Credit: Brittany DiCologero
Walt Disney World Resort may be planning some major new offerings on the horizon, but one theme park location is not available.
With multiple projects coming together, all eyes are on the construction and planning happening at Walt Disney World Resort. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Country Bear Musical Jamboree are both expected to open in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park this summer. EPCOT is in the midst of finishing up construction following a major facelift that included building Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.In addition, major land additions are in the planning stages at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, though they haven’t been confirmed by Walt Disney World Resort.
While there has been plenty of focus on Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, there’s one Disney World park that hasn’t received near as much attention in terms of construction: Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
With Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge built and open, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been at rest. While there are now plans to reopen the beloved Little Mermaid show later this year, one location inside of the Disney park remains closed, even years after its original closure.
It’s A Wonderful Shop, a charming and whimsical haven nestled within the bustling streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, stood as a beacon of joy and nostalgia for visitors since its inception in June 1992. With its unique concept of celebrating Christmas year-round, the shop captured the hearts of countless guests who reveled in its festive ambiance and enchanting offerings. From intricately adorned ornaments to festive holiday trinkets, every corner of the shop exuded the spirit of the most magical season.
For over two decades, It’s A Wonderful Shop served as more than just a retail space; it was a cherished destination where families created lasting memories and experienced the warmth of the holiday season regardless of the time of year. The allure of its twinkling lights, the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies, and the sound of classic carols drifting through the air made every visit a magical experience.
However, as the years passed, whispers of uncertainty began to circulate among Disney park attendees. Despite its enduring popularity, It’s A Wonderful Shop closed its doors several years ago, leaving behind a void in the hearts of Disney enthusiasts. Despite fervent hopes and wishes, there has been no indication of its reopening, leaving many to wonder what became of this beloved establishment.
The closest we’ve gotten to seeing the attraction reopen inside the theme park was last year during Jollywood Nights. The location reopened as an exclusive character meet and greet, but that was only for the After-Hours event and it quickly closed back down as soon as the Holiday season had ended.
For those wondering, Disney Jollywood Nights was a separately ticketed event that ran on select nights last Holiday season where Hollywood glamour met holiday cheer. Upon entering Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests found a DJ stationed at the corner of Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard, welcoming them to the glamorous holiday party. They were then immersed in the sights and sounds of the holidays as they danced the night away at themed experiences.
Disney World guests could grab a bite and head down Commissary Lane for a street fair filled with lively Latin music, or they could drop by the courtyard of The Hollywood Tower Hotel for a swingin’ soiree complete with a live band and fancy co*cktails. For those seeking something a little more sophisticated, they could join the mobile walk-up list for Jazzy Holidays at The Hollywood Brown Derby, where the iconic eatery transformed into a smooth jazz joint offering light bites and elegant sips.
Guests were also invited to the premier of two new holiday shows at Disney Jollywood Nights. The Theater of the Stars hosted Disney Holidays in Hollywood, a festive stage show with a star-studded cast of some of their favorite characters. Additionally, there was a brand-new sing-along show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests could join Jack Skellington on a musical adventure inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.The party wrapped up with the return of the merry and bright nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, where guests gathered around the Chinese Theater for a dazzling display of fireworks, projections, snow, lasers, and lights.
At this time, Walt Disney World Resort has not issued any more information on if It’s A Wonderful Shop will reopen, or if the location will only host a character meet and greet during select events.
Was It’s A Wonderful Shop on your “must-visit” list when heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
