So, got up and over to Downtown Disney Marketplace to watch the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the newest store, Tren-D. I was somewhat amazed at how very cast-centric the event was and how little attention was paid to the guest experience for the opening.
Video
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxtjFEfpluE
The castmembers far outnumbered the guests, which is not surprising considering the holiday week crowds that have been pushing the parks to capacity closings. Still, the lack of consideration for inclusion of those guests in the opening was evident. The ribbon cutting ceremony included Minnie Mouse and some of the big whigs but there was no room for any of the assembled guests to get close to watch the event. Instead the numerous castmembers (I stopped counting at about 65) packed in the roped off area leaving those interested guests to wait until the ribbon was cut to get a good glimpse of the event.
Despite all of the castmembers I saw, the numerous guests who stopped by ended up asking me what was going on. Regardless, there was a lot of buzz in the shop once the ceremony was over and some tasty looking cupcakes as well.
Wandering around the shop, there were the usual Disney icons emblazoned on much of the products available for sale in the boutique. Much of it is familiar while other items offer a fresh appeal using some of our favorite characters. I look forward to seeing how the shop does and the new products they are bringing to the marketplace.
If you are Downtown Disney this weekend stop on by and check out the store. It is open during the regular Downtown Disney hours and offers a host of women’s apparel and accessories.
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