Not too long ago, Disney’s BoardWalk was one of the premier deluxe resort destinations at Walt Disney World. It had energy, atmosphere, and entertainment that made it feel like it was a miniature version of Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs). Guests could step out of their rooms and immediately find themselves immersed in nightlife, dining, and unique experiences.
But today, that magic is fading. The upcoming closure of Jellyrolls on April 19th, and the closure of Big River Grille & Brewing Works and the ESPN Club in recent years, has left the BoardWalk feeling hollow. Yes, a few new additions like the BoardWalk Deli and The Cake Bake Shop have popped up, but they don’t offer the same level of nighttime entertainment or excitement. The BoardWalk was once a lively hub, but now it feels like little more than a scenic walkway with a few dining options and a hotel attached.
One of the biggest reasons the BoardWalk has lost its prestige is the Disney Skyliner. When the BoardWalk first opened, its proximity to EPCOT was a huge selling point—you could simply walk into the park or take a boat ride to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But now, resorts like Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera have quick and easy Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios. This raises a big question: Why would guests pay deluxe resort prices at the BoardWalk when they can stay at Pop Century for a fraction of the cost? And if someone prefers deluxe accommodations, why wouldn’t they choose Riviera, which is newer, sleeker, and offers better dining options?
Disney has systematically stripped away the things that made the BoardWalk unique while expecting guests to stay just as excited about it. That’s simply not how it works.
Dining is another major issue. The BoardWalk, along with its neighbors the Beach Club Resort and Yacht Club Resort, has long struggled with truly standout dining options. When you remove beloved spots and don’t replace them with anything equally appealing, it makes the BoardWalk an even harder sell. If I’m going to pay for a deluxe resort, why wouldn’t I choose somewhere like the Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, or Wilderness Lodge Resort—where top-tier dining is part of the experience?
Flying Fish is certainly popular and has its loyal fans, and The Cake Bake Shop appeals to those willing to splurge—but beyond that, what’s left to truly draw Disney fans in? The BoardWalk just doesn’t have the same appeal it once did. When your dining options are competing with EPCOT, just a short walk away, they need to be either affordable or exceptional. Some may argue that The Cake Bake Shop is at least delicious, even if pricey, but does that really leave us with just one standout dining spot?
Then there’s AbracadaBar. On paper, a magician-themed bar sounds like a brilliant addition to the BoardWalk, but in execution, it falls flat. The cocktails are fine, but that’s the problem—it’s just fine. When other deluxe resorts have places like Trader Sam’s or Geyser Point, why settle for a bar that doesn’t fully lean into its theme? Why isn’t there an actual magician performing or interactive elements that immerse guests in the story? This should have been a standout, but instead, it’s another example of wasted potential.
And let’s not forget the Atlantic Dance Hall, which has been a weak link for years. What should have been a popular nightlife venue is now essentially just a Disney wedding reception hall. It hasn’t been a real draw for guests in ages, further cementing the fact that the BoardWalk is lacking in must-visit experiences.
Ultimately, the BoardWalk has lost what once made it special. If Disney wants to restore its former glory, they need to bring back true entertainment, invest in better dining, and give guests a reason to choose it over the many other options now available. Until then, it remains a shell of what it once was.
