ESPN Club removal begins at Disney's BoardWalk

Jul 14, 2022 in "ESPN Club"

Gallery / 6 Photos
ESPN Club demolition - July 14 2022

Posted: Thursday July 14, 2022 10:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Demolition crews have moved into the ESPN Club on Disney's BoardWalk to remove the theming elements from the former ESPN building.

ESPN Club demolition - July 14 2022

Crews are using high-reach lifts and saws to cut through the steel supports of the large decorative pieces.

ESPN Club demolition - July 14 2022

The BoardWalk remains open to guests during the work.

ESPN Club demolition - July 14 2022

Disney has announced that a new table service restaurant and bakery, The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers, will be taking over the space. Learn more about the BoardWalk updates.

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers

ESPN Club opened at Walt Disney World in July 1996 and offered classic American pub cuisine, sports entertainment and shopping, along with live tv coverage of sporting events. The club closed along with the rest of Walt Disney World during the pandemic and did not reopen.

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Horizons '83Apr 30, 2026

Not sure if this was posted but looks like they took a massive part of the exterior wall out. Perhaps a new entrance to whatever is being put there?

JwheeApr 25, 2026

Little note: Atlantic Dance Hall has reduced its operating days to only Friday, Saturday and Sunday

castlecake2.0Apr 25, 2026

MickeyLuv'rApr 22, 2026

You are right, they would need to go outside, but the walkway/porch is covered. Since you asked: there is actually a somewhat secret elevator that connects the CL floor to the ground floor. It doesn't quite connect to Gasparilla Grill, but it drops CL guests off just outside Gasparilla. Coming from the Main building club floor lounge (which is located above the lobby/overlooks the lobby): guests walk a short way down the hall that goes from the lounge towards the marina. The elevator is on the left side of the hall. Some of the CL rooms are located down that way. The elevator drops guests off behind the cafe, just outside Gasparilla. If someone is coming from the ground floor, the elevator entrance isn't marked, and it looks like an employee only area. I think only club floor guests (and employees) can go up in the elevator.

surfsupdonApr 21, 2026

They all have issues/concerns. Beach Club operated as a standalone Resort (with its sister) for 12 years. The hotel was designed to happily accommodate its guests in all common areas. Then 12 years later 280+ units open and all those guests now use the hotel proper amenities, adding to crowds. The same is true at most Deluxes, especially WL, poly, contemp, and GF.

TrainsOfDisneyApr 20, 2026

How? Is there a secret elevator in the arcade? Cause if there is… that’s really cool! Haha

MickeyLuv'rApr 20, 2026

Well, club level guests can reach the QS without going outside, but they don't tend to eat in the QS at GF. They just get their breakfast/snack/beverages in the club lounge. In mentioning places to dine at BWK, they also have a club level. The upcharge is often about $150/night. With 4-5 people per room, I wouldn't call it a bargain option, but the upcharge is in the realm of reasonable, at least compared to other WDW dining.

TrainsOfDisneyApr 20, 2026

Is it an issue? “More crowded” does not = “too crowded.” I think Polynesian has a potential legit issue because the ceremonial house already had everything too small and clustered together. But I haven’t seen legit issues elsewhere.

surfsupdonApr 20, 2026

Correct. Many Disney Hotels are campus style. You need to walk outdoors to get somewhere. I do not think we will see another of these again. Towers keep you dry, reduce walking, and give all guests a convenient location.

surfsupdonApr 20, 2026

Leech was the incorrect word and I apologize. I am not mad at DVC members at all, my frustration stems from Disney adding DVC rooms/Towers/wings onto existing Resorts but failing to increase substantial amenities. The DVC builds are their own properties, but Guests have to use the majority of hotel side amenities bc the DVC build is not adequate enough. Look at BCV for example. They have access to a quiet pool at their home resort proper, but no dining, splash pads, or feature pools. Everything they need is at Beach Club proper, and yes the Beach Club common areas are more crowded post DVC. And that is Disney’s fault which they do not seem to think is an issue.

TrainsOfDisneyApr 20, 2026

The boardwalk is the boardwalk resort proper? Nobody at GF can get QS without going outside and taking a short walk.

HauntedPirateApr 20, 2026

"Sir, guests are complaining about our on-property food options" "What's the average GSAT number?" "4" "So we're good!!! Ignore those complaints, obviously guests love it here!!"

HauntedPirateApr 20, 2026

How many of those are inside the resort proper vs. on the boardwalk itself? GF has a QS, as does WL, Poly, Contemporary, BC... Not a pool bar (whose hours are generally too short as-is) that also serves some food items, but an actual QS location. Leaping Libations is interesting - The hours in MDE are listed as 11am-9pm. But the menu says it serves until 10pm. That's not going to be an option if you're wanting something after park close. The corn dog spot doesn't have hours listed in the app. The 10pm close for the deli is going to be hard to make unless you're walking out of IG either before park close or right after Luminous ends. If you close any other park (except AK), your only realistic snack option is most likely going to be a slice of pizza.