Article by Aronda Parks
Walt Disney World
Vacation Planning Assistant
The Basin White store in the Grand Floridian is outfitted like a giant bathroom--it looks very different from the former Bally store that used to occupy this space. Similar in style and merchandise offerings to the Downtown Disney Marketplace Basin location, Basin White is designated as an "upscale" version. There is no overlap in product offerings between the two, according to a cast member at Basin White who Aronda interviewed on the afternoon of Sunday, March 18, 2007.
While at first glance the soaps, Bath Bombs, shampoo bars, and other items may look like those found at the Downtown Disney location, the fragrances are different, often using rarer, more luxurious materials. In addition, the Bath Bombs, for example, at Basin White are dipped in shea butter to make them more moisturizing than their Downtown Disney counterparts. Bar soaps are wrapped in tissue paper instead of the cellophane of Downtown Disney's bars.
The decor here is very "bathroom," with hexagonal black and white tiles on the floor, white tile backsplashes for the handwash sinks, and even a tiny clawfoot tub in which Bath Bomb demonstrations are given. The shelves are backlit, with bright, clean white finish to show off the brightly colored products. Additionally, the store's floor space has been increased over that used for Bally by opening a wall to a former stockroom--the storage area is now located elsewhere in the Grand Floridian! The shelves inside the display windows are scheduled to be lit from below, though they weren't ready when Aronda stopped by.
Basin White opened in November 2006, but closed down after the holiday season ended for a full remodel. It reopened in mid-March 2007 with its new look. If you're a fan of high-quality bath essentials, be sure to stop by Basin White, even if you're not staying at the Grand Floridian. You're sure to find a sweet-smelling bath treat for yourself--and maybe something to take home as a gift for a friend.
