Walt Disney World’s BoardWalk Resort is one of the most beautifully themed areas on property. Designed to evoke the charm of a turn-of-the-century Atlantic coastal promenade, it boasts stunning views of Crescent Lake, a lively atmosphere, and unbeatable proximity to both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. However, over the past few years, the beloved entertainment district has been fighting off an unfortunate “dead mall” reputation following a string of high-profile closures.
But if recent construction permits and behind-the-scenes demolition are any indication, the Walt Disney Company is gearing up for a massive revival. According to official Walt Disney World refurbishment bulletins and on-the-ground reports, a major mystery project is currently unfolding on the BoardWalk, slated to continue through late 2026.
With massive restaurant spaces currently being gutted, guests are left wondering: What exactly is Disney hiding behind the construction walls? Here is everything we know about the closures, the recent additions, and the highly anticipated mystery projects transforming Disney’s BoardWalk.
The Mass Exodus: A Promenade Plagued by Closures
To understand the scale of the current construction, you have to look at the massive footprint left behind by recent closures. While the east end of the BoardWalk recently injected some life into the area with the opening of the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, the west end has been severely hollowed out.
The decline began a few years ago with the abrupt and permanent closure of Big River Grille & Brewing Works. The departure came as a shock to fans and employees alike. While Disney teased a new concept for the space, the building sat dormant.
The situation worsened in April 2025 when the legendary Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar closed its doors after nearly 30 years. Citing high rent, the management team relocated the concept to the Lake Buena Vista area near Disney Springs. Shortly after Jellyrolls vacated the premises, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery also quietly shut down in the fall of 2025.
Combined with the pandemic-era closures of the ESPN Club and Ample Hills Creamery, this side of the BoardWalk looked eerily vacant. With Atlantic Dance Hall as the lone surviving entertainment venue on that end, fans worried Disney might let the prime real estate sit empty until the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contracts expire in 2042.
A Modest Addition: The New Snack Kiosk
Despite the glaring vacancies, Disney did recently offer a small sign of life. In late December 2025, an unnamed snack stand quietly opened on the BoardWalk.
Replacing a Funnel Cake Stand that had been shuttered for months, the new kiosk appeared without any official fanfare. It offers standard but highly necessary quick-service fare, including popcorn, churros, Mickey pretzels, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages. While a snack cart is certainly not a mind-blowing addition, it serves as a crucial indicator that Disney management has not abandoned the district and recognizes the immediate need for fast, accessible food options along Crescent Lake.
The 2026 Mystery Projects: Demolition Underway
The real excitement lies inside the massive, empty buildings left behind by Big River Grille and Jellyrolls. According to a construction bulletin posted on the official Walt Disney World website, “refurbishment work will take place in select areas of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn” now through late 2026.
While the bulletin keeps the details frustratingly vague, the activity on the ground speaks volumes. Over the last few months, guests have reported hearing heavy demolition noise and spotting workers hauling construction materials in and out of the former Big River Grille. Construction vehicles have also maintained a highly visible presence outside the venue.
Even more significantly, recent reports indicate that the sprawling interior of the former Jellyrolls building is being gutted, with major plumbing and utility work underway.
Walt Disney World does not spend millions of dollars gutting and retrofitting massive commercial spaces unless there is a concrete plan in place. This level of aggressive interior demolition strongly implies that Disney has either greenlit firm in-house concepts or has already signed third-party tenants to long-term leases.
What Could Be Coming to the BoardWalk?
While Disney is keeping its cards close to the vest—perhaps saving the grand reveal for a major D23 announcement or a summer kickoff event—the rumor mill is operating at full capacity. What does the BoardWalk actually need to become a destination-worthy “Second Disney Springs”?
1. The Return of the Sports Bar When the ESPN Club closed, it left a glaring void. There are thousands of guests staying at the nearby Yacht & Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin, and the BoardWalk who want a dedicated, high-energy place to watch major sporting events. A modern sports bar and grill—perhaps a mix between the brewing capabilities of Big River and the athletic atmosphere of ESPN—would be a guaranteed financial success.
2. A “Magnet” Fast-Casual Eatery. A major complaint from guests staying at Deluxe resorts is the lack of a large-scale, affordable quick-service food court. If BoardWalk wants to draw crowds from the theme parks, it needs a highly popular fast-casual concept. A massive burger joint like D-Luxe Burger or a beloved third-party chain could generate immense foot traffic.
3. An Immersive Disney Lounge Disney has struck gold recently with highly themed, mid-tier lounges like Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge. A family-friendly, indoor/outdoor lounge with a unique theme—perhaps a 1920s speakeasy or an East Coast expansion of Trader Sam’s—would fit the BoardWalk’s nightlife aesthetic perfectly.
The Ultimate Hurdle: Fixing the Parking Problem
No matter how many incredible new dining concepts Disney unveils, the BoardWalk faces one major operational hurdle: limited parking.
Because guests frequently try to park at the BoardWalk to walk to EPCOT and avoid paying theme park parking fees, security often turns away locals and off-property guests who simply want to visit the promenade for dinner. If Disney truly wants these new mystery projects to thrive, it must implement a reliable parking validation system. Allowing guests to confidently park and dine without fear of being turned away is the only way to ensure these new businesses survive.
With massive demolition underway, the BoardWalk is clearly gearing up for a spectacular second act. Whether it is a lively sports bar, an immersive lounge, or a much-needed fast-casual eatery, the late-2026 reveal cannot come soon enough.
