OAKLAND, Fla. — If you’re a Disney fanatic — or just hunting for a holiday gift unlike anything else — there’s a place in Central Florida you’ll want to know about.
What You Need To Know
A unique shop in Oakland is drawing Disney fans with authentic park props, memorabilia and vintage collectibles
Owner Becky Usher, who admits she’s “very obsessed with all things Disney,” showcases thousands of pieces from the parks’ past
Items range from $1 trinkets to priceless artifacts, including a Dumbo ride vehicle from Magic Kingdom’s opening day
The store attracts collectors worldwide who come searching for nostalgia, history and one-of-a-kind treasures
Recycling the Magic, a shop packed with authentic Disney-park history, offers everything from props and furniture to clothing and rare memorabilia.
And if you arrive early enough, you might even catch owner Becky Usher pulling up in her prized 1966 Land Rover.
“It is because Walt Disney used this vehicle,” she says proudly, pointing out that it’s the same one Disney drove after purchasing swampland in Central Florida.
Her passion isn’t subtle.
“I am very obsessed with all things Disney,” Usher admits with a smile.
That obsession fills every inch of her shop, which she describes simply: “And so, what we sell in here is memories.”
Among the earliest pieces is a Snow White doll from the 1930s.
“But the most amazing thing about her is Walt Disney actually signed this doll,” she explains.
Ride remnants are especially popular with collectors.
Holding a piece of park history, Usher notes, “This is first generation of Buzz Lightyear spin.”
Not everything there will break your budget, either.
“So, you can take home a nice outdoor patio chair for 50 bucks. And it was used at the Animal Kingdom Lodge,” she says.
Prices start at a single dollar, but some items are priceless — like her original Dumbo ride vehicle from Magic Kingdom’s opening year.
Usher’s been offered $200,000 for it, but she’s firm: “I am not selling this Dumbo.
This is my private collection, but I choose to bring it to the store. It’s what I call eye candy.”
Collectors come from around the world to experience the nostalgia including France, England and Australia.
One of those fans is Lidianne Martins, who shops there several times a week.
“Being here is almost like being in a fantasy. Like in a movie kind of thing,” she says.
She’s transformed her home into a personal Disney showcase because, as she puts it, “Kind of feels like you’re bringing a bit of history home.”
Nearly everything in the store passes through Usher’s hands before landing on the shelves.
“And I genuinely don’t ever know what’s coming through that door,” she says.
While Spectrum News 13 was there, a former Disney Imagineer walked in carrying an original 1971 monorail costume and a pirate animatronic head — an arrival Usher greeted with pure joy.
“The Pirate Head, monorail costume. You know my life does not get any better than this.”
It’s a life — and a passion — she shares with anyone wanting to bring a little magic home.
Recycling the Magic is located in Oakland, just west of Orlando on Colonial Drive.
The store is open seven days a week and welcomes all visitors.