What is the latest on Mellow Mushroom Disney Springs expansion rumors as the pizza chain eyes new Central Florida locations, including Disney Springs?
Central Florida Expansion Buzz Grows Around Popular Pizza Chain
Rumors are heating up that Mellow Mushroom may be coming to Disney Springs, as the psychedelic pizza brand looks to significantly expand its presence across Central Florida. While nothing has been officially announced by The Walt Disney Company, industry sources and recent reports indicate the chain is actively eyeing high-profile locations including Disney Springs and Lake Nona as part of a broader growth push.
Ahsan Jiva, the chain’s executive VP of Strategy and Transformation, had this to say about expansion:
I can see a pathway to getting at least three to seven, potentially 10 more locations from Clearwater all the way to the East Coast. I can definitely see a pathway to get to 20 in metro Orlando, looking at possibly locating restaurants at Disney Springs as well as in Lake Nona and Clermont. Also, I see opportunity in St. Cloud, the Kissimmee area, DeLand, and then The Villages.
Spokespeople from Mellow Mushroom also said,” We have a five-to seven-year growth plan. We want to be methodical. One to two locations per year for the next five to seven years is definitely something that we can achieve pretty easily.“
Mellow Mushroom Disney Springs: Expansion Plans Backed by Growth Targets
Mellow Mushroom, founded in Atlanta in 1974 and now operating more than 160 restaurants nationwide, is reportedly planning a major footprint increase in Florida. Local business reporting suggests the chain could add up to 15 new Central Florida locations, with Orlando-area markets among the top targets for future stores.
This Mellow Mushroom Disney Springs rumored expansion comes amid rising demand for restaurant space across the region and intense competition for prime retail and dining sites. Securing a Disney Springs location could be one of the brand’s most visible and strategic placements.
Why Disney Springs Makes Sense
Disney Springs draws millions of visitors annually and continues to refresh its dining lineup with recognizable and beloved national brands. A Mellow Mushroom location, known for stone-baked pizzas, eclectic décor, and craft beer selections, would offer a laid-back, flavorful option that contrasts with some of the district’s other full-service eateries. The potential synergy with both tourism traffic and local diners makes it an attractive prospect for Disney and Mellow Mushroom franchisees. Central Florida already boasts several Mellow Mushroom restaurants in cities such as Orlando, Sanford, Winter Park, and Mount Dora, with new locations continuing to open in the region.
What About Blaze Pizza at Disney Springs?
Photo by Jon Self
If a Mellow Mushroom Disney Springs location opened, its arrival would immediately invite comparisons to Blaze Pizza, which already operates in the district and serves a similar core product: pizza in a casual, approachable setting. The key difference, however, is that these two brands occupy very different niches, which could allow them to coexist rather than compete head-to-head.
Blaze Pizza focuses on fast-casual, build-your-own pizzas with quick service and high turnover—ideal for guests who want a fast, affordable meal between shopping or park hopping. Mellow Mushroom, by contrast, leans into a sit-down, themed dining experience, featuring stone-baked specialty pies, craft beer, cocktails, and a distinctly playful atmosphere. In that sense, Mellow Mushroom would compete more directly with casual table-service restaurants than with Blaze’s quick-service model.
Would Disney Springs allow both? Probably? Disney Springs already supports multiple burger, steak, and Mexican concepts without issue. The district doesn’t need to limit itself to just one pizza option, especially when each brand serves a different guest mindset. Blaze satisfies speed and customization; Mellow Mushroom offers ambiance, variety, and longer dining stays.
Ultimately, having both could strengthen Disney Springs’ overall dining portfolio, giving guests more choice rather than forcing one pizza experience to fit every occasion.
Mellow Mushroom Disney Springs: Still a Rumor—but Worth Watching
At this stage, a Mellow Mushroom Disney Springs location possibly coming should be treated as speculation informed by credible expansion activity, rather than confirmed news. Disney typically announces new dining venues only after permits and construction plans are filed, so fans hoping for an official reveal may need to stay tuned for updates. That said, the pizza chain’s aggressive growth strategy in Central Florida and explicit interest in Disney Springs make this one of the more tantalizing rumors in Disney dining circles right now.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News. As always, eat like you mean it!
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