A farewell party is taking place at Walt Disney World Resort next month for a beloved Florida fixture.
Disney World has been around for over 50 years, making change sad but ultimately unavoidable. Attractions come and go, restaurants close, and even entire lands disappear. No matter how beloved something is, nothing lasts forever. While every change sparks debate, it’s what keeps the parks from becoming relics of the past, staying true to Walt Disney’s ethos that his OG park, Disneyland, would never be complete.
But doesn’t mean the losses don’t sting. Over the years, we’ve lost some true icons. Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride made way for The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, The Great Movie Ride was torn out for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Horizons became Mission: SPACE, and Maelstrom was transformed into Frozen Ever After. Even entire lands, like Mickey’s Toontown Fair and, soon enough, DinoLand U.S.A., have disappeared.
Disney World Prepares to Permanently Close Jellyrolls
Next month, the resort is bidding adieu to yet another popular fixture at Disney’s BoardWalk.
Billed as a “quarter-mile promenade of exquisite dining, unique shops and exciting nightlife,” the BoardWalk is home to multiple fan-favorite locations, but Jellyrolls has always proven to be one of the most popular. One of the area’s OG spots, Jellyrolls invites guests over the age of 21 to enjoy dueling pianos and audience sing-alongs.
While it’s located on Disney property, Disney doesn’t technically own Jellyrolls. Earlier this year, the piano bar’s owner announced its impending closure, set for April 19, 2025.
The good news is that there are apparently plans for a new Jellyrolls location in Orlando. The bad news, however, is that this location won’t be on Disney property, leaving guests with few options for late-night entertainment once the parks close – for now, at least. Rumors have suggested that it may be replaced with a jazz bar.
For Jellyrolls regulars reluctant to say farewell, the bar has now shared new details about its farewell party. As per its website, the Final Farewell to the BoardWalk Performance will take place on April 19, with tickets priced at $22 per person.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with entertainment kicking off at 6.15 p.m. Seating will reportedly be first come, first served, with guests prohibited from saving space for anyone not already at the bar. Complimentary parking is available at the BoardWalk, subject to availability, by informing the guards of intentions to visit Jellyrolls.
What’s Next for the BoardWalk?
Disney’s BoardWalk has undergone a pretty big transformation lately.
Over the past few years, the BoardWalk Deli, BoardWalk Ice Cream, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, and The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers – the latter of which received heavy criticism for its high prices upon opening, later leading the restaurant and bakery to adjust its pricetags – have all debuted at the BoardWalk.
Last year saw the permanent closure of both Big River Grille and Brewing Works, which were also run by a third-party company. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ample Hills Creamery closed for good after the company behind the beloved ice cream shop filed for bankruptcy.
Like most Disney World hotels, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn has also seen its fair share of updates. Throughout 2023, its rooms received a huge refresh that saw the carpet replaced with wooden floors and Victorian portraits of Disney characters such as Minnie, Mickey, and Pluto added to the walls.
Will you miss Jellyrolls?
