Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. Generally speaking, the month of December can bring slim pickings at the Disney Outlets in Orlando because the stores bring out a lot of generic merchandise knowing that the mad hordes will be buying anything to use as Christmas presents. However, there was still some gold to be mined in them thar hills, and 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!

We have been doing this monthly look at the Disney Outlets for just about five and a half years at this point and this month will be the first time EVER that we are leading off with a postcard. This particular postcard features characters from Toy Story and was drawn by one of my favorite artists, J Scott Campbell. As a long time comic book fan, I grew up on J Scott Campbell’s incredible artwork for Marvel and Image comics. I just love his style. Several years ago, Campbell started some artwork for Disney (including an awesome series of prints featuring Princesses and their villains.) This postcard combines one of my favorite artists and one of my favorite animated films, so definitely had to pick this one up. Originally $5.95, now $1.99.

 

When checking out, I saw they had a canvas print of the exact same artwork. Unfortunately this was one of the few pieces of merchandise at the Outlets that was not currently discounted. It’s original price was $74.99. This was a limited edition of 95 pieces (surely referring to 1995, the year the original Toy Story film came out) and was also signed by J Scott Campbell.

When selling limited edition items that are numbered, it is my experience that companies always start selling the lowest numbered items first and work their way back. It makes sense, because if you’re a collector you want the number closest to “1” even though in the Big Picture it means absolutely nothing. The fact that a number as low as “16” was at the Outlets is probably a really bad sign of how well this canvas sold in the Real World.

 

There was also a certificate of authenticity. As much as I love both J Scott Campbell and Toy Story, there was no way I could justify $75 on the canvas. If it was reduced to $24.99 I would have had a really tough decision to make though. I’d also be taking the risk that my girlfriend would take said canvas and whack me over the head with it when I got home. It may seem hard to believe to you, Dear Reader, but I have accumulated a lot of collectibles over the years that the average person may consider “junk.”  But you know what they say, one man’s 1,000 Tsum Tsums is another mans “why do you keep buying these?!”

There was also a second postcard featuring J Scott Campbell, this one spotlighting The Incredibles. Of course I bought one of these for $1.99.

 

Now this postcard I didn’t buy, possibly because it looks like it came out of my nightmare journal. This artwork actually reminds me of the style Peter Kuper used when he did the Spy vs. Spy comic strips for Mad Magazine. This is not Peter Kuper art though and I was so creeped out by the front I forgot to turn it around to see who the actual artist was. Originally $4.95, now $1.99.

They also had an even BIGGER print of this postcard than the one made for Toy Story. I did not ask the Cast Member to show me this one up close as I do want to be able to sleep again one day.

 

For the past several years during EPCOT’s Food & Wine Festival, guests can play Remy’s Ratatouille Hide &  Squeak. Guests purchase a map and stickers to then go around the park and find which sticker goes with various World Showcase Pavilions and Future World locations like – of all places – Taste Track. When finished, guests show their completed map and pick out a prize (which  this year was a themed cup featured characters such as Figment, Mickey, and Remy.) It can be a fun distraction in the park, relatively inexpensive and you basically get two souvenirs out of it. The maps have made it to the Outlets. Originally $6.99, now $1.99.

I pretty much always buy one of these things, whether it’s for the Hide & Squeak scavenger hunts or the Easter Egg gimmicks they use in the Spring. Here is what the map looks like unfolded.

I’ve talked about my disdain for Vinylmation for a long time, but the concept actually works when it’s Mickey Mouse being the actual figure. This series is based off the Mickey Mouse from the new shorts. A lot of Disney purists aren’t a fan of this new Mickey because of the artistic style along with the fact the character is more “rude” (not sure if that’s the best word to use as my family would say this Mickey is “fresh.”)  I personally love the new shorts and this style of artwork, and it’s clear Disney is going all in as well because this is the Mickey we’ll be getting in his first ever ride at DHS later in 2019. This blind box series features Mickey dressed up in outfits from various shorts. Originally $18.99, which seems an INSANE price, these have been reduced to $8.99. Would have bought one or two at $4.99.

Speaking of Mickey, here he is on a 2018 branded license plate. I moved from New Hampshire down to Florida a little over 10 years ago, and it was at first weird to discover cars down here don’t have a license plate on the front and back of the car. In NH we had both, but down in Florida you only need a back license plate. You’ll also don’t need to have your car annually inspected in Florida, which is why you see so many vehicles broken down on the side of the road every single day on I4 or I95. Anyway this plate was originally $12.99, now $4.99.

 

Whole bunch of assorted Disney bows arrived this month, and apparently you can switch them out in a particular Mickey Ear headband (which I’m not sure is for sale anymore, as I haven’t seen it recently.) Here are the bows for Aurora and Snow White (guessing on the latter.)

Absolutely no idea on this one. SAT SIX editor in chief Megan Stump informed me it is based on Yzma from Emperor’s New Groove though. She could have just made up a name and said the person was from Treasure Planet and I would have believed her.

Madame Leota from the Mrs. Thrillgeek collection.

A more-than-a-little creepy one featuring the Cheshire Cat.

The Enchanted Tiki Room.

Over at the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness you can usually find merchandise based on Smokey the Bear. This hat was originally $19.99, now $5.99.

I guess this following hat has some appeal to EPCOT fanboys, but can you imagine seeing someone wearing it in the Real World? Here’s the front…

And here’s the back. Originally $27.99, now $4.99.

Baseball cap for Food & Wine superfans. This one was reduced to $7.99.

Here’s the back of the hat.

Stitch hat for kids. Originally $21.99, now $4.99.

Back of the hat.

 

Elena of Avalor Mickey Ear Hat. Originally $24.99, now just $2.99.

 

BREAKING NEWS: Yesterday, theme park YouTuber Tim Tracker released a new episode that focused on him going to the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. I would encourage everyone to watch this video to see what the experience is really like. Tim gives you an idea of the parking situation, and also shows what it is like being in the store. After watching for about five minutes, I’m confident you will stop the video, come back here and ask, “Derek, where is your GoFundMe to pay for the obviously needed Xanax supply?” Just remember one thing when it comes to a Disney Outlet Experience; as bad as you think it might be, it’s worse. Much worse.

 

Now then, earlier this month I read a story on the company Sphero discontinuing its Disney products, including the Star Wars BB8 I bought last Christmas. I thought for a minute this was a Sphero Lightning McQueen, but apparently its just some radio controlled version. Originally $44.99, now $29.99.

We saw a Dorbz Pirates of the Caribbean toy last month, and this month brings a new Dorbz in the form of Luke Skywalker and his landspeeder. Has very similar appeal that the Funko Pop! line of toys have. Originally $29.99, now $7.99. I probably would have bought this in a second before the prequels came out and killed a lot of my desire to collect Star Wars stuff.

 

Individual Dorbz figures for Han Solo, Princess Leia, C3-P0 and a jawa. Originally $14.99, now $7.99.

Let’s take a look at some t-shirts, starting off with some from Star Wars. First up is this pair of shirts featuring the logo from Solo: A Star Wars Story. Originally a completely bonkers $34.99 each, these have been reduced to $9.99. If you buy 3 of them, your purchase price would be more than the movie made its worldwide release.

 

Turns out those were the good Solo t-shirts this month, as the following tank top also features a completely unrecognizable character from the movie. This shirt features Enfys Nest, the female resistance fighter Han Solo encounters in the film. Apparently someone in Disney marketing thought this character was going to be as popular as Boba Fett. This tank top – with a stylizing pocket – was originally $34.99. It has been reduced to $9.99.

Another pair of Star Wars shirts that were originally $34.99, now $9.99. That price at least makes some sort of sense for these.

This is kind of an adorable Star Wars shirt for kids. Originally $21.99, now $9.99.

Another cute one. Also originally $21.99, now $9.99.

A couple of Disney Cruise Line shirts  arrived this month, including this sweatshirt for the Europe sailing. Originally $24.99, now $12.99.

I liked this shirt featuring a stylized Minnie Mouse sitting on an anchor. Originally $24.99, now $8.99.

A couple Minnie Mouse/DCL shirts for kids. Shirt on left was originally $24.99, now $8.99 while the sweatshirt on the right was originally $39.99, now $13.99.

Kid’s shirt referencing Cinderella. Originally $24.99, now $7.99.

Similar style of shirt for Belle. Same price.

Always love seeing Expedition Everest merch at the Outlets. Along with Splash Mountain, Everest’s gift shop has some sneaky good items in it. This sweatshirt was originally $44.99, now $14.99.

We always have to have a Pandora shirt. Originally $19.99, now $9.99.

Pair of shirts featuring Minnie hugging a surprised Mickey. Originally $29.95, now $9.99.

Cute outfit for Woody from Toy Story. Originally $54.99, now $21.99.

Here’s one for cowgirl Jessie. Originally $54.99, now $21.99.

Interesting shirt/outfit for Ursula fans. Originally $39.99, now $14.99.

INTERMISSION!

Time for a quick break and head out to California, where Christela McC is here to report in on the Outlets closer to Disneyland. First up is this Cars Land backpack with “tire treads” as the overall theme. That’s certainly a look. Originally $39.99, now $14.99.

