Why hello there Anita, and welcome to planDisney!
Whether you're completely brand new to visiting Disney or a long-time frequent fan, folks from around the world come to planDisney to find out the latest information and most recent experiences with so much that changes from time to time and one of these things is indeed the way in which guests can make their way over to
Disney's BoardWalk! Now in past years it had been more common for rides to be dropped off directly at
Disney's BoardWalk Inn or
Disney's Beach Club Resort for those looking to
"enjoy select dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation experiences", just like like anyone wanting to self-park their vehicle at these locations.
Over the past few years, parking and security Cast Members at these
Disney Resort Hotels have been instructed to deny entry to guests - even those just being dropped off - who are unable to provide proof of a valid room or dining reservation. Though we've observed that some guests report being able to make their way past, this is noticeably more enforced at especially popular times of the year. The Front Desk Cast Members I spoke with let me know that this is a way to deter folks from leaving their car in order to gain access to EPCOT, which can be frustrating to guests looking for parking spaces actually staying at these locations, but could not guarantee that anyone wanting to just be dropped off would not be stopped by security at their gate.
In contrast, the staff over at the
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel and the adjacent Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel currently welcome guests looking to be dropped off whether to enjoy their
dining options on property before a stroll to see the beautiful illuminated entranceway sign to Disney's BoardWalk as the waterfront areas light up for the evening. While parking and transportation policies are always subject to change without prior notice, it's always a good idea to confirm whether anything has been updated upon your arrival here in Florida.
If you're looking to visit later this year, don't forget to pop by the
The Cake Bake Shop that is set to open in 2024 as a much-awaited addition to the sweets and treats that you'll find very much in character with the vintage whimsy of this past of Walt Disney World Resort. I also recommend watching the sunset near
Sea Breeze Point; it's absolutely stunning and a big reason why we head our
Disney Wedding reception at Disney's BoardWalk this past year!
Wishing you a wonderful time exploring by the water at Disney's BoardWalk!
Prince