While a majority of Disney World experiences have returned since the pandemic, there are still a handful of things we would like to see return to the parks and resorts.
One thing that has remained closed since 2020 is a store tucked away in the corner of Disney’s Hollywood Studios by Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. It sits abandoned and every time we walk by, we hope that it might be the day for its grand reopening. It hasn’t happened yet, but we will be able to get a peek inside soon.
This abandoned store in Hollywood Studios will be “reopening” for a limited time to celebrate the Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary. This store has been sealed off for YEARS and we have been hoping that the rooms would see the light of day once again. It may not be opening for good yet, but it will be welcoming shoppers inside soon.
In celebration of Disney’s Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary, the park will be hosting a special merchandise event. This event will be held in none other than the Stage 1 Company Store! You may also know this as the Muppets Store or the paint splatter store. It has really fun theming both inside and outside, but it has been sitting abandoned since the pandemic. It has hosted the occasional merchandise event, but it has not opened its doors as a true store since the pandemic.
Unfortunately, it is still not reopening for good. But we’re excited to be able to visit it for the 35th Anniversary Merchandise Event. This event will be taking place on May 1st, 2024, and you will need to join a virtual queue to attend. Yes, that does mean getting up at 7AM, logging on to the My Disney Experience App, and joining a virtual queue like you would for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or TRON Lightcycle / Run. In order to join the virtual queue, you will need to have valid park admission for Hollywood Studios on May 1st, and a park reservation if applicable. You can join the queue beginning at 7AM. You do not need to be at Hollywood Studios to join. You can join from wherever you are in the morning.
At the merchandise event, there will be adult and youth apparel, collectibles, and limited-release pins available. We got a sneak peek at a few of the items that will be for sale during the event, including two t-shirts, a Loungefly backpack, and a hat. We are excited to see what else will be available at this special event in May.
Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney merchandise news!
Find out more information about the virtual queue for this event!
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