We told Johnny he could pick out any toy he wanted at FAO Schwarz. He did not want one.
That was after we waited in line for 30 minutes to get in. The next day, we saw the Disney Store in Times Square. It was not part of the plan, but we saw it and had to go. It is right across Broadway from our hotel, the Marriott Marquis. This is how the two compared with a 2.5-year-old during our 3.5 days in New York City with a toddler, and why the Disney Store's second floor is the part worth your time.
Disney Store Times Square vs FAO Schwarz: Which Is Better With a Toddler?
For us, the Disney Store, and specifically the second floor. FAO Schwarz had very few wow moments for Johnny. The Disney Store's second floor was winner after winner.
That comes down to what Johnny likes. He is a huge Mickey Mouse fan, a big Toy Story guy, a big Lightning McQueen and Cars guy, and he is in his superhero phase. The Disney Store's second floor had all of it. For an older kid, I think FAO Schwarz is probably the winner.
Is FAO Schwarz Worth It With a Toddler?
It was not a hit for us. We went on a Sunday night, waited in line for 30 minutes to get in, and there were very few wow moments for Johnny once we were inside.
We told him he could pick out any toy he wanted, and he did not want one.
To be fair to FAO Schwarz, it is themed in sections too, and each one is a pretty cool activation. There are some really cool activations there, and there are way more employees interacting with kids at FAO Schwarz than at the Disney Store. For an older kid, it is probably a hit.
FAO Schwarz is a New York institution. The brand dates back to 1862, and the current store at 30 Rockefeller Plaza opened in November 2018, with a 20-foot-long piano keyboard on the second level, according to FOX 5 New York. It just did not land with our 2.5-year-old.
Is the Disney Store in Times Square Worth It?
Yes, but go upstairs. The Disney Store in Times Square is at 1540 Broadway, between 45th and 46th Streets, and it has two floors that felt like completely different experiences.
The First Floor
The first floor was a bit underwhelming. Johnny seemed to like it more than FAO Schwarz, but maybe only because he recognized some of the characters.
The Second Floor
The second floor was a completely different experience. Johnny lit up time after time.
The floor is broken into character sections, and some of Johnny's favorite things were there: classic Disney characters, Toy Story, a Lightning McQueen section, and a Marvel superheroes section. It was winner after winner. The only two sections Johnny was not excited about were Princess and Star Wars.
What Did Our Toddler Pick at the Disney Store?
He wanted so many things, but we landed on a Toy Story action figure set. The night before at FAO Schwarz, he did not want a single toy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Disney Store in Times Square?
The Disney Store in Times Square is at 1540 Broadway, between 45th and 46th Streets.
How many floors is the Times Square Disney Store?
Two. For our 2.5-year-old, the second floor, with its character sections, was the highlight.
What is on the second floor of the Disney Store in Times Square?
The second floor is broken into character sections, including classic Disney characters, Toy Story, Lightning McQueen, Marvel superheroes, Princess, and Star Wars.
Is FAO Schwarz good for toddlers?
It was not a hit for our 2.5-year-old. We waited 30 minutes to get in, there were very few wow moments for him, and he did not want any toy. With its themed activations and interactive staff, it is probably a better fit for older kids.
Where is FAO Schwarz in New York City?
FAO Schwarz is at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center.
Is the Disney Store or FAO Schwarz better for toddlers?
For our toddler, the Disney Store, especially the second floor, because it was full of the characters he already loves. For an older kid, FAO Schwarz is probably the winner.
Final Thoughts
The right toy store depends on the kid. FAO Schwarz has the activations and the staff, and it is probably the winner for an older kid. For a 2.5-year-old who loves Mickey, Toy Story, Cars, and superheroes, the Disney Store won, and the best part was one floor up.
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