New Imagination Park Disney Stores to use tech from the parks!

[Figment632]

Agreed. I heard about this a few months ago. The iPads are expected to also be used as portable payment stations... I guess they'll have some form of credit card attachment.

Yes we will use them for check out.

Im confuses. What are collectables? And if there are no collectables does that mean the new stores will not have stuffed animals, small plushes, pins, or park merchandise?

So basically its now gonna be a babies-r-us with a few bells and whistles?:shrug:

There has never been park merchandise at TDS there used to be art and ceramic collectibles we sold.

 

[TinkerBell9988]

That's one of three stores that I consider 'local' to me ... was in there last week and honestly there was nothing I wanted other than an Art of Meet The Robinsons book that was $2.24 from $18 ... and it wasn't a 'must have' or I would have bought it three years ago!

So sad as that store replaced one across the street at the defunct Fashion Mall that was one of the first 10 Disney Stores in the world ... and a place I spent countless days (and dollars) in back in the late 80s/early 90s when it was full of high quality merchandise for all ages and budgets.

The Broward Mall location was nice when it first opened, but generally became a dirty mess of kids' crap. But its first few years had a small Gallery section, including large WDCC displays and cels/lithos etc.

The new stores don't sound exciting to me at all.

LEDs?!?? WOO-HOO!!! You don't see them anywhere/everywhere in 2010! And the same freaking characters in the mirrors that you'll be seeing at WDW and DL resort rooms and parks soon?

Wow.

Seriously, if this is the direction Disney believes will save the chain, I think they should just shut them all down.

When I was a little girl, I was OBSESSED with TDS at the Fashion Mall!!! I remember sitting in my stroller, in complete awe of everything! And my favorite part of the store was the section with the collectible dolls and figurines. I'd dream about owning them one day... Glad to hear someone else remembers that store. So many childhood memories.

 

[TinkerBell9988]

Aw, that's a shame. You do have that great collectable's shop, though...Got a few Disney Figs from there over the years!

I'm in South Broward, so we still have a few...and we still have the WDW Outlets at Sawgrass and Dolphin. Love those.

Yes, I always get my WDCC figurines at the Pewter Place, the guy is so nice there... :lol: Always gives me a discount. :animwink:

The WDW outlets are alright, merchandise used to be better years ago when the one in Sawgrass was at that bigger location next to Burlington. I was at Pembroke Lakes Disney Store today... What a mess!!

 

[hack2112]

When I was a little girl, I was OBSESSED with TDS at the Fashion Mall!!! I remember sitting in my stroller, in complete awe of everything! And my favorite part of the store was the section with the collectible dolls and figurines. I'd dream about owning them one day... Glad to hear someone else remembers that store. So many childhood memories.

THE FASHION MALL! Now those were good times!

Who remembers the WB store, though? I could hang out there FOREVER playing all the fun games and looking at all the cool stuff.

 

[SirGoofy]

THE FASHION MALL! Now those were good times!

Who remembers the WB store, though? I could hang out there FOREVER playing all the fun games and looking at all the cool stuff.

The WB store was BA. The one in my local mall had Marvin the Martian's rocket ship. I would hang out in it all the time when I was a kid.

 

[hack2112]

The WB store was BA. The one in my local mall had Marvin the Martian's rocket ship. I would hang out in it all the time when I was a kid.

I think mine had that too. That was a great store. Good times...

 

[TinkerBell9988]

THE FASHION MALL! Now those were good times!

Who remembers the WB store, though? I could hang out there FOREVER playing all the fun games and looking at all the cool stuff.

The WB store DEFINITELY had the rocket ship!!! Oh man I'd play in there forever, my mom would want to choke me! :lol: Good times, indeed.

 

[WDW1974]

Ah, it wouldn't a legitimate thread without '74 popping in to take a giant dump on everyone. Marvelous!

Ah. And it's my (apparently) good friend ChrisM. Who has only posted nine times and how many have been about me or in response?

Work for the Mouse?

Oh, and I'm not here to 'take a giant dump' on anyone (although that sounds ... nevermind). I'm stating my views. That's it.

Since you've never actually experienced the store, don't you think it's a bit, shall we say, premature to share your hysterical spasms?

Do I have to experience waterboarding or listening to anyone on FOX News to know I won't find the experience pleasurable?

I realize you fancy yourself something of a "fanboi enthusiasm limiter", which is undoubtedly a noble calling for someone whom I surmise has a grudge, unlimited time, and a tricked out golf cart with which to chase 80 year old tail at the retirement community, but it all seems to speak to your innate and all consuming need to (A) be noticed and (B) be a wang.

I hate to limit fanboi enthusiasm. The foaming can be infectious and pixie dust can keep you young.

Now ... who do you think I have a grudge against? I'd be very curious. You don't come off as (too) ignorant, so we both (likely) know I am not some former CM ... or someone angry because he couldn't grow up to be an Imagineer or run WDW. So ... what do you think is my grudge?

