(Review) World’s biggest Build-A-Bear Workshop in Orlando is worth the hype
The world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop is about to open in Orlando, and this isn’t the Build-A-Bear experience you remember from the mall. We got an early look inside the massive three-story destination at Icon Park to see whether this new attraction lives up to the hype.
Icon Park, located on International Drive in Orlando, Fla., will be home to the World’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop (B-A-B), which opens on Nov. 5, 2026.
From around Icon Park, the new two-story location is a prominent landmark. And after being among the very first guests to ever set foot inside, I can say it has become a landmark of my son’s childhood memories, or at the very least, a landmark memory for me.
We were invited to experience the new Workshop during a hosted media preview ahead of its public opening on Nov. 5, 2026. After exploring the building, creating stuffed animals and decorating a cupcake together, I can confidently say this is an attraction worth considering during an Orlando vacation.
WATCH: Our video below will help you get your bearings and see just how big this amazing Build-A-Bear Workshop really is.
Inside the world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop
Walking into the new Build-A-Bear Workshop at Icon Park is an experience in itself.
The first floor is bursting with color, from the oversized rainbow-colored stuffing stations to the playful displays and larger-than-life decorations. A dramatic staircase connects the levels, and nearly every direction offers something new to discover.
Guests select their furry friends, participate in the stuffing process and complete the traditional heart ceremony before dressing and accessorizing their creations, just like at a traditional B-A-B location, but this time it feels like a special attraction.
The new location also features an elaborate Scent Bar, where guests can explore different fragrances for their stuffed animals. Colorful displays showcase scents ranging from sweet treats to fruity and floral options.
The main merchandise floor features characters and merchandise inspired by franchises including “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter,” “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Toy Story,” plus a variety of standard Build-A-Bear friends, and a few Orlando-exclusive options too.
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Exclusive merchandise and themed shops
One of the biggest differences between this location and a typical Build-A-Bear Workshop is the variety of themed shopping areas. A dedicated Hello Kitty and Friends section features beloved Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and Pompompurin. The colorful pink displays give this area its own personality.
Pokémon fans will find another extensive collection, complete with a themed stuffing station and familiar characters such as Pikachu. This is the first spot my son gravitated towards and became a highlight, second only to the incredible Design Studio experience.
There’s also a Promise Pets section, with stuffed dogs and cats and adoption-themed accessories.
Build-A-Bear Design Studio offers a luxury experience
The new Build-A-Bear Design Studio is one of the flagship store’s most impressive additions. This personalized experience feels more like visiting a luxury boutique. Working with a design consultant, my son and I selected details for his custom stuffed animal, including fur colors and textures and fabrics for the paw pads.
Actual material samples allowed us to see and feel our choices before committing to a design. The process is remarkably personal, with a level of attention that reminded me of selecting fabrics and details for a special occasion.
Our finished creation was ready approximately 30–40 minutes after we completed the design process, although turnaround times may vary. We’ll explore the full Design Studio experience, including customization and pricing, in a separate review.
Build-A-Bear Bakeshop adds a sweet experience
The third-floor Build-A-Bear Bakeshop offers a colorful place to take a break, enjoy a treat or celebrate a special occasion. I can see myself stopping by here for some coffee and a sweet treat when in the area. There is no need to purchase any B-A-B merchandise to head up to the third floor rooftop to purchase something to enjoy at the bakeshop.
My son and I decorated a cupcake together while waiting for our custom Design Studio creation.
At $10, cupcake decorating is certainly more expensive than purchasing an ordinary cupcake. But the activity itself was fun to share, and the serving size was just right despite appearing small at first.
The Bakeshop also features cheerful seating and an outdoor terrace with views of the Orlando Eye and surrounding attractions. Epic Universe is the crowning jewel of this view and various fireworks, including Celestial Goodnight, are visible from this location.
Why Build-A-Bear is a perfect fit for Orlando
After experiencing the world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop with my son, I can’t imagine a better destination for it than Orlando.
Our city welcomes families from around the world, many of whom come for the enormous theme parks, thrilling rides and elaborate entertainment. But some of the most meaningful vacation memories happen during smaller, more personal experiences.
My son is approaching his preteen years, and I’m increasingly aware of how precious this stage of childhood is. He knows stuffed animals aren’t actually living creatures. Yet he’s still willing to suspend disbelief, participate wholeheartedly in the heart ceremony and use his imagination to bring his new furry friends to life.
That’s where I think this Build-A-Bear Workshop has something particularly valuable to offer Orlando visitors.
Between the packed theme park itineraries, long attraction queues and pressure to fit everything into a vacation, families can spend time here at the world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop creating something together.
Orlando has no shortage of spectacular attractions. Sometimes, though, it’s the quieter moments of childhood magic that stay with us longest.
Photo courtesy of Icon Park
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