News

Disney Landmarks to Permanently Close in 2025: Don’t Miss Your Last Chance to Visit

Walt Disney World has confirmed that Jellyrolls, the beloved dueling piano bar at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, will officially close its doors in 2025, marking the end of an era for the iconic venue. Having entertained guests for nearly 30 years, Jellyrolls has become a fixture of Disney’s nighttime entertainment, drawing crowds with its interactive piano performances and lively atmosphere. However, as part of the resort’s ongoing transformation, the piano bar will soon be saying its final goodbyes.

jellyrolls-disney-boardwalk
Credit: Jellyrolls

A Lasting Legacy at Disney’s BoardWalk

Jellyrolls, located on the BoardWalk near the Swan & Dolphin Resorts, has long been one of Walt Disney World’s most popular adult-oriented entertainment venues. Featuring nightly performances from talented dueling pianists, the venue became known for its energetic, crowd-pleasing shows that spanned a wide range of musical genres, from classic tunes to modern hits. For nearly three decades, Jellyrolls offered Disney visitors an experience unlike any other, with guests enjoying live music, audience participation, and a vibrant social atmosphere.

As the only venue at Disney World with a $20+ cover charge, Jellyrolls set itself apart from other entertainment offerings in the resort. While the cover charge helped create a more exclusive experience, it also limited access for some guests, particularly those looking for free or lower-cost options for evening entertainment. Regardless, the cover charge did not detract from Jellyrolls’ popularity, and it became a go-to destination for Disney fans, locals, and convention-goers alike.

The Jellyrolls closing annoucement can be seen in the below Instagram post, “After nearly thirty years on Disney’s Boardwalk, Jellyrolls is making a move! Come celebrate with us into the spring season and keep your eyes on our social media for exciting new updates!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jellyrolls (@jellyrollsorlando)

Why is Jellyrolls Closing?

Despite its nearly three-decade-long history and loyal following, Jellyrolls’ closure reflects broader changes taking place at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. Over the past few years, a number of long-standing venues have shuttered, including Big River Grille & Brewing Works, ESPN Club, and Ample Hills Creamery. While Disney continues to invest in new offerings—such as the Cake Bake Shop and various new dining options—older establishments like Jellyrolls are being phased out in favor of different types of entertainment experiences.

It’s important to note that while Jellyrolls has been a staple at the BoardWalk, the evolving nature of Disney’s entertainment priorities has led to the decision to close it. The resort’s ongoing transformation is aiming to bring in a more diverse range of experiences, catering to today’s guests, which often means moving away from older models that may no longer align with newer consumer preferences.

A Final Opportunity to Experience Jellyrolls

Disney Boardwalk and Jellyrolls
Disney Boardwalk and Jellyrolls. Credit: Disney

For fans of Jellyrolls, the closing is bittersweet, as it marks the end of a beloved institution. However, Disney has confirmed that Jellyrolls will remain open through April 2025, giving guests plenty of time to enjoy one last visit to the piano bar. Whether you’re a longtime regular or a first-time visitor, now is the time to visit and experience the high-energy performances that made Jellyrolls such a cherished spot at Walt Disney World.

As of now, Disney has not shared any plans to replace Jellyrolls with a similar venue, and the space remains open-ended for the time being. Given the success of new attractions and dining locations at the BoardWalk, it’s unclear whether the area will continue its focus on adult nightlife or shift in another direction entirely. Fans of the dueling piano concept, however, may hold out hope for a new iteration of the venue elsewhere on Disney property.

The BoardWalk’s Ongoing Reimagining

Jellyrolls is not the only closure to affect the BoardWalk area in recent years. As part of a larger effort to reimagine the BoardWalk Resort, Disney has seen several beloved businesses close, including Big River Grille & Brewing Works and Ample Hills Creamery. These closures are part of Disney’s multi-year project to update and refresh the area, with a focus on new offerings to appeal to today’s guests.

Disney has been introducing new dining options and other experiences as part of this overhaul, such as the Cake Bake Shop, which has generated significant buzz. Despite these new additions, the loss of Jellyrolls leaves a gap in the BoardWalk’s nightlife scene, as it was one of the last remaining spots that catered specifically to adults looking for evening entertainment.

What Lies Ahead for the BoardWalk Resort?

Jellyrolls
Credit: Jellyrolls

While Disney has not made any official announcements regarding what will replace Jellyrolls, it’s clear that the BoardWalk Resort will continue to evolve. The closure of Jellyrolls reflects a broader shift in Disney’s strategy to cater to newer guest expectations. Whether Disney will replace the venue with another adult-oriented space or introduce something entirely new remains to be seen.

In the meantime, Jellyrolls fans will have the opportunity to bid farewell to the venue over the next several months. Whether you’re looking to relive memories or create new ones, the time to visit Jellyrolls is running out. The dueling piano performances, lively atmosphere, and unique Disney experience that made Jellyrolls so special will certainly be missed by many, but its legacy will live on in the memories of its loyal patrons.

As for the future of the BoardWalk Resort, guests will have to wait and see how Disney chooses to shape the area in the years to come. What is clear, however, is that Jellyrolls’ departure marks a significant chapter in the ongoing transformation of Walt Disney World’s nightlife and entertainment offerings.

