Boardwalk - does it come alive at night?

[disneyworld07]

Hi everyone,
This may seem like a daft question but....

We always see images of Disneys Boardwalk and it is full of stands selling various things and balloons and 'entertainers' etc. However on our last visit we went twice only to find it deserted with nothing out on the sidewalks? Does boardwalk only come alive at night?

We just didnt understand why Boardwalk was so empty and lifeless both times that we went? We went in May and we went at two different times of day - none of which were odd hours?? Does everything get put out for the evening time?

Im confused??:shrug:

 

[BigRedDad]

I have only been there at night. The times I have been there, the boardwalk is active. I did not see this the one time we walked to ESPN for an early dinner.

 

[nolatron]

Yeah, most of the vendors and "Street entertainment" only come out in the evening at the Boardwalk. That was our experience when staying there in years past.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

The boardwalk entertainment is active in the evenings. It actually has a similar feel to a real Boardwalk on the Jersey Shore...you have other activities to keep you busy during the day (Beach at the real one, parks at the Disney one), but at night you're focus is on the boardwalk itself.

 

[datw@epcot]

By my experience, I'd say the Boardwalk is really only "active" from about 6:00 to 10:00 in the evening.

 

[blueboxdoctor]

well contrary to what people may say, there is no similarity between the boardwalk here and the jersey boardwalk (and i'm not talking about the disgraceful jersey shore either). really, i've been to the boardwalk in disney at night and nothing really much goes on. I'd say go to Downtown Disney at night, though the best store there (Virgin Records) is no longer there. Still, it seems like they missed the mark when it comes to their boardwalk area; at least I think they did.

 

[DVCOwner]

I love walking the boardwalk at night. There is always something going on and there are several places to enjoy yourselve like at Jellyrolls. I find the street performers always entertaining.

 

[Tigger1988]

The boardwalk entertainment is active in the evenings. It actually has a similar feel to a real Boardwalk on the Jersey Shore...you have other activities to keep you busy during the day (Beach at the real one, parks at the Disney one), but at night you're focus is on the boardwalk itself.

The Seaside and Point Pleasant boardwalks are packed during the day, with the arcades, rides and eateries.

Nothing about Disney's Boardwalk seems similar to me except the theme of turn of the century Atlantic City.

 

[WVParkfan]

Keep this in mind... the Boardwalk is a Disney Resort Hotel (like Pop Century or the Polynesian). It isn't a separate entity, like Downtown Disney.

During the day, many of the guests of the Boardwalk Resort are at the parks. I'm sure there are a few that take a day off to lounge around the pool, but probably not the shops and restaurants. Isn't your resort deserted during the day, too? I'd bet that the shops and restaurants at the Grand Floridian aren't very crowded during the day, either.

The Boardwalk definitely comes alive at night, after people return from the parks. The restaurants get crowded, just like the food courts at the Value Resorts, or the fancy restaurants at the Deluxe Resorts.

So, if you think of the Boardwalk as a Resort, rather than a separate place like Downtown Disney, you'll see why it isn't very active during the day.

 

[kaos]

Depending on what time Epcot closes makes a difference as to what time the Boardwalk comes alive! Jellyrolls and the dance club open after dark, and the booths and entertainers usually start right around the close of Epcot. There is also the community house and the Boardwalks pools that provide a ton of entertainment, but alas, this is a Disney Resort, not a theme park or entertainment distrcit, although there are fire eaters and lots of street performers after dark! Check it out sometime when you're in the area after Epcot closes. It's a fun time (for the 4 or 5 hours that it's active)

 

[SeaCastle]

When we went there, it was pretty busy, plus you don't have these folks.

 

[hurricanepat]

How late are the bars generally open? The reason I ask is because my girlfriend and I will be staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and would love for something to do at night after the parks close. I would like to enjoy a beer...or 6. Also is there a bus that runs at night to the Boardwalk or would we have to call for a cab?

 

[palmage]

The boardwalk entertainment is active in the evenings. It actually has a similar feel to a real Boardwalk on the Jersey Shore...you have other activities to keep you busy during the day (Beach at the real one, parks at the Disney one), but at night you're focus is on the boardwalk itself.

But it doesn't have those Jersey people.
I've seen them, it's a hoot.

 

[MagicMegan]

How late are the bars generally open? The reason I ask is because my girlfriend and I will be staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and would love for something to do at night after the parks close. I would like to enjoy a beer...or 6. Also is there a bus that runs at night to the Boardwalk or would we have to call for a cab?

I think when I went to Jelly Rolls it was open till 2am, with last call at 1:30am. But we were staying at the BC, so I have no idea about the driving thing.

 

[hurricanepat]

I think when I went to Jelly Rolls it was open till 2am, with last call at 1:30am. But we were staying at the BC, so I have no idea about the driving thing.

Thank you. Originally we were going to stay at the Boardwalk but we decided on the Animal Kingdom Lodge because it was just so unique and sounded awesome.

 

[unkadug]

Do the New Jersey people on this website wear orange tans and act like Jersey Shore?

 

[mickey2008.1]

With boardwalk not really being a night place, and dtd being deserted, is there anywhere on property to go and here music or comedy or anything other than HOB?

 

[Tigger1988]

Do the New Jersey people on this website wear orange tans and act like Jersey Shore?

No the only people who look like that are tourists.

 

[unkadug]

No the only people who look like that are tourists.

even these guys?

 

[Tigger1988]

Yup