Credit: DisneyFor decades, Disney’s BoardWalk has served as a charming, turn-of-the-century Atlantic coastal promenade nestled right in the heart of Walt Disney World. Perfectly situated along the shores of Crescent Lake—just a short stroll or boat ride from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios—it has historically been a bustling destination. But over the past couple of years, frequent visitors have noticed a disheartening trend: a string of abrupt closures that have left the district feeling a bit more like a ghost town than a thriving entertainment hub.
However, if recent construction permits and on-the-ground activity are any indication, the Walt Disney Company has not forgotten about the BoardWalk. In fact, a series of mysterious construction projects slated for late 2026 through 2027 strongly suggests that Disney is actively working to revitalize the area. Could these developments finally elevate the promenade into the “Second Disney Springs” it was always meant to be?
Here is everything we know about the unannounced projects, the empty storefronts, and the future of Disney’s BoardWalk.
The String of Closures: A Dead End on the Boardwalk?
To understand current construction, we need to look at the Boardwalk’s recent history. While the east side of the promenade recently saw some fresh life with the highly anticipated (though pricey) opening of the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, the west side of the BoardWalk has been decimated by consecutive closures.
It began over two years ago with the abrupt, permanent closure of Big River Grille & Brewing Works. The closure came as a shock to fans and even to the employees who worked there. Disney previously teased a new concept for the space, but no official announcement ever materialized.
Then, in April 2025, the legendary Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar closed its doors after nearly 30 years of entertaining late-night guests. The bar cited high rent and a desire to relocate closer to the Lake Buena Vista/Disney Springs area. Shortly after, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery quietly shut down in the fall of 2025.
Combined with earlier closures during the pandemic—such as the ESPN Club and Ample Hills Creamery—the BoardWalk had a serious vacancy problem. The mass exodus left the Atlantic Dance Hall as the lone survivor on that end of the promenade, sparking fears among fans that Disney might let the prime real estate sit vacant as a “dead mall” until the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) contracts expire in 2042.
Small Wins: A New Snack Kiosk Steps In
Despite the glaring vacancies of major restaurants, Disney recently threw a small bone to guests. In late 2025, an unnamed snack stand quietly opened on the BoardWalk, replacing a funnel cake stand that had been shuttered for months.
While the new kiosk lacks a flashy name or elaborate theming, it offers much-needed quick-service fare, including popcorn, churros, pretzels, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages. It isn’t a mind-blowing addition, but it serves as a crucial signal to guests: Disney is still actively managing the promenade and recognizing the need for fast, accessible food options.
The 2026 Mystery Projects: Demolition and Gutting Underway
The real excitement, however, lies behind the closed doors of the former Big River Grille and Jellyrolls buildings. According to a recent official construction bulletin on the Walt Disney World website, “refurbishment work will take place in select areas of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn” now through late 2026.
While the bulletin is incredibly vague, guests and insiders have reported massive internal activity in these closed spaces. Over the last few months, workers have been spotted hauling materials in and out of the former Big River Grille. There has been noticeable demolition noise, and construction vehicles are visible out front.
Even more recently, reports indicate that the interior of the massive former Jellyrolls building has been completely gutted, with extensive plumbing and utilities work currently underway.
Disney does not spend money gutting and retrofitting massive restaurant spaces unless they have a concrete plan. This level of aggressive demolition strongly implies that Walt Disney World either has firm in-house concepts ready to build or has already signed third-party tenants to long-term leases.
What Could Be Replacing Jellyrolls and Big River Grille?
While Walt Disney World is keeping its plans tightly under wraps—possibly saving the reveal for a smaller summer event or a major D23 announcement—the rumor mill is churning. What does the Crescent Lake resort area actually need?
1. A High-Energy Sports Bar & Grill When the ESPN Club closed, it left a massive void in the Walt Disney World resort bubble. There are thousands of convention guests, dads, and sports fans staying at the nearby Yacht & Beach Club, Swan & Dolphin, and BoardWalk who want a dedicated place to watch the big game. A modern sports bar—perhaps a popular third-party chain like City Works or a revived Disney concept—would be a guaranteed moneymaker in either the Big River or Jellyrolls space.
2. A “Magnet” Fast-Casual Restaurant . One of the biggest complaints from guests staying at Deluxe resorts around Crescent Lake is the lack of a sprawling, affordable quick-service food court. If Disney wants to draw crowds from EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, a highly popular fast-casual concept like Portillo’s or an expanded D-Luxe Burger could generate massive foot traffic.
3. An Immersive Lounge Disney has seen massive success with highly-themed, mid-tier lounges like Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge or the Wailulu Bar at the Polynesian. A family-friendly, indoor/outdoor lounge with a unique theme (perhaps an Atlantic City-style speakeasy or even a highly merchandised Trader Sam ‘s-style tiki bar) would fit perfectly into the BoardWalk’s nightlife aesthetic.
The Parking Problem: The BoardWalk’s Biggest Hurdle
Regardless of what incredible new restaurants or lounges Disney decides to build, the BoardWalk faces one major operational hurdle: parking.
Back in the 1990s, the BoardWalk was envisioned as a secondary Downtown Disney—a place for locals and resort guests alike to dine, shop, and hang out. But today, parking at the BoardWalk is notoriously restrictive. Because guests frequently park there to walk to EPCOT and avoid theme park parking fees, security often turns away locals who simply want to eat dinner.
If Disney truly wants these new mystery projects to succeed and elevate the BoardWalk into a destination-worthy “Second Disney Springs,” they must implement a reliable parking validation system. Allowing guests to confidently park, dine, and enjoy the promenade without fear of being turned away at the security gate is the key to a booming business.
A Bright Future for Crescent Lake
It has been disheartening to watch the BoardWalk languish with empty storefronts over the last two years. However, the heavy construction underway inside the former Jellyrolls and Big River Grille buildings proves that a major revitalization is finally underway.
Whether it is a lively sports bar, a highly themed lounge, or a much-needed fast-casual eatery, the BoardWalk is gearing up for a massive 2026 and 2027. With thousands of hotel rooms nearby and two theme parks within walking distance, the untapped potential is staggering. The Atlantic coastal promenade isn’t dead—it’s just getting ready for its second act.
