New technology has allowed us to show you these pictures in lifelike 3-D - but you have to follow the instructions below to achieve the optimal effect...

Designing an attraction so that guests exit out into a store is hardly a new concept. The trick is to make the store look like more than a hurdle that must be passed to get to the next ride. Some rides handle this better than others. Disneyland's "it's a small world" and Universal Studios Hollywood's Jurassic Park both empty directly into overcrowded shops. I resent having to push through a cash register line just to get outside again. DCA's Animation building, and Disneyland's Pinocchio have stores near the exit, but you can easily pass them by.

First you have to make sure both of your eyes are working. 3-D is a very difficult effect to pull off with anything less than two eyes...

Rizzo's Prop and Pawn shop is another degree removed. It's entirely possible to experience Muppet*Vision 3-D, and completely miss the store at the exit. It would be a shame if you did, though, because this store has some of the greatest Muppet merchandise assembled on the West Coast. (You right- coasters have been fortunate enough to have the WDW version for years). I've received a number of requests to talk about this store, so here it is - a small column on a small shop!

Once you've made sure both eyes are working - then you have to see that they are both pretty much in the same place. Not having eyes aimed in the same direction can make for distorted picture effects.

Rizzo's is housed in a shack, set between Muppet*Vision 3-D and Superstar Limo. The counters around the stand are made from stylized crates, boxes, barrels, tool boxes and equipment trunks.

Distorted picture effects, while fun for some, can cause problems for anyone ambling along in your way - Disney's phalanx of lawyers always suggest to Muppet Labs that both of your eyes should be pretty much on the same side of your head. We concur.

Like any self respecting Pawn Shop owner, Rizzo has decorated his shop with the merchandise. You'll find everything from Tiffany- style lamps to used costumes, and anything in between. Along the back walls, a series of lockers are used to house the merchandise.   

Now comes a critical test - can you see colors in the photo above? If you see green, blue and red - well, things could be a bit dicey for proper 3-D viewing. What you really want to see is Seafoam, Cobalt and Clay. Those colors were specially selected for California Adventure visitors you know.

The Cast Members who work in the shop have taken this one step further, and incorporated the real merchandise into the displays, like the poor stuffed Rizzo below.

Seeing the proper colors isn't all you need for advanced 3-D viewing of these photos. You also need to be able to see danger. Do you see danger in the photo above? If not, you may have not been listening in Mrs. Periwinkle's second grade class - you know, the day she discussed NOT picking up animals by their tails?

You'll also find a variety of humorous "policy" signs around the shop...

This photo is a very important test of you possible 3-D viewing abilities - it tests the concept of flat. Does this shot above look flat to you?

...along with a collection of signed photographs of the stars.

Now how about tall. Does this shot above look tall to you?

The merchandise is pretty much what you expect to find. 3 sizes of plush Muppets are available, from Keychain size to about 12" dolls.

3-D effects require the viewer to be able to distinguish between the small plush shown above...

They are all very detailed toys, with a variety of costumes and accessories.

...the medium sized plush directly above...

I love the keychain "Diva" Miss Piggy. Most of the characters from Muppet*Vision 3-D are available, including Waldorf and Statler, Bunsen and Beaker, and of course Miss. Piggy and Kermit.

...and the large sized plush shown here. Did you spot the size differences? Children can - they always spot the biggest (and most expensive) plush on the shelves!

The Animal character plush have been very popular, and the shop is expecting to receive some Bean Bunny dolls soon. 

If you want something Muppet to wear, consider a backpack...

Now here's an important 3-D viewing test - where are the backpacks in this photo? Hint - think plush...

...a t-shirt or sweatshirt.

They almost made the above shirt in 3-D - but it was front heavy.

I especially like the tie-dye shirts.

The above photo is especially effective in 3-D - in particular if you spent a lot of time in San Francisco during the sixties.

There is a small selection of other Muppet items - magnets and stickers, plus a collection of the Muppet videos. Of course, since this is a DCA store, you'll also find the requisite film, disposable cameras, water-fan bottles and silly hats. Rizzo's is also home to one of the parks new Pressed Penny machines. (More on those in a few weeks)

Now this is the final test before we can officially let you view these photos in 3-D - can you see the very lifelike smile on the cast member's face?

The CMs at Rizzo's get to wear a nifty little apron, and seem to really enjoy their shop. You usually see them carrying around a doll or two, and interacting with guests. On the day I took these photos, it was about 90 degrees outside. The two CMs were cheerful and smiling, despite the heat. One was very proud to point out the stuffed Rizzo in the trap, (photographed above), proclaiming "I did that!"

Now you are almost ready to experience this column (and photos like the above shot) in dazzling 3-D! Be sure to put on your special glasses - and behold the miracle of multi- dimensional viewing!

I think it's a fitting tribute to Jim Henson that just working with the characters he created makes people happy.  

What? Didn't you get the glasses we sent you? Are you sure you didn't get them? Well, look hard at the photo above - it should be a sign on a wall - you are actually seeing it the same way as if you were really there, right? Success!

Now remember to pick up all your belongings and exit through the open doors to your right. And we hope you enjoyed your visit to MousePlanet today.

Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix is the super-shopper behind MouseShoppe, your personal and unofficial shopping service for the Disneyland Resort, and the owner of CharmingShoppe, a Disney collectibles store located in Anaheim.

In addition to scouring the park to find you the latest and greatest merchandise, she keeps you updated on all of the merchandise events happening in the parks.

If you want to talk to her about this column, merchandise, or events, contact her here.

Visit our other shopping service, MouseMemories.com.

Don't forget to take a gander at our Disney CD and book selections available from

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