Build a Bear questions

Artslvr

The girls (almost 5 y.o. and almost 3 y.o.) got gift cards to Build a Bear for Christmas. Not sure what the amount is on them.  Anyway, I know nothing of Build A Bear - I have questions for anyone who has been:

Are they old enough to go - and "get it?" 

Little brother is at daycare today, so it's a Mama and The Girls kind of day.  Am I crazy to think about taking them today?  During a week when a bunch of kids are off from school - do these places turn into a zoo? 

Anyone been to the Tysons or Fair Oaks or National Harbor Build A Bear places  and think there is one that's better than others?

Any other tips?  I've never been - I assume you build a bear? 

northernvabride

We took our 3 year old to the one at Fair Oaks and she got it for the most part.  She really liked how they got to pick out a heart for the bear and put it inside after she had warmed it up in her hands.  She also liked that she got to pick out the amount of stuffing that went in the bear.  I am not sure you get as much hands on attention when it's busy, but we had a great experience when we went.  The clothes and accessories can be pricey, so we really tried to stick with just the bear (although we actually got a cat and a rabbit, not a bear).  They get to print out a birth certificate too and they will have to pick out a name, so have them thinking about that too, since you don't want to feel rushed.  I think it will be busy, but fun. 

Artslvr

Thanks for this - just got back! We looked on-line ahead of time so they could see their choices of bears (and other critters) and outfits and stuff.  I also got DD #1 thinking of a name for the bear ahread of time.  We went to the one in Potomac Mills - my mom went with us, so then we went to Denny's to be Ladies Who Lunch.  Thanks for the advice - all in all a very fun experience.  Oh, and weirdly not crowded at all, but we got there a few minutes after it opened, so I bet that helped.