The Re-Imagined World of Disney Store

“We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” -Walt Disney

I was invited to my very first event with the Disneyland Resort and it was to view the re-imagined World of Disney store at Downtown Disney. The entire store was renovated over the last few months and I have to say I LOVE the outcome!

Some of the biggest changes I immediately noticed…

1) Way more space! Calling all parents with double strollers, you can now fit through the aisles! No more crashing into things because they have provided much more space than ever before. Not only are the aisles bigger, but there is one long corridor that you can actually stand on one side of the store and then see through to the other side. There are vaulted ceilings also making it feel more spacious.

2) Themed as if you were in the Grand California Bus Depot. The story that was explained to us by Disney Imagineers was that the old depot, now the Disney store, was used as a getaway location for the Disney animators to escape from the city. The exposed brick, the vaulted ceilings, the old painted signs all make it feel like you’ve walked into an old depot. Even once you get up to the check out desk, make sure to have a closer look, you might just find some art work re-created from some of the original Disney animators.

3) Magic Moments happen all over the store in the art work. Around the store you will find screens that come to life from different movies. Kids, and adults alike, will be mesmerized by the little touches of Disney magic.

This wall in particular was super magical. Every few minutes there is a twinkle of light that goes from jar to jar (much like a flying Tinker Bell) and then brings one of the screens to life.

4) Organized and Easy to find what you are looking for throughout the store. Looking for toys, something for the home, or even just a t-shirt? They have broken it down into sections for you so it is super easy to find.

5) Merchandise is on Point! There is a ton of new merchandise, all of which I wanted to go home with, but alas I had to pick a few of my favorites. Some of the original Mickey Mouseketeer items might have been my all time favorite!

6) Holiday Area is so much fun! We love the holidays and so does Disney, so of course right now there is an entire section ready for Christmas. Not only does it have the cutest items but it also plays Christmas music in just that area, but will change depending on the season.

Now the question is, what could you not leave without?!?;) LOL!

And in case you haven’t been to Downtown Disney in a while you might want to hit up the new Salt & Straw Ice-cream shop, the new bowling alley called Splitsville, Star Wars; Secrets of the Empire by The Void (which is a hyper-reality experience), Disney Home Shop, and The Disney Dress Shop. Coming soon is Ballast Point, the first brewery as well as Black Tap Craft Burgers and Shakes.