Hey there Deborah and welcome to planDisney!
For locals and Annual Passholders alike, we often enjoy being able to experience the offerings available at the
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and special destinations like
Disney's BoardWalk whenever we're not out roaming the Theme Parks. It's important to note that in recent years it has become slightly more difficult for folks who aren't staying at the Resort Hotel properties in the immediate area to be able to park or gain access to the area, and I'm happy to expand on what the situation and experience is like currently:
Firstly, according to the
Resort Amenities listed for Disney's BoardWalk Inn online, it states the following: "Standard self-parking is complimentary for day Guests
while they enjoy select dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation experiences at this Disney Resort hotel."
In the past, day guests have been able to park, grab a snack or just enjoy the waterside ambience; however at the current time the parking and security Cast Members have been increasingly tasked with strictly enforcing
the official parking policy to the extent that at busier times when parking availability may be limited, access has only been permitted for those who are able to provide proof of their Resort Hotel stay or show
a valid confirmation of their reservation at a dining location made in advance. (I can imagine that they are just dutifully doing their job of deterring Theme Park guests who seek to abuse this in order to access
EPCOT, though it has made it more difficult for day guests just enjoying these Resort Hotel areas).
As of 2023, these Cast Members may or may not accept a
Quick-Service Mobile Order and have been known to turn day guests in vehicles away without a Resort Hotel room reservation. While policies and offerings are always subject to change without prior notice and may be at the discretion of the management on the day, I would still highly recommend making a reservation at a location such as
Trattoria al Forno,
Flying Fish or even
Cape May Cafe across the way at
Disney's Beach Club Resort. In my personal experience this has often worked well, but there are never any guarantees especially during popular holiday seasons when guests staying at the Resort Hotels may find it difficult themselves to find parking!
You may also find it useful to note that parking is currently validated for Guests who are not staying at these Resort hotels, but are visiting the following nearby
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin locations: Amare, Il Mulino, Kimonos, Mandara Spa, Rosa Mexicano, Shula’s Steak House and Todd English’s bluezoo. Here's hoping that you encounter friendly and flexible Cast Members on your visit and that parking won't be too much of an adventurous ordeal for you; do come back to planDisney again for any more of our tips, tricks or advice!
Hope you have the Best Day Ever on Disney's BoardWalk!
Prince