Walt Disney World has more in store for Disney's BoardWalk than anyone realized. While most of the attention this month has centered on the end of Atlantic Dance Hall's public nights and the arrival of Hurly-Burly, a small mention in a members-only magazine suggests the waterfront is also getting a new place to eat.
The hint came from Disney Files, the quarterly magazine Disney Vacation Club sends to its members. In the same issue that covered Hurly-Burly and the upcoming Basin location, the publication referred to a “soon-to-be-announced” quick-service dining destination coming to the BoardWalk, as first reported by WDWNT.
That is nearly all we know. Disney has not shared a name, cuisine, theme, menu, or opening date, and it has not said where on the promenade the restaurant will be. The magazine pointed readers to the Disney Parks Blog for updates, which suggests a formal reveal may have been planned for after the issue went to print.
The new spot will join a quick-service lineup that already includes BoardWalk Deli, Pizza Window, and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. Guests looking for something sweet can visit BoardWalk Ice Cream, Carousel Coffee, and The Cake Bake Shop Bakery. Even with those choices, another counter-service option could add real variety, especially if Disney uses it to bring in a style of food the BoardWalk doesn't currently serve.
Atlantic Dance Hall is also changing. Disney has confirmed that the Crescent Lake venue will hold its last regular public weekend from September 25 through September 27. Beginning October 1, the weekend walk-in nights will end, and the space will be used only for private events such as weddings and other functions.
The building will stay. For years, it has been one of the resort area's more distinctive spots, a place where adults could dance the night away without heading into a park. What is changing is who can get through the door.
October 1 is also opening day for Hurly-Burly, which replaces the Jellyrolls dueling piano bar. Disney based the new concept on a historic seaside theater and designed it to serve two audiences. During the day, families can play trivia and games. At night, the venue becomes adults-only, with live music, cocktails, and light bites. That schedule gives the space a much broader role than its late-night predecessor had.
The restaurant tease comes during a period of major change for the BoardWalk. Basin is on its way with bath and body products and hands-on activities, including custom bath tea blending and soap-making. Several long-standing venues have closed along the promenade in recent years, and Disney appears to be filling those gaps with a mix of dining, entertainment, and shopping.
We'll keep watching the Disney Parks Blog for the official announcement.
How do you feel about this big phased development at Disney's BoardWalk? Let us know in the comments below!
