By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MIDTOWN — The mouse is ready to make his comeback, and it's in the middle of what was once New York's main red-light district.
On Tuesday morning, the new Disney Store will officially open its doors in Times Square, adding another kid-themed stop to the ever more family-friendly block.
And for the lucky kids who got a sneak peek of the 20,000 square foot store inside the former Virgin Megastore, the largest one in the Disney store franchise, the experience was downright magical.
"I feel like I could stay here for hours," said 9-year-old Emily Allen, who visited the store from New Hampshire on Monday with her dad, Kevin and sisters Abigail, 5, and Jeanne, 11.
Emily said she liked playing with the stuffed animals best, but sister Abigail went straight for the "princess mirror" that plays animated scenes when a magic wand is waved in front of it.
"It’s definitely amazing," Jeanne gushed as she gazed around the store, smiling wide.
The store's official grand opening will be accompanied by a parade in Times Square starting at 9:30 a.m. featuring Mickey Mouse and the Toy Story characters, as well as Mayor Michael Bloomberg and celebrities Jordan Sparks and actress Brooke Shields, a spokeswoman for the company said.
The main floor is dominated by New York-themed souvenirs, including dozens of plush Mickey Mouse Statue of Liberties and "I Heart New York" t-shirts with Mickey ears in place of the hearts.
The second floor is awash with concept-store gimmicks like the "pixie dust trail" and a "Ridemakers Site" where kids can build their own "Cars" like the ones from the movie.
But the store's crowning jewel is its 20-foot-tall "Princess Castle," store officials said.
"The goal is to give kids the best 30 minutes of their day," Disney Store President Jim Fielding said.
And so far, it seems to be working.
"It’s awesome," said Ivana Vidal, 5, visiting from Puerto Rico, as she toted an Ariel costume around the store as her parents, Ivan and Pilar, stood by smiling.
"It’s a wonderful place," Pilar said. "It’s completely magic."
The store, located at 1540 Broadway, will be open from 9 a.m. to midnight every day except Sunday, when it will close at 11 p.m.
