My Disney Blog

Share Your Thoughts on Disney Store Closings

I would really like to hear your thoughts on the latest announcements of Disney Store Closings. I have always been a huge fan of the Disney Store, and I was absolutely DEVASTATED when our store closed several years ago. I was a big fan of the prototype used before Children's Palace took over, especially the prototype with the separate rooms (one for toys, kids, collectibles, and adult wear). So, I totally know where folks are coming from that have just discovered their local Disney "fix" was going to be closed. 

Would really appreciate if you shared your thoughts in the comments section of this blog post. I do think the new stores are going to be impressive, but know how hard it is to see your local connection to Disney taken away.

--- Disney Dean  

Disney Store Closing Several Stores to Focus on New Interactive Stores

This statement was released by Disney Stores. We lost our Disney Store several years ago in the first round of closings, and it was absolutely heart-wrenching for me. I know there are going to be many people very upset about this, and I just want you to know that my heart goes out to you. I definitely know the feeling of having your local "touch of Disney magic" closed down.

Press release as follows:

Making the decision to not renew a store lease is never easy and we take these types of decisions very seriously. We value Disney Store cast members and our guests, and hope that for those of you affected, you will continue to be a Disney Store fan. The stores that will be closed over the next few months are listed below and will begin to offer discounts and clearance specials soon.

 Closing stores will also provide coupon offers in-store good for 15% off your entire purchase at participating alternate locations. DisneyStore.com will offer 15% off your entire purchase and free shipping for all purchases over $50. Limited time only. Offers may vary by store. Please visit your closing store for more discount offers and more details.

We continue to plan for the future and look forward to launching newly designed Disney Stores across the US and Europe. Look for these highly interactive new stores to roll out over the next five years.

Again, thank you for your continued support and remaining a loyal fan to the Disney Store.

USA 

ALABAMA

Riverchase Galleria - Birmingham, AL

CALIFORNIA

South Bay Galleria - Redondo Beach, CA

COLORADO

Southwest Plaza - Littleton, CO

FLORIDA

Broward Mall - Plantation, FL

GEORGIA

Arbor Place - Douglasville, GA

IDAHO

Boise Town Square - Boise, ID

ILLINOIS

Yorktown Center - Lombard, IL

Spring Hill Mall - West Dundee, IL

INDIANA

Glenbrook Square - Fort Wayne, IN

Greenwood Park Mall - Greenwood, IN

KENTUCKY

Florence Mall - Florence, KY

MASSACHUSETTS

Silver City Galleria - Taunton, MA

MICHIGAN

RiverTown Crossing - Grandville, MI

Southland Center - Taylor, MI

NEW MEXICO

Coronado Center - Albuquerque, NM

OHIO

Belden Village Mall - Canton, OH

SOUTH CAROLINA

Broadway at the Beach - Myrtle Beach, SC

TENNESSEE

Coolsprings Galleria - Franklin, TN

Opry Mills - Nashville, TN

TEXAS

The Parks At Arlington - Arlington, TX

West Oaks Mall - Houston, TX

Collin Creek Mall - Plano, TX

VIRGINIA

Dulles Town Center - Dulles, VA

Valley View Mall - Roanoke, VA

CANADA

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Metropolis at Metrotown - Burnaby, BC

MANITOBA

St. Vital Centre - Winnipeg, MB

ONTARIO

Scarborough Towne Centre - Scarborough, ON

Contact: 

Disney Store Guest Services

Guest.Services@DisneyStore.com

Christmas Gift Idea for the Ultimate Disney Fan

Over the past few months, I have become friends with an AMAZING artist named Charles Ott, an artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. What's most impressive is that I'm still talking to him after the Steelers beat my Minnesota Vikings this year, but that's another story! ;)

Anyway, Charles is also known as the Steel City Artist, aptly named for the city in which he lives. I can't remember how I actually came upon his pen and ink drawings, but I remember thinking that I hadn't seen anything like it before in my life. What's best is that Charles even did a pen and ink drawing of Cinderella Castle, at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. I know it can be kind of hard to find gifts for the Disney fan that seems to have it all, and I thought this would make a unique and memorable gift for any Disney fan.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, I do not own stock in the Charles Ott corporation :), and I never accept gifts for anything I blog about on MyDisneyBlog.com - so that I can remain 100% neutral and objective. I believe I owe this to myself and most importantly, to anyone reading this blog. If it is of good value, or if it is something I think would be awesome to have, I'll definitely blog about it.

Anyway, please spend some time looking over Charles' website. He has spent a great deal of time perfecting his craft, and coming up with designs that will put a smile on people's face, and I think it deserves a great deal of attention. Thank you, Charles, for including Cinderella Castle in your portfolio for us Disney lovers. We really appreciate it! :)

You can find Charles work on his website. More specifically, you can find the Cinderella Castle Drawings here, and here. I think they are a great value, and I'm still trying to decide if I want to order the black and white version or the pastel version!

--- DisneyDean

Disney Shopping Presidents Day Code

Have you been waiting to stock up on the latest Spring fashions at DisneyShopping.com? Well, there's a pretty decent deal going on through 11:59 PM Pacific Time on the February 16, 2009.

