Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. After months of negotiations, we were finally able to convince Captain Cruiseline himself, Scott Sanders of the world famous Disney Cruise Line Blog, to drop anchor and join us landlubbers covering the Disney Outlet Stores. This month Scott and I saw a bunch of amazing items, including a t-shirt straight out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a Minnie Mouse painting that is next level bonkers, and a Rock ‘n Roller Coaster hat that has to be seen to be believed.

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

As we have stated many times in this fine blog series, we’re not exactly sure if a single piece of merchandise has ever been sold in the gift shop of Pandora: The World of Avatar outside of the Banshee puppets*. Pretty much every other item made for the land has made its way over the Outlets, and this month even more items joined the Island of Misfit Toys. First up, this completely INSANE Avatar monkey, which is apparently called a “Prolemuri.” It is HUGE and super creepy looking. Originally $26.99, it has been reduced to $13.99 and it will not surprise me one bit if these have to go down to $6.99 or lower for people to bite on it.

A whole bunch of kites have made their way to the Outlets this year, but almost all of them have flown over from Shanghai Disneyland. None of them hold a candle to this “Leonopteryx Kite” that was apparently sold in Pandora for $44.99. Can you imagine? It has been reduced to $19.99.

One thing I do like about the Avatar toy lines is that it shows the names of the creatures in Pandora that literally no one knows. I was six years old and could tell you what a bantha, tauntaun, and rancor monster were from Star Wars, but this is the first time I have ever seen the phrase “Direhorse” for this creature from Avatar. Keep in mind that I love the movie Avatar and have seen it at least 50 times. Seriously. Originally $17.99, now $4.99.

Don’t forget to check out one of my favorite editions of the SATURDAY SIX: 6 Disney References in James Cameron’s Avatar.

Ok, last bit of Avatar merch are these shirts. Originally $19.99, now $9.99.

*A one-time fad when released, even the Banshees went to Cast Connection discounted at over 50% off.**

**Presenting our FIRST EVER BREAKING OUTLET NEWS: WDWMagic is reporting Banshees are also being discounted in the parks now. You had a good run Banshees. You had a good run.

 

The big “theme” of the Outlets this month was MERMAIDS. Lots of mermaid stuff was throughout the store, including the main display when you first walk into the store. One of the items was this coffee cup. Originally $22.99, now $5.99.

Artsy mermaid plate. Originally $16.99, now $9.99.

Set of three bowls much more in line with the Little Mermaid animated film. Originally $22.99, now $9.99.

A much more ornately themed mermaid cup, with the handle being a tail. Originally $27.99, now $7.99.

There was a large mirror with the motto “Seas the Moment” emblazoned on it. I took several photos of it, but in each one there were several other Outlets guests in the mirror reflection, and the shots were not that flattering to them. So instead, we present the mirror with the iconic visage of Walt’s Frozen Head inside. For those of you out of the loop, The Further Adventures of Walt’s Frozen Head is a comedy with several scenes shot inside Walt Disney World. It’s a wonderful little movie, and tickets are available now for a screening in TAMPA, FL that will take place on December 12. Get your tickets here! When seeing the movie, stay tuned for the credits to see many names associated with the theme park community, including TouringPlans’ own Len Testa and Yours Truly.

Anyway, back to the mirror. It was originally $34.99, now $19.99.

Mermaid shirt and pants for kids. The price? Well…

…the price is now $12.99. It’s original price is who knows what. Here’s a peek at what goes into each edition of the Outlet Report. I take pictures of each tag to refer to later. When the store is busy, which it ALWAYS IS, there are times my personal space gets infringed upon and the picture ends up horrible. I almost always double check photos of the items, but don’t sweat shots of the price tags as much. For more how-the-sausage-is-made on the Outlet Report, each picture is titled and shrunk in size to upload into WordPress. Then I go through and try create as fluent a “story” as I can by keeping similar items together and trying to segue the best I can. In short, each edition of this fine blog series takes approximately 1,000 man hours to create. Maybe 10,000. (Editor’s Note: Copyeditors receive a text message 30 minutes before the article goes live that says “Can you take a look at this reeeeal quick?” So, add 30 minutes to those total person-hour totals. Thoughts and prayers are always appreciated, too.)

