The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop at Disney Springs is deep into its major renovation, and the latest construction progress makes the scale of the project hard to miss. Much of the building's decorative exterior siding has been stripped away, with exposed plywood sheathing now visible across several sections of the structure.
The original exterior featured a layered pattern of white, tan, and brown shingles. Workers have peeled that back in stages — first removing the decorative siding, then the black wrap beneath it, and in some spots even the plywood itself, leaving the building's studs and insulation fully exposed near the roof's peak.
Loose panels and materials could be spotted on the ground through an open gap in the aqua construction walls surrounding the site, suggesting the decorative base trim has also been removed. The Ghirardelli arch sign side of the building shows similar exterior work underway.
The shop has been closed for the refurbishment since July, though guests with a chocolate craving aren't entirely out of luck — a temporary Ghirardelli location is currently operating in Disney Springs' Town Center. When the main location reopens in Spring 2027, it will offer added indoor seating and improvements aimed at cutting down on the famously long wait times. The spot has been a Disney Springs staple since 1996.
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Construction progress was first reported by WDW News Today.
