User blog:Mobo85/Phineas and Ferb Take Manhattan

Today in New York City, Disney opened a new store in Times Square, right in the heart of Broadway. And I was actually there to see it! I was standing in the front row right next to someone who was tweeting for the Disney news fansite Stitch Kingdom and the wife of songwriter of Avenue Q fame, who had co-written an original song with her husband for the ceremony. (Interestingly, Mr. Lopez has also co-written a song for an upcoming Phineas and Ferb episode, according to Martin Olson.) Not surprisingly, given their popularity and Disney's hopes of them becoming their next big franchise, Phineas and Ferb took their part alongside the other realms of Disney in both the store and its opening ceremony.

As we waited for the opening ceremony to begin, a number of videos featuring previews of upcoming Disney movies and games were played on the billboard outside, along with a few music videos- one of which was the world premiere of the video for Phineas and Ferb's version of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas," as heard on the "Holiday Favorites" album. Mrs. Lopez in particular seemed to be amused by their spin on the familiar carol, the video for which features clips from the Christmas special alongside some new animation. When the big event finally started, Phineas and Ferb were among the Disney characters who took to the stage, alongside some Disney princesses, Buzz Lightyear, and, of course, Mickey and Minnie Mouse. My view was somewhat obscured by the Disney camera crew in front of me, but I was able to get a good view of the characters, especially Phineas and Ferb, who appeared to, among other things, do a little dance as "New York, New York" played introducing Mayor Bloomberg as he welcomed Disney back to New York City.

Not surprisingly, the store itself has a nice little selection of Phineas and Ferb items. They're the same items you can find in Disney Stores across the country and their website, but they were new to me since I don't have a Disney Store near me. And there were a couple of items I hadn't seen yet, including the second wave of JAKKS Pacific action figures and some pencils with their tops in the shape of Phineas, Ferb, Doofenshmirtz, Perry, and Agent P. As I left the store with my new Phineas and Ferb tote bag with my Phineas, Ferb, and Candace beanbag dolls inside, one of the "cast members" added a "what'cha doin'" as she bid me farewell. Both Disney and Phineas and Ferb are known for doing things big, so it's no surprise that that was the case as the both of them came to Broadway!