The store is newly opened in Universal Studios Florida, occupying the space of a previous (and much less themed) store not far from the pet show and around the corner from the ET Adventure.
This new store is packed to the rafters with decorative items, inside jokes, and, yes, even SpongeBob merchandise actually for sale.
The problem of what's for sale is not insignificant; there are price tags on all the props, too, with ludicrous prices (so one assumes it's a joke. At least I think it's a joke). It's all part of the humor here, and there's a fair amount of attention paid to make things humorous in that customary SpongeBob way. Irreverent, and probably not for the youngest of children.... but ideal for those just a little bit older.
There's a photo location in one corner of the room, and interesting backdrops, too. I predict this very photogenic shop will get a lot of foot traffic. Bully for Universal for thinking along these lines. Just like the gift shop dedicated to the Simpsons, this one goes all-out and has Disney-quality theming all around.
I love the store - it's quirky, it's offbeat, and it's named STOREPANTS! How could you not love a store that manages to find a name so in-character, so weird, and so memorable?
Here's a video walkthrough:
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Kevin Yee is the author of numerous independent Disney books, including the popular Walt Disney World Earbook series and Walt Disney World Hidden History.
