Sensational Shopping at Disney’s Character Warehouse
During your visit to the happiest place on earth, be sure to take time to stop by either Orlando International Premium Outlets or Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. While you’re there, stock up on some truly magical merch at Disney’s Character Warehouse! This Disney superstore carries merch dedicated to all of your favorite characters. So, whether you’re searching for souvenirs to take back to loved ones, or a special piece to help you remember your trip, you’re sure to find something that makes your heart happy.
But before you start your shopping spree, here are some tips for making the most of the experience!
Disney’s Character Warehouse: The Early Bird Gets The Merch!
The first thing you need to know is that the earlier in the day you get to Disney’s Character Warehouse, the better. Ideally, you’ll want to arrive for your shopping trip no later than five hours before this Orlando outlet store closes. The closer it gets to closing time, the more shoppers will be in the store. During the last hour of business, it can even be impossible to get into the store due to capacity limitations.
It’s not just when you go that’s important, but how you get there. If you drive to the store, be aware that the parking lot is often full on weekends and major holidays. If you’re visiting the store during this time, it may be best to take public transportation there and back.
While you’re shopping, keep in mind how you’re going to transport your purchases home. Bringing your own bags is always a good idea, especially if you purchase anything that’s fragile or delicate. Even if you aren’t in the market for snow globes or ceramic coffee mugs, be mindful that you may need an extra suitcase or duffel bag to take your purchases home in. (Or be sure to leave enough room – and extra pounds – in your check luggage if you’re flying!)
Before you pay for anything, look it over and make sure it’s not damaged in any way. It’s not unheard of for Disney’s Character Warehouse outlet to receive items the park itself doesn’t wish to sell. This is usually because there’s a defect with the item. Since the store doesn’t allow refunds or returns, it’s best to exam everything thoroughly so you don’t have buyer’s remorse later!
However, if you’re like me and have watched Toy Story too many times, you might want to adopt a “defective” plushie or figurine on purpose because it needs a home, too!
The Most Popular Disney’s Character Warehouse Merchandise
Though you can purchase tons of Disney merchandise at Disney’s Character Warehouse, you might be wondering what the best-selling items are. The list includes:
- Magic Bands
- T-shirts
- Silhouettes
- Christmas Ornaments
- Lanyards/Pins
- Drinkware
If you plan on making multiple trips to Disney, purchasing your Magic Bands makes it easier to enjoy your time in the park. One of the biggest benefits is that you can link a credit or debit card to your band and use it to make purchases in all the parks. This way you avoid having to carry large amounts of cash with you. However, since the bands make purchases so safe and simple, I personally need to be supervised while shopping, otherwise I’ll easily come home with a hundred different Mickey Mouses! (Mickey Mice??)
There are so many Magic Bands to choose from! Each one is designed to represent Disney characters and movies. Some of the top-selling characters are Lilo and Stitch, Aladdin and the Genie, and even Nemo & Dory. Some of the top-selling movies are Pirates of the Caribbean and Captain America.
One of the most classic souvenirs of any vacation is a t-shirt, and Disney is no exception. At the Character Warehouse, you can get Disney shirts from each resort on the grounds of Disney World. This is a great way to save time; instead of resort-hopping, you can just pick up all your resort souvenirs here, in one stop!
Of course, one of the most unique Disney souvenirs you can get is a silhouette. Artists in residence can draw your favorite character for you, or you also have the option of having a silhouette made of you and/or the other people in your party! You can have as many as four people in one silhouette. When it’s completed, you’ll get three copies of it to take home! This is an awesome option for something truly personal and unique, or a fantastic chance to get merch of a more obscure character you really love! (Can we please get some more Orange Bird hype going??)
While a silhouette is certainly a great Disney souvenir, you may want to opt for something more classic, like a cheerful Christmas ornament. Every November and December, exciting new Christmas ornaments are released for that year. You can even take it a step further and get your ornament personalized! Resident artists will add your name and the date of your trip to any ornament that allows for personalization.
If you’ve previously visited a Disney park you are probably familiar with their lanyards and pins, the latter of which have become popular with collectors all over the world. For many visitors to Disney, one of the most popular activities is swapping pins with both cast members and guests of the park. You can purchase pins for a few dollars each, with the intention of trading them, but if you want to keep them for yourself, consider buying some of the higher quality pins. In addition to lanyards, there are also backpacks and purses with clear pockets for displaying your favorite pins.
Last but not least, drinkware is always a popular choice. (One can never have too many coffee mugs. Right? Right??) Some of the most popular purchases are the Country Bears Jug and the Lighthouse Souvenir Cup. But you can also purchase special Starbucks/Disney-themed drinkware for your daily caffeine cravings! A white chocolate mocha latte tastes that much better when served in Disney-style.
Now you’re armed with all the information you need to enjoy a Disney’s Character Warehouse shopping spree! What merch are you hoping to find? Tell us about your favorite Disney store find in the comments below!
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