Wander through the lobby of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and you may spot a set of ornate, hand-painted chairs that feel equal parts charming and uncanny. These are the famed Nanny Chairs — a quirky slice of Disneyana that blends turn-of-the-century seaside style with carousel history. We recently stayed at the BoardWalk and we made straight for the chairs.
A Carousel Connection
The Nanny Chairs are inspired by 19th-century carousel chairs, used so caretakers could ride alongside children without mounting a horse. Disney’s BoardWalk Inn pays homage to this tradition by recreating the chairs as decorative pieces that fit the resort’s Atlantic boardwalk theme.
Where to Find Them
- Total: Four chairs are known to reside at the resort.
- Lobby placement: Two typically flank the fireplace in the main lobby.
- On the move: The other two are occasionally relocated within the lobby area, turning their discovery into a lighthearted scavenger hunt.
Names with a Mystery
Each chair bears a hand-painted name — commonly reported as Todd, Paul, Alex (or Alexander), and Carrie. The origins of these names remain unclear: some speculate they reference Imagineers’ children, while others think they were chosen simply to add personality. Disney has not provided an official explanation.
Creepy or Charming?
Guests are divided. Some find the carved faces and fixed expressions delightfully whimsical; others call them “creepy” or “haunting.” Whatever your verdict, the Nanny Chairs embody Disney’s love of layered storytelling — small details that reward curious eyes and spark conversation.
A Hidden Disneyana Gem
They may not be headline attractions, but the Nanny Chairs are a beloved oddity for resort explorers and collectors alike.
Next time you’re at the BoardWalk Inn, see if you can spot all four — and perhaps take a seat, if you dare. (We only spotted two on our visit and we did not sit down!!)
