Construction Begins on New Restaurant Coming to Disney’s BoardWalk

Disney’s BoardWalk is one of the most exciting areas outside of the theme parks to spend time at Walt Disney World. With Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar, fan-favorite table-service restaurants, quick-service eats like ice cream and margaritas, carnival games, and more, there is so much to see and do on the BoardWalk. And, Guests at this Disney Resort are just a boat ride or walk away from both EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

There are some changes coming to the BoardWalk, however, with the ESPN Club restaurant remaining closed after the rest of Walt Disney World reopened in 2020. This location was a popular spot for a casual bite to eat or to watch sports on the bar’s TVs, but Disney confirmed earlier this year and an all-new dining experience would be taking over this space.

Photos posted to Twitter this morning, July 14, 2022 by theme park journalist Scott Gustin show that crews have already begun work on the existing ESPN Club location:

Crews are now dismantling portions of the ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk.

The venue opened in 1996 and permanently closed earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/r6iyT14bLK

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) July 14, 2022

The new restaurant that will be coming to this end of the BoardWalk is the Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. No specific opening date for the new location has been confirmed so far, but Disney has previously shared that the restaurant is expected to open in 2023.

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers will serve as both a table-service restaurant and bakery for Guests staying at this Disney Resort hotel and those visiting while spending time away from the theme parks. The menu is set to include both sweet and savory options with an extensive selection of desserts along with afternoon tea.

There is currently no location at Walt Disney World that serves traditional afternoon tea, so the Cake Bake Shop will be a welcome addition for Guests who have been missing this elegant dining experience. Prior to the closing of Disney Parks and Resorts at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, afternoon tea was served daily in the Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, but Disney has not shared any details on if or when this location will reopen.

We will be back with additional updates on construction at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, as the lobby is also scheduled to undergo a renovation, along with news on the Cake Bake Shop, here on DisneyTips.