If you have children and even if you don’t, no visit to Disney is complete without a few souvenirs of a truly magical experience. From cuddly character toys to kitchen ware and the latest movie memorabilia, Disney has it all. The imagination of Disney merchandising seemingly knows no limits. The instantly recognisable trademark three circle mouse ears are everywhere; just how many places can a Mouse get!
Although you can spend a fortune on these items there are amazing bargains to be had if you know where to look. The airport shops and souvenir shops along I - Drive and the 192 are best avoided as they are among the most expensive. For Disney character toys, T. shirts and small items such as key rings, mugs e. t. c, Walmart has a good selection at some of the best prices around.
Surprisingly the best places to buy are at Disney’s own stores. Although it’s better to steer clear of the outlets within the parks, keep your eyes open and bargains can be found in the stores at Disney resorts and at Downtown Disney.
The Marketplace at Downtown Disney is the home of World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney Store. It is very easy to lose each other in this vast and busy store so arranging a place to meet if you get separated is a good idea. Look out for the frequent special offers they have. Spend a certain amount and you will either receive a free item, or be able to buy something special for a few dollars. We received a limited edition picture for $15 and a free Disney throw this way.
Also in the Marketplace area is Mickey’s Mart where everything is $10 and under. Children will enjoy hunting for pocket money items here. The added bonus is that parents know that in this store any ‘must have’ treasure won’t break the bank. There is also a Christmas store where you can buy traditional and Disney themed decorations. Again a hunt around can uncover bargains. We found 18 inch musical Mickey and a Minnie Mouse dressed as Victorian carol singers. Originally over $40 each, we paid around $20 for the two.
For anyone who is into pin trading, check out the separate Pin Traders down near the Rain Forest Café before buying any in the pin section in World of Disney. Disney outlet stores are great for these too. Find Character Corner store at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Disney’ s Character Premiere store, located at the Orlando Premium Outlets and Disney’ s Character Warehouse at Prime Outlets International Mall 1 at the top of I-Drive. Here we bought a special edition tin with pins and a lanyard for under $20. Being so small they are not always easy to find in these stores, so ask one of the helpful cast members. We were about to pay for 2 pins when we were shown the tin which was under the counter. It actually cost less than the 2 pins, so it’s always worth asking if they have any special deals.
Although you can spend a fortune on these items there are amazing bargains to be had if you know where to look. The airport shops and souvenir shops along I - Drive and the 192 are best avoided as they are among the most expensive. For Disney character toys, T. shirts and small items such as key rings, mugs e. t. c, Walmart has a good selection at some of the best prices around.
Surprisingly the best places to buy are at Disney’s own stores. Although it’s better to steer clear of the outlets within the parks, keep your eyes open and bargains can be found in the stores at Disney resorts and at Downtown Disney.
The Marketplace at Downtown Disney is the home of World of Disney, the world’s largest Disney Store. It is very easy to lose each other in this vast and busy store so arranging a place to meet if you get separated is a good idea. Look out for the frequent special offers they have. Spend a certain amount and you will either receive a free item, or be able to buy something special for a few dollars. We received a limited edition picture for $15 and a free Disney throw this way.
Also in the Marketplace area is Mickey’s Mart where everything is $10 and under. Children will enjoy hunting for pocket money items here. The added bonus is that parents know that in this store any ‘must have’ treasure won’t break the bank. There is also a Christmas store where you can buy traditional and Disney themed decorations. Again a hunt around can uncover bargains. We found 18 inch musical Mickey and a Minnie Mouse dressed as Victorian carol singers. Originally over $40 each, we paid around $20 for the two.
For anyone who is into pin trading, check out the separate Pin Traders down near the Rain Forest Café before buying any in the pin section in World of Disney. Disney outlet stores are great for these too. Find Character Corner store at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, Disney’ s Character Premiere store, located at the Orlando Premium Outlets and Disney’ s Character Warehouse at Prime Outlets International Mall 1 at the top of I-Drive. Here we bought a special edition tin with pins and a lanyard for under $20. Being so small they are not always easy to find in these stores, so ask one of the helpful cast members. We were about to pay for 2 pins when we were shown the tin which was under the counter. It actually cost less than the 2 pins, so it’s always worth asking if they have any special deals.