In one of the quickest turnarounds in recent memory, Disney has removed the merchandise from the Main Street Cinema.
In place of merchandise displays, they have installed numerous benches for guests to cool down and take in the vintage cartoons. Disney has stated that the merchandise was a “test” and that they were not caving to the outrage by fans.
Take a look at the multitude of benches you could be relaxing on during your next trip to Disneyland!
The Main Street Cinema in Walt Disney World was converted into a store back in 1998. Further testing is still in the works for this treasured alcove, so it’ll be interesting, yet somewhat nerve-racking, to see what could potentially come next. It’s unclear whether the original turnstiles that were removed upon the shop’s opening will ever come back at this point.
What do you think of the recent changes, and ultimately, the addition of these benches? Are you looking forward to watching some vintage cartoons in the restored cinema? The six available short animated films play continuously throughout the day until park close.
Guys, I love the Main St Cinema and I love CBJ. That being said. Petitions will not save these places. Write Disney about what you care about and then (and this may be the most important part): Actually visit these at-risk places. We can’t get away with saying “I haven’t been to ________ on my last four visits but I’ll be enraged if they get rid of it.” Trust me, I get the comfort of just knowing these places are there/will be there even if I don’t visit them. But without a significant attendance boost, these places stand even less of a chance than they would anyway under the current management.
Show these places matter by visiting them.
Waaah! Walt would never have put in benches, it is a slap in the face to his vision and legacy! Waaah! 😉
Ummm. Why wouldn’t they turn the benches to face outward from the center so people can SEE THE SCREENS? This is like having your couch positioned so it faces away from the TV. (Yes, I know it’s circular.)
Thank you Disney. Very nice of you. We love Disney history. Don’t let go of it.
It really needs an animatronic figure of Walt Disney himself standing on the central riser giving his 1955 opening day Disneyland speech every 1/2 hr and then roll the vintage cartoons on the screens ! With the technology available today , Walt needs his own animatronic and that would be the perfect location! ! It’s long overdue (Bring Walt back to life please)
Soon to be replaced with the next acquired movie franchise :/
This is one of our family’s favorite chill out and cool down spots. So happy it will be there for our summer visit.