Originally Posted By tonyanton I'm glad Disneyland still feels like a series of different shops, and that there is still a real Cinema, a show in the Opera House space, and a nice display in the Fire House. At WDW, the Silouette artist is now on left Center Street (the only part of Center Street left at WDW), the Cinema is a shop, the former Walt Disney Story space is a hodge podge of different things (such as a shop, restaurant waiting space, photo pick up and soon meet and greets), and the fire house is also a shop! The only thing it has over DL's Main Street is the brand new Crystal shop which has some great classic Disney/Main Street themeing and glass blowers showing their craft.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I miss the One-of-a-Kind Shop. When Walt was planning New Orleans Square, his wife suggested it just wouldn't be New Orleans without antique shopping. The first nail in the coffin was when their long time buyer retired. Then came the era of Paul Pressler and the scientific approach to retail space. There was no room for all that bric-a-brac-- despite the fact that the atmosphere it created was a big part of the show. Disneyland's silhouette artists have survived most likely because their shop occupies such a tiny footprint on Main Street. Pressler did manage to turn the MK's Main Street into a mall, but at Disneyland there was too much backlash when plush mountain replaced the Crystal Arcade. Before they could turn Disneyland's Cinema and Fire Station into retail outlets, they were out the door. (P.S. Disneyland never had a barbershop on Main Street, which I think is too bad.) Of course, I don't think it is such a bad thing that we no longer have a working meat market on Main Street, or jars of leeches in the turn-of-the-century pharmacy, or a ladies intimate apparel shop. So some change is good, no?
Originally Posted By CuriouserConstance I can't imagine who would want to go on vacation and buy a bra. It's almost like torture doing it when absolutely necessary in real life.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder I don't know if this has been covered elsewhere, but my wife used to love going into the Estate Jewelry store in New Orleans Square and just browse. I used to like looking at the old wrist watches and pocket watches. That has disappeared within the last year as well, which we find very disappointing. More junk moved into its place.
Originally Posted By LuLu Thanks JiM. I loved your poncho story too Dug, you're right about the "scientific" approach. How about Disney looks at one or two stores from a different point of view? Instead of thinking $ per sqft, how about as a cheap "attraction"? Something to keep guests occupied and not clogging up the walkways while they wait for their FP time? And SO much cheaper than putting n a new ride or show. Plus, maybe they'd actually sell a pricey antique or whatnot occasionally!
Originally Posted By LuLu But, they can't do it by bringing in a lessee, like Dianne's Estate Jewelry (post 66). That's a separate business that needs to make money, and can't justify being there to enhance the Disneyland experience. Disney needs to man up and see it as a cost-effective attraction for their guests.
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder Dianne was there for some time. When we inquired as to why she was gone, we were told Disney upped the rent, so she left.
Originally Posted By Roger Rabbit I went into the new Disney Clothiers yesterday and I like the new design. It's not as cramped in there anymore. It's modern while keeping the Vicotrian look. As it is, most people don't care what a store's interior looks like. So long as they can find what they are looking for, they are happy. Roger
Originally Posted By mickeymorris1234 I just have to echo the calls to make stores unique in the Parks again! Remember when the only place you could buy a mad hatter hat was at the mad hatter. Now you can buy it an any store! I think it really made every area unique when it only fit it's theme and never crossed with another land. Now everything is slapped with the Disney Parks logo and sold at every location. LAME!
Originally Posted By mickeymorris1234 Oh and that reminds me, why is it that Disneyland cannot have its own logo on the products it sells. Even the napkins are just Disney Parks, really!
Originally Posted By Dabob2 I liked what 2oony said--even of you never bought a Pendleton blanket or estate jewelry or antique, just the fact that shops were there enhanced your day.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <As it is, most people don't care what a store's interior looks like. So long as they can find what they are looking for, they are happy.> Totally disagree with this statement. It suggests that theme-ing in a Disney park doesn't matter because 'people don't care.' To me, detail of the shops on Main Street is one of the reasons people go to Disney theme parks. It's one of the many things that separates Disney theme parks from a Six Flags or Universal park. I think most people feel that way too.
Originally Posted By dsnyron I don't see anything wrong with the store except that I'm wondering how they got so many clean shots without the hundreds of people milling around.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>There was no room for all that bric-a-brac-- despite the fact that the atmosphere it created was a big part of the show.<< And it's also the reason people wanted to buy Disneyland sweatshirts. My unscientific theory is this: A combination of varied, unique moments + varied, unique attractions = High demand for Disneyland branded souvenirs. In other words, the family enjoys a variety of rides and shows and meals. Then, they peruse interesting, in-theme shops like Pendleton and One of a Kind Shop. They don't necessarily buy a Pendleton, or a thing in the One of a Kind Shop. BUT on the way out of the park, there is an emotional pull, they want to remember the great time they had together. So, everyone in the family crowds into the Emporium and they buy a boatload of keepsakes, clothing, coffee mugs. That's my theory.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>... they want to remember the great time they had together. So, everyone in the family crowds into the Emporium and they buy a boatload of keepsakes, clothing, coffee mugs.<< Aw, c'mon. They buy all that stuff because it's so well designed and says "Disney" on it.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>As it is, most people don't care what a store's interior looks like. So long as they can find what they are looking for, they are happy.<< I didn't take this to mean that people are indifferent to theming, but rather that most people don't really notice, as they are intent on shopping. But if the interior is wrong, I think they do notice. And that's what makes Disney theme parks just that much better-- the theming exceeds expectations, without drawing undue attention. When Disney gets it right, it works. But when they get it wrong (DCA, anyone?), it doesn't. That is why I believe the money that is being spent on retheming DCA is well spent.
