Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. Outlet Intern Julia Mascardo (when she’s not breaking all of Florida’s child labor laws with Lily’s Best Week Ever series) and I had a solid month of discount shopping. A surprising amount of great items for babies, Stitch plush the size of a human toddler, and some next level bonkers items straight from Canada.

Ready to see what we we found? Alright, let’s go!

Regular readers of MMM may remember a couple months ago when we ran across one of our bucket list items in the Disney Contemporary Resort Monorail Accessory. This month another one of our “always wanted” items arrived in the form of the Tree Of Life adventure playset! The Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom has always been my favorite Disney Park Icon, and this is one heckuva great toy to celebrate it. A whole bunch of accessories come with it, including 7 (“7?,” “Yeah, 7″) tiny figures. Have seen this in the stores for a long time and just couldn’t justify it at $54.99. I mean, even the packaging is tempting, but that’s what we in the blogging game call “Len Testa money.” Seeing at the Outlets for $24.99 was a no-brainer.

Look at this E-Ticket packaging. Huey, Dewey, & Louie AND a reference to Pixar’s UP? Pinch me, I’m dreaming.

BEHOLD THE MAGIC OF THE TREE OF LIFE ADVENTURE PLAYSET!

 

This Goofy plush was surprisingly large, almost about the size of an American Girl doll. The clothes look and feel like you could remove them, but there’s only so creepy I can be inside a store packed with strangers. I’m already not allowed with 500 yards of any IMAX theater because of what shall forever be known as The Popcorn Incident. Anyway, this plush was originally $34.99, reduced to $19.99. I would have bought one if it was under $10.

Great looking Sorcerer Mickey plush. Originally $19.99, now $9.99. If my house wasn’t going to be the season finale of Hoarders on A&E TV, I would have bought one.

Elena of Avalor plush. Originally $24.99, now $12.99.

Couldn’t pass up this “Gardening Minnie” plush from this year’s EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival. She’s already at home in our yard. Originally $19.99, now $7.99.

Plenty were available.

This was a weird one. A plush beaver with “Canada 150” on its shirt. Was there a big celebration in 1926 for the 150th anniversary of America? This was reduced to just $3.99, so they probably sold a total of like 5 at the Canada Pavilion in World Showcase. Actually, I’m not even sure why I considered this unusual considering the last time I covered merchandise from the Canada gift shop it was selling maple syrup bottles shaped like a hockey player.

 

Next up was was a giant Stitch plush that was over 2 feet tall. On the Twitter machine various Cast Members were showing pictures at Cast Connection (the store we mentioned last year that is located on Disney property where only Disney CMs have access to) with boxes and boxes of these humongous plush Stich. Who knows why Disney ended up with so many extra. All I can report is that there is no truth to the rumors and innuedo that they are stuffed with all the asbestos taken out of the Pop Century rooms during their recent renovation. Originally priced at $69.99, now $29.99.

Speaking of Stitch, here is a fun little window decal. Originally $9.99, now $5.99.

I liked this Little Mermaid toy set a lot. It was hard to get a picture because every straight on photo came back with a ton of glare, but you can get the gist with the angled pic here. The set contained a bunch of sea themed instruments including a harp, horn, drums, rattle and castanets. Originally $29.99, this was reduced to $12.99.

This small soccer ball had several Disney princesses on it, including Ariel. It was reduced to $5.99.

Nice little Big Hero 6 figurine playset featuring each member of the team. Reduced to $7.99.

This Thor: Ragnarok set was also $7.99. Love the Valkyrie and Gladiator Hulk figures.

This was a box filled just with track made for Disney Railroad toy set. Originally $14.99, now $6.99.

It’s pretty amazing how much sleeker and cool the Disney Monorails look compared to ours down here in Florida. Even their toy versions look better (although ours have special features like “parts falling off action!“) This set featured 8 tiny figures that could ride the monorail and was reduced to $34.99. This was a tough one to pass up and I wouldn’t have been able to say no if it was $24.99 or $19.99.

Despite the seemingly thousands of items that have been shipped over from Shanghai Disneyland in the last several months, some new ones are still showing up, such as this Jake & the Never Land Pirates Spyglass and Sword set. Reduced to $7.99.

For those of you going to the Toy Story Land grand opening this weekend in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the items they are selling for full retail is a Little Green Alien Glow Necklace. At the Outlets they were $1.99.

It doesn’t happen often, but there are times when items are sold at the Disney Outlets which aren’t discounted. It was surprising to see this Pride-themed tumbler show up in June, and I didn’t see any of the cups with a reduced price tag. The original price was $26.99.

