Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Walt Disney World has confirmed that Jellyrolls, the beloved dueling piano bar located at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn, will be closing its doors in 2025, adding to the list of 2025 shut downs at Disney World.
Below, we will cover all upcoming closures that may effect your 2025 vacation.
This marks another significant change in the resort’s ongoing transformation, which has seen several businesses close their doors in recent years. Jellyrolls’ closure will make it the fourth permanent closing at the BoardWalk area in as many years, and it leaves fans of the venue with mixed emotions as they prepare for its final performances.
Credit: Jellyrolls Orlando Instagram
A Long-Standing Disney Tradition Comes to an End
Jellyrolls has been a staple of Walt Disney World’s nightlife for nearly three decades, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for guests seeking entertainment after dark. Known for its talented dueling pianists, the bar attracted crowds with its energetic performances that spanned decades of musical genres. The bar became a popular gathering place for Disney fans, local residents, and convention attendees alike.
Despite its long history, Jellyrolls has struggled to maintain its place in the ever-evolving landscape of Disney’s entertainment offerings. Located at the end of the BoardWalk closest to the Swan & Dolphin resorts, Jellyrolls has enjoyed a prime location, accessible via EPCOT’s International Gateway, walking distance from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and even from the nearby Skyliner resorts.
Yet, despite this ideal positioning, Jellyrolls was one of the few remaining adult-only venues at Walt Disney World after the closure of Pleasure Island, which had been a cornerstone of Disney’s nightlife in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Jellyrolls closing annoucement can be seen in the below Instagram post, “After nearly thirty years on Disney’s Boardwalk, Jellyrolls is making a move! Come celebrate with us into the spring season and keep your eyes on our social media for exciting new updates!”
View this post on Instagram
The Impact of the $20+ Cover Charge
One notable feature of Jellyrolls has always been its cover charge, which, at $20 or more, set it apart from other Disney World establishments. This was the only venue on Disney property where a cover charge was imposed, which made it unique but also a potential barrier for some guests.
The entry fee allowed access to the live entertainment, which was a high point of the experience, but it also made it a pricier option for those looking for nighttime entertainment at Disney.
While Jellyrolls’ regulars may have viewed the cover charge as part of the experience, it made it less accessible for casual visitors, especially in an environment where many other offerings at Walt Disney World are free with admission. The combination of a cover charge and the venue’s specific niche audience contributed to the bar’s struggle to maintain its place amid other more varied entertainment options.
The End of an Era at the BoardWalk
For longtime fans of Jellyrolls, the closure marks the end of an era. The bar’s reputation for vibrant, interactive piano performances and its long-standing role as a hotspot for both locals and visitors made it a special place in Disney history.
For a long time, Jellyrolls was one of the only adult-centric night-time offerings available on property, making it a go-to for guests looking for entertainment outside of the family-friendly offerings.
However, like other venues at the BoardWalk, Jellyrolls has faced increasing competition from newer and more diverse entertainment experiences, such as the Cake Bake Shop, Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs, and updated attractions throughout the resort.
These newer additions, along with Disney’s reimagining of the BoardWalk area in recent years, have led to the closure of older establishments. In addition to Jellyrolls, Disney has also shut down Big River Grille & Brewing Works, the ESPN Club, and Ample Hills Creamery in recent years.
What’s Next for the BoardWalk?
Credit: Jellyrolls Instagram
Jellyrolls’ closure is part of a broader trend of changes at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, which has become a central point for Disney’s ongoing renovation efforts. While there’s no official announcement yet regarding the venue’s replacement, Disney’s habit of keeping plans under wraps means fans shouldn’t expect a replacement in the immediate future.
Given that Big River Grille & Brewing Works closed abruptly the previous year, it is possible that Disney will remain silent on any plans for Jellyrolls’ space for months, or even years, to come.
A Look Ahead: Possible Replacements and the Future of Nighttime Entertainment
There has been no official word from Disney regarding any plans for a replacement for Jellyrolls. Fans are left wondering whether Disney will introduce a new nightlife concept, something more in line with today’s expectations for dining and entertainment, or if it will instead focus its efforts on expanding existing offerings elsewhere on the property.
As of now, the Jellyrolls space will remain unoccupied, with the BoardWalk area continuing its reimagination process. In the meantime, guests who want to relive the magic of the Jellyrolls experience are encouraged to visit before the official closing date in April 2025.
This gives them a final opportunity to say their goodbyes to the much-loved piano bar and celebrate its nearly 30 years of providing entertainment to Disney World guests.
The Future of the BoardWalk Resort
The ongoing transformation of the BoardWalk Resort continues, and with the opening of new venues like Cake Bake Shop, it’s clear that Disney is focused on giving guests new experiences. Whether this shift in direction will bring in a replacement for Jellyrolls or lead to entirely new types of entertainment remains to be seen.
However, what is certain is that Jellyrolls’ departure marks a significant chapter in the BoardWalk Resort’s evolution, and many Disney fans will feel the void left behind.
