Disney World Unexpectedly Opens Brand-New Location at Former Vacant Site

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young guest smiling while wearing mickey ears at Disney World

Credit: Disney

Guests visiting Walt Disney World this week may notice something they weren’t expecting. Without much fanfare, Disney has opened a brand-new location, adding another shopping stop for visitors exploring the resort. The opening arrived with little warning, giving guests one more reason to slow down and check out what’s new during their vacation.

The latest addition continues a busy stretch for Walt Disney World, where new attractions, entertainment, dining, and retail experiences have been arriving at a steady pace. While many fans have focused on the parks themselves, Disney has also been making changes beyond the attractions, creating fresh experiences across the property. Here’s what guests can now experience.

Disney World Has Been Rolling Out New Experiences

The past several months have brought plenty of changes across Walt Disney World. Guests have watched familiar experiences return, brand-new offerings debut, and major additions continue reshaping vacations throughout the resort.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets officially welcomed its first guests, giving the longtime coaster an entirely new identity while keeping its high-speed thrills intact. The attraction has quickly become one of the park’s biggest conversation starters.

EPCOT also introduced a familiar favorite with a fresh twist as Soarin’ Across America opened, allowing guests to glide over iconic landmarks across the United States.

Families have also gained several new entertainment options. Disney’s Animal Kingdom recently debuted Bluey’s Wild World, bringing one of today’s most popular children’s characters to Walt Disney World. Meanwhile, Disney’s Hollywood Studios added Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, giving younger guests another interactive show featuring familiar Disney Junior characters.

Those additions have kept plenty of attention on the parks, but they represent only part of what’s changing across Walt Disney World.

rock n roller coaster starring the muppets guitar
Credit: Disney

Disney Springs Continues Expanding

Outside the four theme parks, Disney Springs remains one of the most popular destinations for both vacationers and Central Florida locals. Whether guests are looking for restaurants, shopping, live entertainment, or simply a relaxing evening, the district has become an important part of many Walt Disney World trips.

Disney continues investing in the area with new tenants and updated experiences that keep the shopping district feeling fresh. One of the biggest recent additions was the opening of Level99, an interactive entertainment venue that has quickly attracted visitors seeking something different after spending the day in the parks.

Now Disney Springs has another new location ready for guests, filling a space that previously sat vacant and giving shoppers another nationally recognized brand to browse during their visit.

Guests walk past a Disney Springs sign
Credit: Anthony Quintano, Flickr

A New Spot Officially Opens at Disney Springs

The newest addition officially opened on July 2 as Vans welcomed guests to its brand-new Disney Springs location in the Town Center section.

The store brings footwear, apparel, and accessories to Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district. Guests will find a well-stocked selection across every major category, making it one of the largest collections of Vans merchandise available on Disney property.

One of the first things shoppers will notice is the extensive shoe wall. The displays feature men’s and women’s styles across several of the company’s best-known collections, including the Old Skool, Authentic, Slip-On, and New Skool designs.

Beyond footwear, the store also carries a wide assortment of apparel. Guests can browse T-shirts, hoodies, jeans, shorts, and overalls for both men and women. Families traveling with children will also find a dedicated kids’ section featuring shoes and clothing designed for younger shoppers.

The new store sits near The Polite Pig and World of Disney in Town Center, making it easy to find while exploring Disney Springs. Guests driving to Disney Springs will find that the Lime Garage offers the closest parking for the new location.

The opening fills another previously vacant storefront and continues Disney Springs’ steady evolution as new retailers join the growing lineup.

a family walks through Disney Springs to shop
Credit: Disney

What Other Changes Are Coming?

The momentum isn’t slowing down.

Disney Springs is expected to welcome another new dining location later this summer with the arrival of Six Ravens. While Disney has not announced an exact opening date, the new restaurant promises another fresh option for guests looking to grab a meal while visiting the shopping district.

Another recent addition has already started serving guests. The Kakigori Kool cart is now open, offering Japanese-style shaved ice as another refreshing treat during Florida’s hot summer afternoons.

Together, these additions show Disney’s continued effort to keep Disney Springs evolving alongside the theme parks. Rather than relying solely on existing restaurants and stores, Disney continues bringing in new brands and concepts that encourage guests to return even if they’ve visited before.

Guests enjoy a sunny day at Disney Springs outside of the World of Disney store
Credit: Disney

Disney Springs Keeps Giving Guests New Reasons to Visit

While new attractions often receive the biggest headlines, smaller additions like this can still make a noticeable difference during a Walt Disney World vacation. Every new restaurant, shop, or entertainment venue gives guests another option to enjoy between park days or after the sun goes down.

The opening of Vans adds another recognizable retailer to Disney Springs while filling a space that had previously remained empty. Combined with Level99’s successful debut, the upcoming arrival of Six Ravens, and new food offerings like the Kakigori Kool cart, Disney Springs continues expanding its lineup in meaningful ways.

For guests planning a Walt Disney World vacation this summer, there may be more new experiences waiting than they expected. Even outside the theme parks, Disney continues finding ways to surprise visitors with fresh places to explore.

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