and Social Distancing

Disney has set up signage to assist guests navigate their way through the property with ground markings for proper social distancing with tape markings of 6 feet apart in ride/attraction queues. The number of people allowed in the park at any one given time will be 50% capacity for Phase 1 and then increased to 75% during Phase 2, as noted by Miles to Memories.com. The good news take away is that the wait times for your favorite attractions and rides will also be much shorter.

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No Park Hopping

Park Hopping and the slightly more expensive "Park Hopper Park Pass" made it possible or guests to "hop" from one Disney Park to another during one day. For the foreseeable future, this feature will not be allowed for Disney visitors. According to ABC-13, "Visitors will need reservations to enter a park, and they won't be allowed to hop between parks."

(photo credit: https://news.abs-cbn.com)

Temperature Screening

Many of us are getting used to having our temperature taken as we begin to frequent public places. Disney World is no exception. The company now requires that both visitors and employees receive mandatory temperature checks upon entering the parks. If a guest has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more, that person will be moved to another location for re-screening to double check the accuracy," states DisneyFoodBlog.com who goes on to say that "those with temperatures above 100.4 degrees will not be allowed entry " Those in their party will also be denied entry, so be sure to check your entire group's temperature before venturing to the parks.

Kelsey and her sister getting up close and personal with Dale in 2019 (c) travelincousins.com

No Character Meet and Greet

Meeting your favorite Disney costume characters is one of the most beloved pastimes for the young and young at heart at Disney World. Nothing says Disney more than a great character photo op. Unfortunately, guests will not be able to greet the costumed Disney characters up close and personal. Instead, the characters are in "cavalcades," or motorcades, as they make their way through the park.

No Fireworks Shows

Two of the most anticipated events at Disney World - parades and fireworks display shows are cancelled at this time. The intention is to avoid large crowds of people grouping together in on location.

Hand sanitizer stations throughout Walt Disney World parks (photo credit: wdwnews.com)

Hand-Sanitizer and Hand-Washing Stations

The good news is that in keeping with stringent health and safety regulations, Disney World has installed hand-sanitizing and hand-washing stations throughout all of the parks. Placing these all around will serve as a reminder and encouragement to guests and staff to stay on top of hand cleanliness.

Till next time,
Elisa & Kelsey

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Walt Disney World Wednesdays

Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas - 22 Reasons To Book Your Stay

5 Important Items to Pack for Disney World for Coronavirus Safety

Know Before You Go - New Rules and Regulations at Walt Disney World to Safeguard Against Coronavirus

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