May 1983 – 2004
LOCATION
Fantasyland – Both iterations of Geppetto’s shop were strategically located next to the exit to Pinocchio. If you walked through Fantasyland from the castle, you’d see the shop on your left, across from Casey Jr.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Merchandise – Toys, marionettes, dolls
- Unique Features – Periodic princess meet & greets inside the store
Geppetto’s Arts & Crafts opened as part of the “new” Fantasyland in 1983. The shop’s architecture drew inspiration directly from the animated film, and sold marionettes and cuckoo clocks that fit perfectly with the source material. By the 90s, these original wares slowly swapped with plush toys and custom dolls. In the mid-90s, the shop officially became Geppetto’s Toys & Gifts, hoping to more clearly identify its merchandise and thus draw in more visitors.
CLOSURE
By the 2000s, the store was much less popular than nearby merchandise spots. The shop officially closed in 2004, to make room for a new gift shop that would hopefully draw more attention in Fantasyland.
TRIVIA
Two more versions of Geppetto shops opened in Fantasyland after Toys & Gifts closed. First came Geppetto’s Holiday Workshop, which lasted only a year (in the same location). And finally, the space opened yet again as Geppetto’s Candy Shoppe in 2010, which lasted only six months.
In 2010, the space became a Tangled meet & greet area, complete with the addition of Rapunzel’s tower next door. Her long blonde tresses wrapped around the roof of the shop.