Disney Store - worth a quasi-special trip this week?

[disneydreamgirl]

DS and I are spending the day together on Thursday and I'm wondering about working in a trip to a Disney Store. Is the Vaughan store worth a visit and/or the regular ones? I need some info on whether it's worth a trip from the Niagara area...or if I should head over the river for a change of pace. Thanks in advance!

 

[Moonies]

The only currently open Disney Stores in Ontario are:

Barrie (at the mall)
Eaton Centre in Toronto
Vaughn Mills
Limeridge Mall
and Square One in Mississauga might be open now.

There isn't anything I know of further south. I know we looked for one on the way down to Buffalo last month and there was nothing. Our group has personally visited Barrie, Eaton Centre and Vaughn Mills in the last few weeks

 

[disneydreamgirl]

We mourned the loss of the Buffalo Disney stores, that's for sure. Did you find the stores you were at worth the trip?

 

[Moonies]

We mourned the loss of the Buffalo Disney stores, that's for sure. Did you find the stores you were at worth the trip?

Personally I like the Barrie one best for stock. Because it's more out of the way (ie not Eaton Centre and Vaughn) it had a better section and I know that the manager is very into Disney things and has a lovely display of Vinylmations out front and centre. I also like their store layout better.

I guess it really depends what you're looking for at the store. I found that for Cars merch, Eaton Centre really couldn't be beat (for this movie or for the ramp up to Cars2). In terms of princess stuff I found that because of the location again there was more of it. I would certainly NOT go to Eaton Centre for Vinylmations (they have them kinda of tucked into the back in some little kiosky thing on a high shelf).

Vaughn was nice as well, but on the smaller side, considering it's at a giant Outlet style mall (with a ToysrUs nearby) I was surprised.

Not sure what Limeridge would be like, and the Square One location was getting a makeover for the new more interactive store format but may not be done yet (it was Spring 2011 due)


EDIT: I should add that conveniently everyone in our group is technically situated near each of the locations. Two near Barrie (in Orillia), myself near the Eaton Centre, one in Hamilton in school and one near Vaughn Mills for the school as well. So going to the locations (often) isn't particularly a feat)

 

[disneydreamgirl]

Hey no judgement on your visiting habits - LOL! If I could go more often, I would definitely work it in to get a little magic more often and I'm really glad for the info. Given your comments, I may wait and go to the Barrie store when I am up that way in a week or two for work. Thanks for your insights!

 

[Moonies]

Hey no judgement on your visiting habits - LOL! If I could go more often, I would definitely work it in to get a little magic more often and I'm really glad for the info. Given your comments, I may wait and go to the Barrie store when I am up that way in a week or two for work. Thanks for your insights!

I would defiantly wait, but call if you want something specific. It's at the Bayfield Mall by the Sears/H&M


Moonie #2 here : The one in Barrie seems to also have different sales than the Eaton's center. Not to mention the manager there IS very much into Disney, he'll be able to answer not only questions about the product, but pin trading, the vinylmations, restaurants, etc. He also will do Vinylmation trades with you at the store.

 

[iluveeyore]

I miss the Buffalo store so much since I live so close. When I picked up my niece on Monday in Hamilton, I had to go to Limeridge and visit the one there as I was looking for a Disney journal for our next trip. Nothing on sale except Phineas and Pherb, the shirts have gone way up in price for adults, the stuffed characters cost more, and I ended up paying $14 with tax for the only journal they had, Alice. (and the price tag said $9.50 US $12.50 CDN when our money is basically the same). Not pleased at all - I will wait to shop online and have it shipped to our resort in October if they have something I want in the Outlet section, or just shop at WDW.

 

[Moonies]

I miss the Buffalo store so much since I live so close. When I picked up my niece on Monday in Hamilton, I had to go to Limeridge and visit the one there as I was looking for a Disney journal for our next trip. Nothing on sale except Phineas and Pherb, the shirts have gone way up in price for adults, the stuffed characters cost more, and I ended up paying $14 with tax for the only journal they had, Alice. (and the price tag said $9.50 US $12.50 CDN when our money is basically the same). Not pleased at all - I will wait to shop online and have it shipped to our resort in October if they have something I want in the Outlet section, or just shop at WDW.

That's good to know. Won't be stopping there then Hopefully Square One will open up soon and have LOTS of merch.

 

[YukiPhnx]

I'm really looking forward to the Square One opening!

The Vaughn one is just so disappointing. Nothing for the adults in sizes under XL. It's their outlet so all the stuff that doesn't sell well in the other stores get shipped here.

I haven't been to the Eaton's in a long time.

 

[Moonies]

I'm really looking forward to the Square One opening!

The Vaughn one is just so disappointing. Nothing for the adults in sizes under XL. It's their outlet so all the stuff that doesn't sell well in the other stores get shipped here.

I haven't been to the Eaton's in a long time.

The Eaton's Centre is very kid centric and always seems picked over (I guess that's not surprising given where it is) I miss Square One's, it was smaller but still seemed way better for more of the collectable/adult stuff.