Nuestra Estadía Pre-Crucero en Disney BoardWalk Villas + Almuerzo en Via Napoli

Our Relaxing Pre-Cruise Stay at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas with Lunch at Via Napoli

Ever thought about planning a Disney Cruise? One of the best ways to start your trip on the right foot is by arriving early and staying somewhere that feels like part of the magic. For us, a Disney BoardWalk Villas pre-cruise stay gave our family time to unwind, explore EPCOT, and enjoy a stress-free lunch at Via Napoli — all before boarding the Disney Wish the next day.

If you're flying in from Puerto Rico, Mexico, or the United States, this guide will show you why Disney’s BoardWalk Villas is one of the best pre-cruise hotels for families and couples alike.

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Join us for a relaxing pre-cruise day at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas with lunch at Via Napoli — a real look at how we ease into Disney vacations with family, food, and fun before sailing away.

Daniela and Lucy from Laugh and Gear enjoy pizza at Via Napoli before their Disney BoardWalk Villas pre-cruise stay.
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Why Choose Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Before a Disney Cruise?

We’ve done everything from staying near Port Canaveral to checking in at budget hotels — but nothing compares to a Disney BoardWalk Villas pre cruise stay when it comes to location, relaxation, and convenience.

Top Reasons We Recommend It:

  • 📍 Location: Walking distance to EPCOT and short Skyliner ride to Hollywood Studios
  • 🛌 Spacious Rooms: 1-bedroom villas with full kitchens, washer/dryer, and space to spread out
  • 🌅 Peaceful Atmosphere: Enjoy the BoardWalk area without the park crowds
  • 🍕 Access to Dining: Walkable options including Via Napoli, Trattoria al Forno, and BoardWalk Deli
  • 🧳 Pre-Cruise Reset: Perfect for getting rest after a flight and before cruise embarkation day

Travel Day: From Puerto Rico to Walt Disney World

Early Flight from San Juan

We booked a morning flight from San Juan (SJU) to Orlando (MCO), which got us in with enough time to check in, explore, and eat. If you’re flying in from Puerto Rico, this timing gives you breathing room in case of delays.

Check-In and First Impressions

We were able to check in via the My Disney Experience app, and after receiving a notification that our room was ready, we headed straight to our 1-bedroom villa at BoardWalk Villas. The resort has a quiet, vintage boardwalk vibe and feels like the perfect place to unwind after a long day of travel.

A GEM Luxury Services Chevrolet SUV parked under the beautifully lit entrance of Disney’s Polynesian Resort. The luxury vehicle reflects the resort's iconic floating lantern lights, showcasing the premium transportation experience offered by GEM Luxury Services for guests traveling to and from Disney destinations.

Servicios de Transporte de Lujo

Via Napoli: Our Favorite Pre-Cruise Meal

After settling in, we walked into EPCOT through the International Gateway — a huge perk of staying at BoardWalk — and headed to the Italy Pavilion for lunch at Via Napoli.

What We Ordered:

  • ✔️ Classic Margherita Pizza (perfect ratio of cheese and sauce)
  • ✔️ Sanpellegrino Limonata Soda (so good we now order it at home)
  • ✔️ House salad with mixed greens, peppadew peppers, pepperoncini peppers, olives, diced tomatoes, and cucumbers in a balsamic vinaigrette

It was the right balance of flavor, comfort, and family-friendly service. Dining at Via Napoli is one of our favorite ways to start a vacation, especially before a cruise.

Gaze up at the swirling chandelier and starry ceiling that greet guests in the grand hall of the Disney Wish. Captured by Raúl Colón.

Consejitos para Sacarle el Máximo a Tu Crucero en el Disney Wish

Afternoon & Evening: Slow, Simple, and Stress-Free

Instead of trying to do all the rides, we focused on enjoying the BoardWalk area and resting. We grabbed rice and edamame from the Japan pavilion (Daniela’s favorite), strolled by the water, and caught sight of a few butterflies before heading back to our villa.

Why Less Is More the Day Before a Cruise:

  • ✅ Saves your energy for embarkation day
  • ✅ Gives time to adjust to travel and Florida’s heat
  • ✅ Keeps the vibe light and fun
Chandelier above M.C. Illions carousel in Disney’s BoardWalk lobby, crafted by a Disney carousel artist
A close-up of the chandelier at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas—crafted by a Disney carousel artist, blending whimsy with timeless elegance.

Room Tour: 1-Bedroom Villa at BoardWalk Villas

1-Bedroom Villa Highlights What We Loved
Sleeping Arrangements King-size bed + pull-down bed with Donald & Daisy artwork
Kitchen & Dining Full kitchen with large dining table — perfect for family meals
Laundry Washer and dryer in-room — ideal for freshening up pre-cruise
Bathroom Dual sinks, soaking tub, and a separate walk-in shower
Storage Space Spacious closet to organize and repack before cruise day
🎥 Room Tour Watch on YouTube

Benefits of a Disney BoardWalk Villas Pre Cruise Stay

There’s something incredibly valuable about starting your cruise vacation already feeling rested. Staying at BoardWalk Villas makes that possible.

Quick Summary of Benefits:

  • ✅ Less travel stress on cruise day
  • ✅ Built-in Disney magic before the cruise even starts
  • ✅ Walk to EPCOT for food and fun without overplanning
  • ✅ Ideal for families flying from Puerto Rico or other distant locations

Want Help Planning Your Disney Cruise Pre-Stay?

We’re certified bilingual travel advisors who specialize in helping Puerto Rican and U.S.-based families book smooth, magical Disney vacations — including cruises, resort stays, and transportation.

If you want expert advice and someone who understands the unique needs of traveling from Puerto Rico, we’ve got you.

A vibrant twilight view of Cinderella Castle glowing in purples and golds, a magical moment captured at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

Paquetes de Viaje a Disney World Sin Estrés para Familias

Final Thoughts

Our Disney BoardWalk Villas pre cruise stay gave us the perfect balance of fun and rest before boarding the Disney Wish. From pizza at Via Napoli to a cozy 1-bedroom villa, this travel day was one of our smoothest ever. We highly recommend it to anyone flying into Orlando before a Disney Cruise — especially if you're coming from Puerto Rico.

Have questions? Want to plan your own version of this trip? Let’s talk.

¡Hasta la próxima aventura!

Disney’s BoardWalk at sunset with guests dining, boat docked, and string lights glowing
Disney’s BoardWalk at sunset, captured by Raúl Colón — showcasing the lively waterfront, BoardWalk Deli, and scenic boat dock.

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