PROMO CODE: PRESDAY

If you spend $59 or more, you get 15% off. Spend $79 or more and get 20% off. Crank up your spending to $99 or more, and you can save 25%, while spending $149 or more will get you 30% off! Woohoo! Don't you wish you could keep spending, and get higher percentages than that - so that it is eventually 100% off :) Nah, just kidding! Actually, this is a pretty decent code, mainly if you will be spending a bit more this time around. Now there are exceptions, as always, so be sure the discount applies to what you will be buying. Details of the exceptions are listed on their site.

Be sure you shop through your favorite rewards sharing site. I use MyPoints and Sunshine Rewards, but there are other good rewards sites out there as well.

Got my eye on a few of the spring kids clothing items! If you are very careful, there are some things on sale, that you can apply the discount with as well. Be sure to apply the code when you go to the checkout page. If you buy $89 worth of stuff, also be sure to apply the $5 shipping code SHIPTODAY.

Happy Shopping!

--- Disney Dean

Disney Shopping Promo Code - SUMMER40

Just a few more days to catch the action on a terrific promo code at DisneyShopping.com!

Get 40% on select summer merchandise, valid through July 10th, at the end of the day (11:59 PM Pacific Time). For example, a Princess Beach Towel is on sale for $4.99 (yep, you read that correctly!). It was originally $14.50, on sale now with the SUMMER40 promo code for only $2.99!

A Walt Disney Princess beach towel for $2.99? Now that's a good deal!

The Tinker Bell 2-piece luggage set (originally $54.50) was on sale (sort of) for $49.99. Well, when you take 40% off, it comes to $30!

For boys, the Power Rangers Jungle Fury Black Ranger Short PJ Pals were originally $16.50, on sale for $7.99, and are only $4.79 with the SUMMER40 promo code.

This is your chance to stock up! Also, if you receive Disney Shopping email newsletters, you probably would have received the site-wide 25% off promo code. Definitely something to think about for the future, as they do periodically send out special deals to current customers.

Don't forget to use the SHIPFOR5 promo code as well, for $5 shipping on $50 or more orders.

Happy shopping everyone - let me know if you got a great deal, k?

--- Disney Dean

Spring Sale at Disney Shopping

Some great new deals on DisneyShopping.com this week, with a 60% off Spring Sale going on right now! You don't even need a promo code to find the great deals.

There are a whole bunch of girl's apparel items, with Spring/Easter dresses and bonnets, tank tops, shoes, sweaters, and much more. My wife and I were just looking at some really great items, including their skirts and capris. In northern Minnesota, we REALLY don't get much of a spring, so we have a limited time when our daughter could wear such items. Many of their tshirts are $4.99, which is a great deal for Disney shirts. There are tons of great items in the boys department too! Many tees are $4.99 in boys as well. The deals in the toy department don't seem quite as good, but there are a few deals in there.

Let us all know if you find something good, ok? Remember - if you get to $50 in purchases, you can have it shipped for $5 if you apply the promo code SHIPFOR5.

--- Disney Dean

SAVE30 Disney Shopping Promo Code

Great deal going on this weekend over at DisneyShopping.com! Here are the details:

PROMO CODE: SAVE30 - good for 30% off many items over at Disney Shopping

Of course, there are the usual exclusions, but many, many items are on sale. The promo code is only good through tonight at midnight, Pacific Time.

PROMO CODE: SHIPFIVE - good for $5 flat shipping

So, if you're looking for something special, or just need a Disney fix, head on over to DisneyShopping.com and start shopping! Let me know if you get a great deal! I'm going to get 2 Mickey and Friends Beach Towels, at 30% discount, for $14 total! Will be perfect for our trip in August.

--- Disney Dean

Disney Shopping Promo Code BONUS25

Boy, do I have a deal for you! This weekend only (2/23 - 2/24) you can get 25% off new arrivals at DisneyShopping.com

BONUS25: will give you 25% off new arrivals. They have some really neat new Minnie Mouse beach towels, that are $14.50 for one - or $20 for 2. So, if you buy 2, then apply the promo code, the price for 2 is $15. Not bad for Disney beach towels. A neat girls swimsuit is normally $19.50, but is on sale for $14.62 after using the promo code.

SHIPFOR5: $5 shipping on orders of $50 or more. Nuff said!

There are a ton of great swim shop items that have just come in, along with toys, childrens and adult apparel, etc. If you're like me - Spring Fever is setting in pretty good. I live in the wilds of northern Minnesota, so the thought of summer right now is pretty inviting ;)

One of the coolest things ever is the new Mickey ears family personalized beach towels. You have got to seem them, as they have ones for HIM, HER, GIRLS, BOYS and INFANTS. Just click on Swim Shop, and then Family on DisneyShopping.com - you will love them! The original price is $24.50, but with the promo code BONUS25, it is $18.38 each. A bit pricy, but personalized and fun.

