I know I’ve complained occasionally about the whole Frozen-ization of Walt Disney World. Not everything is bad, though, or unnecessary. One new Frozen-themed addition in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is nothing short of brilliant. Of course adding a shop based on Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post from the movie was an obvious and easy choice, but even I have to admit…for something that seemingly came together in a hurry, Oaken’s shop is very well done, the details are adorable, and the selection of Frozen merchandise is very welcome indeed.
Back in May, we could barely find anything Frozen to buy! We chased rumors and ran around from shop to shop in every park where we thought we might score pins or a sweatshirt. Finally, we ended up with two Olaf pins (the only Frozen pins we could find) and an extra-large child’s hoodie for Megan. I was excited to wander into Wandering Oaken’s and will freely admit, I was charmed.
Before you enter the store, the exterior details make you feel as if you are definitely in Norway! The snowy trees and landscape are fun!
Inside, Oaken’s is much more than a place to shop! A blue-lit winter wonderland, compete with snowy play area (“Frozen Snowground”), take up a great deal of space at one end of the building.
There are plenty of excellent photo ops and a Disney photographer is on hand.
As you move from the play area to the store, the lighting changes and you’ll begin to notice more great details.
There is plenty of Frozen merchandise here! I may or may not have purchased a few early Christmas gifts while I was there.
Mostly, we just wandered around and enjoyed the immersion in those amazing Disney details. The sauna absolutely cracked me up!!!
Oaken’s is not far from Toy Story Midway Mania, so if you’re headed over to Pixar Place, don’t miss the opportunity to pop in an take a look around. On a hot day, it’s a great place to cool off!
Have you been to Oaken’s Trading Post? What did you think?
