New Life for the Crescent Lake Promenade
If you’ve strolled along Disney’s BoardWalk lately, you might have noticed it’s been a bit quieter than usual. Over the last couple of years, several staples of the promenade have shuttered their doors, leaving a few noticeably empty windows. However, recent permit filings from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District suggest that the “ghost town” era is coming to an end. Two new mystery developments, currently known as Project Amazon and Project Bubbles, are officially in the works.
These projects are part of a massive, multi-year revitalization of the resort. We’ve already seen the arrival of the BoardWalk Deli, Carousel Coffee, and the highly anticipated opening of The Cake Bake Shop. Now, Disney is turning its attention to the west side of the promenade, where construction walls are once again becoming a primary feature of the landscape.
The Mystery of Project Amazon
The first and most significant project is taking over the massive space formerly occupied by Big River Grille & Brewing Works. This location has been vacant since January 2024, and its closure left a major hole in the BoardWalk’s table-service dining options. Known in internal filings as Project Amazon, this space is roughly 2,500 square feet and already contains a full commercial kitchen.
While Disney hasn’t officially confirmed the menu, the “Amazon” codename has sparked plenty of guest speculation. Some believe it could point to a new themed restaurant similar to a South American steakhouse, while others think it may simply be a placeholder name. Regardless of the final theme, having a new sit-down dining location in this spot will be a huge win for guests staying at the BoardWalk or nearby at the Yacht and Beach Club resorts.
Bubbles and Beyond
The second development, Project Bubbles, is located at the former home of the Promenade Fine Art Gallery. This space is slightly smaller, coming in at just under 2,300 square feet. Since this location was previously a retail gallery, it lacks the heavy-duty plumbing of a restaurant, which leads many to believe it will remain a shop or perhaps transition into a sophisticated lounge or boutique.
The name “Bubbles” has naturally led fans to hope for a high-end champagne or cocktail bar. This would fit perfectly with the sophisticated, 1930s-era Atlantic City theme that Disney has been leaning into with recent renovations. However, until the first signs of interior build-out appear, the true nature of the shop remains under wraps.
Planning Your 2026 Visit
If you have a trip planned for the remainder of 2026, you should be prepared for a bit of a construction maze. Here is what you need to know to navigate the BoardWalk during this transition:
- Construction Timing: Official notices indicate that work will continue throughout 2026. Most of the heavy noise is limited to daytime hours, but you will definitely see construction scrims and temporary walls along the water.
- Dining Alternatives: While you wait for Project Amazon to debut, remember that the BoardWalk Deli and the Pizza Window are your best bets for a quick bite. For a more relaxed experience, the Bellevue Room remains a hidden gem for a quiet drink.
- Entertainment Gaps: With the recent closure of Jellyrolls in 2025, the late-night entertainment scene on the BoardWalk is currently a bit thin. You may want to look toward Atlantic Dance Hall or consider taking the Disney Skyliner over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for evening vibes.
The BoardWalk is clearly in the middle of a major evolution. While the current vacancies can feel a bit sparse, the arrival of these two new projects proves that Disney is committed to making this area a premier destination once again. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the construction walls to see which of these mysteries is the first to be fully unmasked.
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.