American girl store, Chicago

[mouselovr]

Ok I have a question, obviously right! I have an 8 year old daughter and for Christmas my parents are talking about taking her to the store in Chicago for the meal with your doll and all that goes with it. So my question is... What is involved in the day, is it worth it and how much on average does it cost? Just wanting some feed back from reliable sources before I book anything. Thanks!

 

[Raenstoirm]

Not sure about Chicago, but we have one in Washington DC. There is a restaurant in the store with little seats for the dolls. The price is based on what you order since it is not prix fix. Nothing is included per say. It is more the experience. Tell Grandma and Grandpa to bring their checkbooks though since walking through the store is also an experience and your daughter is going to want to buy all sorts of things!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Ok I have a question, obviously right! I have an 8 year old daughter and for Christmas my parents are talking about taking her to the store in Chicago for the meal with your doll and all that goes with it. So my question is... What is involved in the day, is it worth it and how much on average does it cost? Just wanting some feed back from reliable sources before I book anything. Thanks!

Go to their website; all of your questions are answered there.

I have been there; it's one of the best Ag stores. Your daughter will love it.

 

[SmallWorld71]

We've been lots of times to the Boston store and DD11 and DNiece4 love it! As PP mentioned, go to the website.
The meals are a set price and they vary by location. (It looks like the meals at the Chicago store range from $19 to $23 and the seatings are only at certain times. Make sure they have a reservation.) The meals are reasonably priced; it's the merchandise you have to watch out for.
Make sure you DD either has a doll with her or if they are buying one there, that they do it ahead of the meal so her doll can dine with them!

 

[3princes+1princess]

I did it with my daughter at the Mall of America. It was so much fun, and not as expensive as you would think...at least for the meal. Now if you buy a doll and everything else watch out.

What I was shocked about when we stopped by the Chicago one for just a quick visit was how much parking was! I recall it being $15 for under 2 hours. How can people possibly afford to live in Chicago?? So make sure you add that into the experience.

 

[scoutie]

How can people possibly afford to live in Chicago

Public transportation.

As others have said, nothing is included with the meal. There is a doll hair salon, ear piercing, hospital, etc. These are all extras.

The meal is really cute--the theming is adorable.

 

[Ripey]

We took DD in March for her birthday. We had a great time. The meal itself was about $25 for lunch/dinner, and included water or punch, appetizer, meal and dessert. The dolls each got a little tea cup and saucer. Very cute.

If she plans to do any shopping you can get a personal shopper. they are free, you just have to book with them in advance. They walk around with you, show you things, but don't pressure you to buy. They can also help steer your kids away from things (like the huge double bitty stroller) if you don't want them picking something in particular. For a separate fee there is also a hair salon for the doll, the doll can get her ears pierced, and a few other things.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

....
What I was shocked about when we stopped by the Chicago one for just a quick visit was how much parking was! I recall it being $15 for under 2 hours. How can people possibly afford to live in Chicago?? So make sure you add that into the experience.

It's the same in all big cities; nothing unusual about Chicago. Be prepared to pay $$$ for parking at your hotel in the city as well.

 

[MandiC]

Fun! I have no input but my 8 year old dd has requested a trip to the AG store in Chicago for her April birthday next year so we are planning a weekend of it. Going to do the Shedd Aquarium too