Photo Credit: http://blog.disneystore.com/
25 years ago, on March 28, 1987, the first Disney store opened its doors in Glendale California. Disney has expanded and grown since then adding many more locations in malls and commercial centers in the U.S. and Canada and as far as the U.K., Ireland, Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong.
Disney has always been on the forefront of technological advancements, and the Disney Store is no exception. In 1995 the online Disney Store launched at disneystore.com allowing fans and collectors to browse and purchase Disney merchandise from their computers anytime day or night. Even more recently a Disney Store app became available for cell phones so shopping with Disney is even more convenient and easier than ever. I make sure to receive e-mail updates on the latest merchandise from the disneystore.com and check the site daily for new arrivals (which probably explains why I’m buying Disney stuff more often than my bank account says I should…but I just can’t resist!).
While the convenience of the online store is fantastic, for me there is nothing that can quite beat the excitement of visiting the Disney Store in person (and the ultimate Disney shopping experience, of course, has to be visiting a Disney store in the park!). One of my absolute favorite childhood memories is when my mom would take my sister and I to the mall where would walk around, get icees, play by the seating area with the balloons, and best of all, go to the Disney Store. On special occasions we would each be allowed to pick something out to buy and take home. I still feel the same excited feeling I did back then every time I go to the Disney Store. Even though the store’s design has been updated and changed over the years from the original 1987 film reel theme, the close attention to detail always makes you feel like you’re escaping into the magical world of Disney with so many things to look at and experience.
Disney is going all out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its first store opening with some great deals and special anniversary merchandise. The first 250 guests to arrive at the Disney Store today will receive a free pair of Silver 25th anniversary Mickey Ears. Disney is also offering a 25% off discount on your entire purchase today in the store and online (the online code you’ll enter a checkout at disneystore.com is HAPPY25).
Photo Credit: Disneystore.com
Disney Store locations will also be featuring events including dance parties and trivia today (just be sure to contact your local Disney Store before you go to verify participation and event scheduling because these events are subject to change and might vary by location).
Photo Credit: http://blog.disneystore.com/
Disney also has a lot of merchandise commemorating the store’s 25th anniversary for kids, adults, collectors, and Disney enthusiasts. The Reusable 25th Anniversary World of Disney Tote has beautiful character art on all four sides that includes many of Disney’s most beloved and popular characters.
Photo Credit: Disneystore.com
Another one of my favorites from the 25th Anniversary Collection is the Disney Store 25th Anniversary Glitter Mickey Mouse Vinlymation Figure (3”, $12.95). It comes in a special display box and is clear with glitter and blue Mickey Mouse ears inside. And, if you love the holidays as much as I do, there is the Limited Edition Disney Store 25th Anniversary World of Disney Ornament Collection. Sorcerer Mickey, Minnie Mouse, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Winnie the Pooh with Piglet, and Buzz Lightyear with Alien ornaments have the characters decked out in 25th anniversary silver holiday outfits ($79.50). D23 members can order the D23 Exclusive 25th Anniversary Mickey and Minnie Mouse Plush Toys ($19.50 each) and kids and adults can both also get in on the celebration with products like the Disney Store 25th Anniversary Keyhole Tinker Belle Peter Pan Journal ($14.50) and pen ($4.50) or the Disney Store 25th Anniversary Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Journal ($9.50).
Photo Credit: Disneystore.com
Photo Credit: Disneystore.com
Clothing, pins, and other 25th Anniversary items are also available so don’t forget to check everything out and celebrate the Disney Store’s 25th Anniversary with great discounts and commemorative merchandise.
And tell us- what’s your favorite Disney Store memory?
If you’re the least bit familiar with these books, then you know that Maleficent (from Sleeping Beauty) is a major character. Would I be a horrible Disney fan if I confessed that I have never seen Sleeping Beauty in its entirety? Quite frankly, Maleficent freaks me out. 
