There is a unique and profound nostalgia that washes over you the moment you step near a Build-A-Bear Workshop. This feeling might be rooted in the cherished memories of your childhood, like the excitement of stuffing your very first bear, the tactile pleasure of selecting a soft, plush body, and the special moment of picking out a tiny, heart-shaped token and making a wish before it was lovingly sewn inside. You may also feel a wave of warmth as you watch your own children or younger relatives partake in the same joyful experience decades later, creating their own delightful memories.For nearly thirty years, Build-A-Bear has cemented its place in the retail landscape, blending the roles of a store, an interactive experience, and a repository of core childhood memories. The brand has thrived on its ability to connect with shoppers of all ages through a mix of creativity, personalization, and sheer fun.Credit: Build-A-BearNow, an exciting chapter is set to unfold as the brand prepares to unveil its largest and most ambitious location to date, an establishment that promises to be a landmark experience right in the heart of Orlando. The world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop will be opening its doors at ICON Park on International Drive, a bustling entertainment destination.What makes this new location particularly noteworthy is that it is not merely a bigger version of the traditional Build-A-Bear store; it has been designed as an immersive attraction. With expanded interactive elements, unique themed experiences, and an array of exclusive products, this location is poised to elevate the Build-A-Bear experience to new heights, inviting visitors to not just shop but to engage in imaginative play and nostalgia in a whole new way.What’s Actually Being Built in OrlandoThe new flagship is a two-story, multi-level location currently under construction at ICON Park, with the official groundbreaking having taken place on July 31, 2025. As of July 2026, construction is moving quickly. Large sections of floor-to-ceiling glass have been installed, exterior framing is nearly complete, and crews are actively working on the rooftop level and upper facade. A circular rotunda has taken shape as well, which may serve as the store’s main entrance.The building has already become a prominent landmark visible from around ICON Park, which makes sense given the company’s stated goal of maximizing visibility on International Drive, one of the busiest tourist corridors in the country.Build-A-Bear partnered with design firm Chute Gerdeman for the project, the same firm behind the FAO Schwarz New York flagship, where Build-A-Bear currently operates a successful shop-in-shop. That pedigree matters, because this location is being designed as what the company calls retail-tainment, a blend of experiential retail and entertainment rather than a traditional storefront.Build-A-Bear Workshop will soon have a spacious, upscale option in Orlando at a new Icon Park location: https://t.co/EmfiR2A9Qo pic.twitter.com/6Lqtu3y8Zf— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) July 2, 2026 What Guests Will Find InsideThe details revealed so far paint a picture of something genuinely different from any existing Build-A-Bear location. The store will feature a rooftop area designed for multi-generational appeal, offering food and beverages, with part of the space enclosed to protect guests from unpredictable Florida weather. An outdoor courtyard area is also part of the design.One of the most intriguing elements revealed during a June 2026 presentation is an appointment-based experience on the second floor, which company officials describe as offering the highest level of customization Build-A-Bear has ever created. Guests who book the experience will leave with a completely one-of-a-kind furry friend designed exclusively for them, something no other guest on the planet will ever duplicate.There are also reports of a slide being incorporated into the design, giving guests of all ages a reason to explore the different levels of the building.Credit: Build a BearWhen It Opens in OrlandoBuild-A-Bear has not yet announced an official opening date for the new flagship. During a recent International Drive Chamber presentation, company officials said they are targeting the very end of summer 2026, though the opening could slip slightly into early fall as they await final approval on one remaining permit. Coming Summer 2026 signage remains posted around the construction site, and the location is now listed as Coming Soon on the ICON Park guest map.In the meantime, Build-A-Bear’s existing smaller location at ICON Park continues to operate, with hours listed as 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.Why Orlando Makes Perfect SenseThe location choice is no accident. ICON Park sits at the center of Orlando’s entertainment district, surrounded by more than 150 hotels and within easy reach of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. Orlando draws roughly 74 million visitors annually, and Build-A-Bear has made clear that this project is part of a multi-year strategic expansion focused specifically on tourist and hospitality destinations.There is also a broader story in who Build-A-Bear serves these days. The company has noted that its collectible market of teens and adults represents 40 percent of its sales, meaning this location is being designed for far more than young children. The rooftop food and beverage space, the appointment-based customization experience, and the multi-generational design philosophy all point toward a location built for every age group that walks through ICON Park.For families already planning Orlando trips, this gives International Drive one more legitimate stop beyond the theme parks. And for Build-A-Bear fans who grew up with the brand, the world’s largest Workshop might be worth the trip all on its own. Keep an eye on the official Build-A-Bear website for opening date announcements as the end of summer approaches.Source: Icon ParkThe post The World’s Largest Build-A-Bear Opens This Year, and Orlando Is Getting It appeared first on Inside the Magic.