At some point in 1992 or 1993 (I think) someone I know took pictures for me of a highly themed Disney Store that I believe was in Boston, Massachusetts (it may still be around). I've never been to Boston, so I'm not sure about that. This is not great reporting on my part.
The Disney Store used to feature fiberglass display figures of various Disney characters. The earlier versions had fabric costumes, and some had limited motion.
Visitors to this multi-level Disney Store see Mickey dressed up as the Sorcerer's Apprentice at the entrance.
Climbing up the stairs, shoppers could get a good view of the Sorcerer's Apprentice castle.
How lucky are horseshoes? Not so lucky for often-forgotten Horace Horsecollar.
I'm not sure if this is Dr. Ludwig Von Drake or Scrooge McDuck.
Clarabelle Cow does her best imitation of Cleopatra. Horace Horsecollar is also here (lots of love for Horace at this store) along with Daisy Duck and Daisy Duck. This scene serves as the backdrop for Plush Mountain.
I really like the background mural here.
Dr. Ludwig Von Drake and Minnie Mouse work on Goofenstein! I had no idea of what year these pictures were from until I noticed the Aladdin merchandise here.
Donald Duck and one of his Nephews (we'll say it is Huey) in a Roman scene. The Cast Member here is a Manager (we know this because of the color of her sweater).
Mickey's Nephews, Impy and Chimpy, I mean Morty and Ferdie, play with Triceratops babies.
It looks like the characters in this scene were animated. I'm guessing Pluto's head may have moved, one of the Nephews rode a vehicle, and perhaps a dinosaur "hatched."
Mickey Mouse and Pluto go West, where they find a Cintas truck.
The original Disney Stores had themes that reflected local interests (for example, the Birmingham, Alabama location originally had a football theme). This idea was eventually dropped. The Boston store may have shared its theme with other Disney Stores.
Many Disney Stores have closed or eliminated their display figures. These items are frequently found for sale on eBay.
Very cool! I loved the old Disney store displays, but I remember when they reworked the stores and got rid of most of the displays....not a smart move if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteClarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar walk around Tokyo Disneyland and are usually featured in their parades. They need to give them more attention here in the U.S.! And how about a Clara Cluck character too?
Hey TokyoMagic! (Happy Labor Day--I just got back from a trip to Indiana). Yes, character-free Disney Stores never seemed like a good idea to me--that is what made them feel like the parks.
ReplyDeleteI think Clarabelle and Horace are often featured in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, and Clara Cluck has been at the Studios. Clarabelle Cow is actually known by kids these days from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse"---which is very popular.
I can confirm that this was in Boston but unfortunately I can also confirm that this store is closed
ReplyDeleteThanks, Disneyblog97! That is a shame. I imagine no Disney Store looks like this anymore.
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