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| Photo via Disney Made Simple |
Whether your kids are homeschooled or attend traditional school, they all need new clothing and supplies for the upcoming term. Imagine going back-to-school shopping in Small Town, U.S.A., in 1863. You’d likely head somewhere similar to Magic Kingdom’s Emporium.
Walt Disney World Imagineers build nothing without a story. Believe it or not, the Emporium is no exception. To the un-Disney-trained eye, the Emporium is nothing more than a big money grabber. It’s one of the first buildings you encounter as you enter Magic Kingdom, and one of the last you pass as you exit. Kids of all ages like souvenirs and can’t help but be drawn in like a magnet, usually when they’re both coming and going. Don’t resist that urge! Go on in and look around, but look at more than the merchandise on the shelves.
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| Photo via Undercover Tourist |
The Emporium was established in 1863, according to Imagineering tales, and illustrates the success of its imaginary proprietor. Even though this character has neither been designed nor seen in the parks, his story line guides Imagineering development for this shop. Finishes and fixtures—even Cast Member costuming—throughout the store are authentic to the Victorian era (1837 to 1901—the year of Walt’s birth). Notice the chandeliers. Our proprietor flaunts his money with a combination of gas and electric lamps—a tremendous extravagance at that time. The electric lights point down, while the gas ones point up. When the Emporium expanded in 2002, the architecture was made slightly more modern (from 1903), bringing in the lighter woods and pastel colors of Edwardian style.
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| Photo via StartedByaMouse, Flickriver |
Today’s Takeaway:
Go shopping! Really. But not for yourself. Many children across the nation are growing up in dire financial circumstances. These families struggle to afford their daily needs and may not be able to purchase everything they need for the coming school year.
How can you help? Visit the below websites and/or contact these organizations to see what specific needs exist. Then meet those needs, make charitable donations, or volunteer your time and talents.
Back to School Clothing Drive
1212 E. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85034
(602) 256-9408
info@backtoschoolclothingdrive.com
Adopt a Classroom
(Miami Office)
4141 NE 2nd Avenue
Suite 203B
Miami, FL 33137
(Minneapolis Office)
110 North 5th Street, 10th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(877) 444-7666
info@adoptaclassroom.org
AARP Foundation
Sign up to Create the Good
(888) 687-2277
createthegood@aarp.org
UNICEF
125 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038
(800) FOR-KIDS
SCHOOL SUBJECT: Humanities, Citizenship
SKILL LEVEL: All
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