American Girl Store Orlando Grand Opening November 15

American Girl Store Orlando Grand Opening November 15

I can hear the girls’ shrieking excitement in my ears. American Girl has finally come to Orlando. The beloved girl doll company has finally made it’s home right here at the Florida Mall, and I got a little insider scoop and tour of the brand new store. What should you expect for the Grand Opening this weekend? What are the must see areas of the store? What insider tips should you be aware of? And why will this be one of the busiest stores at the mall this holiday season?

It’s actually no surprise that American Girl made it’s home here. American Girl has done it’s research. According to spokesperson Stephanie Spanos, American Girl carefully researches the areas where their catalog gets mailed and orders from. Pretty smart. Using that data, they then determine best places to place their stores. Orlando’s new home makes #18 for American Girl. And moms and daughters alike had a sparkle in their eye as they walked around the huge 15,000 foot space.

Covered in pink, glitter and even some really neat technological advances, American Girl has really thought about the layout and experience for families.

Must See Areas

There’s quite a bit to take in when you step into the 15,000 square feet of space. Here are my top must sees!

Doll Hair Salon – This is one of the cutest ideas for American Girl. You can bring in your doll where she will get lovingly pampered with combs, product and a new do, all for about $25. The dolls get their own salon chair and stylist as you choose from a book of creative hairstyles (The Ponytail Veil being one of the most popular). You can even choose to get your doll’s ears pierced with some sparkly earrings too!

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American Girl Bistro – This is where the dolls go to dine in style. With special chairs for the table, American Girl encourages families to dine with their dolls. Offering kid-friendly and fresh adult-friendly meals, the Bistro is a great place to put up your feet and enjoy some special girl time. I highly recommend going for a Mother Daughter date

T-Shirt Design Studio – Off to the right of the salon is a very cute design studio. Your child will really enjoy making their own matching tees for her and her doll. About $34 for both girl and doll tees, this would make a super fun gift!

BeForever – You can’t miss this section of the store, it’s where American Girl began. The classic dolls from their timeless periods are on display, each doll with her own section. Learn a little history, pick up one of the matching historical inspired clothing outfits for your daughter, and check out some of the many adorable displays (yes, that is a doll in a wooden ship!)

Girl of the Year – Right before the Bistro is the specially marked area designated for the most popular American Girl doll of the year. Photo op available too! This year is Isabelle, but it’s already in the works for January for the 2015 doll reveal.

My American Girl – The biggest section of the store, My American Girl is the perfect place for your child to customize your doll. Featuring an interactive electronic wall, a huge display of all of the customizable dolls, and plenty of accessories to enhance their interests and look (I love the glasses, tents, karate outfits). Dedicated pet section and yes, the checkout line is all here.

Bitty Baby – Tucked in a little corner is the sweet Bitty Baby section. Here you will find those loveable baby dolls, twins and accessories, including teeny matching girls’ outfits. I swear one of those twins looks exactly like my baby girl 🙂

The Bookstore – Don’t forget about those books! Plenty of chapter books, activity books and more to go along with your dolls are located near the front entrance of the store. I love how American Girl really inspires the girls to read ad get into history!

American Girl Orlando Tips

1. Get to the Salon Early

The salon is on a first come, first serve basis. With American Girl opening this weekend, Stephanie expects the line to be long and very long.

2. Make Reservations at the Bistro

Yes, you can make dining reservations at the Bistro. And it’s highly encouraged.

3. Tear Pads Are Your Friends

Around each doll is a little tear pad. Having info about the doll, pricing etc. at your fingertips, you can easily tuck these little sheets away to remember later for gift ideas.

4. Don’t miss the photo op

Don’t forget to have a pic of your daughter with the American Girl of the Year. Since this section will change every year, it would make a sweet spot to watch your child grow over the years.

Grand Opening November 15th & 16th

American Girl has big plans for the Grand Opening weekend. In fact, they’ve gotten the whole mall involved! Not only are there special events in the store (from the Orlando Magic dancers, singers and deals, but around the mall, you will have special activities, games and special offers from other mall vendors! Come early for the American Girl craft stations (I expect them to run our early), and grab a pamphlet for the special deals from vendor partners. The free Sephora Sample Kit sounds fun! I would get there early on either day, and plan to wait. American Girl plans on doing a ticketing system for long waits, to give people the time they need to shop, eat and more.

There’s going to be many many many years of happy memories taking place at the brand new American Girl Store Orlando, at the Florida Mall. At the Northwest entrance of the mall (over near the food court) and a direct entrance from the parking lot, this store will be hot hot hot on the Orlando holiday shopping list. It’s no wonder that American Girl is on the hot toy list every year. They really know how to make a store an experience.

Will you be trekking to the new American Girl Store Orlando?

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