Disney’s BoardWalk may be heading toward another round of change as new projects are reportedly being planned for two long-vacant spaces in the shopping and dining district. While Disney has not confirmed any new tenants, recent filings tied to the area suggest movement could be underway.
For Disney World fans, this matters because BoardWalk has seen steady turnover in recent years. Restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues have changed often, which has gradually reshaped the feel of the district. Here is what the latest report suggests and why it may be worth watching.
Two New Projects Have Been Reportedly Identified
According to reports tied to filings with the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, two new projects may be in development for Disney’s BoardWalk.
One project, listed under the name Project Amazon, appears to be linked to the former Big River Grill & Brewing Works location. That restaurant closed in January 2024 and the space has remained empty since then.
A second project, called Project Bubbles, is reportedly tied to the former Promenade Fine Art Gallery space. That location closed in October 2025, adding another vacancy to the BoardWalk lineup.
At this point, the project names do not confirm what may actually be coming. They appear to be placeholders, and Disney has not issued a public announcement about either site.
What Could These Projects Mean?
Because the filings are limited, there is still a lot we do not know. The names Project Amazon and Project Bubbles may not reflect the final concepts at all. Still, they suggest that planning work is active behind the scenes.
Some early speculation has focused on the possibility of a bath and body store or perhaps a champagne bar for one of the spaces. Those ideas remain unconfirmed, but they show the range of possibilities for how Disney could use smaller retail or lounge locations along the BoardWalk.
For guests, the main takeaway is simple. Empty storefronts may not stay empty for much longer.
BoardWalk Has Changed Quite a Bit in Recent Years
This latest report fits into a larger pattern at Disney’s BoardWalk. Over the past several years, the district has gone through a noticeable mix of closures, replacements, and reworked concepts.
Big River Grill closed. Promenade Fine Art Gallery also closed. Jellyrolls shut down in April 2025, leaving another vacant location behind. Other changes have already brought new concepts to the area. ESPN Club gave way to The Cake Bake Shop. BoardWalk Bakery became BoardWalk Deli. Ample Hills Creamery was replaced by BoardWalk Ice Cream. Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs also moved into a former quick service location.
Taken together, these updates show that Disney has been actively reshaping the district rather than leaving it unchanged.
Why BoardWalk Updates Matter to Disney World Guests
Disney’s BoardWalk holds an important place in the resort area between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It serves Disney resort guests, day visitors, and people looking for dining or nightlife outside the parks.
Because of that, even smaller tenant changes can affect the guest experience. A new restaurant, shop, or lounge can change traffic patterns, add new dining choices, and give returning guests something different to explore.
BoardWalk is also part of the identity of the Crescent Lake area, so these updates matter beyond one single building.
Conclusion
For now, the reported projects at Disney’s BoardWalk remain just that, reported projects. Still, the filings suggest that Disney may be preparing to fill at least two empty spaces in a district that has already seen many changes in recent years. If you follow Disney World resort news closely, BoardWalk is clearly an area to keep watching.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
