Where do we stay when we visit Walt Disney World?

I (happily, and luckily) married into a family of Disney-goers. On my first trip with the Stanley clan to Disney World, we stayed at the Boardwalk Resort, which is considered “on-property” and in the Epcot Resort Area. Here are 5 reasons why I’ve grown to love this resort over the past 12 years of visiting Walt Disney World.

_{*This blog has been written from past experience and not considering Walt Disney World’s current closures*}

01. MY SECRET SPOT FOR A QUIET BREAKFAST

I have to give my in-laws credit for this one. They’re early-risers, and while essentially waiting for us to wake up over the years, they discovered that even though the World Showcase in Epcot opens later than the rest of the park, the bakery in “France” is open early.

It’s funny that one of my favorite things to do in Disney is probably the simplest: a coffee + croissant in peace. We walk down the Boardwalk to the back entrance of Epcot (called the International Gateway) and head to Les Halles Boulangerie-Patisserie – it’s technically roped off, but just let the Cast Member know that you’re headed to the bakery and they’ll let you through!

It’s so empty, guys, and QUIET. There are little tables + cafe chairs, and my daughter can run around while I sip my coffee. Thank you to my in-laws for discovering this!

02. WE DON’T HAVE TO TAKE THE BUS AS OFTEN

The buses in Disney World are wonderful…sometimes. Other times it can take up to an hour just to get to your destination. And even when it is wonderful, you have to collapse your stroller. Which, if you have a sleeping baby…well, you get the idea.

Staying at the Boardwalk means we can walk to Epcot, or take the boat to Epcot + Hollywood Studios. That’s half the parks that I don’t have to take the bus for!

03. IT HAS TWO OF MY FAVORITE CHARACTER BREAKFASTS

On the Boardwalk, there’s a restaurant called Trattoria al Forno. We took our daughter to their Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast to meet Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel + Prince Eric. It was a 2 min walk from our room and we loved the different breakfast since it wasn’t a buffet like other ones. Major points for the fact that it’s the only character breakfast where you can meet princes.

We could also walk across to my niece’s favorite spot, Cape May Cafe, which is at the Beach Club. She loves seeing Donald (her favorite), Mickey, Minnie + Pluto in their cute beach gear.

04. THERE’S A FUNNEL CAKE BOOTH

That is all.

05. HUSBAND LOVES IT AT NIGHT-TIME

My husband, Kolton, loves the Boardwalk at night. In his words (because of course I texted him about this): “Night-time festivities like the jugglers + magicians. The lights! And I love when they show movies on the lawn.” He’s right guys. Even if you don’t stay at the Boardwalk, you can always come and hang out on the boards (FOR FREE). Grab a slice of pizza – or funnel cake – and see what we’re talking about.

There’s so much magic at the Boardwalk, and my NJ-shore heart has become attached to it over the years. Even if we don’t stay here, we love staying in the EPCOT resort area itself, which includes: Beach + Yacht Club, Swan, Dolphin + the new Swan Reserve.

If you’re looking for inspiration, take my personality quiz to spark some ideas of what your dream Disney vacation could look like here.