PASADENA, Calif., May 23, 2012–Disney Store will unveil its innovative new store design to guests at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii on Wednesday, May 30th at 9:30am. Disney Store’s new design aims to deliver “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day” through immersive experiences, and Ala Moana Center is the only location in Honolulu for guests to experience the magical makeover for themselves. The first 250 guests attending the “sneak peek” of the newly-designed store will receive free Mickey Mouse ears. The store has been relocated in the mall, and will re-open with an interactive new design featuring a Disney Princess castle with magic mirror, translucent trees displaying custom Disney animation, Disney∙Pixar CARS neighborhood, and the Disney Store Theatre, featuring the latest in Disney entertainment. The interactive shopping destination features magical experiences for Disney fans of all ages to enjoy.
In celebration of the newly-designed Honolulu location, Disney Store’s opening ceremony will begin with a traditional Hawaiian cultural ritual. The ceremonial blowing of a conch shell will announce the arrival of a Kahu who will perform a Hawaiian blessing and untie a lei maile. This will be followed by Disney Store’s signature opening ceremony, where one lucky child will “unlock imagination” and officially open the store with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
“We’re excited to bring the magic of Disney to life every day in Honolulu,” said Jonathan Storey, vice president of Stores, Disney Store North America. “We’ve created an interactive shopping destination that offers technology-infused, customizable experiences for the entire family to enjoy.”
On June 2 at 9:30 a.m., Disney Store will celebrate the grand opening of the store. From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. a meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed in their Aulani attire will take place at center stage, with an opportunity for guests to take photos with the characters*. A Make-A-Wish® child will “unlock imagination” with a beautiful oversized lock and key, and the first 500 guests to attend the grand opening celebration will receive free Mickey Mouse ears. Disney Store’s signature opening ceremony will take place every day at the Ala Moana location, giving many more children an opportunity to create an unforgettable Disney Store experience.
Since launching its new design in 2010, Disney Store has been transforming its stores into magical retail experiences to the delight of guests around the world. The Disney Store at Ala Moana Center is one of the magical makeovers of 2012, with its own custom features. As guests enter the store and look above, they will see a unique skyline with iconic Disney storytelling scenes and Hawaii landmarks, and guests will find unique product inspired by Hawaii.
Disney Store will donate 10 percent of grand opening day’s sales to Make-A-Wish®.
To find a Disney Store location, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Updates, like us on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore to stay connected to your favorite destination.
For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/press/us.
*Characters alternate every 30 minutes. Character appearances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
ABOUT DISNEY STORE
The Disney Store retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan. Disney Store is the retail merchandising arm of Disney Consumer Products, the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney brand to merchandise. Disney Store carries high-quality products, including exclusive product lines that support and promote Disney’s key entertainment initiatives and characters. Disney Store opened its first store in Glendale, California and, in doing so, originated the themed retail business model. There are currently more than 200 Disney Store locations in North America; more than 40 Disney Store locations in Japan; and more than 100 Disney Store locations in Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom , plus online stores www.DisneyStore.com, www.disneystore.co.uk, www.disneystore.fr and www.disneystore.de. Each Disney Store location offers a magical shopping experience that can only be delivered by Disney, one of the world’s largest and most successful entertainment companies. For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/press/us/disneystore or follow us at www.facebook.com/DisneyStore and www.twitter.com/DisneyStore.
*Images and press release courtesy of Disney
