Okay, childhood memories unlocked. Remember begging your parents to go to Build-A-Bear at the mall? Picking out the perfect bear, watching it get stuffed, and making a wish on that little heart? Well, Build-A-Bear just took all of that and made it huge. Like, world’s-largest huge.
The world’s biggest Build-A-Bear Workshop is officially open at ICON Park on International Drive in Orlando. It’s three whole stories and more than 30,000 square feet of furry friend fun. And it’s just a short drive from Disney World and Universal.
The Grand Opening Was a Big Deal
The doors opened on Thursday, and people were lined up to be some of the first ones inside. And get this, the first 10 eligible guests in line got free furry friends for a year. A whole year! We would’ve camped out for that.
Build-A-Bear’s vice president of Brand Creative and Innovation, Jazzy Danziger, called it “the most personalized experience that we’ve ever created for our fans and followers.” And honestly, after seeing everything inside, we believe it.
ICON Park’s CEO, Chris Jaskiewicz, said Build-A-Bear could have picked a lot of cities, but chose Orlando because it’s such a huge family destination. Fair.
Don’t Worry, the Classics Are Still Here
You still get the full Build-A-Bear experience. You pick your furry friend, stuff it, dress it, name it, and do the Heart Ceremony. And this location even has a Heart Ceremony chandelier. Fancy.
So Many Bears. So Many.
The Choose Me section has the biggest selection of furry friends at any Build-A-Bear anywhere. And there are some Orlando exclusives you won’t find anywhere else, like the Friendly Flamingo, a Green Alligator, and the Orlando Pretty Petals Pawlette. Very Florida. We love it.
You Can Design Your Own Bear From Scratch
This is the part that has us shook. There’s a brand-new Build-A-Bear Design Studio, and it’s the first one ever. You make an appointment, sit down with your own Design Consultant, and create a totally one-of-a-kind furry friend.
You pick the fabric, the fur color, the eyes, even the paws. Then you get to see a digital preview of it, and a real Build-A-Bear seamstress actually makes it for you. Like, what? It’s appointment-only, though, so book it on Build-A-Bear’s website before you go.
Customize Everything
If a full custom design isn’t your thing, there’s still so much you can do. The Personalize Me station has embroidery, screen printing, and patches, so you can add names or initials to your bear or its outfit. Some plush can even get ear embroidery.
There’s also a Scent Bar with more than 20 scents, and a Hear Me station where you can add music, a message, or even your own voice. Imagine giving your bestie a bear that says something embarrassing in your voice. Iconic.
There’s a Bakeshop!
Yes, really. The Build-A-Bear Bakeshop lets you frost and decorate your own cookies and cupcakes. So you can make a bear and a snack. Dream day.
Pokémon and Hello Kitty Fans, This Is Your Moment
There are three themed shops inside too. The first-ever Build-A-Bear x Pokémon Workshop has collectible plush, apparel, and photo spots. The Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop is all dreamy and pink and has Hello Kitty plush you can only get at ICON Park.
And then there’s Promise Pets, where you get to “adopt” a new furry friend through a cute pet care experience. The little ones are going to love it.
Party on the Terrace
Up top, there’s an open-air Celebration Terrace that looks out over International Drive and The Wheel. You can book it for birthday parties, corporate events, or group hangouts. Honestly, what a birthday party flex.
How to Save Some Cash
If you’re making a whole day of it at ICON Park, check out the Play Pass. It’s $99.99 per person and includes nine experiences, like Blue Man Group, Museum of Illusions, Ripley’s Crazy Golf, and $10 off at Build-A-Bear. There’s also a smaller Fun Pass for $84.99.
Both are good for 10 days, and parking and valet are free. You can even get 10% to 20% off at some restaurants. Grab your pass at The Wheelhouse Bar.
Rest Day, Solved
If you need a break from the parks, this is it. Make a bear, decorate a cupcake, hang out on the terrace, and relive your childhood a little.
So, what are you naming your bear?
