Please note: Our commentary will vary each time it is presented. So, even though Jim is hogging the conversation this time, doesn't mean he always will. -- but probably.

This new Disney Play is apparently one of three concept stores that Disney is using to replace the standard Disney Store.

Disney Home [featuring home decor], Disney Baby [for babies, of course], and the goal of the new Disney Play seems to be to appeal to the kids -- a concept that makes me bristle just a bit. The need to be specialized is understandable, but this seems to go a tad bit overboard -- and has become essentially a toy store. It's certainly trendy -- Gap, Gap Kids, babyGap, and now GapBody -- perhaps this new idea of a more specialized store will work for Disney.

Pros: The store does have fewer items that are easier to find. It felt a bit more relaxed -- not as overwhelming as the previous store. The various themed sections of the store are well lit, colorful and fun to look at. The new painted flats decor was fine --- but, I was never a fan of the 3-D character displays that they used to feature. But, other people will really miss seeing them.

Cons: Just kid stuff. And a heckuva lot of plush. I hadn't purchased any clothing from the previous Disney Store in years, so maybe they're on to something.-- it was just odd to see that mix of merchandise.

Megan thought the Princess section was neat, but she admitted that at 7, she's almost too old for most of that merchandise - which has an almost preschool feel to it. She did like the princess dolls, though, and enjoyed browsing around just as much as she did with the other store. Plus, she's a huge fan of plush.

 

No coffee mugs, no framed pictures, no Disney Classics figurines, no clothing for adults whatsoever. No jammies? I am outa here! There's not much for adults to buy for themselves. That Princess Collection is cute, though. It also reminded me of a smaller version of the now closed FAO Schwarz store in the Glendale Galleria. Also, how will they compete with ToysRUs?

Overall: The merchandise selection is smaller, but we wondered if the average customer would even notice the changes. It will be interesting to see if this new concept works.

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