There is a LOT of construction going on in Disney World right now.
Disney’s BoardWalk
The EPCOT transformation is still underway, even after the grand opening of the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. The Spirit of Aloha building has been demolished and will be replaced with new Disney Vacation Villas at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. There’s also a lot going on over at Disney’s BoardWalk, which will be going through some HUGE changes soon — and it looks like some of those changes are already underway!
Disney recently announced exciting changes coming to Disney’s BoardWalk, including a brand new table-service restaurant — The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. We got to interview Gwendolyn about what she hopes to bring to Disney World with her new shop and what guests can expect from it! This table-service restaurant will serve both sweet and savory items, so chances are there will be something for everyone on the menu — but you’ll have to wait until 2023 to find out, as that’s when The Cake Bake Shop is slated to open.
©The Cake Bake Shop
We also learned that BoardWalk Bakery would be replaced with a new deli. Disney recently shared additional details about the new BoardWalk Deli — a northeastern-style deli that will offer deli sandwiches, freshly baked bread, and a selection of bakery items.
Opening this summer at Disney's Boardwalk: BoardWalk Deli, a Northeastern-style deli with a brand-new menu that will include fresh deli sandwiches, fresh baked breads, and a selection of bakery items. Stay tuned for more on Disney Parks Blog for all the delicious details! pic.twitter.com/9T52NaK34s
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) July 15, 2022
And the best part? The BoardWalk Deli will be opening THIS SUMMER! This will mean we have to say goodbye to the BoardWalk Bakery, but for now — it’s still open!
Inside BoardWalk Bakery
Walking around the BoardWalk, though, we did notice that the ESPN Club is not only shuttered up completely, but also has shrubbery around it, signaling that construction is happening at the building. In addition, the former dumbbell sign and ESPN logo have been removed from the facade — you can see what it used to look like here:
ESPN Club dumbbell sign
On our most recent visit, though, the construction bushes were up and the sign had been completely removed. Mum’s the word on what the future holds for this space, as Disney hasn’t shared any plans with the public just yet.
The shrubs!
There are also signs on the BoardWalk indicating as much. When Disney World began their phased reopening of the Resort, the ESPN Club failed to open back up alongside many other establishments, and has remained closed. This left many guests wondering exactly what was going on with the restaurant — would Disney choose to revamp the ESPN Club and give it new life or scrap the spot altogether? With the recent removal of the iconic dumbbell sign, we may have our answer.
Construction sign
The BoardWalk Inn itself is also getting some updates. The hotel’s lobby, lounge, and guest rooms will be getting an update. In addition, a new coffee bar just located off the lobby will be coming! We stopped into the lobby to see if there were any signs of construction, but so far, we don’t notice anything new.
BoardWalk Inn Lobby
Keep in mind, though, that these changes have been confirmed by Disney, so if you’re visiting Disney World with a stay at any of the area hotels, you might notice some construction going on. We’ll keep you updated on future progress!
Planning a trip to Disney World soon? Here’s everything you need to know about cancellation policies at the resort, as our definitive ranking of every hotel at the resort.
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Just want you to know I love what JC and all her minions do to keep us informed about everything Disney. We have been going to Disney World since it opened and have, of course, seen all the changes that have evolved over the years. We are at the point where were we have “seen it all” and now are at the point that we think about all the walking and decide to see in now from the outside looking in!
Again, thanks for all the hard work keeping us up to date on all things Disney!
I am on the waitlist for Boardwalk I guess this construction explains why I probably won’t get in
The day has come and gone for the ESPN club/restaurant. Need something new and improved
I believe it was announced that the Cake Bake Shop was going in the espn spot.
Where will the coffee bar be in relation to BelleVue Lounge? I hope they keep the lounge; it’s such a nice place to have a quiet breakfast!
What info is available about the new Incanto exhibit??
Disney should turn the ESPN into a new Disney Quest. Or something similar. An arcade with the addition of boardwalk games. That would spice things up. Just a suggestion.
We will be staying at the boardwalk for the first time in January 2023. We booked a deluxe club level room. I am hoping the construction won’t be terrible while we are there!