North America stores were owned and operated by The Children's Place's subsidiary Hoop Holdings from 2004 to 2008.

The Oriental Land Company's subsidiary Retail Networks Co., Ltd. owned and operated the Japanese stores from 2002 to 2010.

At the 2019 D23 Expo, it was announced that Disney departments were opening at Target stores across the United States starting in October prior to the release of Frozen II.

[9] With lackluster films, high-priced and high-margin items, sales dropped while continuing to overly open stores.

[13][27] Disney sold the chain for the cost of inventory to the Children's Place's subsidiary Hoop Holdings and signed a 15-year licensing agreement.

However, Disney's strict licensing agreement, which included the burden of being required to invest significantly in store remodels, contributed to the eventual decision by The Children's Place to exit the business.

[49] With the success of these Disney shops and its exclusive merchandise in 2014, Penney added 44 additional stores and add 116 more in 2015 for a total of 620.

[24] A NY Attorney General inquiry into On-call scheduling in 2016 led Disney Stores to indicate in December that the retailer had dropped the practice early in the year.

[52] In mid-November 2018, the Disney Stores USA headquarters moved out of the Royal Laundry Complex in Pasadena to Grand Central Creative Campus, Glendale, California.

[64] On July 23, it was announced that most Canadian stores (with the exception of Toronto Eaton Centre, Vaughan Mills, and Scarborough Town Center) would be closing on or before August 18, 2021.

[74] In 2010, Disney started rolling out a themed retail business model and redesign led by Steve Jobs for its stores dubbed Imagination Parks.

This triggers Tinker Bell flying about inside as the darkened store's interior gradually increases its lighting as projected pseudo fireworks are set off.

[48][47] A 19 feet (5.8 m) high Magic Kingdom castle is in the middle of the store and has a projected musical show that is shown on the hour.

[76] The store opened on July 26, 1999, and an official dedication occurred on August 5, 1999, with Chicago native and DCP president Anne Osberg, along with a live special appearance from Mickey Mouse.

On May 22, 1996, an original flagship Disney Store opened in New York City at a corner of 55th Street and Fifth Avenue in the former La Côte Basque restaurant location.

[40] Its localized design features include Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade inspired oversized Mickey and Minnie balloons floating above and Broadway is recognized with Disney-themed playbills.

Disney Consumer Products President Bob Chapek and Alison Sweeney and Winnie the Pooh and friends were there for the opening, plus musical act Blue Sky Riders.

The Character Warehouses just have a few permanent locations (Fullerton and Pomona, California, and Las Vegas)[4] while having temporary stores at times.

This store was forced to temporarily move to Taylorville as the result of a squabble between the landlord and a neighboring business.

[4][5] Asset Management, based near Murfreesboro, Tennessee, also owned Character Depot stores, both seasonal and year-round locations.

The stores would be, on average 750 square feet (70 m2) and include music, interactive displays, and Disney movie clips.

On October 10, 2012, a 7,000 square foot Disney popup shop with a Princess Parlour, Cinderella Slipper salon, special Disney/Pixar corner and Activity Zone was set up in Harrods on the fourth floor.

[86] In August, the dresses were on display at D23 Expo before being auctioned off on November 13 to benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

[90] From July to 21 August 2016, a Star Wars gallery ticketed event was held here with the Millennium Falcon cockpit, Holochess Table and Sofa and prop replicas.

While the concept was well received by customers, the company wanted to focus on expanding the Disney Stores to overseas locations.

[97] Merchandise in the store consisted the usual branded clothing, collectibles and equipment like binoculars and radio headphones.

In 2010, DSI was moved back under the control of the newly reacquired Disney Store business and a complete redesign of the site was launched.

The Walt Disney Company acquired Marvel Entertainment in 2009 and that same year, DisneyAuctions.com was completely shut down and that domain now redirects visitors to DisneyStore.com.

A special Disney World vintage apparel line called "YesterEars" was available at the online store for a limited time in August 2016.

YesterEars products pay homage to classic park attractions and destinations and is named after the former Downtown Disney Pleasure Island shop.