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Credit: DisneyDisney has made an abrupt change to World of Disney.
While Disney Springs is packed with stores retailing Disney merchandise, one goes above and beyond to cater to every fan’s possible needs. World of Disney has long been the flagship shopping experience at Walt Disney World. It’s not only the largest Disney store on property, it’s a destination in itself, filled with themed rooms, exclusive collections, and rotating seasonal displays.
The store opened in 1996 as part of the former Disney Village Marketplace and has undergone several transformations since. By the time Downtown Disney rebranded as Disney Springs in the mid-2010s, World of Disney had already become the go-to spot for vacation souvenirs, with everything from apparel and plush toys to home décor and limited-edition collectibles.
In 2018, World of Disney unveiled a major interior redesign. Gone were the elaborate themed rooms, replaced with an industrial-style open floor plan meant to improve guest flow and spotlight seasonal merchandise. While some longtime fans missed the whimsy of the original layout, the update kept the store relevant in an era of evolving retail expectations—without losing its status as a must-visit for Disney fans.
World of Disney Undergoes Yet Another Change
Now, World of Disney has received yet another update.
The exterior of the beloved Disney store has axed its marquee, instead unveiling simple banners emblazoned with its name.
The update impacts the World of Disney entrance nearest Amorette’s Patisserie (in other words, not the beloved entrance featuring a spitting Stitch). The marquee and original signage have been removed.
In their place, “World of Disney” window decals now appear above the entrance doors, while branded banners have been added to the columns to ensure the store remains clearly identified. The banners display Mickey icons on a two-tone red background, with the “World of Disney” name styled to match the store’s existing branding.
This isn’t the only notable change underway. Just months after receiving a refurbishment, the Cinderella statue near a different entrance has also been removed, signaling more updates at the flagship store.
Whether or not these changes go down well with fans remains to be seen. Typically, fans haven’t reacted well to the modern updates in Disney’s once-nostalgic and kitschy stores.
What do you think of the updates to World of Disney?