Disney’s BoardWalk continues to evolve, with construction making steady progress at several long-vacant storefronts. During a recent visit, we spotted noticeable work underway at the future homes of a new quick-service restaurant, Basin, and Hurly-Burly, giving us a better idea of what’s taking shape along the waterfront. Let’s hop on a Friendship Boat from Disney’s Hollywood Studios and check things out!
— Originally opening in 1996, the BoardWalk is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Future Quick-Service Restaurant Replaces Big River Grille
The largest construction zone remains at the former Big River Grille & Brewing Works, which permanently closed in January 2024. Construction walls completely surround the BoardWalk-facing entrance, preventing guests from seeing much of the work taking place inside.
Recent filings with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District referred to this location as “Project Amazon.” Shortly afterward, Disney confirmed that a new quick-service restaurant would be opening at the BoardWalk – it’s safe to assume this is the project currently underway. For now, exterior progress appears minimal, though the walls mean some significant interior construction is happening behind the scenes!
Basin Construction Moves Forward
Just a short walk down the BoardWalk, another project is taking shape at the former Promenade Fine Art Gallery location next to Screen Door General Store. Permits previously identified this space as “Project Bubbles,” which is widely believed to be Disney’s upcoming Basin location announced last month.
The windows and doors are now completely blacked out, preventing guests from seeing any activity inside as construction continues. From the exterior, the building otherwise retains its familiar BoardWalk appearance.
Along with the handcrafted soaps, bath bombs, botanical bath salts, body butters, shampoo bars, conditioners, and other bath products the company is known for, Disney says this shop will include several interactive experiences. Guests will be able to create custom bath tea blends, personalize soaps at a make-your-own-soap station, and even emboss purchased soaps for a unique keepsake.
Hurly-Burly Replaces Jellyrolls
Active work is happening just outside the former Jellyrolls building. Construction walls now stretch along much of the waterfront-facing façade, while crews have begun replacing sections of the blue-and-white striped exterior paneling. Remnants of the former Jellyrolls signage have also been removed as the building starts its transition into Hurly-Burly.
Passing the old Jellyrolls from the Friendship Boat back to Hollywood, you can see an excavator parked outside to assist with the demolition and additional exterior work.
Disney announced Hurly-Burly as a new waterfront lounge that will occupy the former nightclub later this year. The venue will tell the story of a historic seaside theater that’s been part of the BoardWalk for generations. During the day, families can expect trivia, games, and interactive entertainment hosted by an emcee. Once evening arrives, the space will shift into a 21-and-over lounge featuring live music, coastal-inspired cocktails, and light bites. Sounds a lot like a Disney Cruise Line lounge experience!
A New Chapter for Disney’s BoardWalk
With all of these additions, we have a few new reasons to spend more time exploring the BoardWalk beyond simply walking between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Both Basin and Hurly-Burly are expected to open later this year, while Disney has not yet announced an opening timeframe or additional details for the new quick-service restaurant replacing Big River Grille. As work continues, we’ll be keeping an eye on these projects and sharing future construction updates as more progress becomes visible.
