Thursday, June 21, 2012

A Little Magic at Our Back Door at the New Disney Store Park Meadows

Have you heard? Park Meadows has a new Disney Store! And it's AMAZING!

The New Disney Store at Park Meadows

I actually worked at the Park Meadows Disney store in 2001-2002 as part of the team that converted the store to a "Disney PLAY" Store. It was one of a set of concept stores that were being tested and it was FUN! The store was turned into a magical place where kids could come for story time, dress up, color and play games.

That concept has clearly evolved! Folks were all a buzz in 2010 when Disney unveiled the first new interactive store design set and now we have a bit of that magic right here in Colorado at the Park Meadows Disney Store.

The new interactive Disney Stores incorporate some of what I love from being at a Disney park. The store is clean and streamlined and there are little hidden gems located throughout the store. Even the "box office" has a fun "queue". Just like being on a ride at Disney they keep you happy in line by giving you lots to look at and making the journey along the path entertaining.


Magical "Box Office" with Disney Parks like queue

What Disney does best, gives you a perfect show! 
Super fun Plush Mountain

The new stores aim to deliver the "best 30 minutes of a child's day" and I think they've totally hit the mark!

Unlock Imagination - Each morning at the new Disney Store a child is chosen to participate in the opening ceremony to "Unlock Imagination" with an over sized key in a special "lock" that really "clicks" when it's turned. The child will also receive a keepsake key to take with them for being a part of the ceremony. I wonder if they'd ever consider picking an adult? I wanna open the store one day!!! I'm really a kid at heart right?

"Unlock Imagination"  every day at the new Disney Store
The sweet family that got to participate in the "Unlocking" ceremony on  Grand Opening Day

Pixie Dust Trail - As you walk into the store you travel along a fun, sparkly, blue trail that leads you throughout the store. You know that magical things are in store as you walk along the path. Storytelling "neighborhoods" are on either side of the path.

Pixie Dust Trail

Princess Neighborhood: Disney Princess Castle with Magic Mirror - Little Princesses can walk right through the Castle to a little Magic Mirror garden. Wave any wand (or other costume accessories) in front of the mirror and that Princess will appear in the mirror. All of the favorites are there (Belle - my fav, Cinderella, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Tiana) and each will tell you a little about their story.


Disney-Pixar CARS and Toy Story Neighborhood - This is the part I love! Don't get me wrong, I love the Princesses, but I have long thought that boys get the short end of the stick when it comes to product selection. The boys have a huge representation in this over sized car toys case - imagine you are a toy, again reminiscent of Disney Parks magic... think "A Bugs Land" and "Honey I Shrunk the Kids"! With the acquisition of the Marvel characters and the Disney-Pixar assets the boys have lots of great items to choose from! I was sad to hear that this Disney Store won't have a Ridemakerz area though.



Magical Trees - This is a really fun part of the new interactive store, Magical Trees! Watch the trees from visit to visit, you will continue to see new things. The trees leaves will coincide with the time of year and will also show familiar characters and clips from the movies. Watch for the trees to help set the mood for some of the magical ceremonies in the store with fireworks. And one more fun thing, for us Disney fans, is to search for the Hidden Mickeys! There are some hidden in the trees, can you find them?

Happy Spring Trees

Custom Skyline - The stores used to have 3D characters hanging from the rafters depicting magical moments of Disney films. Each store was different and it was always fun to check out what each store had. The 3D characters are gone but now there is new magic to enjoy along the skyline. Take a look around, there are still characters and landmarks from our favorite films depicted throughout the landscape along with local landmarks. The skyline's light and color changes and may match what's happening with the magical trees, time of day or ceremonial happenings!





Disney Store Theater - This may be the piece de resistance! The theater contains a "video library" that guests get to operate. There are Disney film trailers, movie clips, music videos, classic animation and more, all to watch on a 12 foot screen! With over 50 selections to choose from you certainly won't get bored! And you may be here for a while because this center is so much more that video watching. Kids can sit and color while they watch the screen and this gazebo is also the "community center" where the store will host activities such as drawing workshops, storytelling experiences, trivia events and more! Check the screen outside the store to inform you of upcoming events.


 


I had the awesome opportunity to get a sneak peek of the store the day before it opened and then of course I just had to go for the Grand Opening celebration. Mickey and Minnie were there and the first 500 Guests got a little goody. It was a crazy busy morning and everyone had a great time. If you get a chance to check out the new Disney Store in Park Meadows I highly recommend it! And be sure to check back at the store or online for their upcoming events.

Mickey gave me a little wave!


Thank you Disney Store Park Meadows for hosting us and for the wonderful goody bag my son and I received!  Even the sneak peek was magical! 



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