If you’re keeping track of Disney Springs closures at this point, you’re going to need a spreadsheet, since the list keeps getting longer. Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers in the Marketplace just shut down for what Disney is calling a “quick refresh,” which means yet another familiar storefront is now inaccessible to guests for an undetermined amount of time.
What Actually Closed
Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers is the glass-blowing shop where artisans work in front of audiences, creating custom Disney pieces using lampworking techniques. They use torches to melt glass rods and shape them into wands, tiaras, and intricate character figures. Watching these craftspeople work has been a major draw because it turns shopping into actual entertainment with genuine skill on display.
Now the ovens are cool, the doors are locked, and nobody’s creating anything because the entire location is closed for renovations or updates or whatever “quick refresh” actually means in Disney corporate speak. There’s no official reopening date announced, which could mean a few weeks or could stretch into months depending on what work they’re actually doing.
The Arribas Brothers Legacy
The closure of the Arribas Brothers shop at Disney Springs is especially notable due to their rich history with Disney that dates back to the 1960s. Brothers Tomas and Alfonso met Walt Disney at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair while representing Spain as glass blowers. Impressed by their work, Walt invited them to open a shop at Disneyland in 1967, leading to a global presence with 19 locations across Disney Parks worldwide.
Their Crystal Arts shops are unique working studios where artisans demonstrate traditional lampworking techniques while creating collectible art pieces. Some, like the crystal Cinderella Castle, are highly valued among collectors, costing tens of thousands of dollars and requiring hundreds of hours to complete. These pieces are genuine art, crafted by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques.
Where Else Can You Go
If you absolutely need Arribas Brothers glass work while the Disney Springs location is closed, other shops exist at Walt Disney World. There’s a location on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom and another at the Germany Pavilion in EPCOT.
But here’s the catch. Those require theme park admission. So if you were just planning to hit Disney Springs for shopping and dining without paying for park tickets, you’re out of luck for Arribas Brothers products until Crystal Arts reopens.
The Bigger Disney Springs Problem
Disney Springs is experiencing a concerning trend of rapid store closures, confusing regular visitors. Recently, Francesca’s closed due to liquidation, and Sprinkles Cupcakes shut down unexpectedly on January 1.
Sanuk footwear disappeared in August 2024, while Sosa Family Cigars ended over 20 years of business in early 2023. Now, Crystal Arts is temporarily closed, adding to the feeling that Disney Springs is becoming a construction zone with many favorite stores unavailable.
What Quick Refresh Actually Means
The term “quick refresh” suggests cosmetic updates rather than complete gutting and renovation. We’re probably talking about updating fixtures, refreshing paint and finishes, maybe reorganizing the floor layout, making improvements that enhance the shopping experience without fundamentally changing what Crystal Arts offers.
The problem is that “quick” is relative. Sometimes these refreshes wrap up in a few weeks. Other times, unexpected complications arise, or Disney adds additional work to the project, and what was supposed to be quick stretches into months. Without an official timeline announced, guests planning Disney Springs visits have no way of knowing whether Crystal Arts will be open during their trip.
The Impact on Disney Springs Guests
For people who specifically visit Crystal Arts for custom glass pieces or just to watch the demonstrations, this closure eliminates that experience entirely from their Disney Springs visit. The combination of retail shopping and live craftsmanship isn’t something you can find at other Disney Springs stores.
Sure, there’s plenty of Disney merchandise available throughout the shopping district. But watching skilled artisans create intricate glass sculptures using traditional techniques? That’s a unique offering that Crystal Arts provided and now it’s temporarily gone.
When Will It Actually Reopen at Disney Springs
Your guess is as good as anyone’s because Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date. The “quick refresh” description implies it won’t be closed for many months, but without concrete information, anyone visiting Disney Springs in the near future should just assume Crystal Arts remains unavailable.
For a shopping district that’s already dealing with multiple permanent closures and ongoing construction, adding another temporarily closed location just makes Disney Springs feel even less reliable as a destination where you can count on your favorite experiences being available.
