Fans walking through Disney Springs' Marketplace neighborhood are noticing a noticeably bare facade where Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop once stood. As of July 23, the location's iconic illuminated sign has been removed, marking one of the first visible milestones of the ongoing renovation that closed the shop in early July.
Beyond the missing sign, exterior work is progressing in stages. Paneling has been stripped from at least one wall and from around stained-glass windows, exposing plain sheathing underneath, and an overhang that sat below the sign has been torn down — though the support poles for both remain standing. Some awnings also appear to have come down. Not everything is gone yet: harlequin-print paneling and a wooden Ghirardelli sign at the building's front are still in place.
Whether the illuminated sign will be restored and rehung or replaced with something new has not been confirmed by Disney or Ghirardelli.
When the revamped location reopens in 2027, Ghirardelli has said guests can expect expanded indoor seating and shorter wait times. In the meantime, a temporary Ghirardelli outpost is operating out of the former Sprinkles Cupcakes space in Disney Springs' Town Center neighborhood, so hot fudge sundaes remain within reach for Walt Disney World visitors.
This report is based on coverage from Disney Fanatic.
