Street Performers at the Boardwalk

How to do Disney without ever setting foot inside a park? That’s easy. Just step foot onto Disney property and follow the Mickey Ears. There are three “downtown” areas: Downtown Disney, the West Side, and the Boardwalk. Most already know about Downtown Disney and the West Side, however the Boardwalk is one of Disney’s best kept secrets. Entertainment ranges “from a dance hall to piano bar to sports-themed club Specialty Cruises. There is no admission to Disney's BoardWalk area—where live evening entertainment can usually be found— but some venues may have a cover charge.” BoardWalk I spent a Saturday night at Disney’s Boardwalk and this is what I discovered.

            Like the other downtown areas, Disney has added street performers to their array of little shops, excellent restaurants, food venders, and dance clubs. Unlike some of the other entertainment, these performers are here free of charge and do not hassle you for tips or donations. Each performer has their own vaudeville type act that rotates throughout the area. The first act I saw that night was a magician who used the children in the crowd to help him to complete his corny magic tricks with the audience he had generated. I quickly realized how popular these street performers really are.  I stood there and watched the magician’s 15 minute show and was thoroughly entertained because he did not try to make his magic tricks seem more spectacular than they actually were nor did he disappoint the crowd.

The second act I watched was a clown who did not talk only squeaked and had a love for his many hats. He played with presents, had audience participation from all different ages, and shot a very small basketball into a very small hoop from the pole he balanced on his head from 30 feet high. I was amazed by the spectacle he created, but I also thought his act was quite humorous like most clowns should be. I was finding myself laughing with the very large crowd surrounding me.

            The last act we saw was my favorite: Carlo. Carlo was a Hungarian sword balancing, throwing, and swallowing expert. He continuously got the children in the crowd to repeat, do not try this at home, to emphasize the danger of his act. He was humble, humorous, ad held my attention the entire time. After watching Carlo, I went to sit and watch Epcot’s fireworks show on the beach store just in time to eat at the new Greek restaurant CoraNation Room Kouzzina by famous chef Cat Cora. CoraNation Room Overall a very enjoyable night. And the best part was the only expense was dinner.