World’s Largest Build-A-Bear Is Coming to Orlando’s ICON Park This November
Build-A-Bear ICON Park unveils new flagship experiences including a custom Design Studio, Bakeshop, and ‘Personalize Me’ station coming in November.
Theme park fans and plush lovers have something massive to look forward to on International Drive. Build-A-Bear Workshop has officially revealed a preview of the signature experiences heading to its highly anticipated “retailtainment” flagship at Orlando’s ICON Park. Set to open its doors in November, this three-story location marks the brand’s largest and most ambitious project to date. Designed in partnership with Chute Gerdeman, the design firm behind the iconic FAO Schwarz flagship in New York, the new location takes the classic “make-your-own” plush tradition to an entirely new level.
Build-A-Bear ICON Park: What’s Inside the New Flagship Experience?
Rather than a standard retail store, the multi-level destination will offer exclusive concepts designed for guests to personalize, celebrate, and create lasting memories together. Here are the first major experiences revealed ahead of the grand opening:
- Build-A-Bear Design Studio: A first-of-its-kind, appointment-only plush atelier where guests work one-on-one with a dedicated Design Consultant. Visitors can choose from an exclusive library of premium fabrics, textures, eye colors, and paw designs only available at this location. Interactive digital tools allow you to preview your design before a skilled seamstress brings it to life. The experience finishes with the iconic Heart Ceremony, a special birth certificate, and an exclusive Design Studio Cub Condo.
- Build-A-Bear Bakeshop: An interactive dessert destination where guests can unleash their inner baker. Instead of a typical café, visitors get hands-on creative freedom to frost and decorate their own cookies and cupcakes.
- ‘Personalize Me’ Station: Take custom fashion to the next level with custom-embroidered initials, names, numbers, patches, and screen prints for plush hoodies and T-shirts. Guests can even embroider the ears of select furry friends for a truly unique finish.
“For nearly 30 years, Build-A-Bear has created memorable make-your-own experiences centered on connection, imagination and heart,” said Chris Hurt, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Our ICON Park Workshop represents our most ambitious experience yet, a place where families can step into the world of Build-A-Bear, share meaningful moments together and create memories that last well beyond their visit. We can’t wait to welcome guests from all over the world inside this truly one-of-a-kind tourist destination this November and continue our mission of adding a little more heart to life.”
With additional surprise features and grand opening dates set to be announced in the coming weeks, this massive location is shaping up to be a must-visit spot on I-Drive.
More Orlando Area News & Updates
While you’re planning your next Central Florida outing, check out these other exciting local updates:
- Get into the spooky spirit with the return of Rita’s Zombie Blood treat for the Halloween season.
- Star Wars fans can check out the new Savi’s Workshop lightsaber offering and more updates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Planning some holiday shopping? Don’t miss out as the Hallmark Disney Springs pop-up opens October 7.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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