This Just In – Mickey Mouse Has Taken Over NYC!
I shamelessly boast my Walt Disney World Annual Passholder status on the daily, and “You have an Annual Pass to DISNEY WORLD? But…you live in New York…” is a question I get as often as “would you like room for milk?” (I drink a lot of coffee). By now, I’m so used to the huge cultural divide that exists between New York City’s constant action and bustling streets and Walt Disney World’s immaculate theming and relaxed vibe that what I’ve been seeing (Mickey?) on my daily commute has left me wondering just where in the world I’m walking.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
I’m used to seeing a child in a stroller holding a Mickey Mouse doll while her mother struggles to shove the stroller through the closing subway doors; I am not used to seeing a massive Mickey Mouse display that expands the entire length of Sugarfina’s Madison Avenue windows. I’m used to seeing a random Mickey Mouse T-Shirt on a passerby; I am not used to seeing my favorite Mouse’s image plastered across Times Square’s screens. I’m used to going to art museums; I am not used to attending an exhibit that is solely dedicated to the Mouse himself! Every day, I’m seeing his likeness appear in unlikely places in the city, and although I know it is all in anticipation of his 90th birthday in November, one thing is for sure: I can get used to this!
Mickey In Times Square…
The flagship Disney Store location that services all 5 of New York City’s boroughs is located in the heart of Times Square. For tourists, it’s a must-do. For locals like me, that stretch of streets where the Disney Store lies is to be avoided at all costs. I had to get off the subway at the Times Square stop a few days ago. When my eyes finally adjusted to the blindingly overbearing lights, I smiled when I saw a friendly face among the crowds!
Mickey has extended his digital footprint beyond the board that frames the Disney Store. He is popping up on many of the mega screens that line Times Square. Advertising the new art exhibit and Mickey Mouse merchandise available, the flashing billboards are just one way that Mickey is taking over The City That Never Sleeps.
Mickey On Madison Avenue…
Out for an evening walk, I found myself strolling up Madison Avenue on a calm and peaceful summer Sunday. I walked by the famous designer retailers, drinking in the window displays…Ralph Lauren, Lily Pulitzer, Serafina, Williams Sonoma, Sugarfina’s massive window display featuring Mickey Mouse, Brooks Brothers….WAIT!
Sugargina’s ENTIRE window display is dedicated to Mickey? Not only was his cute little face plastered all over the store, brilliantly designed, candy-filled products are dedicated to all things Mouse. There are mouse-shaped candies, Mickey chocolate bars, little boxes of Mickey gummies, and, my favorite, an old black-and-white tv set that features 3D images of Mickey sketches! Not only is the TV display eye-catching, but a pull of the easy-to-open front reveals a pull-out drawer stocked with three versions of Mickey candies! Needless to say, I bought 3.
Mickey On Thanksgiving Day…
A Mickey Mouse balloon has always been a staple- and highlight- of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for as long as I can remember watching the annual event. Since I was young, I would watch the parade to catch glimpses of my two favorite dudes in balloon form; Spongebob Squarepants, and Mickey Mouse! Thanksgiving conveniently lands right around the time of Mickey’s big 90th birthday celebration. I’ve heard murmurs around the city of a potentially new, longer, or entirely different feature on our favorite Mouse during this year’s parade. Only time will tell, but regardless of the final decision, you can expect to see Mickey make his march down 5th Ave as proudly as ever this Thanksgiving Day!
Mickey At the Museum…
Finally, the biggest and most newsworthy Mickey Mouse/ New York City news comes by way of the newly announced art exhibit entitled: Mickey Mouse, True Original. According to the official announcement by Disney, here is what we can expect from the temporary pop-up display: “Opening in November 2018, this immersive experience is inspired by Mickey’s status as a ‘true original’ and his consistent impact on the arts and creativity in all its forms.
Guests will have the chance to explore the 16,000 square-foot exhibition featuring both historic and contemporary work from renowned artists.” I’m going to be one of the first in line for tickets when the exhibit opens on November 8. Should I expect to find you there too? Let us know if you plan to visit the big apple to celebrate Mickey’s 90th birthday by leaving a comment below!
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Special thanks to Maria Salerno for writing this article: Hiya pal! I am a NYC-based writer thrilled to be a part of your Disney vacation planning! I’m a WDW Annual Passholder, so you can find me in the parks regularly throughout the year. In addition to being a Disney Parks loving girl, I’m also a Disney toy and merchandise collector, a runDisney enthusiast, and Disney music and movie aficionado. You can follow me on Instagram: NYCtoAP and find me on YouTube: NYCtoAP. Thanks for reading, hope to see ya real soon!
