Orlando’s American Girl store to host red-carpet movie screenings for ‘Grace Stirs Up Success”

Like so many other girls, my 10-year-old daughter loves just about everything about the American Girl brand. She reads the magazines and books, creates crafts, and, of course, plays with the dolls she owns. Having a much-anticipated American Girl store open in November in Orlando — there are only about two dozen total in the United States — was a dream come true and has increased opportunities for her and like-minded girls to participate in local experiences with their dolls.

The store at Florida Mall is hosting several special events this summer, which would be cause enough to celebrate, but many are low-cost and free to the public, too. When we stopped in the Orlando store last week, we found out about a fabulous event that is taking place this month to celebrate the release of the newest American Girl movie.

It has become a tradition during the past several summers for a new American Girl movie to be shown on television and released for purchase. This summer, the movie is “Grace Stirs Up Success,” which is based on the Girl of the Year, Grace Thomas, and her adventures in a trilogy of books. (The third in the series, “Grace Makes It Great,” was just released for summer.) In the books and the upcoming movie, Grace takes on the start of a baking business, an unexpected trip to Paris, an out-of-control dog and the desire to help her family out of a jam.

Our local American Girl store is hosting two VIP screenings of the movie on June 19, one at 11:30 a.m. and one at 2:30 p.m. The event begins by checking in at the store, where each person receives a goody bag. (In past years at similar events at other stores, the goody bag contained a doll-size popcorn, a movie poster and a take-home craft. No word yet on what this year’s goody bag will contain.) Then guests board a bus to the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, where they will walk a red carpet and pose for photos. They will have about an hour to an hour and a half to enjoy themed activities and crafts. Upon entering the theater, each guest will receive a small popcorn and drink. And the best part: Tickets to this event are just $10 apiece!

To attend one of the VIP movie screenings, you must make a reservation by calling 1-877-247-5223 and pre-pay for your party. The reservations are non-refundable and non-exchangable.

If you can’t make one of the screenings. “Grace Stirs Up Success” will be available on Digital HD on June 9 and for sale on Blu-ray and DVD formats on June 23.

American Girl stores also are promoting reading this summer with their new “Truly Me” events that will be held three times in each city. For those in Orlando, mark your calendars for June 11, July 9 and August 13. Girls are invited to stop in the store anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on those dates to make a bookmark, sign an inspirational poster, and explore the titles for summer reading. All participants will receive a doll-sized Truly Me tee (while supplies last). This event is free and open to the public.

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