
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Best for travelers who want a resort centered on spa, golf, and quiet pools away from theme-park crowds.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes is a five-star, 582-room resort on a 500-acre estate focused on relaxation, golf, and a large spa—good for travelers who want a full-service luxury resort away from the theme-park crowds. Disney's BoardWalk Inn is a turn-of-the-century, Crescent Lake–front Disney resort with about 378 rooms aimed at guests who prioritize being steps from EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios and evening boardwalk dining and entertainment.
Updated · about 10 miles apart

Best for travelers who want a resort centered on spa, golf, and quiet pools away from theme-park crowds.

Best for guests who want immediate Disney atmosphere, easy access to EPCOT/Hollywood Studios, and evening boardwalk dining and entertainment.
When The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes wins: choose the Ritz-Carlton for a true resort experience—extensive spa facilities (40,000 sq ft), an 18-hole Greg Norman golf course, multiple pools including an adults-only spa lap pool, larger property grounds, and a wider set of higher-end dining options.
When Disney's BoardWalk Inn wins: pick BoardWalk Inn if proximity to EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney theming and on-site Disney transport, and evening boardwalk dining/entertainment are your priorities.
Bottom line: both are upscale options, but they serve different trips—Ritz-Carlton is a destination resort for relaxation, wellness, and golf; BoardWalk Inn is a Disney-centric choice for park-focused stays and evening entertainment by Crescent Lake.
| Category | The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes | Disney's BoardWalk Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Formal luxury resort, quiet public spaces, large grounds | Lively Disney boardwalk atmosphere with turn-of-the-century theming |
| Location | 4012 Central Florida Parkway, set on a 500-acre resort complex outside Disney property | 2101 Epcot Resort Blvd, on Crescent Lake inside the Walt Disney World Resort area |
| Distance between properties | about 10 miles to Disney resort area | |
| Size (rooms) | 582 rooms | 378 guestrooms |
| Best for ages | All ages — family facilities plus adults-only spa spaces | All ages — Disney family focus with on-site entertainment |
| Pools | Three outdoor pools (family pool, kids pool, adults-only spa lap pool) plus shared access to JW Marriott waterpark features | One outdoor pool, poolside bar, waterslide not listed for BoardWalk Inn |
| Restaurants & bars | About 11 on-site venues including Knife & Spoon (signature) and Highball & Harvest | Four restaurants, one bar/lounge and a coffee shop/cafe |
| Spa & wellness | The Ritz-Carlton Spa — 40,000 sq ft, 40 treatment rooms, adults-only spa pool | Not published |
| Known for | Full-service resort amenities: spa, golf course, large event spaces | Boardwalk dining, Crescent Lake nightlife, immediate Disney park access |
| Theme-park access & transport | Shuttle service/resort transfers to theme parks (reservation required; included in some resort fees) | Complimentary theme park shuttle and walking/boat access to EPCOT/Hollywood Studios area attractions |
The Ritz-Carlton sits on a large private estate adjacent to the JW Marriott, a short drive from major Orlando attractions.
Best if you want resort seclusion and on-site activities while still being within a short drive of Orlando attractions.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn sits on Crescent Lake inside the Walt Disney World Resort area with easy access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.
Best if you want to be inside the Disney resort area with short transfers or walk/boat access to parks.
The Ritz-Carlton offers a wide range of rooms and suites with club options and renovated amenities.
Choose the Ritz-Carlton for a broader selection of larger rooms and higher-end suite options.
BoardWalk Inn offers Disney-themed rooms, club-level options, and multiple accessible room types.
Pick BoardWalk Inn for convenient Disney-themed rooms close to the parks and accessible room options.
The Ritz-Carlton emphasizes multiple high-end restaurants plus casual pool and pub options.
Better if you value a larger variety of upscale dining on property.
BoardWalk Inn centers on easier, casual dining focused on the boardwalk and Disney menus.
Choose BoardWalk Inn for immediate access to boardwalk dining and Disney dining experiences.
Ritz-Carlton offers multiple pools and broader water and outdoor recreational options across the estate.
Ideal for guests who want varied pool experiences plus access to a nearby waterpark.
BoardWalk Inn has a single outdoor pool and close walking access to Crescent Lake activities and Disney entertainment.
Good for park-focused stays where pool time is secondary to Disney access and boardwalk entertainment.
Wellness is a major focus at the Ritz-Carlton with a large spa and 24-hour fitness facilities.
Prefer the Ritz-Carlton for a wellness-focused stay and quieter evening scene.
BoardWalk Inn highlights evening entertainment on the Crescent Lake boardwalk.
Pick BoardWalk Inn if you want evening activity steps from your hotel room and easy park nightlife.

The Ritz-Carlton — a 40,000 sq ft spa, dedicated adults-only spa pool, and 24-hour athletic club.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn — inside Walt Disney World with Crescent Lake boardwalk access and short transfers to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios.

The Ritz-Carlton — roughly 11 on-site dining venues including a signature steak and seafood restaurant.

Disney's BoardWalk Inn — evening boardwalk dining, bars, and lakeside entertainment steps away.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn — it is part of the Disney resort area and sits on Crescent Lake with short access to EPCOT.
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes — it has a 40,000-square-foot spa with extensive treatment rooms and an adults-only spa pool.
Yes. Both welcome guests of all ages; the Ritz-Carlton includes a Ritz Kids program and family pools while BoardWalk Inn provides family-friendly Disney amenities and entertainment.
Yes. BoardWalk Inn offers complimentary Disney transport options as part of the Walt Disney World resort network; the Ritz-Carlton provides reservation-based shuttle transfers to area theme parks (often included under resort fee benefits or for a surcharge).
Explore how The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·