If there is one thing that Disney has more of than anything else, it’s merchandise. No matter where you are in a Disney theme park, you are never far from a place where you can buy something. And while there is A LOT of Disney merchandise for sale in the parks, some guests think that there are too many stores selling the same kind of thing.
That’s why it was a big surprise earlier this summer when guests visiting Disneyland Park noticed that a store had been closed and all the merchandise had been moved to a different location.
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On May 2, guests visiting New Orleans Square noticed that Port Royal Curios and Curiosities had been transformed from a merchandise location to a new seating area overnight. The new seating spot added some much-needed space to an area that had limited seating, where guests could purchase a delicious meal from Royal Street Veranda and then actually have somewhere to sit.
The former Haunted Mansion shop in Port Royal has transformed (nearly overnight) into a jazz club!
Much needed as it adds plenty of seating for Royal Street Veranda.
The former Haunted Mansion shop in Port Royal has transformed (nearly overnight) into a jazz club!
Much needed as it adds plenty of seating for Royal Street Veranda. pic.twitter.com/fQYn1gxRAZ
— Critter Club HQ (@CritterClubHQ) May 2, 2025
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It was assumed that the store, which sold Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) merchandise, had closed due to the opening of Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond shop last December. It seemed unnecessary for there to be two stores featuring Haunted Mansion merchandise.
But now it seems like Disney decided to change its mind and make Port Royal Curios a store once again.
Popular Disney Instagram account Foodatdisneyland shared photos of the seating area gone, and the store full of Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise once again.
Port Royal Curios and Curiosities Reopens as a retail Location at Disneyland
Just like that, this location has returned to being a retail shop after being converted into an extra seating location for nearby quick service dining options. The shop is loaded with lots of new merchandise too! Swipe through for pictures and videos of this returned retail shop. What do you think?
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Overall, commenters were disappointed in the change, feeling that there were enough stores in the theme park. They noted that the dining area had air conditioning, and it was a really nice place to be able to relax and recharge.
Booooo the seating was so useful in that spot 
Well that was short lived. The seating was great with the air conditioning. Nice break from the heat
We dont need MORE gift shops selling the same merch. The seating was nice
However, there were some people who were glad to see it back, saying Port Royal Curios was one of their favorite stores in the park.
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Prior to its closure, Port Royal Curios sold both Haunted Mansion and Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise, but the “new” store appears to only sell Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise.
Guests looking to purchase Haunted Mansion merchandise can head over to Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, which is located right outside the exit to the attraction.
Do you think Disney should have changed the new seating area back into a store, or should it have remained an air-conditioned relaxation space? Are there too many stores in Disney theme parks for the amount of merchandise sold? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments!
The post Fans Disappointed as Disney Destroys Seating Area, Reopens Shuttered Store appeared first on Inside the Magic.
