The BoardWalk’s Massive Reimagining Just Got a Little Brighter
If you have walked along the wooden planks of Disney’s BoardWalk lately, you have probably noticed some construction walls and a few quiet storefronts. We have been watching “Project Bubbles” and “Project Amazon” for months, and today, Disney finally confirmed what is moving into one of those prime spots. Basin on the BoardWalk is officially on its way, bringing its signature scents and bath-time luxury to the EPCOT resort area.
Expected to open in late 2026, this isn’t just your standard soap shop. While fans already love the locations at Disney Springs and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, the BoardWalk version is leaning heavily into the resort’s vintage seaside charm. It is taking over the space formerly occupied by the Promenade Fine Art Gallery, and it sounds like it will be much more than just a place to grab a souvenir.
A Sensory Shopping Experience
What makes this new location stand out is the focus on interactivity. Disney and Basin are promising a “sensory shopping experience” that lets guests get hands-on with their purchases. Here is what you can look forward to at the new spot:
- Custom Bath Tea Blending: A counter where you can mix your own botanical blends.
- Make-Your-Own-Soap Station: A chance to create a custom bar of soap from scratch.
- Soap Embossing Press: You can add personalized finishing touches to your soaps—perfect for gifting.
Of course, the classic favorites will be there too. You will find their famous bath bombs, shampoo and conditioner bars, body butters, and those beautifully sliced specialty soaps that make the entire area smell amazing. For those staying at the BoardWalk Inn, Yacht Club, or Beach Club, having this right on the water is a massive convenience upgrade.
The Bigger BoardWalk Picture
This announcement is part of a larger wave of changes hitting the promenade. Alongside Basin, Disney confirmed that Hurly-Burly, a new lounge and live music venue, will be taking over the space formerly held by Jellyrolls. That venue will offer family-friendly trivia and games during the afternoon before switching to a 21-and-over live music spot at night. Plus, we are still waiting on details for a new quick-service restaurant slated for the old Big River Grille space, which Disney says they will announce later this summer.
With the recent opening of The Cake Bake Shop and the addition of Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, the BoardWalk is finally feeling like a complete destination again. Adding a high-end retail experience like Basin helps balance out the heavy focus on dining, giving families a fun place to browse while waiting for a dinner reservation or winding down after a day at EPCOT.
If you are planning a trip for the end of 2026, the BoardWalk area is looking like the place to be. Between the new nightlife at Hurly-Burly and the chance to create your own spa day products at Basin, this stretch of Crescent Lake is getting a much-needed breath of fresh air.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.