According to the New York Times, Disney has big plans for its retail stores with ambitious floor-to-ceiling refurbishment of its 340 stores in the United States and Europe — as well as opening new ones, including a potential flagship in Times Square.

The central idea is to spend approximately $1Million per store to redecorate and install inovative technology which visitors to its stores can interact with creating a fun place to spend time (whilst persuading parents to buy a few things whilst there of course). In effect creating a mini theme park in every store.

“The world does not need another place to sell Disney merchandise — this only works if it’s an experience,” said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide

Theaters will allow children to watch film clips of their own selection, participate in karaoke contests or chat live with Disney Channel stars via satellite. Computer chips embedded in packaging will activate hidden features. Walk by a “magic mirror” while holding a Princess tiara, for instance, and Cinderella might appear and say something to you.

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