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 packing for a Disney trip) and I found a whole bunch of great items this month. In fact this is one of those special months, as March 2018 will go down in history as The Great Shanghai Disneyland Merchandise Dump!

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

A couple months ago, merchandise from the Grand Opening of Shanghai Disneyland started to appear in the gift shop at the China Pavilion in EPCOT. I’m all for stuff like that, and would actually love to see Disneyland Paris merch being sold in the France Pavilion and would totally mark out for Tokyo Disney Sea branded items being sold in the Japan Pavilion.

However it seems like those items being sold in the China Pavilion were just the tip of the ice berg as a whole slew of Shanghai Disneyland merchandise arrived not only at both Outlet stores in Orlando, but also at Cast Connection (a store for Disney employees we mentioned we wrote about at the end of December’s Outlet Report) and even other Disney outlet stores in Florida. I’m still trying to fathom how much it cost to ship all these items here along with all the man hours spent logging them into computers, retagging them, etc, all so they can be sold at gigantic discounts.

Our first item is TRON PLUSH!! You know I had to get a set of these. Donald, Goofy and Pluto all decked up in cool Tron outfits. Original price was “139Y” whatever that means, reduced to $6.99.

I would have bought just about any piece of Tron related merch, except the only other one that was offered, a Lightcycle coffee cup. Like just about all mugs at the Outlets this was reduced to $5.99.

Here is another Goofy plush. This is his outfit celebrating the grand opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Originally 99Y, reduced to $5.99. Got one of these.

There was a whole bunch of next level bonkers plush from Shanghai which – to the best I can figure out – is related to the Chinese Zodiak. One was definitely a rat, another was a rooster, and that blue thing on the left is an Ox (the estate of Paul Bunyan gonna sue someone over this). These were reduced to $4.99.

As far as Disney backpacks go, the quality on this Shanghai one is leagues above the crap they sell here (which is insane considering they are all probably made in the same factory.) Reduced to $14.99.

This is a nightmare fuel Mickey drinking container. Originally 35Y, now $1.99.

Art on this Adventure Isle coffee cup is fantastic. This is the land where they have the Roaring Rapids ride along with Soarin’. Cup was $5.99.

There were a metric ton of Shanghai Grand Opening pins. All were reduced to $2.99.

Lots and lots of these character keychains were available including this one featuring Donald and Daisy.

Instead I liked this set featuring Chip & Dale. Also $5.99.

Shanghai gets better post it notes than us. Originally Y29, now $2.99.

A fancy schmancy Grand Opening notepad. Originally Y39, now $3.99.

These Disney Racers toys are just as crazy outside this country as here. Reduced to $2.99.

Queen Elsa themed playset. Originally Y139 now $7.99.

This is what actual Shanghai money looks like, for those interested.

Okay, so that’s it for Shanghai items. Before we get to the rest let me tell you a little story about parking at the Disney Outlets in Orlando. Many of you know by now it’s one of the worst places in the absolute world to find a spot. That’s going to be even harder soon as regular Outlet shopper Captain Cruiseline sent over a story showing that premium parking spaces will now be made available through an app and the once-free parking garage will now cost $10 a pop. So that leads to people parking just wherever they want, like this person who parked in a crossing walk.

Back to the good stuff. Kinda hard to see here but this was a Figment notebook. Originally $17.99, now $4.99. There’s one page for every reason to hate the Imagination Pavilion in its current form.

So Shanghai gets Donald, Huey, Dewey, and Louie “sticky notes,” we get a set that looks like it came from the movie Catch Me If you Can. YAWN. Originally $12.99, now $3.99.

Some more Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary merchandise is up next. Still a whole bunch of these Starbucks mugs.

Nothing more tempting than a box of chocolates that have been sitting in a Florida store or warehouse for who knows how many months. Originally $22.49, now $4.99.

I actually got one of these tumblers because you couldn’t beat the price. Originally $19.99, now $3.99.

Nobody hates Vinylmation more than me, but the one thing I like are the Park Starz series. That’s where they let artists create cool designs without being hamstrung by the “Mickey Mold.” Reduced to 99 cents? To quote Stone Cold Steve Austin, “GIVE ME A HELL YEAH!”

 

When I went to the I-Drive located, the eBay pirate locusts had already swarmed over the Park Starz and only one was left. I got it and it just happened to be one of the figures I really wanted in the set, Dapper Dan!

Outlet Report readers may want to give a follow to @MysticFlights on Twitter, as she regularly visits and posts some pictures from her shopping trips. She picked up several, which you can see below.

How can you not love the adorable art style on this Small World Travel luggage tag? Originally $9.95, now $4.99.

Peter Pan fans have hit the jackpot, as a whole bunch of Neverland items arrived, including this photo frame. Originally $27.99, now $12.99.

I don’t know what you call these things, but they are ceramic and you use them to put utensils that you’re cooking with on. At least I think so. Back around Christmas I bought the one on the left at full retail as a Christmas gift for a family member. Every time that happens, and I see an item I already bought make it the Outlets, I feel like Michael Scott does when he sees Toby. Originally $12.99, now $4.99.