The “Animator’s Collection” is one of my favorite styles of Disney merchandise. It’s like a mixture of Disney animation along with the “big eye” type of art you often see in Japanese anime. Now, I can’t remember the last time I saw a mason jar in Orlando that didn’t have a giant milkshake being served in it, but these cups would do quite well for that purpose. Originally $14.99, now $5.99.

Elsa coffee cup with her hair as the handle. Not exactly sure where that falls on the weirdo scale, but its in the upper half. I love that the rest of the cup is a very artistic take on the Frozen theme, and then a blonde ponytail handle stuck to the side. Originally $21.95, now $5.99.

Oh good, it’s signed. I promise that when TouringPlans offers a SATURDAY SIX coffee cup in the Cafe Press store, there’s gonna big “DEREK!” signature at the top of each one.

Not that often we get to see an item from Big Thunder Railroad around these here parts. Originally $15.99, now $5.99.

These Test Track cups probably needed to be taken out of the parks before the upcoming Tron Lightcycle ride at Magic Kingdom filed a case of gimmick infringement. Originally $15.99, now $5.99.

Muppets cup. Originally $12.95, now $5.99.

Next up are some Star Wars themed coffee cups. All were originally $15.99, now $5.99.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror coffee cup. Originally $17.95, now $5.99.

And the Tower of Terror tumbler. Originally $17.95, now $5.99.

As cool as some of the designs are, I’m pretty convinced every single item made for the “28 and Main” brand has ended up at the Outlets. It’s like the Ed Hardy of theme park merchandise apparently. This container is used for who knows what, and is themed to King Louie from the Jungle Book. What was the sales pitch for creating this item? Who heard it and said, “Yeah, that sounds like it will sell.” I need to do some sort of undercover investigation to get the answer to these questions. Originally $29.99, now $12.99.

These roses actually “lit up” via battery. Originally where $6.57, now $3.99.

Speaking of light up, here is a pair of Made With Magic Mickey Ears. They are much heavier than your average pair of Mickey Ears, and you’ll see in the following photo there is a giant layer of foam added inside. It should come as no surprise the only time you see more than 2 of these at any showing of Fantasmic is when Disney is having some sort of media event and hands them out free to the media members and us lowly bloggers. Reduced to $9.99.

Set of Mickey Ears themed to Alice in Wonderland, the good one, not the Johnny Depp version. Originally $17.95, now $4.99.

These Little Mermaid themed Mickey Ears were originally $24.99, now $5.99.

Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary Mickey Ears. That’s right, from 2016. Originally $21.99, now $4.99.

Cute Goofy hat for kids. Reduced to $5.99.

Tall Minnie Mouse princess hat. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

This art style reminds me of a mashup of Disney and the TV show Saved By The Bell. I approve big time. Reduced to $4.99.

Another fine item from the Canada Pavilion. Reduced to $8.99.

The strangest part about this Mickey Mouse hat, other than Mickey’s torso, is that it is made for ADULTS. Originally $24.99, now $7.99.

Here’s the underside of the brim of the hat. I guess that – at least in terms of Disney park tickets – kids become an “adult” after the age of 9, this makes more sense.

“Hello darkness my old friend…” Love seeing more and more of these Metal Earth items show up, as I still haven’t gotten over the trauma of when I tried to put one together. I’ve always loved the design of Mickey’s Fun Wheel out in DCA, so I did pick up one of these and will bribe Captain Cruiseline of the DCL Blog to make it for me. Reduced to $7.99.

They also had Sleepy Beauty Castle available, also at $7.99. I believe this is one of the only Metal Earth kits that is at a 1:1 ratio to the actual landmark.

It takes one heckuva cool magnet for me to even THINK about buying, but this one featuring the Wilderness Lodge succeeded in making me crack open the wallet. Reduced to $2.99.

Animal Kingdom magnet, also reduced to $2.99.

Artsy magnet featuring Ariel, Belle, and Cinderella. Reduced to $3.99.

This pair of Princess themed sunglasses came from Shanghai Disneyland. Reduced to $5.99.

Also from Shanghai is this Tinker Bell pen. Reduced to $2.99.

Mickey, Minnie, and Woody kites, all from Shanghai. Reduced to $4.99.

I think the Disney Outlet Stores received approximately 1,000,000 of each design for these Shanghai Disneyland Grand Opening pins. This one featuring Duffy the Disney Bear was reduced to $2.99.

Daisy was also priced at $2.99.

Change purse featuring the “monkey” from Shanghai Disneyland Garden of the 12 Friends line. Priced at $2.99.

