Everyone loves to leave a Disney theme park with something commemorating the visit, or perhaps a gift for someone back home. Each park has several shops to help meet that need. But perhaps one of the largest is MouseGear, found in Future World at Epcot.

Found in Innoventions, MouseGear keeps up with the future theme found throughout Future World, while also keeping in mind everyone's favorite character. So with a slight play on the name MouseGear, Mickey Mouse shapes and gears abound in the decor, as can be seen right from the beginning in the store's signs.

The area now housing MouseGear was originally the home to the Centorium, a play on the name of the Magic Kingdom's main gift shop, the Emporium. The Centorium had an upper level, which at one time was devoted to collectible items before being changed to a sports theme. That upper level is not used for MouseGear, but the walls put up around the level have been whimsically decorated, such as this trio of gauges in a familiar shape.

When viewed from the right angle, this assortment of gears comes together to form a familiar picture, thanks to some clever lenticular artwork. Again, another play on the store's name.

At one of the second floor areas, Donald Duck can be seen exerting his usual management style, while his nephews work to get things in order, such as using a paper airplane filing system, no doubt with very important documents.

The largest portions of the upper walls are filled with various gears and gauges coming together to form familiar characters. Here, Mickey Mouse watches over a portion of the store and the shoppers below.

Remembering that there is more than one Disney mouse, Minnie Mouse can also be found in MouseGear in the metallic hues of the color scheme, striking a "riveting" pose.

Not to be outdone, Donald Duck is also there, but as always, he is confronted by a reminder of just who is the main mouse, not to mention the corporate symbol.

Goofy is also found in MouseGear, adding his usual touch of whimsy to the area.

The last item is very unique. At first glance, it doesn't appear to be much. But closer inspection reveals that it is the Dreamfinder's Dream Mobile from Journey Into Imagination! Dreamfinder and Figment are missing, as are the large balloon at the top and the fabric covering at the rear section. Other than that, the Dream Mobile appears to be fairly complete. Several of these were used in the original ride, so perhaps there are other Dream Mobiles out there, just waiting to make an appearance.

If you ever find yourself running inside MouseGear to get that last minute souvenir before the park closes, be sure to slow down and take a look around. There's lots more "MouseGear" to be seen!

- Story and photos by Steve Burns
Posted March 20, 2007

Steve is a three-time Disney Store National Trivia finalist and webmaster of BurnsLand, home of Steve's Disney Railroad Adventures.

E-mail Steve at steve@startedbyamouse.com, discuss this article in the StartedByAMouse.com Disney Discussion Forums or use the Talkback feature below.

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