The rest of my two days was spent walking the Boardwalk on Cresent Lake. Crescent Lake is a hidden gem that connects Disney’s Epcot and Hollywood Studios theme parks, as well as Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Swan and Dolphin Resorts. The first three are known as Disney’s Epcot Resorts. Swan and Dolphin also overlook Cresent Lake but these two are not owned by Disney World.
Where exactly is this little New England boardwalk wonderland? Take the Friendship Boats from Epcot World Showcase to Hollywood Studios and you’ll cruise through it. Take the Skyliner to Epcot and you can turn left into the security line for Epcot, or turn right and keep walking around the corner…then surrounding you will be the lush beaches and coastal blue buildings of Beach Club Resort. Beach Club brings the quintessential Cape Cod and Cape May to Cresent Lake.
Fun fact: Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn and Villas are all Disney Vacation Club Resorts. There are people who invest in the DVC points that hardly ever go to the theme parks. I grew up going to the theme parks and staying in the Magic Kingdom Resorts. I couldn’t imagine why anyone chose to invest in DVC points if they weren’t crazy about the theme parks. While exploring the Epcot resorts, I learned there is a whole other world within Walt Disney World. I had heard the hype, and I’ll admit I had thought it overrated, but it’s truly not. Once the lights come on in the evening, the boardwalk takes on a life of its own.
Connected to Beach Club is Yacht Club. Yacht Club is more expansive than Beach Club and has more of an upscale coastal vibe. Beach Club’s restaurants consist mainly of quick service and lounges such as Cape May Cafe and Beaches and Cream Soda Shop, while Yacht Club boasts of their casual Ale and Compass along with the fine dining Yachtsman Steak House. Swan and Dolphin are visible from the docks.
Keep walking around the lake and you’ll come to Dolphin Resort. Dolphin is more of a business travellers resort and has many conference rooms and working on the go amenities. Rates are lower on the weekends as opposed to any other resort in Disney.
Swan is across the way from Dolphin and is across the bridge from the boardwalk. Continue straight through and Hollywood Studios is also accessible on foot by following the path underneath the freeway. Swan and Dolphin are known for their upscale luxury amenities without the price tag of a Walt Disney World Resort. However, these are not serviced by Disney’s Magical Express.
Head across the bridge and you’ll be strolling down the boardwalk in front of Boardwalk Resort. The afternoon is calm, breezy and quiet. Return in the evening and you’ll find a hopping, turn of the century New England boardwalk scene complete with dance halls, carnival games, street performers and all the ambience of decades gone by.
The loop around Cresent Lake is quite substantial. Even for the athletic folks out there Disney Springs plus the boardwalk makes for a full day of walking.
Thinking about exploring beyond the theme parks but not sure what kind of entertainment is on offer? Next time I will reveal the best places to watch the Epcot fireworks display, which resorts have the best movies and so forth. Stay tuned to Solo Disney Traveller!
