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Disclosure: Disney hosted Theme Park Shark at a media preview. These impressions reflect that preview visit.
Blue walls, intricate tilework and a gold-accented bar give Hurly-Burly the charm of a seaside nightspot from another era. Add a Motown performance with real energy and a band working its way through decades of familiar hits, and Disney’s BoardWalk has a lovely setting for a night out.
I visited the new lounge during its September 25 media preview, ahead of its October 1 opening. The design, the cocktail I tried and the small plates all made a good impression. The Motown and decades bands were particular highlights: the kind of entertainment that makes you want to gather a few friends and settle in for the evening.
Hurly-Burly takes over the former Jellyrolls space with a character of its own. It feels rooted in the BoardWalk’s seaside setting, with enough polish to make the room feel fresh. It also offers several ways to spend time here, from a drink at the walk-up window to an afternoon with the family or an evening of live music.
A seaside lounge with an eye for detail
The renovation is beautiful. The blues across the walls, the tilework underfoot and the gold detailing around the bar bring to mind an old New Jersey boardwalk jazz club. There is a vintage sensibility to the space, but the finished room feels modern and inviting.
The bar is a highlight in its own right. Its arched shelves and decorative details reward a closer look, and the pale countertop gives the drinks a handsome backdrop. Across the room, a curved stage, theatrical curtains and shell-shaped accents carry the seaside theme into the performance area.
That connection to the coast is deliberate. In my on-site conversation about the design, Disney’s creative team described a sea-inspired palette with coral and brass accents. There are details to seek out in the art and props as well, giving visitors a reason to look around between sips.
A good Old Fashioned and small plates worth sharing
I sampled one cocktail: the Caramel Corn Old Fashioned. It was a nicely presented, satisfyingly strong take on the classic. The bar’s setting makes it an especially appealing place to enjoy the Caramel Corn Old Fashioned.
Presentation was a bright spot across the drinks I saw. A purple martini caught my attention, as did an orange, Creamsicle-style nonalcoholic drink with a generous layer of foam. Those were visual impressions; the Old Fashioned was the cocktail I tasted.
On the food side, the Meatballs in Tomato Gravy were a favorite. The meatballs were tasty, and I especially enjoyed dipping the accompanying bread into the tomato sauce. It is a straightforward pleasure, and a good fit for a table with drinks and music.
The Roast Beef Sliders were another highlight. I liked the sweet note in the sandwich, which stood out alongside the beef. The Mini Apple Cider Doughnuts, served with a dipping sauce, were another enjoyable bite.
Think of the menu as snacks and small plates to enjoy over the course of an evening. That is how I would plan a visit: choose a few things to share, order a drink and leave time for the entertainment. Disney’s published menu preview offers a fuller look at the food and beverage lineup.
The bands bring the room to life
I saw three acts during the preview, and the Motown and decades bands were the standouts for me. Both brought the kind of energy that suits a lively night out, giving the beautifully designed room a musical personality to match.
The Motown performance was fantastic. Classic hits, including Stevie Wonder material, and a group of singers sharing the stage made for an engaging set. This is the sort of band I can see getting guests on their feet.
The decades band was also great, drawing from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. The 1980s hits were especially fun. There is an easy appeal to hearing songs that different generations know, and this band gave those familiar favorites plenty of energy.
Hurly-Burly also has a more relaxed side. The old-school jazz I heard offered a different pace for guests who want to sit with a drink and enjoy the room.
An afternoon stop, too
There is more flexibility here than an evening-only lounge. Disney welcomes guests of all ages until 9 p.m., with hosted games and activities during the earlier part of the day. Bingo is part of that offering, a nice touch for families who want to spend some time together over drinks and snacks.
At 9 p.m., the venue becomes exclusive to guests 21 and older with identification. That gives the lounge room to serve two different occasions: a family stop earlier on and an adult night out later.
Hurly-Burly also has a patio and a walk-up window. Disney confirms that select beverages will be available from the walk-up window.
Planning a visit to Hurly-Burly
- Opening date: October 1, 2026, at Disney’s BoardWalk.
- Opening-day hours: Disney’s calendar lists 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. for October 1. Check the official venue page for the date of your visit.
- Ages: All ages are welcome until 9 p.m.; guests must be 21 or older with identification from 9 p.m.
- Seating: Walk-up only; Disney says no reservations are required.
- Food: Small plates and snacks, with cocktails and nonalcoholic options.
For me, Hurly-Burly is a welcome addition to Walt Disney World’s nightlife. I would happily return for a Motown or decades performance, with friends and a few plates to share.
Related Articles
- Hurly-Burly’s menu at Disney’s BoardWalk
- New experiences coming to Disney’s BoardWalk
- Where to eat at Walt Disney World
Source: Walt Disney World venue page and Disney Parks Blog menu preview. On-site reporting: Jake Wheeler / Theme Park Shark.
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