NEWS: Disney Reveals Major Changes & New Dining Options Coming to BoardWalk Area

Disney has announced a new table-service restaurant (that will replace ESPN Club), a coffee bar, and more coming to Disney’s BoardWalk. Learn more below.

Here are all the details from Disney Cast Member Lesley Harris:

We’re gearing up to make a seaside splash at Disney’s BoardWalk! Over the next few years, we’ll be bringing new enhancements and offerings to life along this beloved, turn-of-the-century promenade – from a charming new lobby design and nearby coffee bar to delectable dining options, refreshed guest rooms and other special touches.

Waterside strolls will be extra special with storybook sweet treats and dreamy desserts at The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, a new table-service restaurant and bakery that’s sure to delight. Expected to open in 2023, this restaurant will offer both savory and dessert menus, along with afternoon tea service, in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the magic of the idyllic charm of Disney’s BoardWalk that guests know and love.

And with this new sweet spot on the horizon, the BoardWalk Bakery will become a new sandwich shop for guests to enjoy a bite along the water’s edge, joining other current food and beverage locations like BoardWalk Ice Cream.

Through the doors of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, light and airy touches will reinvigorate the lobby, lounge and guest rooms, carrying the seaside breeze right inside. Just off the lobby, a new coffee bar with artisanal beverages and quick bites will be available to-go or in newly refreshed seating spaces inside or outdoors.

The Disney Resort hotel experience is a special part of what makes each Walt Disney World vacation truly memorable. As one of 31 themed resorts in the Disney Resorts Collection, Disney’s BoardWalk offers something for everyone – from shopping and dining to entertainment and recreation. We look forward to sharing new details about these enhancements at the resort as they become available. Stay tuned for more information!

RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Reasons Why We Love Disney’s BoardWalk

by Matt and Kim

If you are looking for a great place to spend an afternoon or evening at Disney without spending money on a park ticket or fighting the crowds at Disney Springs, you’ll want to check out Disney’s BoardWalk. Here are six reasons why we absolutely love strolling the BoardWalk!

1 – Glowing Charm

Disney’s BoardWalk is a quarter-mile stretch of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. But amidst the merchandise and delicious food is the undeniable charm that is poured into every piece of the BoardWalk. Designed with Coney Island and Atlantic City boardwalks in mind, Disney’s BoardWalk exudes timeless details in the architecture and gorgeous water views. We especially love the BoardWalk in the evening, as the streamed lights emit a glow off the water. The BoardWalk is the perfect place for a romantic walk or for a family to enjoy some great moments.

2 – Stone’s Throw Away

Editor’s Note: At this time, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is temporarily suspended. 

BoardWalk has excellent proximity to several resorts as well as two theme parks! The BoardWalk neighbors the BoardWalk Inn Resort and is also in walking distance to the Swan and Dolphin Resort, the Yacht Club Resort, and the Beach Club Resort. Not to mention, or of the four theme parks at Disney World, BoardWalk is a simple walk or boat ride away from Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Plus, did you know – you are close enough to both parks to catch glimpses of Harmonious at Epcot and Hollywood Studio’s Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular! While you won’t be able to see all of the excitement, you’ll catch great flashes of the top of the fireworks. This is a great time to find a bench on the BoardWalk and dive into that funnel cake or sip on a margarita!

3 – Unique Merchandise

BoardWalk shops offer some excellent and unique merchandise. Disney’s Character Carnival is a great place to find all of your Disney character favorites and kid’s apparel. The Screen Door General Store offers everything from small Disney souvenirs to milk! This is primarily an excellent shop for those staying at one of the neighboring resorts. Thimbles and Threads is another shop with some sundry items, but it also has apparel and Disney souvenirs for everyone in the family. Our favorite and the most unique shop would have to be Wyland Galleries. This elegant art gallery will have you oohing and awing over the fantastic pictures and sculptures.

4 – Boardwalk Style Entertainment

Don’t just shop and eat at the BoardWalk, but check out some of the entertainment offered. Be on the lookout for street performers such as jugglers and magicians! Take it from us, these aren’t just random street performers but are obviously well trained at drawing in a crowd and wowing everyone. You’ll also want to experience the Atlantic Dance Hall, where you can dance the night away as long as you are over 21. Sports fan? Check out the ESPN Club Restaurant with live radio sports shows. Last but not least, our favorite is Jellyrolls. This lounge features dueling pianos and an excellent stage presence. The perfect way to spend the evening!

5 – Food Cravings Surrender

As you stroll the BoardWalk, you’ll find several quick-service locations – some in the form of carts and stands to match the BoardWalk theme! There is just about something for every craving you could have from sweets to salty to refreshing. A few quick-service spots include the Pizza Window, Funnel Cake Cart, BoardWalk Baker, BoardWalk Joe’s Marvelous Margaritas, and The To-Go Cart. We especially recommend the Funnel Cake Cart! Or relax at a table service location such as Big River Grille and Brewing Works, ESPN Club, Flying Fish, or Trattoria al Forno. If you decide to dine at Big River Grille or a few of the other locations, ask to sit outside, especially during nice weather! This adds to the BoardWalk experience.

6 – Fun Recreation

Maybe you are seeking a more unexpected source of entertainment? The BoardWalk offers recreation that will bring the family together! Rent a surrey bike so you can explore the Boardwalk and local areas on wheels. Plus, what Boardwalk would be complete without an arcade? Play a few classic arcade games as a fun way to top off your BoardWalk visit.