The Emporium does tend to get very busy, particularly later in the afternoon, and just before the park closes, however it's very close to the lockers, which are located under the train station, so it's quite a useful place to shop if you're not staying in a Disney hotel, and thus don't plan to take advantage of Disney's excellent "send to room" service.

According to signage at the entrance, the store was originally founded in 1863. The backstory of this establishment tells us that the proprietor is a man named Osh Popham, the name of a character played by Burl Ives in the 1963 Disney film "Summer Magic."

His name can be found in gold leaf at the bottom of the two windows that flank the entrance on the corner of Main Street, USA, facing Town Square.

The Emporium is by far the largest gift store within the Magic Kingdom, and is one of the key Town Square and Main Street USA landmarks, being the first building on the left side of Main Street as you approach the Castle from the park entrance.

In total it covers a complete "block" of the street and has been expanded even further along Main Street than before, now also encompassing the area that was previously occupied by Center Street.

The Emporium has several entrances and plenty of windows all of which are very well decorated.

Inside it sells practically anything to do with Disney, again most of which feature branding from one or more of the classic Disney characters or movies.

Another of the must-visit stores within the Magic Kingdom!