Did Imagineers Theme the NY Times Square Flagship Disney Store?

[Sundown]

Hello all,

I'm sure since WDWMagic attracts so many dedicated enthusiasts ans specialist behind the creation of of favorite Disney parks that someone might have the info. I was just visiting the two floor flagship Disney Store in Times Square. The theming really impressive.

You are greeted by a beautiful large 8' or so Star Wars Rogue One AT-AT on a display. It's basically an exhibit. There is a large Lightning McQueen from Cars elevated on a Display. The elevator is themed as the lanterns from Tangled. There are plenty of flat trees that are sculpted to include many Disney characters. There is a large sculpted Disney princess castle. There even are two full life size Force Awakens Stormtroopers.

So...are the Imagineers responsible for this? Or is is sub-contracted out? And does Disney actually make these impressive display pieces themselves? Or are they contracted to a more local (NY/North East) model/sculpt/display business?

If you are able to, check out the Disney Store in Times Square. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[lazyboy97o]

The Times Square store is not unique, it is an "Imagination Park" store. Disney developed at the behest of Steve Jobs and with input from Apple's retail department. For awhile Disney was remodeling Disney Stores across the country to this concept, but the idea has fizzled out.

 

[Sundown]

Hey lazyboy97o. Thanks for the helpful information. I wasn't aware of the "Imagination Park" initiative, and I had presumed due to the enormity of the Time Square store that it was probably somewhat unique.

I imagine the large displays are then created/made by Disney proper vs. having the work contracted out.

 

[lazyboy97o]

Disney makes very little to nothing themselves. They often contract out work that is then supervised by Walt Disney Imagineering, even at the theme parks almost everything you see involves third parties from design down to actual fabrication.

 

[Pirate Magic]

I was never impressed with that store. I miss the store that was on 5th Avenue. That store had three floors. I felt every time I went in that store it was my Disney fix when I wasn't at Disney. The new store just doesn't have that magic that the 5 th avenue store did (well at least for me). But at last back to reality Disney had to let that store go because the rent went up sky high.

 

[lazyboy97o]

I was never impressed with that store. I miss the store that was on 5th Avenue. That store had three floors. I felt every time I went in that store it was my Disney fix when I wasn't at Disney. The new store just doesn't have that magic that the 5 th avenue store did (well at least for me). But at last back to reality Disney had to let that store go because the rent went up sky high.

The store on 5th Avenue was also not a Disney Store. It was a World of Disney store, owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. It existed during the time when Disney Store was owned by The Children's Place, not Walt Disney Consumer Products.

 

[Pirate Magic]

The store on 5th Avenue was also not a Disney Store. It was a World of Disney store, owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. It existed during the time when Disney Store was owned by The Children's Place, not Walt Disney Consumer Products.[/QUOTE



You are half right the Disney Stores were sold to The Children's Place. Except the stores in Europe and the Disney Store in Manhattan (The World of Disney) which was owned by Disney Parks and Resorts.

 

[disney4life2008]

The times Square store is terrible. The parks are overpriced the store is worse! I actually find the similar concept at Florida mall fun. But i would never buy anything.