Credit: DisneyReturning to familiar places during a vacation offers comfort, especially at Disney Springs, which has provided a reliable shopping and dining experience for Disney World’s guests. Unlike the theme parks, Disney Springs has maintained a stable identity since its transformation from Downtown Disney, making it easier for returning visitors to navigate.
However, in 2026, significant changes will reshape its retail landscape and entertainment options. While some additions will enhance the area with unique experiences, others reflect challenges in the broader retail industry. Frequent visitors will need to adjust their expectations, as familiar spots may disappear, and construction may alter access to certain areas. Staying informed about openings and closings will help manage what to expect on future visits.
Level99 Opens in Disney World’s Former NBA Experience Space
The most significant addition coming to Disney Springs in 2026 is Level99, an interactive social entertainment venue opening in the massive building that previously housed DisneyQuest and later the NBA Experience. This new concept brings real-world, challenge-based entertainment designed primarily for adults featuring physical and mental challenges set in artistic environments.
The Disney Springs location will be the largest Level99 facility to date, featuring over 60 themed challenge rooms, duels, and art hunts. The breakdown includes cooperative games for teams of two to six players across three categories. Physical rooms test strength, balance, and flexibility. Skill rooms test accuracy, timing, and reflexes. Mental rooms test memory, problem-solving, and spatial thinking. Duels offer head-to-head challenges found throughout the venue, while Art Hunts provide low-key scavenger hunt experiences involving playful art containing hidden glyphs.
Level99 will also feature food and drink options at a two-story bar serving handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and made-from-scratch bites including the venue’s signature Detroit-style pizza. This addition fills a void in Disney Springs for interactive entertainment that appeals to adults looking for activities beyond shopping and dining.
Multiple Permanent Closures Reshape the Landscape
Disney Springs is experiencing changes as some well-known stores are closing for good. One major closure is Francesca’s, a women’s clothing store that is shutting down all its locations across the country. The store is now in liquidation, meaning it is selling off its remaining stock before closing permanently.
Francesca’s offered clothing, accessories, and gifts that felt more everyday than theme park-themed. Although there isn’t a confirmed closing date, signs of liquidation sales suggest that the end is near. This closure highlights the challenges facing retailers nationwide, which are also impacting Disney World.
Before Francesca’s announced its closure, Disney Springs lost another store: Sanuk, a casual footwear brand. This location closed unexpectedly in August 2024 with little notice, simply taking down the signs and leaving the space empty.
Another significant closure was Sosa Family Cigars, which had been open for over 20 years. This family-run shop had a long history at Disney Springs, and its closure marked the end of an era that included nightlife and local businesses.
The most surprising shutdown was Sprinkles Cupcakes, which closed suddenly on January 1, 2026, as the company shut down all its locations. There were no warnings; guests arrived to find the doors locked, the lights off, and the famous cupcake vending machine out of service. Many visitors felt a sense of loss, as it was a familiar part of their routine.
Disney World’s Gideon’s Bakehouse Expands With Six Ravens
While multiple closures are hurting Disney Springs, the mega-popular Gideon’s Bakehouse is expanding with a second location featuring an entirely new concept. On January 16, 2026, the sixth anniversary of Gideon’s opening, the chain announced Six Ravens, a new location in the former Art of Shaving space specializing in savory offerings.
According to Gideon’s owner Steve Lewis, the concept focuses on Coffyns, the original term for old-school hand pies. These fluffy yeast bread creations feature fillings developed both by Gideon’s kitchen and Central Florida guest chefs. The menu will include potatoes, local draft beer, and desserts, creating a grab-and-go option that complements the existing Gideon’s Bakehouse without duplicating it.
Lewis explained that the concept pays forward his own start at Disney Springs as a secret menu item at The Polite Pig and brings more local flavors to the international crowds visiting daily. For Gideon’s fans who already face lengthy waits for the bakery’s massive cookies and seasonal cakes, Six Ravens provides another way to experience the brand without competing for the same limited products.
Lime Garage Closes for Refurbishment
Infrastructure changes are also affecting Disney Springs access. The Lime Garage closes for refurbishment from January 12 through February 11, reopens briefly from February 12 through 16 for Presidents Day crowds, then closes again from February 17 through March 13.
This extended closure affects parking availability and guest flow, particularly for visitors accessing Level99, Gideon’s Bakehouse, The Polite Pig, and other establishments in that section of Disney Springs. Alternative parking in the Orange or Grapefruit Garages requires longer walks to reach the same destinations.
What This Means for Visitors
The Disney Springs experience in 2026 has changed significantly, with favorites like Francesca’s and Sprinkles gone permanently, and longstanding spots like Sosa Family Cigars also disappeared. Parking access through the Lime Garage is disrupted.
However, new offerings like Level99 and the expanded Six Ravens bring unique entertainment and savory grab-and-go options. Regular visitors will need to adjust their routines as the shopping district continues to evolve amidst retail challenges.