Shopping Disney Style

Shopping can be an important part of your vacation, especially for some. This page is designed to help you with "Disney" shopping. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the number of shops at Walt Disney World. There's more to the shopping scene than Mouseketeer hats, Mickey Mouse watches, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. It's early in the day and you see an item you'd like to purchase. The price is right, yet you're undecided. Do I buy it now or not? If you really want it, buy it now! This can avoid later disappointments. It's easy to say, "I'll pick it up on the way out". The parks keep growing all the time, you can easily get turned around and not be able to find that particular shop again. Save yourself from saying "I wish had bought that when I saw it".

Be sure to keep your receipts! They're your ticket to a speedy, no-problem refund. You may find something at a different store, or even different park, that you like better. This is especially true of children. If you change your mind later on, you can easily make an exchange or get a refund. Any store on Disney Property will give you a refund. It is not necessary to take your item back to the exact place (or even Park) you bought it from. If you have your receipt in hand, you shouldn't have a problem. Without it, you may be entitled to an exchange only.

Keep an eye out for items marked with a price that ends in "99". The "99" usually means the item is either on sale or ready to be discontinued. So if you see your dream t-shirt priced at $9.99 you better grab it if you want it, you may not find it again later. It's true that there are outlets that Disney uses to sell only marked-down merchandise (i.e. Disney's Character Premiere and Disney's Character Warehouse).

SHOPPING TIPS

You can arrange to have purchases sent to a location near the park entrances for later pickup if you are shopping within the parks. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World resort you can also have your purchases delivered back to your hotel for no extra charge. Just ask the salesperson helping you for information on either service.

The parks aren't opened long enough for you to enjoy the rides and shop too? Not to worry! The Downtown Disney Marketplace keeps longer hours -- 9:30am to 11pm daily, and usually leaves its doors open until midnight during the busier seasons.

You've been walking around the parks and shops for what seems like an eternity just looking for that something special Disney item. If you know what you have in mind, don't be afraid to stop and talk with a park employee. They should be able to help you find out where that item might be, or give you tips on where to purchase a similar item.

You're leaving to go home tomorrow and you're doing some last minute shopping. The person in front of you has just purchased something that you just have to have. Many times, the item you fell in love with may be sold out. Don't panic! Ask the cast member helping you when (and if) that item is expected back on the shelf. Quite often you can purchase those items after they are back in stock.

Also, after arriving home you can email wdw.mail.order@disneyworld.com, or call Walt Disney World Mail Order at 1-407-363-6200, to inquire about any merchandise you may be interested in purchasing after your trip. It's helpful to give as much detail as possible about where you saw the item -- i.e. theme park, store name, etc.

You still have a craving to do some Disney shopping? Don't forget, you can always browse The Disney Store's offerings on-line too.

Happy Shopping and spend your money wisely! And remember, kindness works both ways. Most of the clerks that are waiting on you have helped thousands of people in one day. If you give them a smile and are polite I'm sure they will give you superior service in return.

DISCOUNT SHOPPING

Are you ready to do some discount shopping?! If you'd like to venture off Disney property you can find bargains galore at outlet malls. Both of the stores listed below carry official Disney merchandise. Most of the items are either discontinued, overstocked, or irregulars. Variety often changes daily. It's definitely worth taking a look!

Disney's Character Premiere at Orlando Premium Outlets

Location: Suite #1252; 8200 Vineland Avenue; Orlando, FL 32821; (407) 238-7787

Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 10am-9pm. Holiday Hours vary.

Directions:
From I-4 Westbound:
Exit 68 (Rte. 535). Left at light onto Route 535, left at next light onto Vineland Avenue at Little Lake Bryan; proceed 1 mile.

From I-4 Eastbound:
Exit 68 (old 27). Proceed straight across light at end of ramp onto Vineland Avenue; continue 1 mile.

Heading South on International Drive, past SeaWorld right at light into Vineland Village (Vineland Avenue).

Disney's Character Warehouse at Prime Outlets - International Orlando

Location: Suite #95; 4951 International Drive; Orlando, FL 32819; (407) 352-9600

Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 10am-9pm. Open Thanksgiving Day. Holiday Hours vary.

Directions:
From Disney World & West: Take I-4 East to the 75A-UNIVERSAL exit. Follow to International Drive and turn left. The center is located at the North End of International Drive.

From Downtown Orlando: Take I-4 West (Towards Tampa) to the 75A-UNIVERSAL exit. Follow to International Drive and turn left. The center is located at the North End of International Drive.

From Orlando International Airport (MCO): Take 528 West to FL Turnpike North to I-4 West to the 75A-UNIVERSAL exit. Follow to International Drive and turn left. The center is located at the North End of International Drive.

From Tampa: Take I-4 East to the 75A-UNIVERSAL exit. Follow to International Drive and turn left. The center is located at the North End of International Drive.

From Sanford Airport: Take State Highway 417 South to 408 West to I-4 West to the 75A-UNIVERSAL exit. Follow to International Drive and turn left.The center is located at the North End of International Drive.

From Daytona Beach: Take I-4 West to the 75A-UNIVERSAL exit. Follow to International Drive and turn left. The center is located at the North End of International Drive.

From Cape Canaveral: Take 528 West to FL Turnpike North to I-4 West to the 75A-UNIVERSAL exit. Follow to International Drive and turn left. The center is located at the North End of International Drive.

Last Updated: May 9, 2009