When Walt Disney conceptualized Walt Disney World, he didn’t just mean to create a place where everyone could enjoy the sights and sounds of all their favorite Disney stories and meet their favorite characters; he also meant to create an “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow”, which would serve as a test bed for innovations in city living. The “Florida Project,” as he called it, has evolved to become one of the most iconic places on the planet, and to this day, and while it didn’t quite reach the state of futurism Walt had intended, it is still the benchmark through which all other Disney theme parks are measured.

Of course, Disney World had the advantage of size – thousands of acres of swampland ready for development. The same amount of space isn’t always readily available, but Disney has found a way to show that you don’t really need that much space to be able to create a magical place. The perfect example of this can be found no further than London’s own Disney Store on Oxford Street. In the same way that nearby Mayfair is known for its exclusivity and high-end shopping and casinos, Oxford Street has garnered a reputation as the busiest shopping street in all of Europe, seeing over half a million visitors a day. Oxford regularly has trade fairs and workshops for children, as well as classes for adults, and it is undeniably one of the places you absolutely must visit should you find yourself in London’s West End.

Right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, a 267 foot high Princess Castle looms above the crowd, as the glittering lights of the store shine from behind its glass front. Princesses make appearances in the windows as Mickey and Donald sentries stand guard outside, and everyone is treated to the occasionalappearance of Tinkerbell as she zips about the room. Step in through the glass doors and you will find yourself transported into a whole new world, as this Disney Store has just undergone a revamp, and it now sports the latest merchandise in every Disney franchise. Be it a movie or a television show, animated or live action, you’ll find all you could ever want in the fun and funky shelves in the store.

Just like Disney World, the store often holds events in time for some special occasions, and although there are none scheduled in the near future, anyone who enters the store is sure to have fun as their favorite Disney characters come to life. Don’t believe us? Just check out all the fun everyone is having in their online gallery!

Address:

Oxford Street

350 – 352 Oxford Street

London Greater London, W1C 1JH

Phone: 0207 491 9136

Hours of Operation:

Monday 9:00 – 22:00

Tuesday 9:00 – 22:00

Wednesday 9:00 – 22:00

Thursday 9:00 – 22:00

Friday 9:00 – 22:00

Saturday 9:00 – 22:00

Sunday 12:00 – 18:00

Article submitted by guest author: Fairy Tailed