As to unlimited time, nope ... sorry, not me. That's why if you've followed me here (or elsewhere) you'd know I often go days, weeks and even months without uttering a word.

Don't own a golf cart, either. Tricked out or not. Matter of fact, I've met Tiger Woods (no, didn't arrange the women for him!) but have never played golf in my life beyond the miniature variety.

The tail I chase is most assuredly not 80-year-old either, but whatever works for ya buddy.

I do need to be noticed. No doubt. Crave the spotlight. Too bad I can't carry a tune for the life of me. But I crave attention in the real world. On a fanboi forum? I like discussion ... debate ... and even arguing ... but it is all rather ... well, insignificant.

As to being a 'wang' ... I'll take that as a compliment because I'm sure that's how you intended it!:ROFLOL::animwink:

To be fair, I indulge in both A and B myself. Enthusiastically and often. But here? It strikes me that most people interested enough in Disney to visit these boards, let alone post on them, are over enthusiastic optimists to begin with. Do you think that they can somehow be reformed by your flyby curmudgeony offal? Do you take it upon yourself to drop by the local crack den and exhort those firing up that "this crack used to be way better - and that new pipe doesn't add anything to the experience"?

Well, here it seems you don't do much of anything, but step in with pseudo-intellectual takes on my personality and reasons for posting and not what I actually post.

And do you think I don't expect the fanbois to be 'over enthusiastic optimists' here? I'm not looking to toss a bucket of ice down their pants to get rid of their pixie dust-encrusted bulges. I'm just trying to offer some reason and another view, one that I believe is quite valuable because of my unique life experiences.

Oh, and I don't tell people anything about their crack. Don't touch the stuff, so my advice would be worthless.

As an elitist, as you should know, I get all my meds legally and the good old-fashioned American way: from my doctor!:ROFLOL:

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course. And I'll defer to your vast experience in retail as to whether the dribs and drabs we've heard of this highfalutin concept will have any effect whatsoever on improving sales and the customer experience (which will undoubtedly improve simply by the narrowing of the store pool and the dropkicking of The Children's Place). But it would be refreshing if you thought more and posted less on occasion.

I have no first-hand retail knowledge. Except for having money and credit in the biggest consumer society in the history of mankind. So ... I know because I buy (or did before W broke the world).

TDS's were dumps the last 4-5 years Disney owned them. Whether they got worse with CP is debatable. I'm not sure myself. But I've seen Disney trying to reinvent them so many times to be laughable. Even now, I believe there are like 4-5 different 'concepts' in USA stores ... all of them were supposed to be 'the look' but obviously didn't work.

Have no idea whether the next version will be better, but it sure doesn't sound that way.

And thanks for the advice on posting, I'll try and put it to proper use. It's just sad because it's a rainy, cold night in FLA and I'm watching the Olympics open and I'm not there as I was in Beijing and expect to be in London ... so, maybe you're right ... maybe I'm just taking this seething anger out on the dimwitted fanbois (and even the intelligent few) who think LEDs are way kewl ... then again ... nah, don't think so.

can't wait to here from you! :wave:

 

[WDW1974]

When I was a little girl, I was OBSESSED with TDS at the Fashion Mall!!! I remember sitting in my stroller, in complete awe of everything! And my favorite part of the store was the section with the collectible dolls and figurines. I'd dream about owning them one day... Glad to hear someone else remembers that store. So many childhood memories.

Oh yeah.

I didn't live close by, but made sure I got there plenty. I dropped a scary amount of money there over the years.

That mall sure died very quickly. When it opened in 1983, it was a very big deal as it had the ONLY Macy's in the state of FLA (this was before Macy's bought up so many regional chains like Burdines here and converted them).

It was a very high-end place. Now, its just an abandoned eyesore.

 

[hack2112]

It was a very high-end place. Now, its just an abandoned eyesore.

It's more than that. It's really jut very sad. But you knew it was either going to be that one or the Broward Mall. (Now Westfield Broward, which I don't agree with.) They're literally right across the street from each other.

And on the subject of the opening ceremonies, the projection technology used is fantastic.

 

[Uncle Lupe]

That all sounds great if it works

 

[WDW1974]

Yes, I always get my WDCC figurines at the Pewter Place, the guy is so nice there... :lol: Always gives me a discount. :animwink:

The WDW outlets are alright, merchandise used to be better years ago when the one in Sawgrass was at that bigger location next to Burlington. I was at Pembroke Lakes Disney Store today... What a mess!!

Pembroke lakes is always a pig pen. I have seen dirty diapers left on shelves and spilled Starbucks on the floor. Displays all over the place. Just a dump.

As to WDCC, FYI, the company that now produces the line is liquidating much of its inventory at TJ Maxx stores across the USA.

I only saw one piece at the Sawgrass store, a broken tiki beach shack from Lilo and Stitch for $19.99 ... but friends around the country have reported seeing many all over. I'm not really a collector, but I picked up two PoC figures at WDW Prop Control for $20 a piece before Christmas.

