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Disney Springs Crowds Push Disney to Make Immediate Change

Disney Springs has always been a popular stop for Walt Disney World guests, but lately, it’s been operating on a completely different level. What used to feel like a relaxed shopping and dining district has started feeling more like a fifth theme park, especially during weekends and holidays.

huge crowds flood streets of Main Street during Christmas time in Disney World
Credit: Meaghan Kelly, Flickr

And when a major holiday weekend arrives, the crowds don’t just show up. They flood the entire area.

That’s why Disney Springs guests are now seeing an immediate operational change take place right in the middle of a major refurbishment project. With President’s Day Weekend bringing heavier-than-normal traffic, Disney has adjusted its plans in a way that clearly shows how intense the congestion has become.

Lime Garage Reopens Temporarily for President’s Day Weekend

Disney has officially reopened the Lime Garage at Disney Springs for President’s Day Weekend. The garage has been closed since January 12, and it’s currently undergoing a major refurbishment that involves structural repairs and updates.

This closure was expected to last nearly three months, which already made parking tighter than usual at Disney Springs. That might not seem like a huge deal on a random weekday, but during a holiday weekend, losing a full parking garage can create serious issues.

smiling family walking through Disney Springs to shop
Credit: Disney

To reduce pressure on the remaining parking locations, Disney decided to reopen Lime Garage through February 16 temporarily.

For guests, this is a noticeable and helpful change. It gives visitors one more major option to park, and it should also reduce traffic backups near the entrances, especially during peak afternoon and evening hours.

The Closure Isn’t Over Yet

While the reopening may feel like the garage is “back,” Disney has confirmed this is only a short-term adjustment.

Lime Garage will close again starting February 17 and will remain closed through March 13, 2026. After that, it is expected to reopen officially on March 14.

Crowds waiting for the Happily Ever After fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park
Credit: TK Bosacki, Disney Fanatic

So if you’re visiting Disney Springs after President’s Day Weekend, you should not count on Lime Garage being available. This reopening is strictly tied to the holiday crowd surge.

However, the March 14 reopening date is good news for spring travelers, since it suggests Disney expects the work to be finished before most spring break trips begin.

Other Parking Options Remain Available

Even while Lime Garage has been closed, Disney Springs has continued operating using several other major parking areas.

Guests can still park at the Orange Garage, Grapefruit Garage, Watermelon Parking Lot, and Strawberry Parking Lot. But anyone who has visited Disney Springs during a busy weekend knows these options can fill up quickly.

When the garages hit capacity, traffic often becomes the biggest problem. Cars back up, entrances become jammed, and guests waste valuable time before they even reach the shopping and dining district.

Disney Springs Has Been Expanding Its Parking Strategy

Disney Springs has been gradually improving its parking experience in recent years. The Orange Garage went through a similar refurbishment in January 2025, and Disney has also added themed barriers and stanchions to help with pedestrian flow.

Disney Springs water tower
Credit: Disney

Disney has also introduced a feature in the My Disney Experience app that alerts guests when parking lots and garages at Disney Springs are full. That might seem like a small update, but it’s becoming increasingly useful as Disney Springs continues to attract theme-park-level crowds.

What Guests Should Expect This Weekend

This temporary Lime Garage reopening shows just how much demand Disney Springs is seeing. Disney clearly expects enough guests to justify reopening a garage even while refurbishment work is still underway.

Mickey and Minnie at Disney Springs
Credit: Disney

If you plan to visit Disney Springs this weekend, arriving early could make the entire experience smoother. Once the afternoon rush begins, parking fills up fast, and traffic congestion can turn into the most frustrating part of the trip.

Still, Disney’s decision to make this quick operational change should help keep things moving, and it’s a strong reminder that Disney Springs is no longer just a casual shopping stop. It’s now one of the busiest destinations on property.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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