 Source: iCollector
May 1987 – July 1991
LOCATION
Fantasyland – Guests walking under Sleeping Beauty Castle went from the splendor of Aurora’s new home to the quaint charm of her old one. Briar Rose Cottage sat to the immediate right of the castle’s inner courtyard, steps from the exit to the Castle Walkthrough. Today, this space is home to the Castle Holiday Shoppe.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Merchandise – figurines and collectibles
- Unique Features – hanging wood carved marquee
It was only fitting that Fantasyland have some nod to Princess Aurora’s early life, as Briar Rose living in a charming cottage in the forest. This little building already bore a striking resemblance to the cottage in the film, so when the retail space opened up, it changed its name to Briar Rose Cottage. The shop sold figurines and more delicate collectibles, often drawing the attention of visitors who had just finished touring the princess’ castle.
CLOSURE
For some reason, shops in this space never seem to last long. Perhaps it’s the location – so close to the drawbridge that guests blow past it without noticing. Perhaps it’s that the merchandise here tends to be pretty niche. In Briar Rose’s case, it might have been a combination of both. The shop closed in 1991, but didn’t change franchises. Instead, Maleficent took over, and the shop became Villain’s Lair.
TRIVIA
Briar Rose Cottage replaced Mickey’s Christmas Chalet.
The sign for this shop went up for auction in 2018, with an estimated value of $6,000 to $8,000.