Politics
Orlando opens the world’s biggest Build-A-Bear store
Crowds lined up around the block to be the first inside Orlando’s newest tourist stop — the world’s biggest Build-A-Bear store.
The Build-A-Bear Workshop flagship store on International Drive at ICON Park is big enough to fit five of the regular stores inside the first floor alone.
The store itself is an attraction.
The three-floor, 30,000-square-foot space feels whimsical since it’s decorated with colorful art and even has a big yellow slide for kids to ride down. Giant machines around the store churn the stuffing so it stays fluffy when it’s time for children to make their bears.
The top-floor bake shop sells coffees, milkshakes and cupcakes and has a rooftop sitting area with stunning views of the Orlando Eye. At night, you can even see Epic Universe fireworks in the distance.
The heart of the store is stuffed animals — your classic teddy bears, snuggly Star Wars characters, Harry Potter wizards, Super Mario characters, you name it. A few of the stuffed animals, like a flamingo and an alligator, are unique and only sold in Orlando.
“Build-A-Bear is one of those things when you’re on vacation, it’s the best souvenir ever,” said company CEO Chris Hurt. “The tried and true Build-A-Bear experience absolutely is here, and there’s just different ways to experience that, but the most special thing is the design studio upstairs … It’s one of a kind.”
On the second floor, guests make a reservation to come in and create their own custom stuffed animal in the design studio. First on an app, they pick the stuffed animal’s eyes, the colors, the type of fur and more.
Then, staff assemble the bears, sewing the parts together with sewing machines and using an ultrasonic welding machine to carefully put on the eyes.
In less than two hours, the bear is ready to go home.
Orlando’s newest opening feels reminiscent of the Coca-Cola Store at Disney Springs, where guests can linger looking at merchandise and then hang out on the rooftop with drinks or food.
“It’s an experience attraction and it fits right here in ICON,” Hurt said.
The giant Build-A-Bear is the latest I-Drive expansion as the Blue Man Group opened a residency this year.
International Drive is counting on Build-A-Bear to be a hit too.
“We are sure it will be very successful. The line around the block this morning shows the tremendous following Build-A-Bear has,” said Maria Triscari, President and CEO of the I-Drive Resort Area Chamber of Commerce. “They have over 600 stores around the world and to have this store on I-Drive as its biggest and best says a lot about the (Orlando) destination as a whole.”
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