Hello, Theresa, and welcome back to planDisney. Thanks for stopping by with your question!
Disney's BoardWalk Inn is one of my favorite places to stay in Walt Disney World. Like you, I'm a New Jersey native, and there's just something about those saltwater vibes that makes me feel right at home! Thanks to its prime location (within walking distance of EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios), the BoardWalk is always a top pick for my family. We've spent lots of time there with our young kids, and we always make good use of the Luna Park Crazy Play Area! You're right that this
playground will be closed during your stay, so let's talk about your alternatives.
Theresa, I'm happy to share that there are lots of places for kids to get their jiggles out, all throughout Disney World. The closest ones to the BoardWalk are just a short walk away at EPCOT. This includes the World Discovery playground (just outside the
Creations Shop) and the indoor
MISSION SPACE: Advanced Training Lab, which offers high-tech play as well as a traditional playground.
I'm also especially excited about the new
Alice in Wonderland-themed playground that's coming this summer to Hollywood Studios! Located inside the upcoming
Magic of Animation building, the indoor "Drawn to Wonderland" playground will have us all feeling "curioser and curioser." The Mary Blair-inspired concept art is so whimsical and playful, I just know that getting my kids to leave will involve a healthy dose of bribery (Mickey ice cream bar, anyone?)!
Now, I realize that so far, all of these options require
theme park admission. But if you want to visit a playground on a non-park day, you can absolutely do that too! You may already know that the
Disney Skyliner will be closed for refurbishment between January 24th and January 30th, 2027. But since your visit falls
just before that closure, I suggest a day of playground-hopping at Disney's Skyliner resorts! Just hop on a gondola and take a tour of
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort,
Disney's Pop Century Resort, and
Disney's Art of Animation Resort. At Pop Century and Art of Animation, make sure to explore all the larger-than-life decor during your visit. And at Caribbean Beach? Grab a cocktail from
Banana Cabana, and take a seat in the shade as your kids live it up at the Caribbean Cay playground.
I hope this information is helpful, Theresa! From one New Jerseyan to another, I'm wishing you the very best on your upcoming Disney vacation. If you have any other questions, you know
where to find me right here at planDisney!
Adventure is out there,
Allison