By Jim Carchidi
October 6, 2026
Build-A-Bear Workshop is wrapping up construction at its largest and most immersive experience. The ICON Park location will open in November, replacing the existing Build-A-Bear shop across from Yard House. Three stories of interactive features will include signature experiences and first-ever offerings.
Building a brand
The 29-year-old company operates more than 500 global locations built around unique retailtainment features. A selection of stuffed toys are customized in a guided, step-by-step process where guests choose everything from stuffing to sound chips and scents. A cloth heart is added during a special ceremony.
The elevated experience of the ICON Park location was created by Build-A-Bear partner, Chute Gerdeman - the design firm behind the FAO Schwarz flagship in New York's Rockefeller Center.
Personal service
Images courtesy of Build-A-Bear
ICON Park’s Build-A-Bear, located between Ole Red and Orlando Sling Shot, will feature a one-on-one, appointment-only Design Studio that will be a first for the brand. Each guest will create their plush friends with help from a design consultant, using a selection of studio-exclusive fabrics and materials. Digital tools will bring each creation to life before completion, allowing guests to refine their design before the build begins. Build-A-Bear seamstresses will personally create each toy, ending the experience with a reveal and Build-A-Bear's signature Heart Ceremony.
Sweets, scents, and stitching
Sweet tooths can be indulged at an interactive bakeshop where guests can frost and decorate their own cupcakes and cookies.
Treats can be enjoyed at a rooftop space featuring tables, chairs and couches arranged on a spacious patio with a partially-covered area.
A Scent Bar will offer hundreds of unique fragrances to accent each furry friend
A “Personalize Me” station will offer embroidered initials, names, numbers and more for T-shirts and hoodies. Guests can also choose patches, custom screen prints, and embroider the ears of select furry friends.
How its going
Photos by Jim Carchidi
With about a month to go, construction crews are finishing up the exterior as signage, windows and landscaping are in place.
Whimsical characters and heart icons decorate an outdoor space.
The project in progress is looking a lot like the concept rendering.
Additional experiences will be revealed ahead of the November opening. Stay tuned to Build-A-Bear and ICON Park social media for updates.
Sponsor: The Orlando Real is sponsored by the Pozek Group — the #1 real estate team in Orlando and the Official Real Estate Team of the Orlando Magic.
About the Author
Jim Carchidi is an Orlando journalist and photographer with previous work at the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Business Journal. He covers development, arts, culture, and local stories for The Orlando Real.
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