EntertainmentOutside the Disney Bubble

Build-A-Bear Opens Its Biggest Store Ever Minutes From Disney World

Build-A-Bear Workshop has opened its largest location in the world at ICON Park on International Drive in Orlando. The three-story, 30,000-plus-square-foot Workshop is the brand’s most personalized experience to date.

Here’s what’s inside.

Quick Facts

DetailInfo
LocationICON Park, International Drive, Orlando
Size3 stories, 30,000+ square feet
OpenedThursday, November 5, 2026
NearbyWalt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort
DesignerChute Gerdeman (also designed the FAO Schwarz flagship in New York City)

Opening Day

  • Guests lined up to be among the first inside
  • The first 10 eligible guests received free furry friends for a year
  • Jazzy Danziger, vice president of Brand Creative and Innovation, called it “the culmination of all of our Build-A-Bear dreams”
  • ICON Park CEO Chris Jaskiewicz said Build-A-Bear chose Orlando because of its strength as a family destination
  • Build-A-Bear CEO Chris Hurt called it the brand’s most ambitious experience yet
Icon Park Orlando
Credit: Icon Park

The Classic Experience

The traditional Build-A-Bear steps are all here:

  1. Choose a furry friend
  2. Stuff it
  3. Dress it
  4. Name it
  5. Take part in the Heart Ceremony

A Heart Ceremony chandelier adds a special touch.

What’s New at This Location

AreaWhat It Offers
Choose MeLargest selection of furry friends at any Workshop
Design StudioAppointment-only custom plush with a Design Consultant
Personalize MeEmbroidery, screen printing, patches, ear embroidery on select plush
Scent Bar20+ scents
Hear MeMusic, messages, or voice recordings
BakeshopDecorate your own cookies and cupcakes
Celebration TerraceOpen-air event space overlooking International Drive

ICON Park Exclusive Plush

  • Friendly Flamingo
  • Green Alligator
  • Orlando Pretty Petals Pawlette

Design Studio Details

This first-of-its-kind experience lets guests:

  • Work one-on-one with a Design Consultant
  • Pick premium fabrics and textures
  • Choose fur type, fur color, eye color, and paw design
  • Preview the design digitally
  • Have it made by a Build-A-Bear seamstress

Tip: Appointments are required. Check Build-A-Bear’s website before visiting.

Specialty Shops

Build-A-Bear x Pokémon Workshop

  • First-ever Pokémon specialty shop
  • Collectible plush, apparel, and photo ops

Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop

  • Fourth of its kind
  • Pink themed space
  • ICON Park exclusive plush

Promise Pets

  • Adoption-inspired experience
  • Encourages imaginative pet care play

Celebration Terrace

The upper-level terrace overlooks International Drive and The Wheel. It’s available for:

  • Birthday parties
  • Corporate events
  • Group celebrations
icon park orlando
Credit: ICON Park Orlando

ICON Park Pass Savings

PassPriceWhat’s Included
Play Pass$99.99 per person9 experiences, including Blue Man Group, Museum of Illusions, Ripley’s Crazy Golf, and $10 off Build-A-Bear
Fun Pass$84.99Smaller bundle of experiences

More perks:

  • Passes valid for 10 days after purchase
  • Free parking and free valet
  • 10% to 20% dining discounts at participating restaurants
  • Passes sold at The Wheelhouse Bar

Visiting Tips

  • Book the Design Studio early. It’s appointment-only.
  • Grab an exclusive. Look for the Orlando-only plush.
  • Bring the kids hungry. The Bakeshop is a hit.
  • Consider a pass. Bundle Build-A-Bear with other ICON Park experiences.
  • Plan a rest day. It’s a great break from the theme parks.

Final Thoughts

The world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop brings new ways to create, customize, and celebrate. For families visiting Orlando, it’s an easy and fun addition to any trip.

Will you be visiting the new ICON Park Workshop?

Erica Lauren

Erica Lauren is a theme park writer and content creator based in Orlando, Florida, chosen for its proximity to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. As a regular park visitor, she offers a ground-level perspective on her experiences. A dedicated runDisney participant, she combines her love for running with her passion for theme parks. When not writing or running, Erica is busy planning her next trip, always on the lookout for new parks to explore. A thrill ride enthusiast, she believes the best spot is in the front row of the fastest coaster.

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