Kitchen towels. Originally $5.99, now $2.99.

This was a very small plate, but I love that art style so had to get it. We use it to serve snacks to our dog (yes, the very same Yorkshire Terrier who ruined guest’s vacations at the Yacht Club.) Originally $12.99, now $4.99.

Peter Pan salt and pepper shaker. If you have dinner at a neighbor’s house and they have these on the table you may want to consider moving Originally $19.95, now $7.99.

Peter Pan cup set. Not sure if these are cups you drink out of, put soup in, or who knows what. Originally $22.99, now $11.99.

Neverland toothpick holder shot glass. Originally $9.99, now $3.99.

Let’s stay on cups and check out this Elena of Avalor one with a character on the straw. Originally $9.99, now $4.99.

A Stitch something. I guess this is to get your kid ready to drink out a 128 ounce Super Big Gulp at 7-11. Originally $14.99, now $4.99.

Kinda creepy Kermit mug. Originally $15.99, now $5.99.

Peter Pan mug done in a whimsical style. I remember seeing a series of these in the gift shop at Pop Century sometime last year. That Tink is definitely not to scale. Originally $13.99, now $5.99.

Dopey mug from the same line. Same price.

Here’s a cup featuring Santa after weight loss surgery and served in a fancy little box. Originally $19.99, now $5.99.

More of that bizarro Winnie the Pooh and a real tiger merch. Originally $15.99, now $5.99.

A cup from either the Disney Cruise Line or the Yacht and Beach Club. Originally $15.99, now $5.99.

These flags represent different letters. This probably spells out “You spent way too much money this trip.”

Comes with a Disney Rosetta Stone of sorts.

Speaking of sailing, here is a high end collectible coin from the Star Wars Day at Sea 2017. This was behind the counter, and unfortunately I can’t remember the absolutely bananas price.

This was limited to 150, and #70 is here at the Outlet (one of many available) so we can imagine how many were actually sold on the ship.

Back during Star Wars Weekends they used to offer a gimmick where you could get a Disney inspired name tag done in an official Star Wars language. Like how Disney CMs have their name and city or country underneath, you could get your name written in the Star Wars language and the pin would be from a specific planet like Hoth or Dagobah.

Here is one that was available during the Star Wars Day at Sea. I always thought Disney used some sort of machine to print your name on, but I guess you could use a sharpie or something. Originally $11.99, now $3.99.

Star Wars Pen Accessory Set. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

Bought one of these lightsabers for a Young Jedi in our family. Good quality for what it is. Turned on and glowed and everything They certainly didn’t have cool stuff like this when I was growing up. We had those stupid ones that were like half this size and worked like the folding cup you would see in camping supplies. KIDS TODAY HAVE IT TOO GOOD!!!! Reduced to $9.99.

Chewbacca postcard. $1.99.

Now this is what I’m talking about. Star Wars done by the artist Shag. LOVE his unique style. Got one of these. Originally $4.99, now $1.99.

This is an appetizer plate, but its actually smaller than the Peter Pan one above. Had to pass even though I was oh so close to buying it. Originally $9.99, now $4.99.

Star Wars photo frame using an iconic photo of Darth Vader from Empire Strikes Back. Originally $21.99, now $6.99.

I think this is a photo frame, but it probably works better as an art print because if you put your own photos in their its probably going to look pretty stupid. Originally $29.99, now $12.99.

Let’s head on over and check out some pins. Here’s a couple from last year. The Kristoff and Sven was marked down to $1.99. I don’t understand the Mickey one unless it’s phases of the moon (what?) and even then it makes no sense. What would that have to do with Sorcerer Mickey? Originally $12.99, now $5.99.

Happy Hanukkah pins. Originally $14.99, now $6.99.

This Minnie Mouse one is like a snowglobe, which is absolutely insane because in theory this pin is either on someones clothing or in a book and HOW DO YOU SHAKE THAT? Originally $15.99, now $6.99.

A whole bunch of Marvel pins arrived, but I’m only going to show you the best character, STEVE ROGERS. Reduced to $4.99.

We went over the completely insanity that was PinQuest several times here in the Outlet Report. To some it up, Disney somehow found a way for guests to buy a map, use that map to find other locations where they can buy more pins, and then are rewarded for completing the map by getting the opportunity to BUY ANOTHER PIN.

Anyhoo, we’ve seen the map and the other pins arrive, so it was only a matter of time before the “completer pin” made its way to the Outlets. Originally $4.99, now 99cents.

OF COURSE I BOUGHT IT.

Okay, time for some clothing. These Disney Cruise Line shirts were originally $29.95, now $11.99.

If you ever wanted to cosplay as Captain Cruiseline and his wife, now’s your chance. Both were originally $69.95, reduced to $23.99.

Minnie Mouse headband or garter belt, you decide. Originally $13.95, now $3.99.

Pirates League t-shirt. Reduced to $5.99. I eventually have to do a writeup of our family’s experience at the Pirates League in the Magic Kingdom. It was a fun time and the kiddos loved it.

