You do not need a dining or hotel reservation to visit the Disney BoardWalk, but the method of transportation you choose is key because security often restricts "guest parking" to those with confirmed reservations. The easiest way to access the BoardWalk without a reservation is to use Disney's complimentary transportation. You can take a bus from any of the four theme parks directly to one of the BoardWalk area resorts, such as Disney's BoardWalk Inn or the Yacht & Beach Club. Alternatively, you can take the Disney Skyliner to the International Gateway station and walk a few minutes to the BoardWalk, or use the "FriendShip" boats from EPCOT or Hollywood Studios. If you are driving yourself and do not have a reservation, your best bet is to park at Disney Springs and take a resort bus from there, or pay for a rideshare (like Uber or Lyft) to drop you off directly at the BoardWalk Inn entrance. Once you are there, the actual wooden boardwalk is a public area where you can enjoy the street performers, shops, and "quick-service" food stands like the BoardWalk Deli or the pizza window without needing any prior booking or ticket.