Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is easily one of the most picturesque locations at Walt Disney World. Designed to capture the nostalgic charm of a 1930s Atlantic coastal village, the promenade sits right on the water of Crescent Lake, just a short walk from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yet, despite its prime real estate, frequent visitors have noticed a troubling trend over the last two years: a mass exodus of restaurants and entertainment venues, leaving the district feeling like a ghost town.
However, the days of the “dead mall” vibe might be coming to a spectacular end. According to recent construction permits, official refurbishment bulletins, and massive on-the-ground demolition, Walt Disney World is actively working on major mystery projects slated for completion in late 2026.
With iconic buildings currently being gutted from the inside out, guests are dying to know: What is Disney hiding behind those construction walls? Here is a breakdown of the closures, the recent additions, and what might be coming to Disney’s BoardWalk.
The Mass Exodus on Crescent Lake
To fully understand the scale of the current construction, you have to look at the massive void left behind by recent closures. While the east side of the BoardWalk recently celebrated the arrival of the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers and Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, the west side has been severely hollowed out.
The decline kicked off a few years ago with the sudden closure of Big River Grille & Brewing Works. The situation worsened in April 2025 when Jellyrolls, the beloved dueling piano bar that entertained late-night guests for nearly 30 years, closed its doors due to high rent and relocated to Lake Buena Vista. Shortly after, the Promenade Fine Art Gallery quietly and permanently closed.
Combined with the pandemic-era losses of the ESPN Club and Ample Hills Creamery, the west end of the promenade was left looking eerily vacant, sparking fears that Disney would let the prime real estate rot.
A Small Step Forward: The New Snack Kiosk
Before the major construction began, Disney did throw guests a modest lifeline. In late December 2025, an unnamed snack stand quietly opened on the BoardWalk, replacing a Funnel Cake Stand that had been shuttered for months.
Offering much-needed quick-service fare like popcorn, churros, Mickey pretzels, ice cream, and alcoholic beverages, it wasn’t a flashy new restaurant, but it was a crucial signal. It proved that Disney management had not forgotten about the promenade and recognized the immediate need for fast, accessible food along the water.
The 2026 Mystery Projects: Demolition Underway
The real excitement, however, lies inside the massive, empty buildings left behind by Big River Grille and Jellyrolls. An official construction bulletin on the Walt Disney World website notes that “refurbishment work will take place in select areas of Disney's BoardWalk Inn” now through late 2026.
While Disney is keeping the details intentionally vague, the on-the-ground activity speaks for itself. Over the last few months, the massive interiors of both the former Big River Grille and Jellyrolls buildings have been completely gutted. Guests have reported heavy demolition noise, massive plumbing and utilities work, and a constant presence of construction vehicles out front.
Walt Disney World does not spend millions of dollars gutting and retrofitting massive commercial spaces unless a concrete plan is in place. This aggressive demolition strongly implies that Disney has either greenlit firm in-house dining concepts or signed third-party tenants to long-term leases.
What Could Be Replacing Jellyrolls and Big River?
While Disney might be saving the grand reveal for a major D23 announcement, the rumor mill is churning with what the Crescent Lake area desperately needs.
- A High-Energy Sports Bar: Since the ESPN Club closed, convention guests and sports fans staying at the nearby Deluxe resorts have had nowhere to watch the big game. A modern sports bar and grill in the Big River or Jellyrolls space would be a guaranteed cash cow.
- A “Magnet” Fast-Casual Eatery: Guests have long complained about the lack of an affordable quick-service food court around Crescent Lake. A highly popular fast-casual concept like D-Luxe Burger or a third-party chain like Portillo's would instantly draw crowds from the theme parks.
- An Immersive Disney Lounge: Disney has seen massive success with highly themed lounges like Geyser Point. A family-friendly, indoor/outdoor lounge with an immersive theme (perhaps an East Coast version of Trader Sam's) would fit the BoardWalk perfectly.
Whatever incredible concepts are being built behind those construction walls, they will face one major hurdle: Disney's restrictive parking policies, which currently turn away locals trying to visit the promenade. If Disney can solve the parking problem and officially unveil these mystery projects, the BoardWalk is poised for a massive, destination-worthy comeback in late 2026.