I like this Pirate Mickey shirt for kids. Originally $29.99, now $9.99. That would have been the day when my family would have bought me a $30 t-shirt at 6 years old.

Cute Belle shirt. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

Jingle Bell Jingle Bam shirts were at rock bottom clearance prices. The women’s t-shirt was originally $29.99 while the men’s was $27.99, now just $1.99 each.

Look at this thing and tell me how many drinks you’d have to imbibe around World Showcase before you would consider wearing it. Reminder, this is just the FRONT.

And here’s the back. Originally $49.99. Can you imagine?!! $50. Reduced to $8.99.

If you were into themed socks, this was your month at the Outlets. All the following pairs were originally $9.99 and reduced to $2.99.

A couple backpacks. Stitch had a hood as well and was originally $39.99, now $14.99. Hulk was originally $29.99, now $14.99.

Iron Man sunglasses. Oops, sorry. ALLEGIANCE SHADES. Originally $16.94, now $7.99.

Well you know I bought this.

Passed on the flower headband though. $3.99.

Bag featuring Ursula and the apple Snow White eats. Originally $65, now $32.99.

Little Mermaid bag was originally $70 (gotta pay that “babyface bump”) and marked down to $34.99.

Another completely bonkers Food and Wine bag. Originally $308, now $114.99.

Really weird Minnie bag. Originally $65, now $32.99.

Shocking that toys called “skullectables” and aimed at 3 year olds didn’t go over. Originally $24.99, now $14.99.

Belle teapot. Originally $34.99, now $19.99.

I guess this is a press that you can use to imprint Mickey on a piece of bread? Whatever it is it was reduced to $1.99.

Before I forget, many moons ago I wrote about an Avatar kinetic sand playset making its way to the Outlets. I picked one up and squirrled it away for a rainy day. Well, we had a kiddo meltdown this month and had to bring out the big guns. I went into the Burgan Vault and pulled out the kit.

The sand is blue and gives you several molds to make things out of, including this Na’vi face.

The set also comes with this pen in which you shine on to the kinetic sand and it turns it green.

This was actually really cool and the kids loved it.

Speaking of kids, this month the Outlet had a sale on Baby Diapers. This kit comes with two diapers, A&D ointment, baby wipes, and disposable bags. Originally $4.29, now 99 cents.

Stitch ice pack. Is Stitch known for green slime or is this a bunch they bought in bulk from Nickelodeon and rebranded? Originally $5.99, now $1.99.

Bobblehead like keychains. Probably don’t last a month in a purse or pocked before the head becomes separated from the body. Reduced to $3.99 each.

This luggage tag was designed like an old-school E-Ticket from the early years of the Magic Kingdom. This was a time when Hall of Presidents, it’s a small world, and Country Bear Jamboree were E-TICKETS.

We’ve covered this Charmed in the Park gimmicks before but if there’s something Orange Bird related, I’m gonna cover it. These were all $1.99 each.

Magnet set. This one featuring Disney foods. Originally $12.99, now $4.99.

This magnet set featured Mickey Kitchen items. Originally $12.99, now $4.99.

And our last magnet was actually a Post-It note set so you can make reminders. Reduced to $1.99.

I’m gonna try it and see how it works.

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

With the frivolities out of the way, I’d like to be serious for a moment. I’ve mentioned many times that both this Outlet Report and the SATURDAY SIX is a group effort. One such member of the team is Matt Cleary, who did the vast majority of photoshops that would appear in the articles.

I first met Matt many years ago when I was writing for the world of professional wrestling at  F4WOnline/Wrestling Observer. Not only was he clearly a talented artist, but one of the nicest guys I had ever come into contact in the world of wrestling. We had a lot in common in terms of the movies we liked, the shows we watched, and NFL football.

When I started writing for TouringPlans, Matt was not only at the top of my list for people to collaborate on photoshops, he WAS the list. He could take any idea I had, no matter how ridiculous, and deliver something that was even better than what was in my head. Often times he would add Easter Eggs that were so well hidden even I wouldn’t catch them at first glance. Over the last few years you’ve probably seen his work many times. Here are some of my favorites:

It is with a heavy heart that I have to report Matt passed away this week after a sudden illness. He leaves behind his wife Stephanie and young son Daniel. Matt loved his Houston Texans, Apple products, and the show Top Gear, but his complete and utter devotion to his family was something you just don’t see that often. Just several weeks ago he wrote me asking for some tips because his son was going on a school trip that involved a stay at Disney’s Pop Century Resort and he wanted to make sure his son’s experience was as memorable as possible.

I will miss chatting with Matt over the Marvel series of shows on Netflix or the latest Young Bucks match in Pro Wrestling Guerilla, and it is really going to hurt every time the Texans play this fall. Matt Cleary was one of the most talented people I ever met, something I told him many times. However I am writing this now with tears streaming down my face because I not once did I ever tell him how much he meant to me as a person. How much he made my life better and never asked for anything in return. We only get so much time here on Earth, and despite being reminded constantly, it can be over in a moment’s notice with no chance to say goodbye.

Matt, you were one of the good ones, and I am forever indebted to 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.