Cars Land sweatshirt. Originally $49.99, now $29.99.

Disneyland t-shirt. Pretty sure that castle is to scale. Originally $39.99, now $11.99.

The original price of this Disneyland shirt is unknown, but it has been reduced to $9.99.

This Mickey Mouse was used in a lot of WDW merch to give an Old Timey sports-like feel. Here it is used with a 1955 logo made out of parade tape (at least its supposed to look that way.) Originally $19.99, now $7.99. I think I would have bought this shirt if it was at our Outlets in Florida.

Very rare to see merchandise featuring Abu. This kid’s shirt was originally $19.95, now $7.99.

Themed socks. Reduced to $4.99. That bow at the top of the sock is a little weird.

Call me crazy, but I like this Star Wars hat. Has that old school feel. Originally $24.99, now $5.99.

You got to love any Grizzly River Run merchandise. What a wonderful area in a theme park. Originally $24.99, now $3.99.

Disneyland hat. Originally $24.99, now $7.99.

World of Color light up lanyard. Reduced to $6.99.

Here are three figures based on Old Timey character designs. I think I would have bought all three if we had them here in Florida. For sure the Goofy with the golf clubs. Originally $14.99, now $6.99.

BACK TO FLORIDA!

Now that we are back at the Florida Outlets, let’s look at some items that came over from Disneyland. The following Pixar Fest charms were originally $9.99, reduced to $3.99. First up is a pair featuring Lightning McQueen and Mater from Cars.

Sadness and Joy from Inside Out.

Jessie and Woody from Toy Story.

These things seem to be too big to wear around your wrist but also too small to wear around your neck, so not exactly sure what they are.

Also don’t know what the price was as my phone decided to apparently focus on the background instead of the foreground.

Next up is a pair of children’s cinch sacks. Both were originally $12.99, reduced to $3.99.

If you needed paperweights, this was your lucky month as a whole bunch came to the Outlets. They were all reduced to $17.99 each. Here is one featuring Marie from The Aristocats.

From the opening narration to Beauty & the Beast.

Here’s a quote from Thumper, but its actually Bambi on the paperweight.

Next up is a combination wooden coaster/bottle opener set. Not sure how practical it is, but its interesting. Originally $9.99, now $2.99.

Food & Wine magnet. Originally $9.99, now $2.99.

Last month was saw some ceramic dishes (including ones themed to Mr. Toad and Pirates of the Caribbean) and more came this month, including this one for its a small world. Originally $12.99, now $5.99.

This one is themed to “Disney villains” I guess. Same price.

 

Little Mermaid photo frame. Originaly $27.99, now $12.99

You got to think this came from the Karamell-Küche shop in Germany.

Since we just celebrated Christmas, let’s close out with a look at some ornaments. First up is one from the DVC Moonlight Magic event at EPCOT. Not sure how many exclusive items they make for these parties, but seems odd to make Christmas ornaments. Originally $14.99, now $4.99.

I have it on good authority that Captain Cruiseline‘s Christmas tree has one of these tacky runDisney shoe ornaments on it. Originally $26.99 (that’s NOT a typo,) now $7.99.

Front and back of the DCL Europe sailing ornament. Originally $14.99, now 7.99.

Star Wars Day at Sea ornaments. These were actually pretty heavy pieces of metal. Reduced to $6.99.

EPCOT 35 ornament. Original price was $19.99. I didn’t see a discount but I’d be shocked if these were priced higher than $7.99.

 

SPEAKING OF CHRISTMAS, let’s go over some of the items that have been mentioned in this fine blog series that were wrapped up and given away as gifts. First up is my beloved Tree of Life playset. Nobody is still allowed to touch my Contemporary Resort playset,  but I was forced graciously agreed to let the kiddos play with the Tree of Life. Was a huge hit. The actual base of the tree of life toy has animals built into it, several of which can be taken off and played with.

 

Last month we showed a picture of four really cute princess dresses and we picked up the Tinker Bell one. Its still way too big for this Disney Princess, but here is a look at the trial fitting.

And the back with a cute set of wings.

 

Last month during The Great Mermaid Outlet Dump of 2018, we mentioned that we bought an Ariel hoodie but forget to take a picture of it in the store. Here it is unwrapped after Christmas.

Here is the back of the hoodie.

And she’s even wearing those socks which seem to be made out of polyester or some sort of fabric that can’t be comfortable (but they look fun.)

There are SEVEN items in this picture that were all bought at the Disney Outlet Store during the course of 2018…

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH YEAR!

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.

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, and November 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).