Rentals New York
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Car Rentals In New York City and FAO Schwarz
Brief History
Before taking your car rental in New York City to FAO Schwarz, read up on some interesting facts. Did you know that FAO Schwarz is the oldest toy store in the US? It is also one of the oldest retail establishments! Since it was founded in 1870 by a German immigrant, Frederick August Otto Schwarz, FAO Schwarz has evolved from a high-end specialty toy store into a world famous tourist destination and leader in the world of specialty toys. Originally, the chain had 40 stores in the US but in 2001 "The Right Start" company bought 22 of the 40 stores and the 18 remaining stores closed. In December 2002, Right Start filed for bankruptcy which forced all stores to close. Sold again to new owners, the New York City and Las Vegas stores reopened on Thanksgiving Day 2004. Today the NYC store on 5th Avenue is one of the most famous and popular buildings in NYC.
1st Floor
Once you pick up your car rental in New York City and arrive at FAO Schwarz, you will marvel at the 50,000 square feet of toys, fun and games all under one roof! Chill out at the Ice Cream Parlor where you can sit at the table and recharge on a premium ice-cream or one of the special creations from the store's "scoop-ologists". Right next to the Parlor is FAO Schweetz where you can stock up on your favorite hard-to-find candy by the pound. One of the best attractions of FAO Schwarz is their enormous life-sized stuffed animals! Visit the American Kennel Club and take home a prebred dog or puppy crafted by Steiff. Grown-ups can relive their childhood in the Classic Toys section where they will find familiar toys and childhood favorites. For a truly special gift, why not visit the Personalization Shop. Artists are at here at your service as they personalize your gifts according to your specifications. Handcrafted and artisan toys are also showcased in a special area on the 1st floor.
2nd Floor
As your go up the escalator to the 2nd floor you will find the store's enormous "dance-on-piano"! Featured in the 1988 Tom Hanks film "Big", Hanks and Robert Loggia played "Chopsticks" on this 22 foot piano. Today you can see a number of young performers direct from Broadway getting quite a workout with the tunes they tap out. You can also volunteer from the audience and produce your own tune! Here on the 2nd floor you will also find a Motion Simulator. This real virtual experience employs sharp graphics, surround sound, and hydraulic movements to impart a sense of realistic motion and experience. Little girls will feel like they're in doll heaven on this floor! Whether they are making their own doll at the Madame Alexander Doll factory, adopting a baby at the Lee Middletown Newborn Nursery or just browsing the extensive Barbie collection, this is the place to be! Boys can also make their own cars at the Hot Wheels Factory as well as visit the Lego Shop. Here you will find life-sized characters built out of pure Lego! Don't forget to visit the Toy Antiques and Collectibles room if you love old-fashioned toys.
Lower Floor
Scheduled to be completed by late summer of 2006, this is a special environment just for mothers and children. Dedicated to life stages from Baby through Toddler and Preschool, you will find special collections from Maclaren, Kate Spade, Neurosmith and much more. Be sure to take your car rental in New York City to FAO Schwarz and visit this special section once it's finished.
Miscellaneous Information
FAO Schwartz is located on 767 5th Avenue (5th Avenue at 58th Street). Be sure to map out this location before taking your car rental in New York City to this busy intersection. The store is opened Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. Please call 212-644-9400 (extension 4242) if you have any questions.
