A Quiet Departure for a Long-Standing Tenant
Disney Springs is undergoing another significant retail shift this month. It has been confirmed that Johnston & Murphy, a staple of the Town Center district since it debuted in 2016, will permanently close its doors next week. The final day of operations for the premium footwear and apparel brand is scheduled for May 7, 2026.
For many guests, this location was a go-to spot for high-end leather shoes and business-casual attire. Known historically as the shoemaker to the presidents, Johnston & Murphy has been a consistent presence in the shopping district for a decade. While the store is leaving the Walt Disney World property, it isn’t disappearing from the Orlando area entirely. Reports indicate that the brand is preparing to open a new flagship location at The Mall at Millenia in October 2026. In the meantime, the Disney Springs staff will reportedly transition to nearby outlet locations.
The 2026 Wave of Disney Springs Closures
The departure of Johnston & Murphy is not an isolated event. It follows a series of high-profile exits from the shopping and dining district that have occurred throughout the first half of 2026. Earlier this week, on May 1, the beach-inspired clothing brand Shore officially ended its run in the Town Center area. This follows the closure of Francesca’s in March and the nationwide shutdown of Sprinkles Cupcakes at the start of the year.
While seeing established brands leave can be disappointing for frequent visitors, these changes are part of the natural evolution of Disney Springs. The district has a long history of rotating its retail lineup to keep the experience fresh for guests. However, the speed of these recent closures has caught the attention of many Disney fans who are watching to see what might be moving in next.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
If you have been planning a visit to Disney Springs to pick up specific items from Johnston & Murphy, you’ll want to move quickly. After May 7, you’ll need to travel off-property to the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets or the Orlando International Premium Outlets to find the brand.
- Check Your List: If there’s a specific pair of shoes or an accessory you’ve had your eye on, visit the store before next Thursday.
- Plan Your Route: The store is located in the Town Center area, near other popular spots like Sephora and UNIQLO.
- Look for New Additions: While these closures leave temporary vacancies, Disney often uses these opportunities to bring in unique, high-demand concepts. Rumors are already swirling about potential new dining or immersive retail experiences that could take over these larger Town Center footprints later in the year.
As of now, Disney hasn’t officially announced what will replace the Johnston & Murphy or the Shore spaces. We’ll be keeping a close eye on any construction permits or official announcements to see what the future holds for these prime locations in the heart of Disney Springs.
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.