You put the Little Orange Bird on a piece of merchandise, I’m going to buy it, that’s my policy. This set of 24 coasters featured 6 designs. Originally $14.99, now $4.99

This was the BIGGEST LIGHTNING MCQUEEN MATTEL HAS EVER MADE for those of you keeping score at home. Originally $29.99, now $19.99.

Neat toy featuring Mickey Mouse on a Soarin’ hang glider. It had three small wheels so you could roll it around. Originally $7.95, reduced to $2.99.

LOVED this postcard featuring Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride. Bought one of these. Originally $4.99, now $1.99.

This Beauty & the Beast postcard had art by Jeremiah Ketner and was titled “Gentle Companion.” Also priced at $1.99.

“Feisty Fairy” postcard by artist Cody Reynolds. Also $1.99.

Turns out we have another item from 2016 this month. A keychain commemorating the DCL Alaska sailing on the Wonder.

Animal Kingdom Lodge keychain.

There were a TON of these pins featuring the villain from Big Hero 6 priced at $3.99. How many people really needed a pin featuring the bad guy from Big Hero 6? THIS IS INSANE.

Eric Bischoff of the new 83 Weeks podcast is fond of saying “context is king” and I have absolutely no idea what the context for “Let It Glow” was. Pin was reduced to $5.99. Maybe it was only sold in the Magic Kingdom and was referencing the lights on the castle? Let us know if the comments below if you have an idea.

Sorry, I don’t have the strength for this one. $5.99.

Frozen themed snow globe. This picture is showing both sides of the item. Originally $11.99, now $6.99.

This hoodie from Pandora: The World of Avatar was originally $46.99, reduced to $7.99. You can’t not NOT buy it at that price, right?

Here is the back of the hoodie.

Another shirt from Pandora. Originally $36.99, now $12.99. There’s a reason why Pandora in the Animal Kingdom seemingly has a million people in it at all times and no one is walking around with a bag from the gift shop.

Check this out. Some sort of full length body wear blanket that may cause me to never sleep again. I’ve never worn or seen a “Snuggie” in real life. Is this kind of what they are? Priced at $11.99.

Very cute Minnie Mouse dress. Originally $29.95, now $9.99.

This Cinderella dress was originally $198. Not a typo. Almost 200 bucks. It was reduced to $59.99. My parents probably didn’t spend $200 a year on my clothing when I was growing up. And it was at Montgomery Ward. AND GET OFF MY LAWN YOU PESKY KIDS!

Here’s some of the detail on the dress.

This is a great Buzz Lightyear onesie. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

Disney Cruise Line themed onesies. Castaway Cay one was originally $17.95, now $8.99 while Squirt’s was originally $19.99, now $12.99.

As a longtime Marvel Comics fan, the next couple outfits broke my heart as my family just had a baby girl introduced to the world after a string of boys. This Iron Man outfit was originally $24.99, now $9.99.

Spider-Man, also priced at $9.99.

And this unbelievably cut Hulk outfit.

Kid’s hat and mittens, originally $21.95, now $4.99.

Bought the Minnie version for the little girl who recently came into our family. Also priced at $4.99.

Nu-Wave Mickey Mouse shirts. From Left to right ($34.99 now $9.99, $34.99 now $7.99, and $34.99 now $9.99).

This one was $32.99, reduced to $8.99. A white t-shirt in Florida combined with the average quality of shirt that Disney makes is just asking for trouble.

Goofy shirt, originally $39.99, now $14.99.

Lightning McQueen shirt for kids. Reduced to $9.99.

Star Wars shirt for kids. Originally $21.99, now $7.99.

There’s just something about big dolls being brought to the Outlets this month. Here is a Yoda that is possibly life sized. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

That’s the face they went with. Wow.

Not even the weirdest piece of Yoda merchandise available. That award goes to this hat for adults. Originally $24.95, now $4.99.

This was a real item sold in a real store to real people.

Wicket the Ewok hat. Originally $28, now $7.99.

“Limited Release” MagicBand featuring Luke Skywalker from The Last Jedi. There’s been a lot of weird drama lately about the Last Jedi film and – for those interested – I’m in the camp that it was great. The battle between Luke and Kylo at the end was terrific. Anyway, the MagicBand was priced at $7.99.

Rogue One Vinylmation are $6.99 each. That makes ZERO sense.

There’s literally a Disney pin for everything. This one was reduced to $5.99.

If you happen to decorate your Christmas tree with characters from The Last Jedi, than I have the perfect set for you. Just send me the address of the insane asylum you’ll be spending the holidays at this year and I’ll ship them right out. Originally $39.99, now $19.99.

