Source: PhotoBucket
July 1955 – January 1983
LOCATION
Fantasyland – Merlin’s Magic Shop faced the center courtyard in Fantasyland, overlooking the castle. Today, this small building houses the Castle Holiday Shoppe.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Merchandise – Magic kits, cards, and other gags
- Unique Features – Classic magic items in the window, including a Ouija board, rabbit in a hat, and a ventriloquist dummy
With so many magical fairies, sorcerers, and villains roaming Fantasyland, it’s no wonder the land started out with its own magic shop. In Merlin’s store, visitors could try magic for themselves, or simply watch the cast members perform tricks within. The shop sold very similar merchandise to its Main Street counterpart, but in Fantasyland, guests were intrigued by the somewhat incognito cottage in the middle of the courtyard.
CLOSURE
Fantasyland went through an extensive overhaul in 1983, forcing the closure of most of the land to shuffle around attractions and build new spaces. When the land reopened, Merlin’s Magic Shop disappeared. Instead, Disney opted to keep all magic for sale on Main Street, and use the retail space for a different shop.
TRIVIA
You may have heard that Steve Martin once worked in Disneyland’s Magic Shop. He did! Just not the one on Main Street, like everyone thinks. Steve actually worked in this location, often performing tricks for visitors.
This retail space has been home to many different themed shops over the years, including Mickey’s Christmas Chalet, the Castle Heraldry Shoppe, Briar Rose’s Cottage, and the Villain’s Lair.
Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland both currently have shops bearing Merlin’s name.