Souvenirs and Shopping

Cool Disney World T-Shirts

Over the past few months, the coolness level of souvenir T-shirts at Disney World has skyrocketed. Last week, I took these snapshots of some of the shirts that I thought were the most fun. Prices are around $25-35 each, depending on how embellished they are.

Click any image to start a slideshow of the new designs. To see where to find shops inside Disney World, check out Mouse Map, the only Disney World guide book that includes souvenir shops.

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Blogs To Help With Your Disney World Shopping

Shopping for souvenirs in certainly a favorite pasttime at Disney World... and there are so many options! To help you plan in advance, check these Disney shopping-related sites:

  • Vinylmation Blog: The Vinylmation characters are an edgy addition to the selection of Disney World souvenirs. They're cute and clever, with endless possibilities. Read what new releases are on the calendar and be on the look-out for them during your vacation. Read the blog here, and visit the shopping site to order.
  • Disney Pin Trading: Pins are huge (which you probably already know)! There are dozens of fan sites, and then there's the official blog: What's HapPINing? I met their chief blogger last year, and he's such fun! Can you imagine how much fun it would be to think about Disney pins all day long?

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Gotta go check out the upcoming pin events... See ya real soon!

Inside Tren-D at Downtown Disney Marketplace

We had a chance to check out Tren-D in the Marketplace at Disney World's Downtown Disney recently. It's a cool little shop, nicer than I expected. (I really loved Summer Sands that used to be in the same spot... check out the location on Page 63 in Mouse Map.)

The folks at Disney have posted a video that takes you inside the shop. Take a look!

Tips: Read more

Tren-D opens at Downtown Disney

Photo: Tren-D is the new shop at Downtown Disney.I admit it: I love shopping at Walt Disney World! And I just updated the Downtown Disney map to include an exciting new shopping destination: Tren-D.

For several years, Summer Sands was the spot for cool fashions at Disney World. It's now been replacede by Tren-D, a new shop that features hip fashion apparel, accessories and more.

Look for organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses, stylish art, plus unique creations from designers like Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy. Of course, there are plenty of Disney-inspired thingabobs but you won't be overwhelmed by mouse ears and princesses.

Tren-D is nestled in its new digs on the east side of the Marketplace, near Pin Traders and Once Upon a Toy. I'm expecting that it's be one of my new faves at Downtown Disney!

UPDATE: The Orlando Sentinel has a story with more background on the development of Tren-D. Very interesting read! Go check out Downtown Disney's Tren-D sells icons with edge.

Disney's Pin Celebration 2007 Coming in September

Photo: Epcot entrance. Copyright 2006 Anne S. Easterling.Wow, talk about a fun event coming up! If you're into pin trading and plan to be at Disney World in early September, make plans to attend Disney's Pin Celebration 2007 at Epcot.

The event, which runs Sept. 7-9, costs $90 per person (plus your admission to Epcot). Here's what is included:

  • Opportunity to pre-purchase Limited Edition pins designed especially for this event.
  • "Purchase with Purchase" pin promotion for event Guests only featuring exclusive pins.
  • Trading activities and games at World ShowPlace located at Epcot.
  • Limited Edition commemorative gifts.
  • Live and silent auctions of pre-production pins, artist proof pins and more.
  • Be the first to collect brand new Hidden Mickey pins featuring new designs.
  • Opportunity to meet Disney Pin Partners from The Walt Disney Company.
  • Two $15 Gift Cards redeemable at Epcot® Food and Beverage locations.
  • Plus extra special surprises throughout the event.

Looks like that's going to be a busy weekend... and I'm going to be there! The Night of Joy will be Friday, September 7, and Saturday, September 8. Read more on the Disney World web site.

Just as an FYI, I've studied the details of the pin trading event and can't see how it really saves money on purchasing pins. If you absolutely must have the special collectible pins, then getting them through this event might be worthwhile. The rest of us will probably be just as happy with buying pins at the regular shops and/or trading.

Basic Shopping Info

Photo: The Darkroom at Disney-MGM Studios.Planning for Souvenir Purchases

The best souvenir carries a special memory of your vacation. In some ways, planning souvenirs in advance is difficult. But it is helpful to have an idea of the gifts and souvenirs that are available - with prices - and to set guidelines, especially for your younger family members. Here's an easy plan:

  1. Browse through the shopping pages in the EZ Fun Guide, which list sample prices for many of the most popular souvenirs. You will also find ideas for other gifts that go beyond the traditional souvenir doodads. Check off items that you may want to add to your shopping list.
  2. Buying souvenirs to bring back for the folks at home? Want other ideas for dealing with the "gimmes"? Continue to Tips and Hints for Souvenirs and Shopping on Page 122-123 in the book.
  3. Make notes of your ideas and shopping plans, plus your expected expenses to EZ Fun Sheet 12: Souvenirs and Other Expenses on Page 150 in the book.

Consistent Pricing Around the World

If you are looking for the best deal in souvenirs, you may be tempted to "price shop." Here's a hint to save time:

  • Most items are consistently priced throughout WDW. For example, all basic WDW logo T-shirts are priced $20 at every resort and park, and all princess crowns cost $10.
  • If you see an item that you want, especially if it is a WDW logo item such as a shirt, toy or jewelry, you might as well buy it. It's highly unlikely that you will find a lower price.
  • The only sure way to get a discount is to use your Annual Pass to get 10 percent off purchases at World of Disney and other selected shops in Downtown Disney Marketplace.
  • You will find a wider selection of more upscale products at the resorts. These items will cost more - much more for some items.
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