One of the more recent stores to come to Downtown Disney, Once Upon A Toy seems a perfect addition to the shopping area. A toy store at Disney is a natural fit. But this isn't just any toy store. Inside are found all sorts of unique offerings and Disney versions of popular games, as well as old favorites.

And the exterior of the store leaves no question as to what can be found inside. Large versions of favorite toys can be found all around. Of particular note are the window displays, representations of various Disney park icons created from toys. Some of them are pictured here, but they are all even more enjoyable in person, where the attention to detail can really be seen.

Once Upon A Toy relies heavily on its toy store theme. This particular entrance shows Tinker Toys, Tonka trucks, Lincoln Logs, Scrabble tiles, and a Play Doh can, as well as Buzz Lightyear and Mr. Potato Head.

This window display represents the Disney-MGM Studios. The sorcerer hat is made out of Lite Brite pegs. There are Scrabble boxes around, and one of the buildings is made from Connect Four games.

Epcot is the focus of this window. Represented here are some of the large puppets from the Tapestry of Nations/Tapestry of Dreams parade that used to be found around World Showcase Lagoon. Among the materials used to construct the puppets are Chutes and Ladders boards, dice, Sorry! boards and game pieces, Scrabble tiles, Tinker Toys, and Trivial Pursuit wedges. The representation of Spaceship Earth in the rear is made out of Monopoly boards.

Animal Kingdom is the focus of this window, specifically the Carnotaurus from Dinosaur. He can be seen munching on cans of Play Doh, from which he also appears to have been made.

This window presents a view of the Blizzard Beach water park. The ski lift and run are constructed of Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs, and some Sorry! game pieces can be seen on the ground. The tree leaves were made from puzzle pieces. And then Ice Gator is making the jump.

Around the Blizzard Beach window above are large snowflakes, and the slogan "Ski Florida." The snowflakes are made from Disney characters, as can be seen here.

The Magic Kingdom's window features a castle. The turret roof tiles are money from the Disney version of Monopoly. The turrets themselves are made from Jenga pieces, Scrabble tiles, Risk cards, and Monopoly game pieces. Tinker Bell flies overhead as fireworks, made from Koosh balls, are seen in the background.

- Story and Photos by Steve Burns
Posted April 20, 2005

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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