Build-A-Bear Workshop has long been a pioneer of experiential retail, helping transform shopping from a simple transaction into an interactive, memory-making event.
For a generation raised on mall trips and heart ceremonies, the brand is synonymous with nostalgia — and now it’s taking that beloved experience to an entirely new level.
Hiya, friends. It’s Haley.
Build-A-Bear recently opened what it calls the largest retail entertainment store in Orlando — and the largest Build-A-Bear in the world. At more than 30,000 square feet and three stories tall, the new ICON Park location is unlike anything the brand has ever built.
ICON Park CEO Chris Jaskiewicz said the scale of the store speaks for itself.
“The most cutting-edge and largest that I’ve ever seen in Orlando,” Jaskiewicz said.
A view of the Orlando Eye from Celebration Terrace at the world’s largest Build-A-Bear at ICON Park. (Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
He added that Build-A-Bear’s decision to plant its flag on International Drive was a deliberate one, calling ICON Park the number one destination for families in the region.
It’s been a transformational year for ICON Park.
In addition to Build-A-Bear, the entertainment district has welcomed Blue Man Group and Nomikai by Sushi Saint, with Ford’s Garage and several other high-profile tenants set to open soon.
Monsters multiplying ⚡
Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
Mysterious dirt plots scattered around Epic Universe had fans buzzing long before any official announcement. With the park sitting at roughly 110 acres inside a sprawling 750-acre property, it was clear Universal Orlando had plenty of room — and plenty of plans.
This week, Universal officially confirmed a new indoor roller coaster is on the way in Dark Universe.
With guests spending hundreds of dollars on tickets, parks are increasingly betting on indoor rides to keep the fun going rain or shine.
As for what the theme will be, it’s still unclear. Rumors suggest a ride about the Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Here comes Dino Claus🦕
Christmas at Dinsoaur World (Dinosaur World)
Christmas is coming to Dinosaur World, where twinkling lights, a festive train ride, Santa, Swedish hot chocolate and a whole lot of prehistoric charm are turning a 20-acre jungle into the most unexpected holiday destination of the season.
For a full guide, click here.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Rockets, Drones, Innovation 🚀
Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex (Copyright 2025 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
If you’re looking for a weekend full of rockets, drones and cutting-edge aircraft, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has you covered with MAX POWER, a three-day aerospace festival running through Sunday.
Click here for a full guide.
As always, keep me in the loop through my email or reach out to me on X or Instagram.
See you next week!
– Haley
Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.