Credit: EMLpotography, FlickrDisney Springs is always changing. New restaurants open, shops close, limited-time experiences come and go, and construction projects seem to pop up every few months. Even longtime Walt Disney World visitors know that no two trips to Disney Springs are exactly alike.
Now, one of the shopping and dining district’s most recognizable locations looks noticeably different.
A fan-favorite stop known for handing out free chocolate samples and serving towering ice cream sundaes has officially moved while its longtime home receives a major makeover.
Ghirardelli Has Left Its Original Home
For years, many Disney Springs visitors made a stop at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop as part of their routine. Whether guests wanted a hot fudge sundae, a milkshake, a bag of chocolates, or simply the complimentary square of chocolate often handed out near the entrance, it became one of the district’s signature experiences.
That experience hasn’t disappeared, but you’ll now have to look somewhere else to find it.
Ghirardelli has temporarily relocated while its original Disney Springs location undergoes an extensive refurbishment. The move is expected to last until spring 2027, when the updated flagship location is scheduled to reopen.
Where Guests Can Find It Now
Instead of its longtime storefront, guests can now visit Ghirardelli in the Town Center section of Disney Springs.
The temporary shop has taken over the building that most recently housed the Black Tap CrazyShake pop-up. Before that, the location served as home to Sprinkles Cupcakes for many years before the bakery closed.
While the building may be different, Disney guests can still stop in for many of the same treats that have made Ghirardelli one of the most popular dessert destinations on property.
For many visitors, that’s welcome news. Ghirardelli has become something of a vacation tradition, especially after a long day in the Disney parks.
Big Changes Are Coming
Although Disney hasn’t shared every detail about the project, the refurbishment appears to be much more than a simple refresh.
Plans for the renovated location include additional guest seating, a more efficient checkout area, and what has been described as “a few surprises” once the location reopens. Disney has not revealed exactly what those surprises will include, leaving plenty for fans to speculate about over the coming months.
Construction walls now surround the original storefront, and directional signs point guests toward the temporary location so they can still find the shop during the renovation.
A Disney Springs Staple
Disney Springs has grown dramatically over the past decade, adding everything from flagship retail stores to celebrity chef restaurants and unique entertainment venues. Despite all of those additions, Ghirardelli has remained one of the area’s most recognizable stops.
Some guests visit specifically for the premium chocolate, while others make it a tradition to split one of the restaurant’s famous sundaes before heading back to their resort.
Of course, there are also countless Disney fans who simply enjoy picking up the complimentary chocolate square that has become almost as iconic as the shop itself.
Because of that popularity, closing the location entirely for months would have disappointed plenty of regular visitors. Moving into a temporary storefront allows guests to continue enjoying many of their favorite treats while work continues behind the scenes.
Disney Springs Continues to Evolve
The temporary move is just the latest example of how often Disney Springs changes.
Over the past several years, the shopping and dining district has welcomed new restaurants, expanded retail offerings, and introduced entirely new entertainment experiences. At the same time, older locations have closed or relocated to make room for future projects.
These updates are part of Disney’s ongoing effort to keep Disney Springs feeling fresh for both first-time visitors and longtime fans who return year after year.
While saying goodbye to Ghirardelli’s familiar storefront may feel strange for now, the temporary relocation signals that Disney is investing in improving one of its most beloved dessert destinations rather than replacing it.
Looking Ahead to 2027
For now, guests planning a Disney Springs visit should simply remember that Ghirardelli hasn’t gone away—it has just changed addresses.
The temporary Town Center location continues serving guests while construction crews transform the original building into a larger, updated experience designed to better handle crowds and improve the overall visit. If everything stays on schedule, fans can expect to return to the original location sometime in spring 2027.
Until then, those famous chocolate squares, handcrafted sundaes, milkshakes, and other sweet treats remain available—just a short walk from where Disney fans have enjoyed them for years.
