Mouse Magic Press

A new kind of Disney store just opened yesterday at International Plaza in Tampa.  Want to know what it’s like? Disney fan Paul Einselen checked it out:

Overall
Overall the store was nice and had some cool elements which you expect from Disney.  There are some fine details that many will miss but those that pay attention will appreciate them.  The trees are really cool as the image can change since it is done with projectors.  In addition to that Disney has their scent boxes hidden away around the trees so they can also spray the area thus further bringing the trees to life.  The walls also seem to have lighting which will be able to change multiple times through the day but not be too flashy that it is distracting.

The Theater
The Disney Store Theater is nice area which will entertain kids for possibly a whole day.  The touchscreen is very responsive, easy for a kid to use and the playlist screen is really cool because the parents will be able to tell their kid when their selection will play.  Also when someone has a birthday it will be announced on the screen, the lights in the theater ceiling will turn multicolor, music will play in the entire store and the CM will cheer.

The Castle
The princess castle is great for little girls as they can walk in front of the mirror and wave a wand and a Disney Princess will appear.  I couldn’t get a good shot of the castle, but I did take a picture of the top to show how they have a chandelier handing over it, again paying attention to those little details.  Of course for the boys there is the Disney/Pixar Cars RIDEMAKERZ station where you can build and customize your own RC car.

The Interactive Kiosk

I also liked playing with the interactive kiosk.  It was cool to be able to see by category all the different products as well as upcoming events.  I wish the screen was a little bigger and sometimes the gestures and swiping gave me issues (like at the main screen you just tap between the three catagories where naturally as an iPhone user I was trying to swipe), but it was impressive technology.

The Crowd
Disney also thinking ahead is great with crowd management.  When I arrived an hour and half after opening there was still a line of about 25 or so people to get into the store.  Expecting a crowd and to make the shopping experience more enjoyable Disney was limiting the number of guests into the store.  Cast members (and even suits) stood at the door to help direct people to the line and even on the line, cast members, managers and even the district manager were interacting with guests, asking kids about their favorite characters, birthdays, etc.  Once in the store it was very easy to move around, so much so they could have let the rest of the line in behind me (maybe another 20 or so guests) and I feel there still would have been room to shop.  The staff was also phenomenal, very friendly, upbeat and personable.

Paul is the creator and founder of Mouse Magic Networks.  Sites included in Mouse Magic Network include, but not limited to Disney In 3D, Mouse Magic HD, Mouse Magic Live! and Mouse Magic Press.

Follow Paul on Twitter @MouseMagicHD