The End of an Era: Sprinkles Cupcakes Permanently Shuts Its Doors at Disney Springs

The sweet aroma of gourmet cupcakes that once drew guests to Disney Springs has officially faded. After nearly a decade as a beloved dessert stop at Walt Disney World’s premier dining and shopping district, Sprinkles Cupcakes has permanently closed its Disney Springs location — marking the end of a long chapter for fans of its signature sweets and cupcake ATM.

A Surprise Closure That Took Fans Off Guard

On January 1, 2026, the Sprinkles Cupcakes storefront at Disney Springs was confirmed to be closed for good, with empty windows and the iconic cupcake ATM no longer dispensing treats. Guests visiting the area reported sealed doors and a storefront that looked more like a location in transition than one closing after almost ten years of business.

While the sign outside initially read that it was “closed for today,” Disney Springs Cast Members later confirmed the closure as permanent, a reflection of larger changes sweeping through the Disney Springs dining lineup as 2026 begins.

What Happened to Sprinkles Nationwide?

The closure at Disney Springs is part of a nationwide shutdown of all Sprinkles Cupcakes locations. Reports indicate that the brand’s retail operations — once spread across more than 20 stores and accompanied by 24/7 cupcake ATMs — ended abruptly on December 31, 2025.

This move wasn’t isolated to Florida or Disney property, every Sprinkles store in the United States reportedly closed at the same time, with staff given minimal notice ahead of the shutdown.

The Rise and Fall of a Cupcake Phenomenon

Sprinkles was founded in 2005 by Candace and Charles Nelson in Beverly Hills, with a mission to elevate the humble cupcake into a gourmet, artisanal treat. The bakery quickly became a cultural staple, credited with helping to launch the modern cupcake trend. Its cupcake ATM, introduced in 2012, became one of its most talked-about innovations — a quirky, 24/7 way to dispense fresh baked goods without stepping inside the store.

At its peak, Sprinkles had over 20 locations nationwide and dozens of cupcake ATMs in airports, shopping centers, and major cities. The Disney Springs store, which opened as part of the district’s expansion, became a popular stop for visitors craving a sweet break between shopping and dining adventures.

Why Did Sprinkles Close?

While an official detailed explanation from the company is sparse, the sudden and simultaneous closure of all locations has sparked conversation across social media and food news outlets. Some observers point to rising operating costs, changing consumer tastes, and shifts in dessert trends as contributing factors, as specialty cupcake demand softened after years of intense competition from new baking concepts and cookie chains.

Candace Nelson, who sold the company to private equity in 2012, took to Instagram to share her emotional reaction to the news, describing the shutdown as “surreal” and reflecting on the brand’s two-decade influence on American baking culture.

What Comes Next for Disney Springs?

Disney Springs has always been a shifting landscape of food, retail, and entertainment — and Sprinkles’ departure, while bittersweet for many fans, opens up valuable real estate for new concepts to take root. The district continues to grow with innovative dining experiences and attractions, and Disney fans are already speculating about what might replace the cupcake bakery.

Whether a new dessert destination will rise to take Sprinkles’ place remains to be seen, but the memories of its pink-and-white storefront and the thrill of the cupcake ATM will remain a part of Disney Springs nostalgia for many guests.