Beautiful!

That is the word that sums up our visit to the latest Disney store at Bergen Town Center, in Paramus NJ.  Coming around the corner and seeing the balloons, and the huge Walt Disney script on the sign above, it makes you feel the magic that is synonymous with the name, Disney.  After the closure of the Garden State Mall store, several years ago, there was only one Disney retail property available in this mall mecca.

Bergen Town Center, known as Bergen Mall until 2006, is the oldest mall in New Jersey.  And in 2003, the property was sold to Vernado Realty, which began its $171 million transformation process from 2006-2009 into the gorgeous property that it is now.  As a lifelong resident of Teaneck, just a few miles away, it is hard to even imagine the way the mall looks today vs. the way it started out, just a few years ago.

Immediately you can see the time and effort put into making this store a reality.  Taking just about a year, from dust to ribbon cutting, the store has a big, open feeling.  But the biggest and most important elements are the people who work here.  Helpful, courteous, and cheerful, the cast members are what take the products off the shelves and make it a shopping experience.  You can tell that every CM has an ability to give children the attention and patience that they require.

We were greeted at the door with stickers and smiles, and even after a very long day, CM’s Deb and Laurence were still beaming with excitement, proud to show off their new digs.

In many Disney stores, there is a projection screen on the back wall.  It is accompanied by the audio being played over the audio system throughout the store.  Unfortunately, those video systems are historically plagued with problems after about a year of use.  Not here.  It is replaced with a big flat panel TV- a VERY smart idea.  There are other well thought out elements that you should check out for yourselves.

One thing that can be said, if you can’t make it to the happiest place on earth, at least you can visit the happiest store on earth.

Cleanliness
Helpful Cast Members
Theme
Well Stocked
Variety
Easy to Navigate (w/stroller)
Easy to Find Merchandise
Stocks the Essentials
Overall Rating: 4.5