Hiya John!
Welcome to planDisney! I'm so excited that your trip is rapidly approaching and that you are planning all the fun you will be having.
I love checking out
Disney's BoardWalk in the evenings especially as it is so beautifully lit up with some fun food and entertainment. Unfortunately, the only way to visit Disney's BoardWalk is if you arrive at a nearby Resort using
complimentary Resort transportation, are a guest staying at one of the nearby Resorts, or if you have a
dining reservation at a nearby Resort restaurant. Disney security will not allow you to park in any of the Disney Resort Hotel parking lots without proof of a dining reservation or resort reservation.
If you don't want to make a dining reservation then I suggest
parking at Disney's Hollywood Studios and taking the
Disney Skyliner to EPCOT where it will drop you off at the International Gateway entrance. This is a very short walk from Disney's BoardWalk area and
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. You could also take a ferry from Disney's Hollywood Studios that will drop you right at Disney's BoardWalk. Another option is to park at EPCOT and walk through the Park to the International Gateway which will lead you to Disney's BoardWalk. The only issue with this is if the Park is closed you won't be able to walk through it to get back to your car. Keep an eye on those
Park hours if you plan a late-night adventure.
I would highly suggest making that dining reservation as you will find some
great restaurants on or nearby Disney's BoardWalk. I had an amazing brunch recently at
Trattoria al Forno that I still think about. You can then have dessert from the to-go menu from the takeout window at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. What a delicious time that would be!
I hope this helps and if you have any questions please
let me know directly!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy