Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch!, the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. We had a bunch of interesting pieces of merchandise this month, including the first of what will probably be many “rose gold” items, the return of Tsum Tsums, and an item from the Expedition Everest gift shop I’ve personally waited a long time for. Of course Christela McC is also here with a look at some Outlet items from California.

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

There are some momentous days at Ye Olde Disney Outlet – such as the Great MagicBand Dump of 2017 – and this month we had another one for the books as the fabled Banshee puppet from Pandora: The World of Avatar arrived at the Outlets at the price of $29.99. We mentioned last year in this fine blog series that pallets of banshees have appeared at Cast Connection (the “outlets” for Disney Cast Members), but this was the first time that any Banshee has made it to the Character Warehouse outlets that are available to us regular people.

Once thought to be Disney’s answer to Universal’s Wizarding World wands, in the long run the Banshees may turn out to be more like pogs, Furbies, or Disney Vinylmation. Disney would only have themselves to blame for this, as the “Connect with a Banshee” experience at the Rookery in Pandora was a well-executed merchandise concept. It looked cool, guests loved it, and Banshees flew off the shelves to fans and eBay pirates alike. But, like almost any good merchandise item that falls into their lap, Disney then went about doing everything they could to kill the golden goose. Prices went up, guests were encouraged to skip the “connecting” process to just buy a pre-boxed Banshee, and instead of being sold solely in Pandora, you could easily pick up a Banshee at the front of the park gift shop. It also doesn’t help that the sheer amount of eBay pirates down here artificially inflated demand for certain products, which probably makes Disney this overall popularity for things is much higher than it really is. (tl;dr version:  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, good luck with that shoulder monkey-lizard puppet.)

ALL THAT SAID, only one color of Banshee has made it the Outlets (although several colors have gone to Cast Connection). Maybe some of the rest are doing great sales. Heck, they just released a Banshee themed to the Night Blossom drink, something which would be next level bananas if internal reports didn’t indicate there was at least a hard core collector’s audience for this stuff. As always, keeping track of Banshee discounts will be our #1 priority here at the MMM headquarters.

Speaking of discounted Pandora merchandise, shockingly more of it arrived this month. First up is this plush featuring the creepy Avatar monkey (I mean, PROLEMURIS) that was originally $19.99, now $7.99. Of course I bought one, c’mon now.

Last month we saw the debut of the Pandora light-up flip flops, but all they had were kid sizes. This month EVERY SIZE of these Na’vi flip flops were available. There were originally $34.99, reduced to $14.99. All reviews I had seen of them said that they were extremely uncomfortable and don’t work well at all in the actual land of Pandora. So that can mean only one thing…

 

I HAD TO BUY THEM.

 

The bottom of the shoes light up, but don’t work nearly as well as you think it would. I had to hit these really hard to get the lights to come on, and the lights don’t stay on long at all.

 

Here’s a picture of them on my feet. They are seriously the most uncomfortable flip flops I have ever worn. I could easily overlook that if the lights would brightly light up with every step you take, but actual effort needs to be made most of the time to get them to briefly light up. Since I’m not a touring member of the Broadway show STOMP, I really am not going to find much use with these.

 

We talked about killing the golden goose earlier, and one thing that I’m afraid we’re going to be seeing a lot of later this year are themed Minnie Ear headbands. Disney is putting out a ton of these every single month and there is no way there can possibly be a market for people to collect these. Maybe the ulterior motive was to put some people making their own designs on Etsy out of business, kinda like how that new stroller ban had to have a little of something to do with targeting the company renting out those gigantic Cinderella coach-themed strollers. Anyway, these Rose Gold headbands were reduced to $12.99.

 

I have been waiting SO LONG for this one. The snow leopard plush that you can find in the gift shop at the end of Expedition Everest was something that I’ve always liked for some reason. Didn’t like it as much at $17.95, but $7.99 is my kind of price!

This was a see-through bag/purse featuring Madame Leota of the Haunted Mansion. Originally $19.99, now $7.99.

Very rare to see Jedi Training merchandise at the Outlets. This drawstring backpack was originally $16.99, now $7.99. I bought a similar bag this past December at Universal Orlando and we used it for excursions on our recent Southern Caribbean cruise. Worked out great.

R2-D2 smartphone case. Originally $29.95, now $7.99. Not quite sure how big a market there can be for something like this.

R2-D2 plush. Originally $11.99, now $4.99.

This Otter iPhone case featuring Rey and R2-D2 was originally $54.99, now just $7.99. That’s a pretty good discount on an iPhone case. Usually when they get slashed that much it is for phones for generations of phones from long before, but this could be used for an 8 plus.

The Star Wars pin on the left is featuring a character from Solo: A Star Wars Story. I had to look that up despite seeing the film, because I had no recollection that character whatsoever. This is coming from someone who could name every creature in the Mos Eisley cantina scene in Star Wars: A New Hope, no matter how briefly they were seen on film. Anyhoo, the Moloch and Mickey Mouse pin on the right were both reduced to $3.99.

These pin sets featuring the clothing of Mickey and Minnie is weird enough, but the originally price was an INSANE $24.99 each. We are in a “Judgement Free” zone here in the Outlet Report, but if you bought either of these at full price in the parks you should probably consider a psychological evaluation. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Once again Derek is having problems with punctuation marks. We call this the Lionel Hutz Syndrome. He meant to write “Judgement? Free.”)

Price was reduced to $7.99, and we’re going to find out later in the report why that was still way too high!!!

It’s been MONTHS but finally some of my precious Tsum Tsums were back at the Outlet. The two new new ones featured the mom and son from Pixar’s Monster University. They were both 99 cents and I bought one of each out of compulsion to feed my collection more than anything, because from a non-collecting point of view they are “ugly af” (it’s an industry term.)

Behind the counter they actually had the Wall-E collectors Tsum Tsum set. This was a set of 4 Tsums that come in a themed “Big ‘N Large” lunch pail. The set includes Wall-E, Eve, M-O, and a cockroach. Originally $24.95, this was reduced to $9.99. I passed, but have a strange feeling I’ll be picking it up on a future Outlet visit, especially if I hold that cockroach Tsum Tsum.

Loved seeing this. The “Acorn Club” set featuring Chip and Dale in top hats is based around an animated short the two were in back in the 1950s. Originally it was $12.95 and that was a hard pass from me for years, but $4.99? That’s fine.

Meanwhile, here’s a set of three Tsums for $4.99 that is still incredible overpriced. Who in the world would want a set of three Tsum Tsums based on Edna Mode from The Incredibles 2? I would do anything to be involved in the meeting where this was not only pitched, but approved.

I can see a little more appeal of the Edna Mode plush, but the original price of $19.99 seems pretty high to all but the most Incredibles 2/Edna super fans.

Mr. Incredible plush was originally $24.99, reduced to $4.99.

For whatever reason, the Mrs. Incredible plush originally cost $2 more than Mr. Incredible ($26.99) and was reduced to $7.99. (Ed Note: It’s clear Derek has never purchased women’s clothing, which I suppose is a good thing. For those who aren’t in the know, it’s the fact that Mrs. Incredible is wearing women’s clothing, which is always more expensive than men’s clothing–even though there’s less material there–that explains the price difference. You’re welcome.) If I were a betting man, I think we’ll be seeing lots of the Mrs. Incredible plush still available on our next trip.

Would have loved to see the look on my parents face if 10-year-old Derek would have tried to sell them on the idea of buying a “sandwich stamp & crust cutter set.” That would have been the day. Originally $14.99, now $5.99.

We have some wooden spatulas at our house that are way too big in my opinion, so I picked up this Mickey Mouse themed set. Originally $14.99, now $8.99.

Also had to get this Dumbo-themed salt and pepper set. Disney offers some really cool salt and pepper shaker sets and I can totally see people collecting those. I have almost zero interest in salt and pepper shakers and I still had to buy these, the tea cup version, the “WDW welcome sign” version” and at least one or two others. Reduced to $7.99. The Mickey and Minnie sit in the Dumbo ride vehicle, how awesome is that? I’m pretty sure I would buy any ride vehicle themed salt and pepper shaker set (at the Outlets).

Some Disney Afternoon themed coffee cups this month including this one featuring Tale Spin. Reduced to $5.99.

Darkwing Duck cup was also reduced to $5.99.

Has to be a REALLY special coffee cup for me to even consider picking up, considering we already have way too many, but had to bite on this Starbucks one featuring DHS. Reduced to $5.99.

Okay, as cool as I thought the Starbucks DHS cup was, these small size Christmas ornaments do absolutely nothing for me. In fact, I think coffee cups hanging on your Christmas tree may be weirder than that pickle ornament in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion. These were reduced to $3.99.

This “fan pack” included a pennant, sticker, and button. It was originally $19.99 and reduced to $2.99. I picked one up, only to find out they were reduced to just 99 cents pretty much the day after I left the store.

