Hi Tanya and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
My family and I have driven from North Carolina to the Walt Disney World Resort several times. We enjoyed being able to drive to parks and resorts when we wanted and using Walt Disney World Transportation the rest of the time.
You can drive your car to
Disney's BoardWalk. When you reach the security gate, simply tell the security guard you want to explore the BoardWalk. Typically they will allow you to park for up to three hours which should give you plenty of time to enjoy the BoardWalk.
I recommend
Ample Hills Creamery for a delicious dessert. If the adults in your group are looking forward to a tasty cocktail,
AbracadaBar has delicious concoctions and
BoardWalk Joe's Marvelous Margaritas has refreshing frozen beverages. I just enjoy walking along the BoardWalk and watching the entertainment.
Tanya, thank you for visiting us. I hope you'll let us know if we can help you with any other questions!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Amy H.