2025: A Year of Closures

Dino-Rama in DinoLand USA in Animal Kingdom in Disney World.
Credit: Disney

As Walt Disney World Resort enters 2025, a year of transformation is on the horizon, bringing significant updates and closures that will affect several parks, attractions, and resorts. While Disney continues to invest in exciting new experiences, the upcoming year will see a number of beloved attractions and experiences temporarily unavailable. For those planning to visit, it’s important to understand the scope of these changes to make the most of their Disney World experience.

Magic Kingdom: An Iconic Park Undergoing Major Changes

Magic Kingdom, the flagship park of Disney World, will see notable changes in 2025 that may affect the guest experience, especially in Frontierland and Tomorrowland. For instance, the beloved Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will undergo an extended refurbishment that will last until 2026, meaning that this fan-favorite roller coaster will be out of service for quite some time.

Other attractions will also see temporary closures, including Astro Orbiter, which will be shut down for refurbishment from January through summer 2025. In addition, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is expected to undergo updates, although no official closure dates have been confirmed. Unfortunately, Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade will close permanently, as will the Liberty Square Riverboat, a staple of Magic Kingdom for many years.

The Tom Sawyer Island will also close permanently at the end of 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the park’s classic attractions. The Walt Disney World Railroad, another iconic part of Magic Kingdom, will experience temporary closures as construction progresses in nearby areas. These closures will mean that up to 20% of the park’s attractions may be unavailable at different times throughout the year, but guests can still enjoy enduring classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, alongside newer favorites such as Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and experiences in Fantasyland.

EPCOT: A New Chapter with Construction and Refurbishments

EPCOT’s ongoing transformation will continue into 2025, with a few of its attractions temporarily closed for updates. Test Track, one of EPCOT’s premier rides, will undergo a complete reimagining, closing until late summer 2025. Additionally, Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros, which has been a popular boat ride in the Mexico Pavilion, will be closed from January 6 to March 15, 2025.

Rumors also indicate that Spaceship Earth, EPCOT’s signature attraction, may experience a multi-month maintenance closure. While not officially confirmed, this could be another change affecting the park’s guest experience. However, EPCOT remains a must-visit destination, especially for fans of the park’s immersive festivals such as the Festival of the Arts and Food & Wine Festival. Guests can continue to enjoy other popular attractions like Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, all of which will remain open.

Hollywood Studios: Shifting Entertainment Offerings

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will face a number of closures in 2025, though much of the park’s excitement remains intact. The Jedi Training Academy, a favorite for young Star Wars fans, has permanently ended, while Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will be shut down to make way for a new Villains-themed show. Additionally, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid stage show will be reimagined, with plans to reopen in summer 2025.

Although a small portion of the park’s entertainment is affected, key attractions such as Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will continue to draw crowds. Guests can also explore the immersive lands of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, both of which remain highly popular.

Animal Kingdom: A Year of Transition and Reimaginings

Animal Kingdom will see some of its major attractions impacted in 2025 as part of its ongoing evolution. While the park will continue to offer a balance of nature, adventure, and storytelling, a few key areas will temporarily close. It’s Tough to Be a Bug, a beloved 3D attraction in the Tree of Life, will close by the end of 2025 for a new Zootopia-themed show, marking a big change for one of the park’s long-running experiences.

The Kali River Rapids ride will also be unavailable from January to March 2025 for routine maintenance, and the TriceraTop Spin ride has already closed permanently as of January 2025. With these closures, approximately 25% of Animal Kingdom’s attractions will be unavailable during the year, but key rides like Expedition Everest and Avatar: Flight of Passage will remain operational.

For a more relaxed experience, guests can enjoy the park’s animal trails, explore Feathered Friends in Flight, and indulge in the unique dining options at places like Satu’li Canteen in Pandora.

Resort Refurbishments and Closures Across Disney World

In addition to park closures, several Disney resort areas are also undergoing refurbishments. Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort will close the Fantasia Pool from January to April 2025, while Beach Club Resort & Villas will see closures of Stormalong Bay and the Shipwreck Pool from January to June 2025. The Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is undergoing major refurbishments, with updates to its lobby and rooms, and the Grand Floridian Convention Center will be unavailable from summer to fall 2025.

The Polynesian Village Resort opened a new Island Tower in December 2024, but other resorts such as Caribbean Beach Resort and Sebastian’s Bistro will also experience closures for refurbishment. These changes will affect some guests, but many resorts will remain open, offering continued accommodations for Disney guests.

Transportation and Other Seasonal Closures

Other areas of Disney World, such as its transportation system, will also face some disruptions. The Skyliner Gondolas are scheduled for a two-week phased closure in 2025, which may impact transportation between resorts and parks. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks will be closed seasonally, with Blizzard Beach unavailable for the year and Typhoon Lagoon closed through spring 2025.

These closures may create some challenges for guests, particularly those relying on the Skyliner for transportation or planning to visit water parks during off-peak seasons.

Planning Your 2025 Disney World Visit

While 2025 will bring a host of closures and changes to Walt Disney World Resort, there will still be plenty to enjoy. With 20-30% of attractions affected across the parks, guests should plan accordingly and check for updates before their visit. Disney continues to make investments in its parks, ensuring new attractions and experiences for future guests. In the meantime, major rides, dining, and immersive experiences will remain available to offer magical memories for visitors. Staying informed about these changes and adjusting expectations will help guests get the most out of their visit during this period of transformation.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Back to top button