Another Classic Gone: Disney Confirms Replacement of Permanently Closed 29-Year-Old Destination
Walt Disney World has built its reputation on nostalgia, but the resort has never been afraid to move on from longtime favorites. Whether it’s a classic attraction, a beloved restaurant, or a familiar entertainment venue, Disney often looks ahead to what’s next.
That pattern is continuing once again. A location that entertained guests for nearly three decades has officially closed, and Disney has now revealed what will take its place when a new experience arrives in 2026.
Disney Continues Refreshing Familiar Experiences
Fans have watched several major changes unfold across Walt Disney World in recent years. Some have been welcomed immediately, while others have sparked debate among longtime visitors.
Splash Mountain remains one of the most talked-about examples. After decades of operation, the attraction was replaced by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, giving the area an entirely new story and theme.
Animal Kingdom is also in the middle of a major transformation. DINOSAUR has already closed, clearing the way for Tropical Americas. The upcoming land will replace DinoLand U.S.A. with experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones.
Meanwhile, Disney has announced updates for the Carousel of Progress. The attraction remains one of the oldest operating experiences at Walt Disney World, but future changes suggest Disney is still looking for ways to refresh even its most historic offerings.
With so many projects underway, it’s no surprise another longtime favorite has now joined the growing list of retired experiences.
Saying Goodbye to Another Classic
Disney recently announced new additions for Disney’s BoardWalk, including the replacement for the former JellyRolls location.
For nearly 29 years, JellyRolls served as one of the resort’s best-known nightlife destinations. The dueling piano bar attracted both tourists and locals before ultimately closing its doors.
The closure came during a period of significant change for Disney’s BoardWalk. Located near EPCOT, the waterfront district continues evolving through renovations, new businesses, and updated guest spaces.
Visitors have already seen changes, including updates to Stage Door General Store, improvements to the lobby, the closure of Promenade Fine Art Gallery, and the arrival of The Cake Bake Shop. Now another major piece of the BoardWalk’s future has been revealed.
A Brand New Experience Takes the Stage
Disney confirmed that Hurly-Burly will move into the former JellyRolls space.
Inspired by a historic seaside theater, the venue will offer a variety of experiences throughout the day.
Families visiting during the afternoon can participate in activities such as trivia, games, and other interactive entertainment. Disney designed the daytime experience to be accessible to guests of all ages.
Once evening arrives, the atmosphere will shift. Hurly-Burly will become an adults-only destination for guests 21 and older, featuring live music, coastal-inspired cocktails, and light bites.
Rather than creating a direct replacement for JellyRolls, Disney appears focused on delivering a completely different entertainment concept while still preserving the BoardWalk’s nightlife appeal.
More Additions Are Coming
Hurly-Burly isn’t arriving alone.
Disney also announced that Basin will open a new retail location at Disney’s BoardWalk. The store will focus on interactive shopping experiences, including a custom bath tea-blending counter, a make-your-own-soap station, and a soap embossing press.
Guests will also find a variety of handcrafted bath and body products ranging from soaps and bath bombs to body butters and shampoo bars.
Disney also teased another future addition: a new quick-service restaurant. While details remain limited, the company says more information will be released later this summer.
A Trend Seen Across the Resort
The changes at Disney’s BoardWalk reflect what is happening throughout Walt Disney World.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the former Muppets Courtyard has closed to make way for Monstropolis, a new land inspired by Monsters, Inc.
Animal Kingdom continues work on Tropical Americas, replacing DinoLand U.S.A. with new experiences and attractions.
Even the Muppets recently became part of Disney’s replacement strategy. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster now stars the Muppets instead of Aerosmith, giving the characters a prominent new role inside Hollywood Studios.
Taken together, these projects show Disney’s commitment to updating existing spaces rather than leaving them unchanged. With Hurly-Burly set to replace JellyRolls in 2026, another chapter of Disney World history is ending while a new one begins.
