Disney Store World News: from US, Australia, Philippines, UAE
Pioneering cast member passes
The first ever Disney Store’s first ever manager has died. From opening day in 1987 until she moved in 1988, Cheryl White was the manager of The Disney Store’s Glendale Galleria store. While she died in October, news was only shared in a local paper this week.
New stores in United Arab Emirates
Just as The Disney Store closed most locations in North America and Europe, locations started opening in the Middle East. They’re not operated by Disney directly, but by a local retailer, Alshaya Group. It seems to be working out well for the company, as they’re now opening standalone stores in Abu Dhabi (March 26, Yas Mall) and Dubai (March 28, Dubai Mall).
The Dubai Mall attracts 54 million visitors a year, which made it “the most visited building on the planet” in 2011.
In addition to murals and sculptures, a press release shares that:
Guests of all ages can expect an enchanting retail journey at both Disney Stores and immerse in the Disney magic they know and love. Discover special “Story Arc” corners that are magical portals into different beloved Disney stories, taking guests from the everyday into extraordinary worlds filled with magic, heroism, and timeless tales with carefully curated experiences and interactive displays.
Alshaya Group operates a number of Disney Store sections at numerous department stores, and has standalone stores already in Kuwait and Qatar.
(Lead photo source, Instagram)
Pop-up store in the Philippines
Speaking of international expansions, there’s a pop-up shop coming to the Philippines. The Podium in Mandaluyong will host a store from March 26 to April 30. The first standalone Disney Store in southeast Asia opened in that country in September 2024.
New York exclusives
Stateside, Laughing Place wandered about the Times Square location of Disney Store, posting pics of exclusive items in March.
Australian malls with “world-first” Marvel experiences
Westfield malls in Australia have occasionally had pop-up Disney Stores and other attractions, in the last two years. In 2025, there will be three sets of promotions: Imagine Adventure, themed to Marvel, Imagine Magic, themed to Frozen, and Imagine Thrills, themed to Cars.
The Marvel “world-first, Westfield-exclusive immersive experiences” launch in April, but there’s little information revealed so far.