News Jellyrolls Announces Departure from Disney's BoardWalk at Walt Disney World

[KDM31091]

Disney needs to put some more moderately priced dining at the Boardwalk, and/or more QS variety. Don’t think it will happen but I wish it would.

 

[castlecake2.0]

If that is how Disney management wanted to operate they wouldn’t have leased out the cake bake space or the corn dog cart.

Not to mention the majority of Disney Springs.

It’s always a game of what can make them more money, fully own/operate or collect rent

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It’s always a game of what can make them more money, fully own/operate or collect rent

a game of chance indeed, since if there was a clear winner that’s all they would do.

 

[FigmentFan82]

Make a new Adventurer’s Club

 

[Naplesgolfer]

I will really miss Jelly Rolls. This was a part of our park trip 4 -5 year since it opened. Many fun nights/memories. Don't understand why they don't see the need for more evening adult entertainment not less.

 

[FiestaFunKid]

While you can find dueling pianos elsewhere, and I spent many nights at the now defunct Jake Ivory's in Boston, I enjoyed that Jellyrolls sprinkled in Disney tunes with the usual classics - perhaps the only place to experience that.

 

[cbarry26]

I am not sure why you would be surprised.

While some people have attended and may have liked Jellyrolls, its not exactly a marque feature of the WDW experience. It's not so popular that you needed to control reservations to get in. You aren't seeing long lines of people every night waiting their turn to get into the place. It's also not that unique of an experience to WDW. Whether your talking about the old Jake Ivories in Boston, or Crocodile Rocks in Myrtle beach, if that is something someone wants to experience, your going to be able to find alternatives, and most likely a lot closer to home than WDW.

As to the second point, this is the one that i really don't understand the surprise. People are spending a lot of money to take a trip to go to WDW or Universal. The resorts, especially WDW makes it very convenient to NOT have to leave the bubble. Given that, why would you think many people would choose to leave? You are paying a premium to be in the bubble, why wouldn't you take advantage of the convivence as opposed to paying that premium, and then going offsite to do things you most likely could have done cheaper, and in other places?

I can't wait to get into that bubble and I truly don't want to leave during my stay. The bubble is a HUGE part of why I have been going back all these years.

 

[DCBaker]

DFB reports the last day of operations for Jellyrolls is April 19:

“Sources close to Jellyrolls have revealed that its final day of operation will be Saturday, April 19th.”

 

[DCBaker]

Here’s the official announcement from Jellyrolls:

 

[nickys]

From this report from the quarterly condo meeting for BWV, Disney still do not have a replacement for Jellyrolls.

Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 7, 2025

mouseplanet.com

Which begs the question why are Jellyrolls leaving? Did Disney put up the rent so much when it came to the contract renewal time that Jellyrolls looked for another venue? That seems incredibly shortsighted of Disney if they didn’t have anyone else lined up.

 

[danlb_2000]

Disney getting rid of all the businesses named after strippers, first Ample Hills, now Jelly Rolls.

 

[castlecake2.0]

From this report from the quarterly condo meeting for BWV, Disney still do not have a replacement for Jellyrolls.

Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 7, 2025

mouseplanet.com

Which begs the question why are Jellyrolls leaving? Did Disney put up the rent so much when it came to the contract renewal time that Jellyrolls looked for another venue? That seems incredibly shortsighted of Disney if they didn’t have anyone else lined up.

Just read the article, but confused with the part that said “the board is looking for new tenants”. I don’t think that falls under DVC, it would be business relations/operating participants dept that deal with that, so not sure how accurate that is. The rumour also is that Disney would just operate that venue now and therefore would not need to find a third party.

 

[FiestaFunKid]

Pretty ridiculous that this whole side of the Boardwalk is going to be abandoned with Big River gone and Atlantic Dance Hall usually dead (with no news of any concrete plans). Maybe they are going for the modern day Atlantic City motif.

 

[nickys]

Just read the article, but confused with the part that said “the board is looking for new tenants”. I don’t think that falls under DVC, it would be business relations/operating participants dept that deal with that, so not sure how accurate that is. The rumour also is that Disney would just operate that venue now and therefore would not need to find a third party.

Probably just phrasing, either from the spokesperson or the reporter.

But if Disney do plan to operate it themselves then I think we should be prepared for disappointment. haven’t exactly raced to fill the empty spaces so far.

 

[castlecake2.0]

Probably just phrasing, either from the spokesperson or the reporter.

But if Disney do plan to operate it themselves then I think we should be prepared for disappointment. haven’t exactly raced to fill the empty spaces so far.

What I remember hearing is that the big river grill exit came as a surprise for Disney, so could add to the delay for that space, jellyrolls apparently they have wanted gone for years now

 

[Jrb1979]

What I remember hearing is that the big river grill exit came as a surprise for Disney, so could add to the delay for that space, jellyrolls apparently they have wanted gone for years now

It's a shame they want late night entertainment gone. There is few places to go for a late night drink after the parks.

 

[Florida Man]

It's a shame they want late night entertainment gone. There is few places to go for a late night drink after the parks.

Yeah they need to start bringing late night evening entertainment back. Me and some friends went to Disney springs recently and around 10:30pm we were like let’s go grab some drinks. Disney springs closes at 11pm!! not cool at all.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

Jellyrolls and Big River were both told to leave by Disney.

Big river closed all locations I believe

 

[Jrb1979]

True, but Disney forced their hand on the one at Boardwalk - it was the last one standing

Why did Disney want these places out?

 

[wdwfan22]

Yeah they need to start bringing late night evening entertainment back. Me and some friends went to Disney springs recently and around 10:30pm we were like let’s go grab some drinks. Disney springs closes at 11pm!! not cool at all.

Disney has no desire to bring back late night entertainment. Late nights dont bring in the money and just creates additional problems.