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Disney Slashes Guest Parking Perk: Major Garage Closing in 2026

Heads up, Disney fans: If you’re planning a trip to Disney Springs in early 2026, the Lime Garage won’t be your parking spot of choice. Disney has announced that this five-level parking garage will be shut down for structural repairs starting January 12, 2026, lasting roughly three months. While closures like this aren’t unusual, this one’s timing and length will impact how guests access Disney Springs — and that ripple effect could reach your dining and shopping plans.

A sign for Disney Springs is prominently displayed, with the text "Disney Springs" clearly visible at Disney World as a closure takes place.
Credit: Disney Dining

Lime Garage Takes a Break: The Details

The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District recently confirmed the Lime Garage closure schedule:

  • January 12 – February 11, 2026: Full closure for structural maintenance.

  • February 12 – 16, 2026: Brief reopening for Presidents’ Day weekend.

  • February 17 – March 13, 2026: Final closure stretch to complete work.

So, it’s not a straight three-month shutdown but two blocks of closure with a short reopening sandwiched in the middle, aimed at accommodating one of the year’s busier holiday weekends.

What Does This Mean for Disney Springs Visitors?

If you rely on Lime Garage, be prepared to rethink your parking strategy. Disney Springs offers several other parking options, including the Orange Garage, Grapefruit Garage, Watermelon Parking Lot, and Strawberry Parking Lot. But make no mistake — with Lime out of commission, these areas will likely be jam-packed during peak hours.

Longer walks, heavier foot traffic, and maybe even some patience in line for shuttles or trams could be the new norm until Lime reopens. This isn’t just a small inconvenience; for guests with tight schedules — especially those who’ve booked coveted dining reservations or want to squeeze in a quick shopping spree — it’s a variable worth considering.

A Bit of History: Disney Springs’ Evolution and Why This Garage Matters

A large group of people walking towards a bridge with towers, under a cloudy sky. In the background, I-4 near Disney World can be seen alongside a theme park with various buildings and a tall, rocky structure resembling a mountain. Lush greenery surrounds the area.
Credit: Photo by AK on Unsplash

Disney Springs has come a long way since its humble beginnings as the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village in 1975, initially built to serve residents on Walt Disney World property. Over the decades, it morphed through phases like Walt Disney World Village, Disney Village Marketplace, Downtown Disney, and finally, Disney Springs in 2015.

Each iteration brought new shops, restaurants, and entertainment experiences, transforming it into a sprawling, vibrant district that now boasts over 150 venues. That popularity comes with a price: infrastructure must keep up with thousands of daily visitors.

The Lime Garage, a multi-level parking hub, is a key component in the overall guest experience. When it’s unavailable, guests feel the pinch immediately.

What This Closure Signals for Disney Springs

Disney isn’t just closing a garage for fun. The structural repairs are critical for safety and long-term usability, especially considering the heavy foot and vehicle traffic Disney Springs sees daily. This maintenance ensures that the garage remains reliable for years to come.

It’s also a subtle sign that Disney is investing in infrastructure, not just the flashy new restaurants or retail expansions. Disney Springs has expanded rapidly, and the underlying facilities need to be as robust as the storefronts and eateries.

Pro Tips for Navigating Disney Springs During the Closure

  1. Park Early: Getting there before the crowds means more available spaces and less stress.

  2. Pick Your Garage Wisely: Orange Garage is closer to Town Center and The Landing, while Grapefruit Garage is near the West Side. Plan your parking based on your first stop.

  3. Prepare for Extra Walking: With Lime Garage offline, some guests will have to hoof it a bit more — comfy shoes are a must.

  4. Keep an Eye on Disney Updates: Disney typically updates parking info through their app and websites. Stay informed on any changes.

  5. Plan for Possible Shuttle Use: Depending on where you park, you might find yourself hopping on a tram or shuttle to reach your destination faster.

What’s Next for Disney Springs?

Disney Springs isn’t standing still. Its 10th anniversary is on the horizon, and with over 1,200 acres packed with dining, shopping, and entertainment, it’s as busy as ever. Renovations like these show Disney’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality experience even as they grow.

Expect the Lime Garage to reopen with a renewed focus on safety and guest convenience. While no major enhancements beyond structural fixes have been announced, Disney’s track record suggests improvements in lighting, signage, or general guest flow could be in the cards.

For many, Disney Springs is synonymous with amazing meals, unique shopping finds, and vibrant entertainment — all of which depend on smooth logistics behind the scenes. The Lime Garage closure is a significant reminder of how vital those behind-the-scenes elements are to the magic.

If you’re heading to Disney Springs during the first quarter of 2026, plan ahead, pack your patience, and factor in extra time to park and navigate the area. Your pumpkin spice latte or coveted Blue Bayou reservation will thank you.

We’ll keep tracking Disney Springs updates as they come to be, so stay tuned for the latest info on the garage reopening and any other infrastructure news that might affect your next Disney adventure.

Author

  • Alessia Dunn

    Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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