Another cute mermaid combo outfit for the kids. Originally $24.99, now $7.99. I actually bought the Little Mermaid hoodie to the left of this, but forgot to take a picture in the store and now it’s already wrapped for Christmas. I’ll have a picture of it next month while being worn, good enough?

Themed socks for kids. The Little Mermaid ones seemed more like vinyl than any regular sock I’ve ever seen. It can’t be comfortable. That said, I still bought it for a stocking stuffer. (Hey, I don’t have to wear it!) Both of these pairs were originally $9.99, now $3.99.

These socks featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy were the front and back for one pair of socks. Originally $13.99, now $2.99.

Let’s take a look at some shirts, shall we? First up is one that caught my attention. Love Splash Mountain. One of my all time favorite rides at any park. Love the Angry Splash Mountain Lady Twitter account. Love my Splash Mountain tsum tsums. So as much as I love Splash Mountain, getting some of the kiddos in our family on the ride can be daunting, as they see the big drop while on the bridge in Fantasyland. After a lot of cajoling, and usually a bribe or two, they get on the ride and end up loving it. This shirt does a good job of getting across that feeling of your first ride, and their common complaint of “we barely got wet!” (which they also say about Kali River Rapids, but that’s a whole ‘nother story).

The shirt was originally $24.99, now $9.99, but something else caught my attention. The tag says it was for kids that were “36-39 inches in height.”

 

Our next shirt is a good one for fans of Guardians of the Galaxy, as it is a t-shirt version of the shirt Peter Quill wears in Guardians of the Galaxy vol II. If you want to check out an interesting article on what the shirt “means,” check out THIS LINK. Originally $34.99, now $9.99.

Very rare to see a Violet Parr t-shirt at the Outlets. Originally $19.99, now $9.99.

Super cute Jack Jack outfit (which had a pretty big disclaimer that you CAN NOT wear this into the parks) was originally $39.99, now $11.99. I actually bought the Pluto outfit next to it, which was originally $24.95, now $9.99.

Not sure if I’ve ever seen a POCKET on baby’s onesie before. WHAT WOULD THEY PUT IN IT?! I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!! Anyway that one was originally $29.99, now $9.99 while the cute Jack Jack/Mr. Incredible one was originally $19.99, now $9.99.

Cute Stitch outfit. Originally $29.99, now $9.99.

Speaking of Stitch, here is an Experiment 626 runDisney outfit. Originally $45, now $7.99.

Nice seeing an Up shirt at the Outlet. Way too few of those. Originally $19.99, now $9.99.

This is one of those head scratchers. Who buys this for their kid? Reduced to $9.99.

In case you didn’t see what size it is, the giant piece of masking tape will help.

Some nice outfits featuring 101 Dalmatians this month. Left one was originally $24.99, now $9.99, while the one on the right was originally $29.99, now $9.99. Love the stylized London bus.

Another cute one. Originally $34.99, now $12.99.

Big fan of these gift sets and have bought several versions over the past few months. Also picked up one of these. Originally $39.99, now $12.99.

From the L’il ThrillGeek collection is this Haunted Mansion shirt for the kiddos. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

These dresses were ADORABLE. Ended up buying a Tink one because it had wings on the back. Again, it’s already wrapped so we’ll have a picture next month. Originally $39.99, now $14.99.

Are there THAT many young girls who like Minnie Mouse that much more than Disney Princesses? I mean I could totally see this shirt being sold for adults, but for young kids? I don’t get that one. Originally $24.99, now $7.99. Comes with a bow.

Have seen a ton of Surfer Mickey stuff over the years, but this is one of the first Surfer Minnie ones. I like the style a lot. This would be great to wear on a day spent at Castaway Cay or Typhoon Lagoon. Originally $34.99, now $9.99.

Tea Cups from Mad Tea Party. Fantasyland. Dumbo. Fantasyland. its a small world. Fantasyland. Dole Whip. Adventureland. Whatever. Originally $34.99, now $9.99.