More 2025 Closures
Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr
In 2025, Walt Disney World Resort will see a number of closures and refurbishments across its theme parks, water parks, resorts, and transportation services, marking a year of significant changes. These closures will have a noticeable impact on guest experiences as Disney continues to evolve and reimagine several of its offerings.
Magic Kingdom: Attraction Closures and Temporary Shutdowns
Magic Kingdom, the heart of Walt Disney World Resort, will experience several closures in 2025. The most notable closures include:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Undergoing refurbishment until 2026, this iconic rollercoaster will be unavailable for the foreseeable future.
- Astro Orbiter: Closed from January to summer 2025 for an extensive refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin: No official closure dates yet, but ongoing updates may temporarily affect its availability.
- Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade: Permanently closed.
- Liberty Square Riverboat: This classic attraction will be shutting its doors permanently.
- Tom Sawyer Island: Set for permanent closure at the end of 2025.
- Walt Disney World Railroad: Expect temporary closures as construction progresses around the park.
These closures, especially those in Frontierland and Tomorrowland, may result in 15-20% of Magic Kingdom’s rides being temporarily unavailable at times. However, classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion will continue to operate, ensuring there is still plenty for guests to enjoy.
EPCOT: Embracing Change with Temporary Closures
EPCOT continues its multi-year overhaul, with several of its attractions undergoing refurbishments or temporary closures in 2025:
- Test Track: Completely reimagining the attraction, Test Track will be closed until late summer 2025.
- Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros: Closed from January 6 to March 15, 2025.
- Spaceship Earth: Rumors suggest a multi-month maintenance closure, although nothing has been confirmed yet.
Despite these temporary shutdowns, EPCOT remains a popular destination with its festivals, world-class dining, and engaging attractions. Popular rides like Soarin’ Around the World, Frozen Ever After, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure will continue to entertain visitors. The park’s festive seasons, from the Festival of the Arts to Food & Wine, will provide plenty of seasonal excitement.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Entertainment Shifts and Ride Availability
Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to focus on movie-themed experiences, but several closures in 2025 may impact guest expectations:
- Jedi Training Academy: This show has ended permanently.
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy: Closed to make way for a new Villains-themed show.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid: This popular stage show will be reimagined and is expected to reopen in summer 2025.
Although these entertainment changes will affect around 8% of Hollywood Studios’ offerings, the park’s major attractions, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, will continue to operate. Guests can still immerse themselves in the action-packed worlds of Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, which remain major draws.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Major Reimagining and Closures
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is also undergoing significant changes, with some of its key attractions closing or being reimagined:
- It’s Tough to Be a Bug: Closing for a Zootopia-themed show by the end of 2025.
- Kali River Rapids: Closed from January to March 2025 for routine maintenance.
- The Boneyard: Likely closing in 2026.
- TriceraTop Spin: Permanently closed as of January 2025.
Animal Kingdom will see around 25% of its attractions impacted by these closures, though popular rides like Expedition Everest and Avatar: Flight of Passage will remain open. Guests can also explore the park’s animal trails and enjoy shows like Feathered Friends in Flight.
Seasonal and Additional Closures Across Disney World
Along with theme park closures, Disney World’s water parks and transportation services will experience downtime in 2025:
- Blizzard Beach Water Park: Closed seasonally, impacting guests looking to enjoy the park’s water attractions.
- Skyliner Gondolas: Expected to undergo a two-week phased closure in 2025, which may affect guests staying at Skyliner resorts.
- Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: Seasonal closure through spring 2025.
These temporary disruptions may affect guest travel plans, particularly for those relying on Disney’s Skyliner for transportation between resorts and parks.
Hotel and Resort Refurbishments
In addition to the park closures, Disney World’s resorts will undergo various refurbishments in 2025. Some key hotel updates include:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort: The Fantasia Pool will be closed from January 2025 to April 2025.
- Beach Club Resort & Villas: Stormalong Bay and Shipwreck Pool will be closed from January to June 2025.
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Refurbishments to the lobby and rooms will take place, with the Grand Floridian Convention Center unavailable from summer to fall 2025.
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Bay Lake Tower rooms will be undergoing refurbishment from September 2024 to September 2025.
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds: New cabins will open in phases through 2025, offering guests a new way to experience the resort.
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: The Island Tower will be fully operational as of December 2024.
Impact of the Closures Across Disney World
When considering the total number of attractions affected by closures in 2025, here’s a breakdown:
- Magic Kingdom: Over 40 attractions.
- EPCOT: Around 15 attractions.
- Hollywood Studios: Approximately 15 attractions.
- Animal Kingdom: Around 10 major attractions.
With approximately 20-25% of attractions closed or impacted across all parks, Disney World will still offer plenty for guests to enjoy, but it’s important to plan accordingly to make the most of your visit.
Conclusion: The Future of Disney World’s Offerings
As 2025 progresses, it’s clear that Disney is taking bold steps to evolve the guest experience at its parks and resorts. While the closures and refurbishments might be a disappointment for some, they offer opportunities for new attractions and updates that will keep Disney World fresh for years to come.
Guests planning trips to Disney in 2025 should stay informed about the latest changes, and consider alternative plans to ensure they make the most of their magical experience.