ALSO - DON'T MISS the amazing deals in DisneyOutlet.com - yikes - PJ Pals for as low as $4.99! Also, blowout prices on holiday decorations, including the Ratatouille ornament set - that was $38.50 and is now $9.99. This is a great site to check out every once-in-a-while.

That's all for now! Let us all know in the comments section if you see any other great deals!

--- Disney Dean

Disney Shopping Promo Code - HEART50

A couple promo codes to tell you about for DisneyShopping.com!

HEART50: A whopping 50% discount on Valentines merchandise. Lots of great things to choose from! This promo code expires at the end of the day on 2/14/08 (pacific time). You do have to search around for the Valentine's merchandise, but it is there - so happy hunting.

SHIP60: FREE shipping on orders of $60 or more. Expires a few days before, on 2/10/08. Just a couple days to take advantage of this offer, but they usually offer some kind of shipping discount after these expire.

This one isn't a promo code, but you can get up to 70% off Disney's AWESOME snow globes right now. Choose from many terrific designs. If you're a snow globe collector, you can find a few great deals right now.

NOW for something REALLY cool - order personalized roses for $69.95 (half dozen) to $89.95 (full dozen). You must order by the 12th for delivery on the 14th (barring inclement weather). Choose from Mickey, Tinker Bell, Cinderella, and Snow White. You've got to see it to believe it.

One last thing! Check out Disney Outlet - available through a link on DisneyShopping.com! They have some absolutely OUTSTANDING deals right now on Play Sets, clothing, and more. I go there a few times a week to see what kind of deal I can snag :) There is also 70% a lot of Holiday Decor.

Well, that's about all for now - Happy Disney Shopping everyone!

--- Disney Dean 

Hot Disney Products from 2007

With the conclusion of the recent holiday shopping season, tweens and families made it clear that Disney (NYSE:DIS) was at the top of this season’s must-have gift lists. Sales of Disney video games, book titles and electronics inspired by Disney Channel hits High School Musical and Hannah Montana have been ahead of last year at key retailers and online at DisneyShopping.com. Joining these tween-targeted holiday hits were best-selling toys including Pat Pat Rocket from Disney Channel's hit Playhouse Disney series Little Einsteins, and the Disney Flix VideoCam, each of which sold out several times during the 2007 shopping season.

As recently stated in The Licensing Letter, Disney was “dominant” in the entertainment licensing business in 2007, accounting for an estimated 40 percent of the licensed merchandise market in the U.S. and Canada. Sales of Disney video games and book titles were the surprise hit of the 2007 holiday season. Disney Interactive Studios has focused on innovative and creative video game design to bring quality, entertaining games based on popular Disney franchises to the entire family. At launch and through November, High School Musical: Sing It! (Wii), High School Musical: Makin’ The Cut! (Nintendo DS), Hannah Montana: Spotlight World Tour (Wii) and Hannah Montana: Music Jam (Nintendo DS) all ranked on NPD Inc.’s best sellers list. Also during the month of November, NPD listed High School Musical: Sing It! for Wii as the #5 ranked title with High School Musical: Makin' The Cut! and Hannah Montana: Music Jam, both for the Nintendo DS, ranked in the top ten video games for that platform.

Disney’s newest top selling book title High School Musical: All Access, a deluxe gift book that takes readers beyond the movies for an in-depth look at the world of High School Musical, is on the New York Times best seller list and has been flying off the shelves at key retailers like Barnes & Noble, Ingram and Target. The first seven Hannah Montana book titles have each hit the USA Today best seller list. With more than 3 million Hannah Montana books sold worldwide to date, the tween sensation has over 30 titles in print. Disney Fairies, Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Jack Sparrow original novels, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse titles are also top sellers with key retailers Borders, Barnes & Noble and Target nationwide.

Electronics and toys continued to drive retail sales trends and played a key role in Disney’s 2007 holiday success. From kids making their own movies or recreating their favorite Disney films with the Disney Flix Video Cam to High School Musical and Hannah Montana-themed LCD TVs and iPod Compatible Speakers that are 'Made for iPod' compliant, Disney electronics were big sellers at retail. Disney toys topped wish lists as well with the Cars Mega Mack Playtown selling out at Wal-Mart and other key retailers. For Disney Princess, the Enchanted Tales Magical Talking Throne and the My Disney Nursery Baby Care Station, the most complete kit for any mommy-in-training, are leading sales drivers for this Disney franchise ranked #5 on the must-have toy list by The National Retail Federation. Rounding out the toys best sellers was Pat Pat Rocket which takes preschoolers on a thrilling musical adventure as they fly or roll the Rocket to hear various classical music songs. Pat Pat Rocket blasts off as soon as it lands on shelves, consistently selling out in hours.

The Cars craze that began with the release of the Disney*Pixar blockbuster, continued driving sales through the 2007 holiday shopping season. More than 53 million die casts have shipped to date and Cars is now the #1 selling licensed party pattern for two years running. Lightning McQueen-themed Crocs and Cars-themed furniture, bedding and room décor were also top sellers in 2007. Cars was the #1 best selling toy property in the US vehicles category for 2007, according to NPD.

Apple and iPod are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc., registered in the United States and other countries.

--- Disney Dean