 world of disney is a chain of specialty retail stores owned and operated by walt disney parks and resorts, a division of the walt disney company. currently there are three locations. the first opened october 2, 1996 in the marketplace area of downtown disney at walt disney world resort. at approximately  of retail space, it is said to offer the largest selection of disney character merchandise in the world, according to the company. a 2006 renovation added a small princess-themed salon called bibbidi bobbidi boutique, plus a new children's merchandise area inspired by pirates of the caribbean and stitch. left|150px|thumb|world of disney nyc logo a second, slightly smaller location opened in 2001 at the downtown disney district of the disneyland resort in anaheim. on october 5, 2004, a third location opened within a three-story new york city space formerly occupied by a traditional disney store on manhattan's fifth avenue. the store closed on december 31, 2009 and the interior was dismantled on january 4, 2010 to make way for a traditional disney store in times square in fall 2010 at the former virgin megastore location. http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20100105/free/100109984 the newest world of disney location opened at disney village in disneyland paris on july 12, 2012, the third location currently in operation. products sold at world of disney include backpacks, books, boxers, childrenâs apparel, clocks, collectibles, costumes, dolls, figurines, gifts, hats, jewelry, luggage, photo albums, plush toys, sleepwear, slippers, socks, souvenirs, stationery, sunglasses, sweatshirts, t-shirts, ties, videos, watches and other items branded with disney characters and theme park icons. all world of disney locations are operated by the merchandise division of walt disney parks and resorts. == references == == external links == * world of disney at the disneyland resort * world of disney at the walt disney world resort 
Companies_established_in_1996 Disney_merchandise Walt_Disney_Parks_and_Resorts