Welcome to Theme Park Thursday, where we explore the perks of living near the magic of Walt Disney World—not just as a vacationer, but as someone who makes this lifestyle part of real life.
Today, we’re heading to one of the most charming, unexpected places where locals sneak away for magic without mayhem:
✨ Disney’s BoardWalk
A lakeside promenade where time slows down, nostalgia takes over, and every sunset feels like a reward for choosing to live somewhere that feels good.
🏞️ A Disney Experience That Doesn’t Require a Ticket
Located between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the BoardWalk is part of the Disney Resorts area—but open to the public.
That means:
- No theme park ticket required
- Free parking (if you time it right)
- Easy access from surrounding neighborhoods
- Magic without the stress of FastPasses, Genie+, or crowds
Locals love coming here to unwind, reconnect, and soak in a slower rhythm of Disney life.
🌅 What Makes the BoardWalk So Special?
Imagine a breezy, walkable waterfront with:
- String lights glowing over Crescent Lake
- Live music and street performers
- Boats drifting across the water
- People riding bikes, grabbing ice cream, sipping wine
- Fireworks in the distance if you stay long enough
It feels like a mix of:
🎡 Small-town pier nostalgia
🍷 Grown-up date night ambiance
🏃♀️ Lakeside serenity
And it’s right next to the magic—but feels a world away from the crowds.
🥂 Local Favorites (That Aren’t on the Brochure)
✨ Trattoria al Forno – Homemade Italian with killer pasta and wine
✨ BoardWalk Deli – Great sandwiches, quick bites, and old-school desserts
✨ AbracadaBar – Themed cocktails in a magician-inspired speakeasy setting
✨ Leaping Horse Libations – A whimsical pool bar with fun drinks and pool views
✨ The Cake Bake Shop – An enchanting new addition that blends elegant Parisian design with indulgent cakes, teas, brunch, and sparkle-covered charm—it’s a favorite for birthdays, girls’ outings, and magical date nights
Pro Tip: Locals often park at Disney’s Yacht Club (valet or with dining reservation) and enjoy a beautiful walk to the BoardWalk from there.
🚴♀️ What Locals Actually Do There
Locals don’t rush at the BoardWalk—they linger. They:
- Go for sunset walks or jogs around Crescent Lake
- Plan impromptu date nights or anniversary dinners
- Grab drinks before or after an EPCOT visit
- Ride Surrey bikes with their kids
- Watch the Friendship Boats crisscross the lake
- Stay until the fireworks at EPCOT start lighting up the sky
It’s quiet joy.
Intentional connection.
And it reminds you why you chose this place to live in the first place.
💬 What Locals Say
“We go for walks around the BoardWalk when we need to feel grounded again. It’s our reset button.” – Amanda G.
“I feel like a tourist in my own town—in the best way possible.” – Jason L.
“Dinner, fireworks, and a walk by the lake… all for free. Living near Disney never gets old.” – Carla M.
The BoardWalk isn’t just an escape from daily life.
It is daily life—when you choose to live near the magic in a way that feels balanced and beautiful.
If you’re dreaming of a life where fun, freedom, and fulfillment are part of your everyday rhythm—you don’t need to dream harder.
You just might need to live closer.
I’m Timothy Carter, your dedicated Disney World Orlando area relocation expert with The Funk Collection brokered by eXp Realty.
I specialize in helping Disney lovers & theme park enthusiasts find their perfect home or vacation investment property. I’m here to help turn your dreams into reality!
You’ll find everything you need to know about living in the greater Orlando area – from neighborhood guides, real estate tips & the lifestyle of living near the theme parks, to insider advice on relocating to this magical place.
My family moved to Orlando to LIVE the ultimate Disney lifestyle!
You can too! I can help! Click here —-> Meet With Timothy Carter