These Festival of the Arts activity books were awesome. They are small, and have pages to color and stickers inside. Had to buy one of each, especially at that price (and Festival of the Arts is hands down my favorite Epcot festival.)

The stickers were all the same in each, but all of the coloring pages were different.

Also had to get this wonderful postcard. Originally $4.99, now 99 cents.

Turns out the postcard transforms into an art piece.

 

Surprising to see discounted ponchos at the Outlets just days/weeks before it starts routinely raining a part of every single day down here in Florida.

 

Disney food-based magnet set. Reduced to $3.99.

 

Now here’s a magnet set that is supposed to look like pins. Originally $12.95, now $7.99.

I think this Toffifay chocolate came from that incredible Werther’s shop in EPCOT’s Germany Pavilion. One of my favorite places in WDW to get snacks.

Alright, let’s head into some clothing. First up are these themed sets for babies based around the Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion attractions. Both were originally an absurd $49.99, but reduced to $19.99. The boxes looked nice.

 

The inside covers were themed.

This Future Prince Charming is a staple at the Disney gift shops and has popped up in the Disney Outlet Stores several times over the years. I think I even bought one five years ago. Great design. Originally $19.95, now $7.99.

 

Another great one for the young kiddos with Mickey. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

 

Nemo shirt. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

 

Cute Tigger outfit. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

 

I love these little sets featuring clothes and a toy. Picked one up for a baby that a family member will be having next month. I don’t like them as much at the original price of $39.99, but I love them at $9.99.

 

Photos like this I need to take quickly before I get put on some sort of list. Originally $17.99, now $7.99.

 

Okay, we’re off to California to join Christela McC on her adventures at the Disney Outlet Stores closer to Disneyland (for more details on locations, always check the end of the article).

First up we have this awesome World of Color throw, which I definitely would have bought if it was in Florida. Originally $39.99, now $11.99.

 

I’ve seen lots of “toothpick holders” at the Orlando Disney Outlets, and every time there is a set there is always four of them. This set out in California features just two (based on Disneyland and California Adventure.) Originally $17.99, now $9.99. I would have really thought about this purchase if they were available in our Florida Outlets.

Disneyland Resort shirt featuring Stitch ripping through. Execution is great on this one. Originally $19.99, now $8.99.

 

This shirt featuring Stitch and Pink Stitch (Angel) is really cute too. Love the sand castle in the background. Great touch. Originally $24.99, now $5.99.

 

Remember how I mentioned earlier we’re going to see more “rose gold” stuff at the Outlets? It’s because Disney keeps trying to create fads with colors and no one can keep up. This “millennial pink” spirit jersey was reduced to $29.99. Look for the “millennial pink” Minnie ears headband to show up in Orlando any day now.

 

Disneyland Resort 2018 shirt. Originally $24.99, now $8.99.

 

Same design on a photo frame. This actually looks pretty sharp. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

 

Stormtrooper coin bank. Originally $26.99, now $13.99.

 

Various Minnie ear headbands. Originally $24.99, now $4.99.

 

Cute Elsa hat for kids. Originally $21.99, now $4.99.

 

Both the Olaf and its a small world themed iPhone cases were originally $29.99, now just $2.99. LOVE the iasw one.

 

Check this out. That crazy Mickey and Minnie pin set was reduced to just $4.99 in California, THREE DOLLARS LESS THAN OUR REDUCED COST IN FLORIDA!!!!!! Where’s the JUSTICE?

 

We’ll close on this much better pin featuring a mosaic of the Grand Californian. Reduced to $2.99. E-Ticket pin in my book.

 

Alright, it’s time to go back to Florida!

This long sleeved Grand Floridian shirt is apparently from the Jay Leno Collection. Originally $59.99, now $17.99. Love that logo on the front though.

 

A couple Orange Bird shirts. For the price, fabric felt too “cheap”for me to justify the cost. One on left was originally $34.99, now $19.99, while the one on the right was originally $39.99, now $12.99. If I can’t get into a Disney merchandise pitch meeting, can I least spend a couple minutes in the room where they decide on prices for these items? Because I can’t wrap my head around any of it.

 

Several shirts appeared from the Guy Selga Collection featuring the Country Bears. This one was originally $34.99, now $14.99.

 

This long sleeve version was originally $49.99, now $14.99.

