At Disneyland, changes are a constant part of the experience, with updates and renovations often aimed at improving the guest experience. Some adjustments are met with excitement, while others spark frustration among fans who have grown attached to certain aspects of the park.
As Disney continues to evolve its offerings, one recent transformation has sparked debate among visitors, especially when it comes to balancing the needs of the park’s entertainment, dining, and retail spaces. For some, the latest shift in one of Disneyland’s popular areas feels like a step in the wrong direction.
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In a move that has left many Disneyland visitors puzzled and upset, Disney has decided to reopen the Port Royal Curios and Curiosities store in New Orleans Square, returning it to its retail roots. However, this decision comes at the expense of a much-loved seating area, much to the disappointment of many park guests who have expressed their frustration online.
The debate over whether Disney should prioritize more merchandise or offer relaxing spaces for guests to enjoy the park has ignited passionate discussions across social media platforms.
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Disneyland Park is no stranger to changes that shake things up for fans. Recently, the beloved store, which had been a hotspot for Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) merchandise, was closed, and the space was transformed into a seating area. This move was seen as a relief by guests, as it added much-needed seating in a busy section of the park.
Many were especially pleased with the fact that the space offered air-conditioned comfort, which was a welcome respite during the scorching summer months. Yet, this transformation was not to last long.
On May 2nd, the seating area was suddenly replaced by merchandise racks, and photos from visitors quickly began to surface on Instagram.
Port Royal Curios and Curiosities Reopens as a retail Location at Disneyland
Just like that, this location has returned to being a retail shop after being converted into an extra seating location for nearby quick service dining options. The shop is loaded with lots of new merchandise too! Swipe through for pictures and videos of this returned retail shop. What do you think?
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Guests who had been drawn to the store’s former selection of Haunted Mansion goods are now left wondering where they can find similar products. The Haunted Mansion-themed items, once available in Port Royal Curios, have been relocated to Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, a new shop that opened just outside the Haunted Mansion attraction.
The question on many fans’ minds now is whether the return of this retail space is really in line with what Disneyland visitors want and need.
Many visitors who were disappointed to see the seating area vanish were vocal about their feelings, citing the lack of adequate seating in the park.
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One visitor commented that the seating area was “a nice break from the heat,” while others echoed sentiments about the importance of relaxing areas in a place like Disneyland, where comfort can be as vital as the attractions.
Booooo the seating was so useful in that spot 🥲
Well that was short lived. The seating was great with the air conditioning. Nice break from the heat
We dont need MORE gift shops selling the same merch. The seating was nice
While some fans are upset about the loss of seating, there are others who are thrilled to see Port Royal Curios reopened as a retail location. For them, the return of the store means more opportunities to purchase unique Disney merchandise, and the shift may even remind them of their fond memories of shopping in the original store.
Some patrons feel that the new store brings much-needed nostalgia, particularly for those who fondly recall its Haunted Mansion merchandise selection before the seating area took over. For these Disney enthusiasts, the reopening of Port Royal Curios is seen as a win.
As Disneyland continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if fan feedback will prompt any changes in future decisions about store openings and guest spaces. Disney’s fans are an incredibly loyal and vocal community, and their opinions will likely play a crucial role in shaping future park developments.
What do you think about the reopening of Port Royal Curios as a retail store? Should Disney have kept the seating area in place, or do you agree with the decision to prioritize merchandise? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