To each their own I guess. Originally a bonkers $36.99, now $8.99.

Tank top on left was originally $32.99 – FOR A TANK TOP – and has been reduced to $10.99. Shirt on right, which is what kids today would call “busy af” was originally $39.99, now $9.99. Imagine paying $40 for that shirt? Jack got a better deal for his beanstalk beans.

Shirts to cosplay as Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the original Theme Park Bloggers. Originally $39.99, now $12.99.

Large Goofy thing to hang on your wall or front door or something. Originally $29.99, now $17.99.

Apparently this year was the 25th anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Unfortunate timing for that film, because it was also the 25th anniversary of the movie Hocus Pocus, and that’s the movie got most of the attention in Disney circles. This hoodie for Nightmare was originally $59.99, now $17.99.

This is a 25th anniversary bag for A Nightmare Before Christmas that was an INSANE $60 retail, now reduced to $17.99.

And lastly some 25th anniversary coffee mugs. Reduced to $5.99. There are several things I like about The Nightmare Before Christmas (especially the This is Halloween song) but I am completely burnt out on anything related to Tim Burton. He’s on my list with Mark Wahlberg and Johnny Depp as people who are going to have to wow me again to bring me back into the fold.

Staying on the Halloween theme, here is a Maleficent outfit for your ShellieMay plush. Reduced to $9.99.

Cinderella outfit for ShellieMay. Also reduced to $9.99. Remember, you are encouraged to buy all these outfits and take pictures of your Shelly May throughout Walt Disney World.

Lady outfit for ShellieMay.

There was a surprisingly large amount of Duffy Bear-related items this month. Aside from those ShellieMay outfits, here was a Duffy Bear in a safari outfit. You can’t really use this one for the outfits because those boots don’t come off. Originally $24.99, now $5.99.

Duffy tsum tsums. 99 cents. I already have this tsum but of course I bought another.

These were giant size Duffy tsums, which defeats the whole appeal of a tsum tsum in my book. Originally $16.95, now $7.99.

Olaf outfit for Duffy.

Speaking of Olaf, here are both sides of an Olaf-themed pillow. Originally $24.99, now $8.99.

Like I wasn’t going to buy this Frozen Infant Set at 99 cents? Even if there wasn’t a young baby in our family and we didn’t live in Florida I’d have to buy one on sheer principle. Originally $21.99, and that’s a great deal!

Honestly have zero idea what this Elena of Avalor ornament has to do with the Disney “sketchbook” series. Maybe everything should just be in that series. It sings and has been reduced to $4.99.

Back for a second year are these popular Bambi dishware items. I picked up several for Christmas presents last year. The butter dish featuring Flower, gravy boat with Thumper, and Bambi creamer were all originally $24.99, now $12.99.

The Bambi creamer looks much better here than when you actually use it at your house. To pour the cream into your mug, it basically looks like Bambi is throwing up into your coffee.

INTERMISSION: It’s time for a trip  to CALIFORNIA!

If you remember, last month we  we introduced a new member to the team in Christela McC. Since we can’t go one month without people asking about similar stores outside of Florida, Christela is our Outlet Correspondent who is going to send us updates from a Disney Outlet Store close to Disneyland. Her regular store is located in San Diego, and can be found off the last exit before the Mexico border at the Las Americas Premium Outlets. (Pro Tip: may want to check wind currents before you go so as to not be affected by any tear gas making its way up north.)

One amazing thing about the outlets out there is that they honor Disney Store promotions on park merch.  Christela’s most recent trip was during the Friends and Family promo, which offered an additional 25% off your entire purchase. On any other normal day, they offer an additional 10% discount if you pay using a Disney Visa card. This is a stark contrast to our Disney Outlets in Orlando, which continue their annual tradition of NO DISCOUNTS.

Anyhoo, first up is this Disneyland 2018 magnet. Reduced to just 99 cents.

This is a fun one. Here is a 2018 Mickey ears. Originally $29.99, now $6.99. But look what happens when you turn it over…

…there’s a pair of Chip and Dale plush who are also wearing the 2018 Mickey Ears. How great is that?!