This “10 Disney Parks Essentials” is missing several items from my experience. Maybe #11 is “be sure to use flash photography for all pictures during dark rides” and “recite the Ghost Host spiel as loud as you can in the Haunted Mansion stretching room.” Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

 

Shirt specifically targeting theme park bloggers on DisTwitter. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

 

This is a pretty good Snow White shirt. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

 

Moana shirt. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

 

This Pua outfit is pretty adorable. Originally $34.99, now $9.99.

Fantasyland shirt. Not too bad. Originally $34.99, $12.99.

 

Castle Selfie shirt. UGH. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

 

Oooh, very rare to see Disney’s Vero Beach Resort merchandise. This women’s t-shirt was originally $34.99, now $10.99. Vero is one of the few Disney resorts I’ve yet to do a SATURDAY SIX on, but now that I checked off Saratoga Springs, maybe it will be next. We’ll see if there’s any “guest demand” for me to visit the place.

 

Typhoon Lagoon shirt. Originally $29.95, now $8.99. Is there any prevailing theory as to why 99% of all Disney prices end in “.99” but a select few end in “.95”? Am I literally the only person on Earth who wonders about stuff like this?

 

Liked this Castaway Cay shirt featuring Minnie Mouse surfing. Originally $32.99, now $9.99. We had an AMAZING time on our recent Southern Caribbean sailing, with stops to St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, and St. Maarten, but Castaway Cay is still one of my all time favorite island experiences. Loved every second there.

 

Minnie Mouse shirts featuring Figaro the cat. One of left was originally $29.99, while one on right was originally $24.99. Both were reduced to $9.99.

 

The Minnie with Figaro shirts are cute. These are just weird. The shirt on the left featuring a Minnie Mouse from like 1950 but an expression from the 1990s is so crazy I almost love it. I’ve never, EVER been a fan of tie dyed clothing. Not my bag baby. Both were originally $34.99, now $9.99.

 

“Bow la la”? What does even mean?! Both shirts were originally $44.99, but one on left was reduced to $14.99 while one on right was $12.99.

 

“Minnie mitts” came as a set of two. Originally $24.99, now $7.99.

 

This Minnie Mouse themed dress was originally $34.99 now $9.99.

 

Mary Poppins dress on the left and a Monsters Inc (WHAAAAAAAAT?) dress on the right were both originally $78, reduced to $19.99. As you can see the scale of the dress compared to an adult on the left, these were definitely made for really small kids. I can tell you this, Young Derek wasn’t bought $78 outfits when he was growing up, he was brought to Montgomery Ward.

 

This Enchanted Tiki Room dress was also originally $78, now $19.99.

 

Princesses-in-action shirts, originally $29.99, now $9.99.

 

There were also these “things” (again, industry term) featuring the same designs as the shirts. Originally $19.99, now $7.99.

 

Maybe you hang them on your wall? Or maybe you put them on your Christmas tree next to the mini Starbucks coffee cups.

As much as I hate soccer, I really liked this artistic Epcot World Showcase hat. Mickey Mouse is kicking a Spaceship Earth themed soccer ball. Originally $24.9, now $16.99. I  think if it was $9.99 I wouldn’t have been able to resist.

Which one of these flags is the one for Arendelle?

 

At the register they were selling this Mickey pens.

 

This certainly is a Bob Chapek approved discount.

 

Before we leave, just wanted to point out that at the Florida Disney Outlets there are two places to find Crocs. One is at the Crocs store….

 

And the other is near the water beds.

 

Also, if you remember last month my dreams came true and an Apple Fries kiosk opened up at the Outlets. This will be a monthly visit and I learned my lesson. Definitely get an extra side of caramel sauce!

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

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. For our CALIFORNIA OUTLET trips, @ChristelaMcC goes to the Las Americas outlet in San Diego. It is located right off the last U.S. exit.

I often get asked “which store is better?” That depends. Vineland is close to Walt Disney World, while the I-Drive location is a hop, skip, and jump away from the Universal Orlando Resort. The Vineland Disney Outlet Store is much, MUCH bigger than the I-Drive location. However, the Vineland outlets in general are much, MUCH busier than I-Drive. Each have their pros and cons, and ultimately they carry much of the same items. For a Disney Outlet Store FAQ, check out this SATURDAY SIX Presents: Everything You Wanted To Know About The Disney Outlet Stores (But Were Afraid To Ask)

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, May 2018, June 2018, July 2018 (FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY special with the introduction of the OUTLET HALL OF FAME), August 2018, September 2018, October 2018, November 2018, and December 2018, January 2019, February 2019, and March 2019.

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).