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Cathy writes: "When we were there last, I was amazed at how many outlet malls I found. There are still several on International Drive, and there's a somewhat newer one beside the Shrine (on Vineland). There's also a new grocery store (Publix) and Walgreens nearby. Is there a specific outlet store (with Disney merchandise) that you recommend now, or are they all relatively similar?" See our chapter in the book on affordable Disney merchandise for places where we shop. We save up to 50% or more on authentic WDW merchandise! For more insider tips, see our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."
Most Popular Stamp Series of All Time Makes Final Curtain Call ‘Art of Disney’ three-set series extended to five ‘stamping ovations’ Although Elvis remains king as the single most popular stamp subject of all time with an estimated 124.1 million collected, Mickey Mouse and his friends rule as the most popular stamp series with 211.5 million collected. Originally scheduled to be introduced as three sets during a three-year period, the fifth and final debut for the Art of Disney series [took] place Aug. 7... 125 million Art of Disney: Imagination stamps were printed and are available in sheets of 20 and include four stamp designs: * Mickey Mouse as Steamboat Willie. Walt Disney once said that Mickey was "created for the purposes of laughter." From the moment Walt Disney first imagined him, Mickey has been a happy reminder that a little laughter goes a long way; it’s hard to imagine the world without his familiar smile. * Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and her helpers Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty. Everyone dreams of living "happily ever after," but not everyone has such enchanting helpers as Princess Aurora’s tiny guardians, Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. Despite their delightfully dithery ways, the good fairies protect the princess and help her find the true love she has always imagined. * Pongo and one of his pups from 101 Dalmatians. Imagining a dog’s emotional life requires a brilliant creative leap, but 101 Dalmatians gives us a unique dog’s eye view of the world. In the loving bonds between Pongo and his pups, we see our own human ties brought to life - spot on. * Mowgli and Baloo from The Jungle Book. Who could imagine a jungle as jazzy as in The Jungle Book - or a more free-wheeling, upbeat buddy than Baloo? His lighthearted relationship with Mowgli reminds us that friendship and laughter really are among the "bare necessities of life..." The Art of Disney: Imagination Philatelic Fact Sheet Philatelic Products * 571406 Mickey Mouse, Princesses, Animal Tales and Childhood Classics are a limited edition series of four folios featuring stamps from The Art of Disney series grouped by the above four themes. Each three-panel folio contains a collectible insert with five affixed stamps and a special commemorative cancellation that can be removed for framing or display. Each folio is offered for $14.95 or the set of four is offered at $49.95. Limited to availability.
* 571401, The Art of Disney Postmark Collectible: Mickey Mouse, $14.95 How to Order First-Day Covers Stamp Fulfillment Services also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly catalog USA Philatelic. Customers can request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or by writing to:
Information Fulfillment How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They can purchase the new stamped postcards at the Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, by telephone at 800-STAMP-24, or at their local Post Office. Customers should address the cards to themselves or others, and place them in an envelope addressed to:
Disney Imagination Stamps After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the cards through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by Oct. 6, 2008. (Source: Press Release, 08/07/08) |
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"Walt Disney Co. announced Friday that it will not renew its lease for its
World of Disney store at 711 Fifth Ave. when it expires in 2010 because
of hefty rent increases."
"With nearly a hundred of these shops closing around the country this week...
Disney Consumer Products' plans to make the Disney Stores seems special
& unique again."
Walt Disney World Guests Create Custom Mouse Ear Hats With the New ‘Build Your Own Ears Hat’ Boutique LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Every Kingdom has its crown jewels, and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is no different. But don't expect rubies or spires of gold: The jewels here -- those famous Mouse Ear hats -- come with a little extra "character." Guests are finding a new, customized way to enjoy the already blossoming array of Ear hats offered at Florida's Vacation Kingdom. Exclusively at The Chapeau on Main Street U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom, guests can visit the Build Your Own Ears Hat boutique and fashion a set of ears that represents their individual personality. "For the first time, guests can take our traditional, iconic Mickey Mouse Ears -- made famous in the 1950s with the Mickey Mouse Club -- and customize them," said Dara Trujillo, merchandise manager at Walt Disney World Resort. "Not only is this a unique product offering, but every set will be different, just like our guests." Here's how it works: * Guests start by choosing one of 19 bases in colors and materials such as purple satin, pink fur, blue velvet or green glow-in-the-dark. * Next, guests choose two snap-on ears from an assortment such as metallic, rhinestone and holographic -- either two ears of the same variety or two different options for a really distinctive look. * If they wish, guests can adorn their hat using peel-and-stick patches representing favorite Disney characters, Disney princesses and Disney Channel shows. Custom embroidery and stick-on letters are also available. With thousands of combinations possible, it's easy for guests to create an Ear hat that is uniquely "them." And once the creation is complete, there's no fewer than seven mirrors stationed around the shop in which to admire the one-of-a-kind work of art. "Guests take pride in showing off their creative talents," said Trujillo. "It's their way of saying, 'These were made just for me.'" Prices vary based on how elaborate a creation a guest concocts. A basic hat -- a base, two ears and a chin strap -- starts around $7.50, with patches ($2.95 each), letters ($5.95 for a pack) and embroidery ($3.00) optional. Hats are one-size-fits-all, but can be adjusted to fit smaller guests using the chin strap. (Source: Press Release, 06/17/08)
"Three Disney-licensed charm bracelet sets and four "Charm It!" charms for
children were tested and found to contain illegal levels of lead,
according to the U.S. advocacy group Centre for Environmental Health."
Disney Recall For Lead Paint: "The recall targets 4,100 Pirates of
the Caribbean sleeping bags and 8,000 Tinker Bell wands sold at Disney Stores
nationwide between April and October of 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission said."
Hannah Montana Disney Glamour Shots Candy subject of lawsuit. "An
Oklahoma company (Glamour Shots Licensing Inc.), saying it doesn't want its
name associated with candy packaging, has filed a trademark-infringement
lawsuit against the Walt Disney Co."
"Magic Kingdom guests now can create their own variations of Disney's
signature ear hats, even if that means choosing fuzzy trim or bejeweled
ears that (gasp!) don't match." So far only one location is offering this
service - The Chapeau near the park's entrance. Cost: Up to $15 or more depending
on options! In issue #407 (http://www.affordabledisney.com/issue_407.html) I posted an article about Disney's new Magic Connection electronic device that allows you to determine actual wait times for attractions, availability of FastPasses, etc.. The device will be able in 2009 if testing goes well, but you'll have to give Disney a refundable credit card deposit of $300 to do so. Stephanie writes:
Thanks for writing, Stephanie. We're still waiting for Disney to release more details.
The Disney Character Warehouse Outlet Store is now open in Midvale, UT. (See our book for the locations in Florida where you can buy authentic Walt Disney World merchandise at great discounts.) (http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8261886)
Shopping at Theme Park Stores at Orlando International Airport: "Disney
dwarfs the competition. Its stores -- the flagship Disney's EarPort in the
terminal's east hall and the Magic of Disney in the west hall -- outsell
all of the other theme-park stores combined. Its stores ring up as much as
$1.2 million in receipts in a single month." OIA is going to open two more
theme park stores in Airside 4, the international flight area.
For video of Thomas Kinkade discussing his painting, "A New Day at the
Cinderella Castle" see: Donna and I saw this painting on our recent Disney World vacation. I believe it was $300 for an unframed lithograph.
Marsha writes:
I found it for $14 + shipping at: For Theme Park merchandise, call 407/363-6200 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EDT. You can email them at: wdw.mail.order@disneyworld.com.
Disney PhotoPass deals in the parks: "I learned that if you plan to
purchase at least three 5x7s, the Family Package is the best deal at $29.99.
If you were to purchase the same photos online, they would be $12.95 apiece,
or $38.85 for three." You can also buy a 4x6 photo in the parks, but not
online.
Disney Reaches to the Crib To Extend Princess Magic: "Disney's princess
minders are hoping to hook even younger girls and their moms on the craze
with a new range of princess products aimed at newborns. The princess clan
will feature on cribs, diaper-changing mats and other infant products next
year."
"Orange County is a constantly evolving shopping Mecca, a trendsetter of
fashion and design, as well as a hub of eclectic shopping locales
and experiences. From high-end retailers and trend-setting boutiques to bargain
shopping, there's something to be found for every kind of shopper." Consumer Alert: "Retail giant Target is recalling 110-thousand magnetic game pieces that are part of Disney's 'Cars' backpacks... The pieces could be potentially swallowed by youngsters and, if ingested, the magnetic pieces could lead to blood poisoning and even death." (http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=13157) You can combine Disney characters with your photos at Wal-Mart to create mugs, mousepads, and more. (http://photos.walmart.com/storepage/storePageId=Disney)
JC Penney is recalling Disney's Deluxe Winnie The Pooh Play sets which contain
high level of lead. "A new state law that prohibits expiration dates and late fees on gift certificates contains an exception quietly sought by Walt Disney World that exempts some of its gift cards from the restrictions." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/30/07) "Reacting to three separate recalls of Mattel toys found to contain unsafe levels of lead paint, The Walt Disney Co. announced that it will begin its own testing of toys featuring Disney characters, including random testing of products already on store shelves." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 09/10/07) Scrapbooking: "Who doesn’t want to preserve their memories after a visit to Walt Disney World?... From chain craft stores to speciality stores to locations on Disney property, Central Florida has many options for locating supplies." (blogs.orlandosentinel.com, 07/26/07) BUC BUCKS -- Three new Disney Dollars, all themed to the wildly popular "Pirates of the Caribbean" motion pictures, have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. to celebrate the third chapter in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series. The bills, available in $1 denominations, feature designs based on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films - a stylized skull and cross bones on the front and a different flagship vessel (The Black Pearl, The Flying Dutchman and a new ship that will be unveiled in the third film) on the back. The first two bills are themed to "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." The third bill was released just ahead of the nationwide release of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." Disney Dollars are currently available for purchase and use at any merchandise location on Walt Disney World Resort property. (Source: Press Release)
Sue writes: "We’ve just returned from Orlando and visited most of the Disney attractions there. I bought my granddaughter some Mickey Crocs and they had some little charms that you could purchase and stick on the top of the shoes. We bought four or five and she lost them on our long flight home. She is crushed and wants to have me buy some new ones now that we’ve returned from Orlando. Can you please tell me where I can find these to purchase on the web site because I simply cannot even find that you have Mickey crocs available on line. Help, this is a major issue in our house!!" For Disney Theme Park merchandise, call 407/363-6200 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EDT.
"Disney Plush Easter Baskets sold at Wal-Mart have been voluntarily recalled. Consumers should stop using the product immediately. Silver beads and ribbons attached to the basket can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children." (Source: news10now.com, 04/06/07)
If you really like the beds, towels and toiletries at the Radisson Hotels & Resorts, you can now buy them online. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/09/07)
Sheila writes: "Would you have any idea where I can buy the Disney Shaped Pasta? You have such a wealth of knowledge on Disney I knew you would be the one to ask-- Thanks for all the work on the newsletters you do-Keep up the good work."
Ebay has it on auction. Examples I found:
The French supermarket chain Carrefour has it, but only in France. Disney theme parks have them. For Theme Park merchandise, call 407/363-6200 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM EDT. Thanks again for the kind words!
"Pal Mickey may be a plush Mickey Mouse, but he's also a high-tech gadget with the inside scoop on the parks, a seemingly limitless stream of corny jokes and [six] interactive games... Disney has found a way to send signals that activate this gadget to share location-specific info as you come upon attractions at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney-MGM Studios or Disney's Animal Kingdom." (Source: columbuslive.com, 01/25/07)
Kathy writes: "Our family went to Disney World in October and had a blast. We used many of the tips you suggested which made it soooo easy for us. We are already planning another trip. I know your tips will come in handy for our next trip. Thank you! My children enjoyed getting into the trading pin action. I was wondering if you could suggest a trustworthy internet site where you can purchase Disney trading pins.(or anywhere else I might find them.) I would love to surprise my kids with a pin(s) at Christmas time. Thank you for your help." To search for Disney pins, click here.
Maureen writes: "I've spent a shocking amount of time searching the internet for a source of a new Disney World T-Shirt, size kids 6-8, to present to my daughter for her birthday when she learns that she will receive a trip to Disney World. I'm in Hawaii. I figured that this would be an easy item to order. WRONG! Please direct me to a website from which I may order this T- Shirt. THANK YOU!" For Theme Park merchandise, call 407/363-6200 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EDT. Also check out the pixies.
Disney Princess Disco Lamp is a potential fire hazard. Walmart has pulled the item from its shelves. (Source: Kksby.com, 12/18/06)
"Walt Disney World has closed a small, obscure, yet unique attraction: two consumer CD-burners loaded with old Disney music. The 'Wonderland' machines were set in back corners of the Once Upon a Toy store in Downtown Disney and the Virtual Magic Kingdom store in the Magic Kingdom... But the machines simply weren't very popular, a Disney spokesman said. In their place are shelves of Disney CDs, including a few, such as Mickey's Top 40 Tunes, that feature repackaged, select oldies. (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 10/14/06)
Shawn writes: I'm writing to find out how i can buy some of the Disney 5 oz silver coins. if you can help that would be great. thanks." The only place I know you can buy them is from Ebay.com. Make sure you buy from a power seller who has excellent feedback to avoid being ripped off.
"Now all those Mickey Mice can dangle hoop earrings from their big, round ears. In a tie-in with the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest movie, the Walt Disney Co. is releasing a pair of its iconic ears fashioned for a Mickey Mouse pirate and a Mickey Mouse pirate princess. Both sport a hoop dangling from the left ear." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 06/20/06)
"Disney-pin trading is as much about building friendships as it is about building collections... Collectors come together in a variety of ways. They meet at events such as a September pin celebration at Epcot and on Disney pin cruises. They meet on online message boards and in line for rides at the parks. And they meet at the trading post outside of the pin stores at Epcot and at Disney Marketplace, part of Downtown Disney." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 05/08/06)
Amy writes: "John, I'm sure that you are aware of the new product offered by Disney: a DVD containing pictures uploaded either via your own computer and/or using your Disney PhotoPass codes. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that yes, I broke down and spent the money. The introductory offer is $49.95 for the 1st copy, and $19.95 for any additional ones. I never buy anything frivolous, but thought this might be a nice way of commemorating our visits over the last 6 years (no one says that it has to be from just one visit!) So I looked back over all of our photos of the kids, from their first visit in 2000, through last month's visit. I made sure to include a photo of all of the different people that have gone with us over the years (cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, Godparents, friends). I just received it last evening. Unfortunately, the DVD was not put in it's case correctly and was completely scratched from bouncing all around inside the case. However, true to Disney service, they assured me that another copy would be sent free of charge, via express mail. I was able to view some of it (in between the skipping from the scratches) and it looks GREAT. I can't wait to see the unscratched DVD." Amy adds: "One reason that it is nice, is because you can use the DisneyPhotoPass photos, without having to actually buy any of the photos." Disney's PhotoMovie Combines your digital photos and your Disney's PhotoPass photos (if you have any) on DVD with Disney video, music and characters. Also includes a slide show of all your photos set to Disney music.
Facts
Save on batteries... "Floridians will get a 12-day break (May 21 - June 1) from sales tax on many items they may need to get ready for hurricane season under a bill Gov. Jeb Bush signed into law Thursday. The measure (HB 47) is aimed at encouraging people to buy items such as flashlights, radios, and batteries to be ready for what some expect to be a busy storm season." (Source: Orlando Sentinel, 04/27/06)
"The Walt Disney Company, an icon of mainstream America, will move against the grain of conventional business strategy this spring when it stops distributing a catalog that has filled the mailboxes of tens of millions of households for the last decade, and instead embarks on a Web-only initiative." (Source: NY Times, 02/20/06)
Disney Park and Cruise Line Memorabilia & Collectibles Mouse Surplus: 1217 Spruce Avenue, Orlando, FL 32814. 407/854-5391. MouseSurplus is a clearinghouse for memorabilia from the Disney parks and cruise line.
Free Disney Character Photos! Did you know that Disney will send your
children autographed photos of their characters at no charge? Send the request
for your favorite character to:
This new service for WDW guests allows you to view your photos online and share them with others at no charge. (If you wish to buy your photos on property, visit Disney's Photo Centers located throughout the resort.)
Here's how to take advantage of Disney's PhotoPass:
Disney Dollars have a new look to coincide with the "Happiest Celebration On Earth":
Dumbo = one-dollar bill New characters will be available for purchase early 2006. (Source: Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort and Disney Cruise Line® Mailer, 08/30/05)
Sherry writes: "Love getting the newsletters -- extremely informative!! My family is going to WDW again in July and I would like to purchase some Disney Dollars as gifts for my kids before we go. Do you have any info where I can get these -- the Disney Store in our city closed about a year ago, so that option is out. Thanks." I understand you can order them through Walt Disney World Mail Order at 407/363-6200. Glad you are enjoying the newsletter!
Disney Liquidators "In one short year, Mouse Surplus has become one of the premier clearinghouses of Disney memorabilia, artifacts, signage and one-of-a-kind items anywhere. In addition to selling items on eBay, Mouse Surplus just opened a showroom in south Orlando where you can hunt through its warehouse and even walk through its 2-acre lot full of artifacts." (Source: Yahoo! News, 08/11/05)
The Art of Disney: Celebration Stamped Cards are now on sale at the US Post Office.
Shellie writes: "Hi John, in one of your recent newsletters Beth was speaking about grand gathering special collector pins. I have called several departments at Disney and I have even gone on the internet at their Disney trading pins site and no one seems to know what I am speaking about. We have a group of 10 going to Disney starting June 25th. I would love to try to get these pins before I go if possible. Do you have any further information about this? Thanks for your help." You can buy the Magical Gathering Cloisonné Pin at Disney's Pin Trader at Downtown Disney. Price: $6.50 + tax. You might also be able to get it at Disney's Merchandise department. Call 407/363-6200 or email them.
"Beginning Dec. 1, [guests] will be able to skip photo-pickup lines throughout property thanks to Disney's PhotoPass, a new online service that allows them to view, share and order photographs of their Walt Disney World® experience. Photographers will be located in all four theme parks to take pictures of guests who will then receive a Disney's Photopass card with a unique 16-digit number they can use to access their photos online at www.DisneyPhotoPass.com [at no charge]... guests will still be able to view and buy vacation photos at Disney Photo Centers throughout property..." Prints ordered online will cost the same as prints purchased at a Disney Photo Center. (Source Walt Disney World Resort Promotional Email, 11/24/04)
Pin-trading fans can visit DisneyPins.com to purchase pins from the Disney theme parks.
Pal Mickey is a plush toy that advises guests about parades and show schedules and where to find their favorite Disney characters. You can buy Pal Mickey for $56.33 plus tax.
Kate writes: "Hi John, continuing to enjoy your book online. just wondered if you had any suggestions, i am taking my sister and a few family members to disney in october. i want to get shirts made, and wasn't sure if there was any special way to get them made with a disney theme. i have looked online, but am willing to look locally. any ideas? it is her 50th birthday we will be celebrating." You can buy Disney shirts at DisneyDirect.com. You can personalize them. I searched for "personalized." Glad you are enjoying the book!
Disney Direct Clearance Sales: Beth writes: "I met with our new Disney sales rep today who mentioned to me that it looks like the sale of the Disney Store chain to Children's Place will go through sometime next month. She suggested that, while she knows nothing at all officially about the plans that CP has for the stores, Disney fans might want to start watching for big clearance sales - and I'd say she's probably correct, but who knows what the timing will be on it. Click here."
Erin writes: "I just wanted to write and let you know how your book, and even more so, your updates saved us an incredible amount of money on our trip to Disney. We stayed off resort that was booked by [your travel agent], Beth... We chose to use our time shopping as well. What a great find you lead us to. The [outlet you recommend in your book] saved us easily $250 in one trip to the store. I purchased the same exact merchandise that was in the parks for a lot less. For example, I did not plan very well one day and it became very cold one evening so I had to purchase my 2 children sweatshirts while in Epcot. The exact same sweatshirts that cost me $72 in the park cost me only $18 for both. Needless to say, we continued on to the other mall and outlets found through your book. Thank you John... All and all our trip was wonderful and best of all it was affordable."
Jennifer writes: "Hi John, I have been reading your book for a year - I have a couple of friends going to Disney is a few weeks, and would like to get them a gift certificate for dinner or shopping or something nice. Are certificates available? What do you recommend?" I called customer service at the Disney Store online (800/328-0368) and they say that Disney sells no gift certificates. They sell a Disney card at the Disney store online, but it cannot be redeemed at the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney in Florida. They suggest that you buy Disney dollars and give them to your friends.
Melissa writes: "Your newsletter mentioned something new called Pal Mickey, the plush toy tour guide that can be rented or purchased. (I think it is a neat idea!) My question is, if you purchase it will it operate each time you go to WDW or would you just have to consider it as a souvenir once your vacation is over? Also, ... someone wrote about their recent trip to Disney and they talked about MGM. I went to Disney last summer and I remember that MGM was not that crowded then either. We walked right on to some rides and attractions, and waited maybe 15 minutes for others. That was my first time there and I have to admit I wasn't that pleased either. We enjoyed Playhouse Disney, Star Tours, the Great Movie Ride and the Motor Cars parade. We're not big on thrill rides so we passed up the Tower of Terror and the roller coaster. Beauty and the Beast was closed and we saw about 7 minutes of Indiana Jones (due to heavy rains they stopped the show). We also enjoyed dining at the Sci-Fi Theater. We left before the fireworks show started. I hope they plan to add more to this park in the future. We didn't get to see Epcot, which I'm finding out (from friends and co-workers) was a big mistake. Magic Kingdom was too crowded, we didn't get to do a whole lot there. We learned the hard way that the fastpass is the best way to go. Overall I enjoyed the rides and attractions. Since my kids are young we spent the majority of the day looking for characters to sign their autograph books. Visiting Animal Kingdom was a short day for us, I'm not that crazy about animals. The Safari would have been more enjoyable if it wasn't so hot that day. The animals that I wanted to see were hiding between large rocks for shade. We did enjoy the Lion King show and Tarzan Rocks! (That's such an appropriate name, we were definitely dancing in our seats!)" We received the following comments about Pal Mickey: Michele writes: "Last time we were at the Magic Kingdom, I was toying with the idea of buying Pal Mickey--& still may. The cast member in the store told me Mickey automatically downloads new information every time you enter the park so it is constantly updated. I have only tried it in a store and it was talking about the Haunted Mansion in the store, which I thought was odd. I was under the impression it responded to its surroundings. Anyway, hope this information helps you." Kay writes: "I have a Pal Mickey, and yes he does work when you bring him back. You will have to get him downloaded with new information. Just ask the resort where you are staying where to bring Pal Mickey. Pal Mickey will also tell you jokes, and play trivia games with you when you bring him home. He is 12 inches tall and the cutest thing." Cathy writes: "What I heard about him from a former college cast member at the park is that they will be adding more sensors throughout the years and all you will have to do is get the new sayings downloaded to your Mickey, I do not know how close this is to the facts but she said they had been selling a whole lot and if it wasn't for the price she would of bought one for herself."
Margo writes: "Since I have received MANY money saving tips from your book and updates, I thought it was my duty to pass this one along. We leave Saturday for Disney and wanted to get a few pins for our little one to trade. We went to our local Disney store, thinking we'd be paying about $4-$6 a pin. To our surprise, all their pins were on sale. We bought 28 pins for $21!! Most pins were $0.60 to $0.80. We asked why the pins were so cheap, and they told us they are trying to get rid of last year's pins. This year's pins were 75% off, so a few of the pins we bought were $1.25. Thanks for all your money saving tips!" Thank you, Margo, for letting us know! All right, everybody, get to your local Disney Store and get your pins at an incredibly low price! Melissa writes: "I was hoping you could pass on a thank you to Margo, the lady who mentioned the sale on the trading pins... I went to my local Disney store and found a lot more than just pins on sale. I purchased 5 trading pins, 2 stuffed animals (Winnie the Pooh and Stitch of "Lilo and Stitch"), 2 snow globes, a Winnie the Pooh mug and 4 lollipops for under $25.00! My husband and I are surprising our kids with a trip to Disney in the summer, this will gives us a good start on loading up on souvenirs. A BIG thanks to Margo for sharing the great news!"
Kathy writes: "I appreciate all the money saving info that your site offers. I just wanted to let you in on a tip I got from a friend. If you want to get the kids some reasonably priced pins for pin trading at Disney try Ebay. Type in "Disney Pin Lot" in the search on Ebay. I have found that you can get pins from $2-$4 per pin. Much more reasonable than the Disney Store!! I recently purchased 12 pins for $17 plus $3 to ship. That is less than $2 per pin including the shipping! What a deal!!! Have fun!!!" Thanks, Kathy, for the tip!
Jay writes: "I am travelling to WDW for my honeymoon late April/Early May and we plan to bring back quite a few souvenirs and gifts. We were considering shipping a lot of the merchandise home, especially fragile items (ie: wine, xmas ornaments). I was wondering if you had info on shipping. We're leery about using WDW shipping upon each purchase because that will (a) result in many separate deliveries and most likely cost a bundle, and (b) someone we know shipped a fragile item from WDW and it arrived in pieces (they were able to call and get a new one shipped). Not to mention this would not cover any Universal and/or Seaworld purchases. We were interested in maybe using another retailer to ship everything in one box. I've looked into Mail Boxes Etc., US Postal Service, UPS, FedEX but its hard to determine what the cost might be and what they provide to you. Do you know if they can provide packaging materials (boxes, tape, packing styrofoam, etc.)? ..." We have heard about merchandise arriving broken from WDW. You may want to use the nearby UPS. For the nearest location, click here. Enter Walt Disney World, Florida 32830. For rates, click here. I assume they sell packaging material, but it won't be cheap. You may want to call them first to see what they require. It may pay to stop at a local store and pick up mailing boxes, etc. If any reader has mailed packages back home with a commercial delivery service, please share your experience with us. Mary writes: "RE: Jay's comments about shipping items each time he visits a store at WDW, my advice is this (I do this every trip - which is usually 2-3x a year): You take all the items you have purchased at WDW property over the length of your trip (they won't ship other parks' items!) and have them shipped to your home/office on the last day you will be at WDW. You go to the gift shop in your hotel, give them the invoices for the items and they will mail them all out together and charge for shipping only once! Our best use of this was last February with 6 sweatshirts plus all the souvenirs we purchased and had no room for in the suitcases. We bought them over the course of 12 days and shipped them out the last day and they arrived within the week after we returned from Orlando. Keep up the good work." Thank you, Mary, for the great advice! Deb writes: "Just read your monthly newsletter and hope I can be of some help to the person who wrote about mailing packages home from WDW. While I was there in Oct.2002 there was a Business Office with FEDEX shipping, (the Official shipper for WDW) downstairs from the Boardwalk Inn. They have boxes etc.for shipping. We, luckily, traveled with a girl that works for FEDEX and got some kind of a discount for shipping to her home, so I'm not sure what the real rates are. Also I enjoy your newsletters, keep em' coming!" Thanks for the info, Deb! Your tip will be very helpful to others. Glad you enjoy the newsletters.
Lisa writes: "We visited Disney last winter, and purchased a sword from Pirates of the Caribbean. My overzealous son snapped the sword in two fighting off the living room chair. He now is heartbroken because super gluing it didn't work. Not knowing when we will be able to get back to Orlando, how do I go about trying to get him a replacement? None of the things they have at the Disney store will suffice, you know. Is there someone I can call or drop a note to try to have one shipped here?" Judy writes: "My daughter went to Disney World last summer and purchased a 2003 scrapbook kit. Before she could get the whole week's worth of pictures and memorabilia in the book, she ran out of room. Can she purchase a duplicate kit? She prefers one exactly like she got the first time. Thank you." Sherry writes: "I am looking for 4 lanyards to go along with the many pins I have purchased on E-Bay for my kids. Do you know who sells them? The E-bay deal was great. Through various sellers, I have purchased over 60 pins for less than $100 including shipping! Thanks!" For Theme Park merchandise, call 407/363-6200 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EDT. Also check out the pixies.
Donna writes: "Thanks for all the advice in you book. I did save quite a bit of money from your tips. I would like to report I also got my Sea World and Universal tickets from Omar which was a good deal. I didn't use him for my Disney tickets because we get a large discount through work. I booked priority seating for my June 23rd - 30th trip in March which was a blessing thanks to you, and used a few discount coupons you offered as well. Disney stopped the early entry days to the parks [when we were there] which was bad, and they had security checking bags before you entered. That took alot of time due to the crowd. I suggest going early ... to get ahead of the crowd for bag checks. Also our flight stopped in Charlotte and the Disney store at the airport had some great deals! Lots cheaper than the parks, so we loaded up and had them mailed home for under $10. I bought two large stuffed Mickey's and Minnie's for $20 each and at Disney they were $75. Thanks for all your advice and help, I sure do appreciate it." Glad we were able to be a part of your vacation, Donna.
Alison writes: "I would like to use some disney dollars for some incentives for my employees, and to get them at a discount would help. Since you are the King of all things Disney, I thought you might be able to point me in the right direction on where to get these. I have no idea where to look. Thank you so much for your help." Disney no longer allows people to trade in their Disney Dollars for cash. You will have to pay full price for them and your employees will have to use them to purchase Disney items only at WDW and the Disney stores. Catchy title: "King of all things Disney!" Long live the King! :)
Log onto Disney Pin Trading Web site to get the latest pin event information, new release dates and search for your favorite Disney pin.
Disney is no longer allowing those who have Disney Dollars to trade them in for real dollars. Apparently, there are those who buy these Dollars for 80 cents and them bring them to Disney to exchange them for the full amount. (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
A visitor writes: "Do you know if you can use Disney Dollars in Walt Disney World?" Yes. Disney treats them just like real dollars.
Kim writes: "How can I purchase the Epcot parade Millennium CD? I didn't know that it was available for purchase. We were there for the 2000 Celebrations and had a great time. That music was wonderful! Thank you." For Theme Park merchandise, call 407/363-6200 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM EDT. Also check out the pixies. Seems to me you could also order the Millennium CD from your local CD store.
Michele writes: "Is it possible to purchase Disney dollars before vacation time. I want practically everything paid for in advance." Yes. Buy them at your local Disney store.
Steve writes: "Do any of the theme parks have maps for the "penny smashers" - the machines that take pennies and smash them with a design on them? My daughter is collecting them." For information on pressed coins, please click here.
A subscriber writes: "I saw a site I believe at ebay where disney auctions off wdw packages. I just wondered if anybody really got any deals." Disney is auctioning off some of its merchandise, but not vacations. Promoters for off property hotels are auctioning packages. Disney Vacation Club members are auctioning off their vacation points and those with days left on their passes are accepting bids for their passes. Although you have to be careful when shopping on the 'net, you have to be especially careful about buying used Disney passes. There is no way you can tell if a pass has any days left on it. Only Disney can scan the passes and determine that. We don't want any of our readers to get to the turnstiles and then find out that they bought an expired pass!
Brandon writes: "I was wondering ... if there was a on-line catalog ... [where] I could look [at Disney merchandise] before I called and ordered it." Click here to visit the Disney store.
If you'd like to order Walt Disney World
Theme Park Merchandise...
To order merchandise from the World of Disney Store at Downtown Disney's Marketplace, call 407/828-1451.
Disney Auctions -- A Well Kept Secret! 4 times a year since 1985, Walt Disney World has been holding auctions to unload items it no longer wants: cars, plush toys, garden equipment, surfboards, arcade games, strollers, golf carts, etc. -- all at bargain-basement prices! Starting at 9:00 am, people arrive from neighboring states at a fenced-in area off Reams Road where Disney stores its unwanted merchandise. The public doesn't generally know about these auctions because Disney doesn't promote them. They run a few classified ads and mail notices to business owners who would be interested in buying items such as used vehicles or restaurant furniture. Disney holds its auctions on Thursdays. That's when most of the employees are on property to pick up their paychecks and can take advantage of the sales. On July 9,1998, Disney auctioned off a limousine, 2 costume sewing machines, a sofa from the Empress Lilly riverboat, and a beer stein 4 feet tall that originally sold for over $4,000! Besides auctions, Disney has set up portable trailers to sell surplus merchandise from its gift stores to its employees at a huge discount: plush toys with a dirt spot, scratched character watches and frayed clothing, for example. Disney is expanding its employee store due to its popularity. If you want to catch the next auction, just call Walt Disney World for the date. Oh, to be a castmember! For more insider tips, see our book, "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."
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