Disneyland hat. Originally $24.99, now $4.99.

Seven Dwarfs purse. Originally $84, now $39.99. We had some of these Disney purses in Orlando last month and they seemed a lot higher quality. That pick axe thing looks neat, but the dwarfs themselves look like Colorforms just stuck on.

This month Christela also visited the Citadel outlets in Commerce, CA which is only 20 miles north of Disneyland.  They actually have a smaller section of parks merchandise compared to the normal one she goes to in San Diego, despite being much closer to Disneyland.

First up is this Disneyland Resort shirt for kids. Originally $24.99, now $4.99.

Disneyland socks. Reduced to $4.99.

These shirts are from the Disney parks, but they do have a neat Walt Disney Studios logo on them. Originally $19.95, now $9.99.

Now back to our scheduled programming in Florida!

This next item was on my Outlet bucket list. I’ve seen this CD featuring music from Magic Kingdom hard ticket parties, and always wanted to buy it. But $24.98? Give me a break. Who do you think you are, the Columbia House CD scam? At least give me the 8 CDs for a penny first before you rip me off.

My heart grew three sizes the day it showed up at the Outlet for just $1.99.

Time for some Disney Cruise Line stuff, and a whole bunch of items made their way from the 2018 Europe sailings on the Disney Magic. Here is the official scrapbook kit. Originally $14.99, now $7.99.

The Europe 2018 sailing keychain. Originally $14.99, now $7.99.

Interesting looking coffee mug. Originally $14.99, now $7.99.

You’ll need one of these shot glasses if you ever price out what a European sailing costs on the Disney Cruise Line. Originally $9.99, now $4.99.

Dooney & Bourke bags. The purse was originally $206, now $103.99, while the smaller wallet was originally $158, now $79.99.

This magnet set is designed for DCL guests to put on their stateroom doors. Originally $19.99, now $9.99.

Here’s another Tale Of Woe from the Outlets. There are times it gets so busy I just can’t take a picture comfortably, so I’ll put an item in my basket and take the picture later in the store where I can find some space. Well I did that for this DCL Alaska magnet set and then I forgot it was in my basket and accidentally BOUGHT IT. Captain Cruiseline can confirm, but I believe this is what we call a “sunk cost.” I could have bought 10 Duffy tsums with this money.

Europe 2018 hat. Originally $29.99, now $14.99.

Okay, this is one for the all time books. This piece of “art” from the Star Wars day at sea was barely bigger than a postcard and originally cost $29.95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was reduced to $1.99.

If I’m lyin, I’m dyin.

Back in my day, we called these Dumbo things “ashtrays.” Not sure if Millennials store their vape sticks in them now or what. Originally $13.99, now $4.99.

Mr. Toad ashtray. Same price as Dumbo.

And a pirates of the Caribbean ashtray.

Bambi emoji coffee mug. Originally $22.99, now $7.99.

Mickey and Minnie emoji cup. Originally $16.99, now $5.99.

As a comic book fan, I love these Mickey and Minnie coffee mugs done in a comic booky style. Originally $16.99, now $5.99.

Mickey tumbler cup was originally $13.99, now $5.99.

Pluto coffee mug. Originally $16.99, now $5.99.

Look at this crap. Here are some Star Wars glassware that should have been blown up with the Death Star. This one is “themed” as if you were part of a Tie Fighter brigade or something. STR WRS? More like GTFO. Originally $13.99, now $3.99.

Here’s one for the resistance. Just as awful.

Actually forgot to post this picture last month, but all those Incredible Expo Tervis Tumblers from the Magic Kingdom that were originally $26.99 got discounted to $7.99. If you already forgot what the “Incredible Expo” was this Summer, well consider yourself lucky because it showed us exactly what Disney can do when it wants to mail something in. Disneyland gets Pixar Pier. We get the Incredible Expo and they won’t even have some class and bring over the Jack Jack Cookie Num Nums! BE FAIR TO FLORIDA!!!

