Disney has officially announced several new experiences coming to Disney’s BoardWalk beginning in late 2026, including a new entertainment lounge called Hurly Burly, a Basin retail location, and an all-new quick-service restaurant.
For Disney Vacation Club Members and frequent BoardWalk visitors, this announcement finally provides answers about what is next for one of Walt Disney World’s most beloved resort areas. While some of the additions sound promising, others leave us wondering whether Disney’s BoardWalk is slowly losing some of the unique character that made it so special in the first place.
What New Experiences Are Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk?
Disney announced three major additions:
- Hurly Burly, a new entertainment lounge and live music venue
- Basin, a third Walt Disney World location for the bath and body retailer
- A new quick service restaurant with details coming later this summer
According to Disney, these additions are part of the continued evolution of Disney’s BoardWalk while preserving its timeless waterfront charm and lively atmosphere.
What Is Hurly Burly at Disney’s BoardWalk?
Hurly Burly will be a new waterfront entertainment venue inspired by a historic seaside theatre. During the day, it will offer family friendly activities including trivia and games hosted by entertainers. In the evening, the space transforms into an adults only lounge featuring live music, cocktails, and light bites.
Is Hurly Burly Replacing Jellyrolls?
It certainly sounds that way.
The description closely mirrors the former role of Jellyrolls as the BoardWalk’s nighttime entertainment destination. The biggest difference is that Hurly Burly appears to serve multiple audiences.
Jellyrolls was an adults only venue centered around its wildly popular dueling piano experience. Hurly Burly expands the concept by creating a family destination during the day before transitioning into an adult atmosphere at night.
In many ways, this feels like Disney trying to create a space that appeals to more guests throughout the entire day.
Our Thoughts on Hurly Burly
This one feels like a win.
Losing Jellyrolls was disappointing because it had developed a passionate following over the years. There is no replacing the energy of the dueling pianos and late night sing along atmosphere.
That said, Hurly Burly sounds like it may offer something for everyone. Families gain another indoor activity during the day, while adults still get live entertainment, drinks, and a place to unwind in the evening.
The key will be execution. If Disney can maintain an energetic nightlife atmosphere while adding meaningful daytime experiences, Hurly Burly could become a new favorite.
Basin Is Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk
Disney also announced that Basin will open a new location at Disney’s BoardWalk.
The store will feature handcrafted soaps, bath bombs, body butters, botanical bath salts, shampoo bars, lip salves, and other bath and beauty products. Disney says guests will also enjoy interactive experiences including:
- A custom bath tea blending station
- A make your own soap experience
- Personalized soap embossing
Our Thoughts on Basin
This one feels like a miss.
Basin already operates successful locations at Disney Springs and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Adding a third location to Disney property seems like an odd choice.
At the end of the day, we’re not convinced the BoardWalk’s biggest need was another place to buy soap and bath bombs.
Basin products certainly have their fans, but they tend to be premium-priced items that many guests browse more than they purchase. Having three locations within a relatively short distance of one another feels like unnecessary duplication rather than an addition that brings something truly new to the BoardWalk experience.
A New Quick Service Restaurant Is Also Coming
Perhaps the most intriguing announcement is also the one we know the least about. Disney confirmed that a new quick service restaurant is coming to Disney’s BoardWalk, with additional details expected later this summer.
Could This Replace Big River Grille?
Disney has not officially confirmed a location, but many fans immediately wondered whether the new restaurant could utilize the former Big River Grille space.
If so, it would create opportunities for significantly more indoor seating and potentially add a much needed dining option to the BoardWalk.
Our Thoughts on a New Quick Service Restaurant
This is where opinions in the DVC Fan house differ.
On one hand, any new food offering at the BoardWalk sounds promising. The area has lost several dining options over the years, and many longtime fans feel like the BoardWalk offers fewer experiences today than it once did.
The challenge is imagining exactly what type of quick-service concept fits this area.
New Jersey boardwalks are famous for cheesesteaks, hoagies, carnival treats, and comfort foods. But Disney already offers sandwiches at BoardWalk Deli and specialty hot dogs nearby at Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. That leaves me wondering what niche this new restaurant might fill.
Amy sees it differently. She believes quick-service is exactly what the BoardWalk needs.
The area currently offers signature dining at Flying Fish, Italian fare at Trattoria al Forno, and upscale desserts at The Cake Bake Shop. What it lacks is an indoor casual restaurant where guests can order quickly, sit down, cool off, and enjoy a meal without committing to a full table service experience.
BoardWalk Deli works well for grab-and-go dining, but during Florida’s summer heat, finding outdoor seating can be uncomfortable. A quick-service restaurant with plenty of indoor seating could become incredibly popular among Disney Vacation Club Members and BoardWalk resort guests.
If this project delivers both seating and quality food options, it could be one of the most beneficial additions Disney could make.
Is Disney’s BoardWalk Losing Some of Its Unique Identity?
The bigger question raised by these announcements is whether Disney’s BoardWalk is slowly changing into something different.
For many longtime fans, the BoardWalk once stood apart because of its quirky entertainment offerings, nightlife, and one-of-a-kind experiences.
Over the years, it has lost elements that gave it a distinct personality. While the new additions may appeal to broader audiences, there is also concern that the BoardWalk is becoming a little more polished and a little less unique.
That does not mean these additions are bad. In fact, Hurly Burly and the new quick-service restaurant both have significant potential.
But as Disney continues evolving the BoardWalk, we’re all watching closely to see whether the resort can preserve the character and charm that made so many Disney Vacation Club Members (including ourselvers) fall in love with it in the first place.
What You Need to Know
| New Addition | Opening | Initial Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Hurly Burly | Late 2026 | Promising replacement for Jellyrolls with daytime and nighttime offerings |
| Basin | Late 2026 | Feels like an unnecessary third location on property |
| New Quick Service Restaurant | Details coming later this summer | Could fill a major need if it provides indoor seating and quality food options |
Disney’s BoardWalk remains one of the most enjoyable resort areas at Walt Disney World thanks to its Crescent Lake location, walkability to EPCOT, and unique atmosphere. These new additions could add meaningful experiences for guests, but whether they enhance the BoardWalk’s identity or continue changing it into something entirely different remains to be seen.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Stay tuned to DVC Fan and our DVC Fan Forums as we continue following all the latest developments coming to Disney’s BoardWalk.
Dan Valle
June 18, 2026The downfall started when they removed the Espn Club and put in that pricey Cake Bake. I am a DVC owner here but I chose this resort for the convenience to get to Epcot, DHS and use of the skyliner.
Nigel Hosking
June 18, 2026If the soap shop goes into what was the gallery it will probably have a better foot fall as for the fast food and music bar can’t weight