The
Boardwalk is a minor shopping and entertainment area at WDW. You do not need an admission ticket to get in.
There are not direct buses from the resorts to the Boardwalk, but it is easy to get there. From most of the resorts, you would take a bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios. You could then walk to the Boardwalk (about 15 minutes) or take a gentle boat ride there. Another very easy way to get to the Boardwalk is to go there via Epcot. There is a back entrance/exit to Epcot (called the International Gateway) located between the England and France pavilions in the World Showcase. This exit is just steps away from the Boardwalk.
There are several restaurants along the Boardwalk: the stellar Flying Fish, the all-American ESPN Club, yummy Spoodles, and the Big River Grille. You could rent boats or bikes here and explore the Epcot resorts area. In the evening is when the Boardwalk really comes alive. There are strolling performers such as musicians and magicians that entertain the crowd. There are small stands that sell classic boardwalk food such as ice cream, pizza, corn dogs, and fried dough (mmmmm).
Also in the evening there are two adults-only nightclubs that start hopping. These are the Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls. Fun!