By now you’ve noticed a lot of Minnie Mouse items have hit the Outlets this month. Smaller plate on left was originally $9.99, now $4.99, while the larger one on right was originally $9.99, now $7.99.

Animal Kingdom-themed plate was originally $12.99, now $7.99. The cup was originally $19.99, now $4.99.

More animal goodness. Plate and bowl were both originally $9.99, now $4.99.

These plastic headbands just don’t seem like they would be comfortable, but there were a good amount of them this month including this one featuring Lightning McQueen.

Fourth of July-themed Mickey Mouse ones.

“Mickey” cadet hat featuring Minnie.

Here’s some nightmare fuel for you. An Aerosmith Rock ‘n Roller Coaster hat that looks like the love child of Guy Fieri and Willy Wonka (the Johnny Depp version, not the good one.) Originally $24.95, now $9.99.

Iron Man Mickey Ears. Had to get this after picking up the Captain America version a couple months ago. Originally $17.95, now $3.99.

These Marvel action figures featuring Iron Man and Spidey were REDUCED to $17.99. I can’t even fathom that they were priced higher than that originally. Wow.

Our Walt Disney World 2018 magnets were reduced to 99 cents.

Can you imagine having a foam Test Track antennae topper on your car. I’m going to need to ask Bruce Prichard, “Is this a rib?”

And they said Rivers of Light had no fans. NAY NAY! We now have proof otherwise!

Introducing the Rivers of Light personal fan. Reduced to $5.99. We’re going to start up a new Derek Burgan Crate, with items shipped monthly to you, Dear Reader. In next month’s crate will be the Rivers of Light blindfold, which will make the show much more watchable than this tiny fan.

Look how awful this pen shot is. I’m not sure I could have possibly taken a worse shot. ANY OTHER PART OF THE PEN WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER. I apologize. This was taken at the register and by this point in my Outlet Experience, I’m ready to scream. Reduced to $1.99.

Compare the photo style to this one taken by Captain Cruiseline. Perfectly captures everything you need to see for this Alex and Ani bracelet things. They ranged from $17.99 to $19.99.

Princess wands were 99 cents.  Had to buy one at that price.

They came in a couple different colors.

Expedition Everest Adventure Pack? This is something I would have LOVED as a kid. Would have begged my parents for it. Got a couple for Christmas gifts. Originally $12.95, now $5.99.

Don’t see much of the “Dorbz” at the Outlets, especially compared to Funko Pops! This is one featuring “Jolly Roger with Pirate Ship” for the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I should have liked this more than I did, and would like to see more of these for other attractions. Originally $29.99, now $14.99.

Mac Launcher, with a Lightning McQueen that shoots out. originally $34.99, now $19.99.

Bought a set of these Cars bath toys. Originally $17.99, now $7.99.

Bought this weird “Belle trapped in a super ball” thing for a stocking stuffer. Reduced to $1.99.

Postcard set featuring some wonderful its a small world-themed artwork. Originally $14.99, now $7.99.

This 2018 postcard was a lenticular one. For 19 cents? You better believe I bought one.

Minnie Mouse hand sanitizer. Reduced to $3.99.

2018 pin sets. On the left is a booster set that was originally $29.99, now $9.99. The left is a starter set with lanyard. Originally $29.99, now $6.99.

Check this out, Christela out in California had the same exact booster set and it was reduced to $6.99. Meanwhile we at Walt Disney World are the straw that stirs the drink and we pay $3 more? BE FAIR TO FLORIDA!!!!

I feel like these Shanghai Disneyland pins have been at the Outlets forever.

Princess pins were reduced to $3.99.

Minnie Mouse pin was also $3.99.

More EPCOT 35th Anniversary merch this month, including this magnet. Reduced to $3.99.

Reusable tote bag. Reduced to $1.99.

The EPCOT 35 drinking game is “take a shot any time an EPCOT fanboy mentions Horizons.” Reduced to $3.99.

This Starbucks EPCOT 35 Coffee Mug must have been sold at Fountain View in EPCOT.

Kylo Ren lightsaber.

BB-8 MEGA playset.

Presented without commentary.

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.

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, and October 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).