American Girl Place

11/04/06

Fun for ALL ages!

by svhaggard at Citysearch

I got into American girl dolls when I was seven years old and was finally able to visit the American Girl Place when I was 20. I had a blast! Yes it was crowded and yes the cafe was pricey, but it was a lot of fun to just look around at all the things they have to offer. As long as you are familiar with the merchandise, youwon't suffer from such sticker shock when you see the price of some of the dolls. I personally wish they had clothes in my size so I could have had my picture made with my Felicity doll, too. Even my mom and aunt had a wonderful time. It's a great way to spend a couple of hours as long as the crowds don't bother you!

• Pros: unique experience, something for almost everyone (little brothers might not enjoy it)
• Cons: crowds

10/13/06

A veritable entertainment complex dedicated to the popular dolls and their fans.

by Contributor at Citysearch

Overview
American Girl is a well-known line of dolls that includes historic choices, "just-like-me" options (a wide variety of different skin tones and accessories to match the doll owner), baby dolls of a more traditional ilk, culturally diverse figurines and more. Like Disneyworld is to Mickey Mouse, this Chicago attraction is built on the A.G. phenomenon and comprises three floors of shopping, dining and entertainment right off Michigan Avenue.

Features
It houses several boutiques showcasing the line's many collections, plus clothes (both doll and people), accessories, books and toys. A theater hosts a live-action production about friendship that spans centuries and social backgrounds; there's also a doll hair salon, exhibition galleries and a photo studio where doll owners may pose for pictures with their favorite Girls. The cafe serves brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner to those with reservations (and their dolls), and offers birthday party packages.

08/19/02

Is This Healthy?

by goheidigo at Citysearch

I think the American Girl dolls are an imaginative and educational idea. Very inspirational stories about girls and women. However to walk into this stale, expensive, overly commercialized store throws that whole wonderful concept right out the window! It is all about what NOT to teach our little girls. Except for a lack luster stage show(that's not cheap!), no culture or educational opportunities here. Besides the pricey merchandise, the stage show, and the restaurant upstairs, they also offer a photo studio that no little girl can pass up because she wants to be on the cover of a made-up magazine! Topic of discussions in the store - "How much money can Mommy & Daddy spend" not to mention the frightening sight of watching girls with these doll clones! Okay, one or two on the street is tolerable, even sometimes cute but 30 in one place is a Hitchcock movie!

• Pros: Good Location
• Cons: Expensive, Overrated, Unimaginative

07/31/02

I want to be a little girl again

by winnie29 at Citysearch

When American Girl first opened up, the displays were awesome and well organized. I enjoyed looking at the displays so much I had to drag a few of my dates there and I am proud to say even they were astounded. Nowadays, I am unhappy with the displays. They are now not inviting and exciting to look at. Just look junky. What happened? Please, put the displays back to the way they were when you first opened.