Big CHANGES Hit Disney’s BoardWalk

Did you know that one Disney hotel (and hotel area) is getting a major overhaul?

Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort has a ton of renovations on the way, including updates to the rooms and lobby, a new coffee shop, a new bakery, and a new sandwich shop taking over the current BoardWalk Bakery! We just found out when we can expect the sandwich shop to open, and now, we’re checking out the construction up close and personal!

We stopped by the BoardWalk on July 16th to take a look at the construction over there. The old ESPN Club was completely surrounded by these shrubs, so we think some major construction is going to start here soon!

Bye bye, ESPN Club!

But that’s not all — it seems some big construction has already taken place. The BIG “ESPN CLUB” sign, along with the hand and dumbells above it area also GONE. Here’s a picture of what this spot looked like before:

And here’s what it looks like now. This shot is from a different angle, but you can see those purple decorations in the right-hand side of the picture, over which the weight would normally be located. You can also see the ESPN Club sign missing from the white area between the purple decor.

Don’t worry, though, you can still get into the BoardWalk ice cream shop nearby! But, you can see how the area of the ESPN Club that used to feature a “Happy 50th Anniversary WDW” sign is now blank.

We spotted some more shrubs covering something over by Abracadabar, so we’ll probably see some more construction over by here as well.

Abracadabar Construction

These shrubs have been here for a little bit and were a bit more extensive/spread out earlier in July. So it looks like they may be moved around in different spots from time to time. Abracadabar is still available during this time, so don’t let those planters deter you! But keep in mind that you may need to walk around them if they block the main part of the entrance.

It’s blocked by planters — View on July 13th

In terms of other changes, The BoardWalk Deli is the sandwich shop that will be taking the place of the current BoardWalk Bakery. It is set to open in the summer of 2022, so we can’t wait to find out more about it.

Thus far, Disney has shared that this will be a “Northeastern-style deli with a brand-new menu that will include fresh deli sandwiches, fresh baked breads, and a selection of bakery items.”

There will also be house-baked bagels, hand-piped cannolis, and even an overstuffed pastrami Reuben.

The spot will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you’ll be able to visit it lots of times and explore different menu offerings.

On top of that, a new table service restaurant and cake shop is joining the BoardWalk called The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. This spot is expected to open in 2023.

The menu here will feature savory and sweet items, an afternoon tea service, and a whimsical atmosphere.

While the full menu has not been revealed, we’ve taken a look at the restaurant’s menus for its existing locations in Indiana to see what the menu and pricing could look like. Click here to get a FULL look at what we expect!

The Cake Bake Shop also revealed an EPIC cake topper that we hope is a small indication of what’s to come at their Disney World shop!

Click here to see more about this stunning cake topper!

But the changes don’t stop there! Over at the BoardWalk Inn, the lobby and lounge will get some updates to feature more airy touches. Plus, the BoardWalk Inn rooms will get a matching “light and airy” makeover.

And a new coffee shop will make its way to BoardWalk Inn as well. There will be artisanal beverages and some quick bites offered, as well as a refreshed seating area with space indoors and outdoors.

Click here to learn more about these BoardWalk Inn changes!

WHEW. That’s a lot of updates in the BoardWalk area. At some of these spots we’re still not seeing any major construction changes, but the changes made at ESPN show what’s likely in store.

But that’s not the only place in Disney that’s getting a makeover. Another part of Disney World that is changing right now is Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! A new restaurant and shop are in the works — we’ll continue to bring you updates on that.

Plus, there is construction going on in other parks for things like the TRON coaster, the Moana attraction, and other projects. Basically, if you go to Disney World right now, don’t be surprised if you spot a LOT of construction walls all over.