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

[cbarry26]

So...I have to say that I do see the need for someplace to go later in the evenings after the parks are closed. I never went into Jellyrolls but once my kids hit 21 and were in the DCP, they used to go all the time and seemed to have great times there. So, I see that it had it's clientele and fit a certain need.
However, on more than one occasion, staying at the BoardWalk I have been rather annoyed at drunken patrons spilling out of Jellyrolls. One trip we returned from a late night at a park and took the Yacht Club bus instead. It happened to be empty and the BoardWalk bus wasn't coming. We were more than happy to take the stroll around back to our BoardWalk room. Walking the boardwalk is always a favorite thing to do. My 13-year-old daughter and her best friend were with us, but walking ahead of us, as teens will do, and as we got to Jellyrolls, some creepy drunk stumbled out and followed them and made suggestive comments like, "Having a magical time little girls..?" Good thing he decided to park himself on a bench by the time I got closer and left them alone. That was a Disney first for me. I came close to feeling unsafe for my kids?
On the same trip we happened to have a room overlooking that central lawn of the BoardWalk Inn, which was great because we got to have a partial water view for a resort view price. However, we love sitting out on our balcony and unwinding with wine and snacks after a long park day and the parade of loud drunks on that trip coming from the Jellyrolls end of the boardwalk and heading up those stairs to the Uber or parking lots certainly dampened our magical balcony nights. We've been back only once to stay at BoardWalk since, and I made sure to request a room facing the inner courtyards/pool area instead.

So, bottom line? Yes, I see it as a sort of loss as a late night option for some, but at the same time, I don't think I'll miss it.

 

[mastromjm]

This was Disney's decision fully

 

[lewisc]

This was Disney's decision fully

Does Jellyrolls have a new location lined up or are they still negotiating?
Obvious places like Citywalk already have a piano bar. A location like Icon won't cut it for me

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

This was Disney's decision fully

So your saying it was an owners decision, to do something with property it owned? BREAKING NEWS

 

[lewisc]

It could be that this was not Disney’s decision, especially if Jellyrolls is moving offsite.

So your saying it was an owners decision, to do something with property it owned? BREAKING NEWS

Only news to the poster(s?) who thought Jellyrolls wanted out.

 

[JMcMahonEsq]

Only news to the poster(s?) who thought Jellyrolls wanted out.

Yeah to be fair i read that wrong. That statement does go beyond what i was reading. They seem to be implying Jellyrolls wanted to stay, and that Disney made the call to not let them.

 

[larryz]

Huh?

It would make no sense for Disney to discontinue a relationship with a tenant who agrees to all of their terms.

They have a paradigm to emulate...

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

I’m trying to remember if Jelly Rolls and Big River Grill are next to each other. Maybe the plan includes using both spaces together for a new tenant. An updated sports bar/restaurant would be nice

 

[Brian]

I’m trying to remember if Jelly Rolls and Big River Grill are next to each other. Maybe the plan includes using both spaces together for a new tenant. An updated sports bar/restaurant would be nice

There's a DVC preview center between them.

 

[Rosso11]

My wish would be if they turned it into the Ink and Paint Club from Roger Rabbit. I can dream.

 

[JoeCamel]

I’m trying to remember if Jelly Rolls and Big River Grill are next to each other. Maybe the plan includes using both spaces together for a new tenant. An updated sports bar/restaurant would be nice

Maybe they could draw on their vast holdings and call it ESPN or something.......

 

[Tha Realest]

Maybe they could draw on their vast holdings and call it ESPN or something.......

ESPNBet, maybe…?

 

[Jrb1979]

I don't think Universal would want Pat Obriens and Jellyrolls in Citywalk. I don't think Icon cares about competition in another shopping center.

It's possible Jellyrolls will just close.

It's a 10 minute walk from Icon Park. I think it just closes.

What surprises me the most in ths thread is how many don't care it's closing. The second one is how many don't leave the bubble of Disney or Universal much.

 

[scottb411]

It would work well in Downtown Orlando or Winter Park. Downtown had Howl at the Moon for many years that was a popular spot. A lot of redevelopment getting ready to get going along Church Street with the Westcourt project getting ready to break ground with a new concert hall outside the Kia Center.

 

[Comped]

It would work well in Downtown Orlando or Winter Park. Downtown had Howl at the Moon for many years that was a popular spot. A lot of redevelopment getting ready to get going along Church Street with the Westcourt project getting ready to break ground with a new concert hall outside the Kia Center.

Do we really need a second concert hall in downtown Orlando given that they already have one then primarily is used for really expensive orchestras and some other random events?

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

I don't think you are ever going to see, nor should WDW be looking for a balance between kids/adult things to do.

Do you mean see again? The original development of WDW as a resort (which was under Eisner and Wells) brought high end restaurants, pleasure island, original boardwalk, multiple golf courses, etc. - plenty to balance out kids and adults.

 

[UNCgolf]

Do you mean see again? The original development of WDW as a resort (which was under Eisner and Wells) brought high end restaurants, pleasure island, original boardwalk, multiple golf courses, etc. - plenty to balance out kids and adults.

There was a club in what is now the California Grill, too. In the 70s, it was a supper club with live entertainment from relatively big name performers (comedians, singers, etc.). One seating at 6:30 with an 8:30 show and one at 9:30 with an 11:30 show.

 

[NiarrNDisney]

I guess the Mouse just isn't comfortable with Clubs and Nightlife. After Pleasure Island closed there was still RIX Lounge but it didn't last long and eventually became a Sports Bar and don't get me started on that joke of an establishment Atlantic Dance Hall (honestly just close it and turn it into a restaurant, more rooms, an ever revolving expo center etc etc)

 

[NiarrNDisney]

Presumably S&D includes “Disney” so that may imply…Citywalk?

I believe Pat O'Brien's already has that covered.

 

[FiestaFunKid]

There was a club in what is now the California Grill, too. In the 70s, it was a supper club with live entertainment from relatively big name performers (comedians, singers, etc.). One seating at 6:30 with an 8:30 show and one at 9:30 with an 11:30 show.

Yes! - Top of the world, which started before Eisner - brought an element of class and differentiated offering. People forget The Contemporary used to be more luxurious resort, with even the Grand Canyon Concourse having a much different feel.

But Eisner/Wells leadership certainly wanted to reach more than kids, making for a richer WDW experience.

I fear The Boardwalk is going to turn into some kind of fantasy, almost Grand Floridan on the water with Cake Bake and this upscale Jazz Club where you might encounter a princess - while removing elements that were a better fit for the old fashioned seaside NJ/Coney Island-esque fun Boardwalk style.