The Main Street Replica That Sparked a Corporate Rift (Ep. 87)

Jim and Lauren dive into the late-80s Sears exclusive Disney World Town Square replica - the ambitious “starter set” that promised Main Street magic at home just as Disney Stores began popping up in malls nationwide. Lauren’s Valentine’s gift to Eric sparks a deep dive into one of the most fascinating Disney retail experiments of the 1980s: the Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica. Jim explains how this surprisingly elaborate playset - complete with bendable Mickey and Minnie figures and optional upgrades like working streetlights and a smoking train - was born out of a major licensing deal between Sears and The Walt Disney Company. But when the first Disney Store locations began opening in malls, that partnership quickly unraveled. NEWS • A new Frozen 3 short is coming this October as part of Disney’s Frozen Fan Fest, with full theatrical release slated for November 2027 • Disney continues evolving its merchandising strategy for the Frozen franchise, leaning into more adult-focused collaborations and collectibles • Bath & Body Works launches its 2026 Disney Princess fragrance collection featuring Aurora, Mulan, Rapunzel, Snow White, plus returning scents for Belle and Tiana • New Disney “Blooms” plush flower stems debut at Disney retail locations in London, Times Square, and Downtown Disney, hinting at possible Flower & Garden synergy • Josh D’Amaro outlines Disney’s long-term strategy blending immersive parks, digital platforms like Fortnite, and integrated retail experiences FEATURE • The 1988 Sears-exclusive Walt Disney World Town Square replica “starter set” and its expandable ecosystem of add-ons • Optional upgrades included interior furniture packs, working streetlights, a smoking railroad train, trolley cars, tourists, and seasonal Christmas overlays • Why the playset’s price was slashed 50 percent within a year - and how the rapid expansion of Disney Stores sparked a licensing rift • How this short-lived partnership reshaped Disney’s retail strategy heading into the late 1980s and beyond HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Lauren Hersey - IG: @lauren_hersey_ | X: @laurenhersey2 FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode of I Want That Too is brought to you by Unlocked Magic. If a Disney or Universal trip is on your radar in 2026, head to UnlockedMagic.com to lock in great ticket prices with experts who know the parks and how to save you money. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices