Crews have started stripping elements from the exterior of the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs for a major refurbishment. The Marketplace venue closed at the beginning of July, but a temporary location is open in Town Center.

Ghirardelli Construction at Disney Springs

Behind construction walls, we can see where paneling has been removed from one wall.

The paneling that was removed had the same design as the paneling still visible on the back of the building. There’s not just black sheathing exposed.

Similar paneling was removed from around stained glass windows. The harlequin print paneling and Ghirardelli sign remain above the windows. There’s a mural beneath these windows, but we can’t see it over the construction walls.

At the front corner of the building, an overhang has been torn down. It consisted of wooden beams and a light-up Ghirardelli sign. Compare to the image from the Disney Springs website below.

The San Francisco eagle sign is still in place. At least some of the awnings appear to have been removed.

There’s clear damage to the building where the overhang was removed, but if the facade is being completely redone, this won’t matter. The support pole for the overhang is still in place a few yards away.

The giant glowing Ghirardelli sign is gone from the rooftop. Five supports are still in place where it used to be.

This Ghirardelli location has operated since 1996. The renovation will add indoor seating, help reduce wait times, and more. It’s expected to reopen in spring 2027.

The temporary Ghirardelli will still offer their discounted Mini World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae on National Hot Fudge Sundae Day this weekend.

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