Walt Disney World is constantly changing, especially now as three of the resort’s four theme parks have massive construction projects underway and as all the parks open new attractions. Beyond the parks, Disney is likewise developing new experiences to replace longtime favorites. This includes a trio of spaces that have been sitting empty for quite some time now.
Construction crews are preparing new experiences for three closed venues at a popular Disney World nightlife spot. We have the details on what’s happening and how these venues’ futures might take shape. Mickey Visit brings you the latest theme park news and planning resources, including Lightning Lane changes at Disney World and an unexpected change in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.
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New Tenants Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney’s BoardWalk, located steps away from the back entrance of EPCOT, is a turn-of-the-century-themed waterfront featuring restaurants, shops, entertainment, and overnight accommodations at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn. See our guide to fun things to do at Disney’s BoardWalk, including free options.
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Three venues at Disney’s BoardWalk closed in recent years with no announced replacements, but that may change soon.
Big River Grille & Brewing Works, a sports bar restaurant, closed in January 2024. It had been operating since Disney’s BoardWalk first opened in 1996. The closure happened quietly and no replacement has happened since. The space still sits empty.
Jellyrolls, a popular dueling piano bar, closed in April 2025, likewise having entertained guests since Disney’s BoardWalk opened.
Owned by a third party rather than Disney, Jellyrolls will open a new location near Disney World. This closure was a notable moment. The location drew lots of passionate fans every week and had a particularly popular cast member night that was frequented by Disney College Program participants.
Promenade Fine Art Gallery, a shop selling high-end sculptures and paintings, many of which were Disney-inspired, closed its Disney’s BoardWalk location in October 2025. It now operates at The Pointe Orlando, a shopping complex on International Drive.
All three of these spaces have been inaccessible to guests since their respective closures, with Disney keeping quiet about any future developments.
However, work is happening behind the scenes to repurpose these venues.
The database of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, the governing body of Walt Disney World property, was recently populated with new references to the transformations of the former Big River Grille & Brewing Works and Promenade Fine Art Gallery locations. The database entry titles refer to the work as Project Amazon and Project Bubbles, respectively. Disney has not formally announced new concepts for either location.
Work is visible inside the former Jellyrolls, with construction crews clearly active in repurposing the space.
Even though Disney hasn’t publicly revealed its plans for these three venues, the permit filings and ongoing construction are positive indications that these spaces won’t sit empty and that there are ongoing plans for all three. We don’t yet know what could be coming here, though we hope that some kind of nightlife offering takes the place of at least the Jellyrolls location.
The Atlantic Dance Hall still remains at the end of the BoardWalk across from what was Jellyrolls though it is not the beacon that it once was. We are curious if that location will be replaced also or if the venue could just find new life if these other spaces are filled.
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Though it’s rare, Disney does occasionally leave defunct attractions and venues empty. For example, the former River Country water park sat abandoned for years before Disney started building Disney Lakeshore Lodge, which opens in summer 2027. At EPCOT, the former Wonders of Life Pavilion is still standing next to Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, despite not having been open for years.
The newest tenants at Disney’s BoardWalk are The Cake Bake Shop Restaurant and The Cake Bake Shop Bakery, which opened in 2024 and are known for their elaborate, expensive slices of cake.
Though this location is on a bit of an island right now without so many vacancies in the area, it is extremely popular and drawing big crowds every night. When I most recently checked in, there was a long line for the bakery and the restaurant appeared full.
Our other top highlight of the BoardWalk is the Flying Fish restaurant which deserves to be on your list for the best sit down restaurant options at Walt Disney World. This place is upscale, but perfect for a nice dinner on your trip.
WDW Magic first reported the public filings of the replacement projects.
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