Original Disney Store Reopens at Glendale Galleria, Celebrates 25 Years and World Wish Day

The original Disney Store in Glendale, California reopened this past weekend, with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider assisting Disney Store President Jim Fielding with the proceedings on what was the Disney Store's 25th Anniversary. Boasting an interactive experience that feels more theme park than retail store, the opening coincided with World Wish Day, with 5% of Disney Store sales (up to $50,000) going to the Make-a-Wish Foundation. In addition, a special Jiminy Cricket Vinylmation was sold, and a donation of $1.00 each went to the Foundation.

We sent our California correspondent to the Grand Opening, which included a media tour of the store prior to opening. (All images are from Mousesteps, unless noted)

Hundreds of guests lined up to experience the newly redesigned store, with the first 500 receiving free Mickey ears:

 

 

While this ceremony was extra-special, there actually will be an opening ceremony every day at the new store. One child will be chosen each morning to "Unlock Imagination", and will receive a replica key to take home. On this day, a Make-A-Wish child was chosen.

 

 

Above Image Copyright Disney

Belle and Beast alternated greeting sets with Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. We have a video of Rapunzel and Flynn here !

 

Above Image Copyright Disney

Above Image Copyright Disney

The "Magic Trees" shared a variety of images during the event, including of The Avengers:

 

 

 

More of the Disney Store:

 

 

 

Jiminy Cricket Vinylmation:

 

 

 

There are many more interactive elements to the new Disney Stores, including a Pixie Dust Trail, Disney Princess Neighborhood, Disney Princess Castle with Magic Mirror, and a Disney-Pixar CARS and Toy Story Neighborhood. We have a video that includes Disney Store West Coast Regional Director showing us the Magic Mirror, which comes alive with the wave of a wand. The Magic Mirror lets a young princess become part of the story, along with Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Princess Tiana or Snow White.

Children learn to draw Mickey Mouse:

 

 

More photos of the event:

 

 

There are more than 300 Disney Stores worldwide, and the new layout is designed to deliver "the best 30 minutes of a child's day". 

Make-A-Wish has granted more than 280,000 wishes since it's start in 1980.