Direct from Shanghai is this Darth Vader case that looks a lot like the Vader action figure case I grew up with. This one doesn’t hold cool action figures though, it holds those next level bonkers Hot Wheels cars that try to look like Star Wars characters. Priced at $9.99.

It comes pre-packed with three pieces of nightmare fuel cars.

This was kind of neat. A Star Wars backpack that advertised that it comes with “one-time use decals” allowing you to customize it. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

Star Wars shirt. Exactly who was this made for? It can’t be for couples. It has to be for a single person, right? Who buys this? Who wears this? Originally $24.99, now $4.99.

Mickey and Minnie in their wedding outfits as Salt and Pepper shakers. Priced at $7.99.

I feel like this month’s items are never going to end. They just get weirder and weirder. Originally $9.99, now $4.99.

If I were a “charm guy” I’d get this cool Disneyland one. Priced at $5.99.

Bought this Disney Jr. puzzle set for the kiddos in our family. Disney Jr. is like crack for them. Doesn’t matter what show or what episode, if one starts playing on the TV it has their full attention. Originally $9.99, now $3.99.

No idea where this sword was being sold on property, but we have a young knight in our family who is obsessed with swords, so I picked one up. It’s incredibly shiny compared to any other sword that I’ve seen at Disney. Maybe it’s themed to the one Tom Staggs fell on after the MyMagic+ bill came due. Priced at $8.99.

I like this “8 bit” style pillow featuring characters from Frozen. Originally $27.99, now $10.99.

Alice in Wonderland ornament set. Originally $22.99, now $7.99. Really like that drawing of Mickey and Minnie in the sleigh at the bottom of the box.

 

We’re going out with a bang this month. Easter Bunny outfit for your Duffy the Disney Bear. Priced at $11.99. EDIT: Thanks to a reader it has been pointed out this is indeed a “Tramp” costume from Lady & the Tramp. The collar probably should have been a better indication for me than it was.

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH FOR THE GRAND SPECTACULAR 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE OUTLET REPORT!

 

Before we go, I want to give everyone an update to something I mentioned last month. Unfortunately our puppy Sebastian passed away earlier this month. We were more than blessed to be able to have spent 17 1/2 years with first ballot Hall of Famer dog. He brought joy to everyone who met him and was the most loving pet I’ve ever had in my life. I still look for him every night when I go to bed. I want to thank everyone who posted thoughts here, on the Twitter machine, and in the TouringPlans Lines app. The hole in my life without him is a great one, but thankfully I’m surrounded by a whole bunch of great friends – like SAT SIX editor in chief Megan Stump and my podcast arch-nemesis Patrick Hackett – and of course the readers of this fine blog series. Except that person who keeps asking which Outlet Store the pictures come from. That person isn’t helping my stress level at all.

Sebastian was always great on the rides up to Orlando to visit Disney and Universal.

Here’s Sebastian at the Best Friends Pet Care on Disney property (across from Port Orleans Riverside.)

After his brother Lancelot passed away several years ago, Sebastian didn’t care at all for dog toys. For some reason he loved this Naked Mole Rat plush we bought at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Go figure.

Goodbye Sebastian. We will always love you.

There are actually two Disney outlet stores in Orlando. Both are in Orlando Premium Outlet shopping complexes, and they are called Disney’s Character Warehouse, presumably because The Land Of Misfit Toys was already trademarked. There is one Character Warehouse located on International Drive close to Universal Studios (4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819), and the other is on Vineland Avenue, right across I-4 near the exits to Disney World (8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821). They do not ship. There are items at the Outlets that you can buy both in Disney stores along with the Shop Disney Parks app, but you will be paying full retail for the items.

Previous editions of Magic, Memories, and Merch: July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014, December 2015, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015. June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015. December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, October 2016, November 2016, December 2016, January 2017, February 2017, March 2017, April 2017, May 2017, June 2017, July 2017: The FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY special, August 2017, September 2017, October 2017 (tribute to the O.O.G.), November 2017, December 2017, January 2018, February 2018, March 2018, April 2018,  and May 2018.

We also did an edition of Magic, Memories, and Junk for a non-Disney owned Outlet Store, and for you merch addicts like myself, you may also enjoy a look at the official Disney merchandise available on the Disney Cruise Line, Castaway Cay, and at the Orlando International Airport. Want to see our favorite WDW resort-specific merchandise? Well, CLICK HERE!

If you liked what you read here, you may enjoy THE SATURDAY SIX articles every week on the TouringPlans.com blog and you can follow your humble author on Twitter (@derekbugan).