Disney Springs is no stranger to change. Restaurants rotate in and out, stores receive major refreshes, and new experiences are constantly being added across the shopping and dining district. But now, another noticeable update is officially on the way, and longtime visitors may recognize the location immediately.
A brand-new retail store is preparing to open at Disney Springs, taking over the former Johnston & Murphy storefront. The location has remained empty ever since Johnston & Murphy permanently closed its doors earlier this year, leaving many guests wondering what Disney would eventually place there next.
Now, that mystery has finally been solved.
Cole Haan is officially moving into the space, bringing another upscale shopping option to one of the busiest parts of Walt Disney World.
For many guests, this probably feels like a natural fit. Cole Haan is well known for shoes, handbags, accessories, and other premium fashion products. In many ways, the brand appeals to a very similar audience as Johnston & Murphy, which means Disney Springs is not completely changing the atmosphere of that section of shopping.
Still, it is another example of how much Disney Springs has evolved over the years.
A long time ago, many guests treated Disney Springs as little more than a quick stop outside the parks. Families might grab dinner, browse a few Disney gift shops, and then head back to their resort for the night. Today, the district has become a destination all by itself.
Some visitors now spend entire evenings there without ever stepping into a theme park.
That transformation has happened because Disney continues investing heavily in the area. Disney Springs now offers a mix of Disney stores, luxury brands, nightlife, entertainment, and restaurants that appeal to both tourists and locals.
And honestly, the shopping lineup has become a huge part of the appeal.
Guests can visit World of Disney for exclusive merchandise, then walk over to stores like Zara, Sephora, Coach, or Lululemon just minutes later. Disney has intentionally created an environment that feels larger than a traditional theme park shopping district.
Cole Haan fits directly into that strategy.
The timing also makes sense. Summer crowds are pouring into Walt Disney World right now, and Disney Springs continues seeing some of its busiest evenings of the year. Once the new store officially opens, it will immediately benefit from heavy foot traffic from guests already spending time shopping, dining, and exploring the district.
The interesting part is how quickly Disney moved to replace the former storefront. Empty retail locations at Disney Springs rarely stay vacant for long, especially in highly visible areas. Disney clearly wanted another recognizable name in that space as soon as possible.
For longtime visitors, this latest addition also shows how Disney Springs continues pushing toward a more upscale identity. While Disney merchandise remains a huge focus, Disney has increasingly added fashion retailers and lifestyle brands that help broaden the experience for guests.
That approach has worked extremely well.
Disney Springs is now one of the most popular free offerings at Walt Disney World. Guests do not need a park ticket to visit, which makes it a major draw for vacationers looking to relax outside the parks for a few hours.
And even though rides and attractions get most of the attention across Walt Disney World, shopping remains a massive part of the vacation experience for many guests.
Now, another major brand is preparing to join the lineup.
While Disney has not announced an exact opening date yet, the storefront signage confirms that progress is already underway. That means Disney Springs visitors may soon notice another big addition during their next trip to Walt Disney World.
