Change is coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn at Walt Disney World. Over the next few years, Disney has plans to update the resort’s lobby, rooms and several dining areas.
There’s a lot to unpack from Disney’s announcement.
Dining Changes
A new table-service restaurant called The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will replace the closed ESPN Club. The Cake Bake Shop will also contain a bakery in addition to table-service dining.
Shifting over to the existing BoardWalk Bakery, this location will become a sandwich shop. The Cake Bake Shop will be the resort’s new home of sweet treats. The nearby BoardWalk Ice Cream store will remain and continue selling delicious frozen fun. Finally, a new coffee bar with quick bites will be added just off the lobby of the BoardWalk Inn.
Lobby Changes
The changes coming to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn aren’t all about dining. The resort’s lobby will receive new “light and airy touches.” The previously-mentioned coffee bar should add another quick-service option for guests on the go. Disney adds that “newly refreshed” seating spaces will round out the areas just inside and outside the lobby.
Guest Rooms
There’s not a lot of info about the changes coming to the rooms at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. The quick quote below is all we have to go on.
Through the doors of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, light and airy touches will reinvigorate the lobby, lounge and guest rooms, carrying the seaside breeze right inside.
It sounds like the changes to the guest rooms will be relatively minor, and won’t involve a full overhaul as seen at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The term “touches” usually refers to items such as furniture and art, but we’ll have to wait for additional details.
Quick Thoughts
We’ve stayed at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn several times over the past couple years and have enjoyed our experiences. But, we do feel the resort is a bit overdue for some TLC.
The rooms currently feel a bit dated and worn down. They’re a nice size and not terrible by any means, but the furniture is showing wear and tear. The notable green carpet is a remnant of hotel room design that Disney no longer embraces.
We also feel there’s a ton of room for improvement in terms of quick-service dining at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Options are limited at the BoardWalk, and it’s great to hear the roster of dining spots is being updated. Doing something – anything – with the ESPN Club space is a welcome change. We’re also fans of the current BoardWalk Bakery taking on a more meal-focused menu with the incoming Cake Bake Shop.
We’re excited to see some updates at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. Of course, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the resort’s nightly room rates creep higher and more in line with those at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts as the updates are completed.
