Merlin's And Briar Rose

Sixty-three years ago today, Disneyland opened to the general public. Yes, I realize I didn't acknowledge the official first day anniversary yesterday; I could say I was being a rebel, but I think all you readers are smart enough to smell the BS. Without further adieu, let's examine Merlin's Magic Shop in Fantasyland. First up is a 1964 image that yields two fun closeups. Anybody need to send a postcard home to the folks who couldn't make it?



A glimpse at the merchandise in the shop window; see anything you'd like?



Move ahead a few decades to the 80s and Merlin's has become Briar Rose Cottage.



You can still send postcards. Phew.





The shop windows seem to be more about Disney dolls and figurines than magic. I spot an assortment of Mickey Mouses as well as a Jiminy Cricket.



Its next stint was as the Castle Heraldry Shoppe from 2008—2017.



Since my last visit to the Park (coming up on two years!) it has become a year-round Christmas shop.

See more photos at my main website.

Then & Now: Merlin's

This photo from August 1965 shows the sign for Merlin's Magic Shop in Fantasyland, located near The Sleeping Beauty Castle. This particular shop is famous for being the store where Steve Martin marked as a young lad, selling fake vomit and performing magic tricks.



Flash forward to today, and parts of the sign are still there, even if the fake vomit isn't; interesting to note that the light fixture seems to be the same after all these years. Apparently, Imagineers prefer their light fixtures to run parallel to the beam, not turned at a 45 degree angle.



Here's an interior shot of the Heraldry Shoppe, where guests can look up their last name and purchase family crests with historical background. I wonder if the fake vomit wouldn't be a bigger seller?



See more Merlin's Magic/Heraldry Shop photos on my Merlin's Magic/Heraldry Shop web page.