 

[WDW1974]

THE FASHION MALL! Now those were good times!

Who remembers the WB store, though? I could hang out there FOREVER playing all the fun games and looking at all the cool stuff.

I am blanking on where that was.

I can remember the WB store at the Galleria and the one down in Miami at Bayside ... but don't remember where the Fashion Mall store was.

They were great too.

 

[WDW1974]

It's more than that. It's really jut very sad. But you knew it was either going to be that one or the Broward Mall. (Now Westfield Broward, which I don't agree with.) They're literally right across the street from each other.

Yeah, but in SoCal you see that all the time and both are successful. But it just didn't work here.

What amazes me is that the old Houlihan's restaurant at the front of the mall has been empty for at least 15 years now. I forgot it was there for years and then walked in that entrance about six months ago ... one would think they would have found something to go in there.

And on the subject of the opening ceremonies, the projection technology used is fantastic.

It looks good, but isn't grabbing my attention. The Opening in Beijing was one of the greatest nights of my life (despite heat that makes FLA seem wonderful in summer!) ... I was just amazed by what I was watching and the electricty in the air was something you can't put into mere words.

Of course, having an unlimited budget certainly helped.

 

[hack2112]

Yeah, but in SoCal you see that all the time and both are successful. But it just didn't work here.

What amazes me is that the old Houlihan's restaurant at the front of the mall has been empty for at least 15 years now. I forgot it was there for years and then walked in that entrance about six months ago ... one would think they would have found something to go in there.

Yeah, but there was also the Fountains and Sawgrass just a bit away. Four complexes against each other was a rather large battle royal.

I used to go to Brasserie Max (Which is funny, because my name is... Well you get the idea) and I got the almond basket. Almost Friday night, just for desert. That was delicious. :slurp:

But today? Whenever I drive past it it's just depressing.

However, on the subject of old fun things to do, I used to love Blockbuster Arcade. It was big, bold, and had a T-Rex in the laser tag maze. SO COOL.

It looks good, but isn't grabbing my attention. The Opening in Beijing was one of the greatest nights of my life (despite heat that makes FLA seem wonderful in summer!) ... I was just amazed by what I was watching and the electricty in the air was something you can't put into mere words.

Of course, having an unlimited budget certainly helped.

I could feel the electricity from my TV.

And of course the budget helped. It cost over 100 mil for the opening ceremonies alone.

And speaking of over-budgeted productions, did anyone see the Lord of the Rings musical in London? Now THAT was a spectacle.

 

[Chance]

If it is profitable it will!!!!

One sad note is the new Adult clothing line just got the AXE and there will not be a return to collectables.

SO a glorified toy store.............sigh

 

[ChrisM]

Ah. And it's my (apparently) good friend ChrisM. Who has only posted nine times and how many have been about me or in response?

Work for the Mouse?

I had thought my intentions of occasionally your moves had already been made patently clear. If not, I'll redouble my efforts so as to remove all doubt.

As for employment by the Mouse, no. In fact, the frothing masses here (and even yourself, mayhaps) would be scandalized to learn I've visited a Disney property a grand total of five times in my entire life. The last time was 10 years ago next month. I've set foot in an off-site Disney store exactly thrice.

I have enjoyed the few, extremely choice howlers you've littered in amongst the remainder of your faux humble, self aggrandizing dross. I'm quite certain you won't hold it against me for putting those in reserve to employ against you at a later date.

Keep up your end of the bargain and I will weave you a dazzling tapestry of vitriol. But I demand something more interesting than this rather pedestrian effort.

 

[Figment632]

I had thought my intentions of occasionally your moves had already been made patently clear. If not, I'll redouble my efforts so as to remove all doubt.

As for employment by the Mouse, no. In fact, the frothing masses here (and even yourself, mayhaps) would be scandalized to learn I've visited a Disney property a grand total of five times in my entire life. The last time was 10 years ago next month. I've set foot in an off-site Disney store exactly thrice.

I have enjoyed the few, extremely choice howlers you've littered in amongst the remainder of your faux humble, self aggrandizing dross. I'm quite certain you won't hold it against me for putting those in reserve to employ against you at a later date.

Keep up your end of the bargain and I will weave you a dazzling tapestry of vitriol. But I demand something more interesting than this rather pedestrian effort.

Does it make you feel special to talk like this?

 

[ChrisM]

Does it make you feel special to talk like this?

I feel special all of the time.

To what in particular do you take exception? Tone, content, grammar, word choice or the whole thing?

 

[xdan0920]

I feel special all of the time.

To what in particular do you take exception? Tone, content, grammar, word choice or the whole thing?

I imagine he was referring to the overall pompus attitude. The fact that it appears you take the time to write and re-write your posts. I would liken your posting style to the man in the bar at the begining of goodwill hunting. You know the one, the guy who likes apples. :lol: