Outlet Store vs. Park, or How to buy the cool stuff without spending a fortune

I love going to Disney World and strolling through the shops browsing for fun new items to add to my ever-growing Disney collection. However, unless you find a rare sale or clearance item, you can end up spending a small fortune. A few years ago, I heard about the three Disney outlet stores located near Disney World. One, Character Outlet, is fairly small and sells both Disney and Universal Studios merchandise at a decent discount. There are two that sell all Disney items and are licensed Disney stores. Disney's Character Premiere, has several items that are discounted 50% or more, but also a lot of items that are regular price. The last store, Character Warehouse, sells items removed from the parks to make way for new merchandise, at a steep discount. This is our favorite Disney store. We've purchased a lot of fun items there at a great price. They have had everything from toys to Pal Mickey costumes, to t-shirts from Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival, all for 50-70% off. They usually have a wide selection and a wide variety of price ranges, with something to suit everyone. We've purchased pins there for $4 or less, picture frames from Tower of Terror ($1) and Star Tours ($5 and it even lights up!), scrapbooking items for 75% off the original price, and a ton more. This store also gives stickers to kids that come in, just like the stickers given out in the parks. It's a little farther from the parks than the others, but offers the best value.

One of the best ways to save money at Disney, is to buy your souvenirs from an outlet store at some time during your trip. Because we usually drive down, we drive right past our favorite store on the way to the parks. As a result, we like to stop BEFORE going into the parks and pick out a few new things. We always budget for souvenirs and allow Bean to pick out a new toy and accessories at Character Warehouse, then don't purchase much in the parks. She usually gets more this way for the same amount of money that we would have spent in the parks. Also, this means that she has something new and exciting before we even get to the parks and so she's less likely to fall in love with something in the parks. If you want to go to the parks first and are spending several days, you still may want to check out the selection at the outlets at some point during your trip. We have often found the same or similar items from the parks in the outlets at a much lower price. It's a fantastic way to save money and still make the kids very happy.

If you would like to visit the outlets, here are the addresses.
Disney's Character Warehouse
Pr1me Outlets International, Suite #95
Mon-Sat 10AM-11PM, Sun 10AM-9PM
4951 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
(407)354-3255

Disney's Character Premiere - Suite #1252
Mon-Sat 10AM-10PM, Sun 10AM-9PM
8200 Vineland Avenue, Orlando, FL 32821
(407)477-0222

Character Outlet - Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-7PM
15629 Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32821
(407)238-9301
charout@embarqmail.com

Disney Store Summer Play Days

Disney

Starting July 1 at 2:00pm, the Disney Store will be hosting Summer Play Days. Events will take place every day from July 1 to September 2, although times may vary. Be sure to ask a Cast Member in your local Disney Store for more information. Kids must be at least 3 years old to participate, but I believe can be any age over 3. If you attend several of these events, you can even receive a prize. If you attend 5 events, you get a Mickey Mouse keychain. If you attend 10 events, you get a Mickey Mouse watch. I wish we lived closer to a Disney Store, because we would go at least twice a week!

The Magic of Storytelling

Disney kicked off their fifth annual Magic of Storytelling recently. This year, they will donate up to one million books to First Book, a nonprofit that gives new books to teachers and low-income families, between now and March 31. A commercial voiced by Emma Watson, who stars as bookworm Belle in the upcoming Beauty and the Beast, launched the campaign. 

The Magic of Storytelling strives to inspire imaginations, encourage a lifelong love of reading, and bring books to underserved communities across America. Families are encouraged to read together during the second annual Disney Reads Day on February 4. Families can read at he or visit a participating Disney Store or Barnes and Noble for story-time, activities, and giveaways. 

Disney will donate one book for each of the following actions:

• One for One Book Donation - purchase an eligible book from the Disney Store or other participating retailers.
• Share a Shelfie - take a "shelfie", a selfie with a favorite book or in front of a bookshelf, using the hashtag #MagicOfStorytelling on Instagram or Twitter
• Disney Story Central - download digital books designed for parents and kids to read together. Disney will donate a book for every book read in the app
• Magic of Storytelling Sweepstakes - enter to win 400 books for your school and a personal library, too.
• Celebrate Disney Reads Day on February 4 - enjoy free family-friendly events: storytime, coloring, activities, and themed "shelfie" stations
• For more information, visit magicofstorytelling.com

In addition to the donations, Disney has created resources for schools to encourage reading in class and at home. They include lesson plans, reading activities, and more.

Rapunzel Contest

As I mentioned in a previous post, Rapunzel will soon be officially made the 10th Disney Princess. There will be a big celebration at Kensington Palace in London to mark the event. The Disney Store is giving away a trip for 4 to that celebration. To enter, simply click on the image. The Grand Prize is a Trip for 4 to London, UK as the special invited guests at "Rapunzel's Royal Celebration" on October 2, 2011. The winner will be the VIP guest of the Oxford Street Disney Store and participate in the opening ceremony. The winner also receives round-trip airfare, 5-day/4-night hotel accommodation, $2000 spending money in London, and a $500 shopping spree at a US Disney Store. All in all, it sounds like a fantastic grand prize. Good luck!

Beauty And The Beast Art

Do you remember, back in the day, when you would order the latest Disney movie at the Disney Store just so that you could get the lithograph? Unfortunately, I didn't live near a Disney Store, so I missed out on the cool art. But, I was lucky enough to find three sets at my favorite second hand store today. This set is four prints from my favorite Disney animated movie, Beauty and the Beast.

Disney Store's Twice Upon a Year Sale

It's that time of year again: time for the Disney Store's Twice Upon a Year Sale! Sale items are available both in store and online. There are a lot of great bargains this time around. The Jungle Book and Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Tsum Tsum minis are only $1.99 each, so it's a great time to fill in your collection. There are a lot of good deals on character t-shirts and pjs for kids and adults alike, as well as accessories. I've had my eye on a BB-8 mini change purse and full size purse from Loungefly for awhile now, and when I saw that they were on sale, I couldn't resist. (Unfortunately, the purse sold out before I could get one, but I was able to order a mini change purse for $12.99. So cute!) There's also a BB-8 wallet and backpack on sale, so you can really go droid crazy. Several clothing items from Her Universe are on sale, as well as Marvel clothes for the entire family. If you're looking for a new phone cover for either the iPhone 6 or Samsung Galaxy 6, they have several designs available at a reasonable price. And if you spend $75 or more, you won't even have to pay for shipping. Also, if you're a Disney Visa card holder, be sure to use the code you should have received in an email to save an additional 20% when your pay with Dream Rewards Dollars. In all, it's a great time to stock up on Disney goodies.

Disney Infinity

Disney

Have you seen the ads for the new Disney Infinity game? It's kind of like Skylanders, which my family loves. You have characters, such as Captain Jack Sparrow, Sulley from Monsters Inc, and Mr Incredible, that you place on a base and they appear within the game. You can play in their worlds, or create your own. It looks awesome! Disney Infinity is available on several platforms: Wii, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, Playstation 3, and XBox 360. It is currently available for pre-order from the Disney Store for $74.99 and comes with Jack, Sulley, and Mr Incredible.

Additional characters are also available. Single characters are $12.99 and multi-character packs are also available. Currently, they are offering Mater, Francesco Bernoulli, Lightning & Holley, Syndrome, Violet, Dash, Mrs Incredible, Mike Wazowski, Randall Boggs, Davy Jones, Barbossa. There's also a sidekick pack with Barbossa, Mrs Incredible, and Mike Wazowski and a villains pack with Syndrome, Randall, and Davy Jones. I can't wait to see more! Be sure to check out the videos on the Disney Store website.

Tiana Inspired Treats At Disney World

All images: Disney

When Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens on June 28th, a tempting array of tasty dishes will begin appearing throughout Disney World. From gumbo to beignets, there should be something for everyone.

Magic Kingdom Park  

Golden Oak Outpost

• Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries: Chicken nuggets tossed in hot sauce-honey served with New Orleans olive relish and Cajun-spiced sweet potato fries 🐊 💚
• Shrimp Gumbo with Sweet Potato Fries: Shrimp and Andouille sausage gumbo topped with Cajun-spiced sweet potato fries 🐊 💚
• Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey 💚
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊 💚

Pinocchio Village Haus

• Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a Tiana chocolate piece 💚

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

• Butter Pecan Praline Sundae: Butter pecan ice cream topped with praline sauce, spiced pecans, and whipped cream 💚

The Plaza Restaurant

• Tiana’s Chantilly Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece ✨️
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊 💚

The Friar’s Nook

• Princess Tiana Sipper 🐊
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊

Outdoor Vending near Cinderella Castle

• Princess Tiana Sipper 🐊

Main Street Confectionery

• Tiana’s Sweet Popcorn Serenade: Caramel popcorn with praline pecans, M&M’S Caramel Chocolate Candies, pretzel pieces, and dark chocolatey drizzle 🐊
• Tiana’s Bayou Crunch: Cajun cheddar popcorn with M&M’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, cheddar crackers, pretzel pieces, and white chocolatey drizzle 🐊
• Green Apple Gummi Frogs 🐊
• Spicy Butter Toffee Peanuts 🐊
• Crisped Rice Cereal Treat Lily Pad 🐊 💚
• Pecan Praline Caramel Apple 🐊 💚

Critter Co-Op

• Green Apple Gummi Frogs 🐊
• Spicy Butter Toffee Peanuts 🐊

Disney Springs  

Amorette’s Patisserie 

• Over the Bayou Cake Bar: Vanilla cake bar 🐊 💚
• Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊 💚

Various Locations:

Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine 🐊

• Hollywood Studios - Dockside Diner
• Grand Floridian - Beaches Pool Bar & Courtyard Pool Bar
• Port Orleans: French Quarter - Mardi Grogs Pool Bar

Crisped Rice Cereal Treat Lily Pad 🐊 💚 available at the following locations:

• Magic Kingdom - Big Top Souvenirs
• Disney Springs - Goofy’s Candy Company & Disney’s Candy Cauldron
• Animal Kingdom - Zuri’s Sweets Shop
• BoardWalk - Screen Door General Store
• Contemporary - Bayview Gifts

Pecan Praline Caramel Apple 🐊 💚

• Magic Kingdom - Main Street Confectionery & Big Top Souvenirs
• Disney Springs - Goofy’s Candy Company & Disney’s Candy Cauldron
• Animal Kingdom - Zuri’s Sweets Shop
• BoardWalk - Screen Door General Store
• Contemporary - Bayview Gifts

🐊 ‐ New

🧋 ‐ Non-alcoholic 

💚 - Available June 28 - August 8

✨️ - Available June 28 - September 6

Halloween Goodies at the Disney Store

As I'm sure you've noticed, I have a bit of a Halloween obsession, and I love when my two obsessions combine. The newest Halloween items at the Disney Store are straight from Disney Theme Parks. Here are a few of my favorites.

All images: Disney

This Webbed Icon Mickey t-shirt is so cute!

This Witch Minnie Mouse Hat is a fun twist on traditional Mouse Ears.

We LOVE board games at our house and this Haunted Mansion Life looks awesome!

I've been completely obsessed with knitting arm warmers lately and these Lace Jack Skellington Arm Warmers would make quite the fashion statement.

I just love this Costume Pirates of the Caribbean Hoodie, available in both kid and adult sizes. Its perfect for the pirate who doesn't really want to dress up but can't resist a little fun!

Last, but not least, the item that may just be my favorite: a Haunted Mansion Stretching Portrait #2 Pockitpal by Olszewski. This trinket box with a hidden magnetic closure is highly detailed and absolutely gorgeous!

Halloween Costumes at the Disney Store

Are you still looking for a Halloween costume for your kids? Most of our favorite costumes have been either inspired by Disney or Disney made. Bean especially loves her princess costumes. After Halloween, they become a part of her everyday dress-up collection, which is ever expanding. We don't generally mind the expense, but we alway look for a good sale. This weekend, the Disney Store is having a sale on Halloween costumes and accessories. Select styles are 25% off, so it's definitely a money saver. If you haven't found a costume yet, be sure to check it out.

Disney World Trip

I just got back from another trip to Disney World. I had a chance to visit all four parks and discovered a lot of new things to share with you. I finally had a chance to eat at Be Our Guest. The food was pretty good, but it has a few odd quirks which I'll be sharing with you soon. I also had a chance to try the new Harambe Market in Animal Kingdom. I really enjoyed the food, as well as the atmosphere. It's a wonderful new addition to the rather limited dining options at Animal Kingdom, especially with Flame Tree Barbecue closed for refurbishment. Finally, I ate at the Rebel Hangar Lounge. I loved the atmosphere! The food was surprisingly ample for small plates, and the number of characters we saw was astounding, especially considering we were there during the week and not over Star Wars Weekends.

I learned a bit more about the best way to use your magic bands and the my Disney experience app. I had the chance to see a preview of Inside Out, and made another trip through the Emotions Garden, which remains after the Flower and Garden Festival is gone for the year. I went to the Frozen Sing Along, which Bean and I enjoyed immensely. It really is a fantastic experience to sing Frozen songs with a few hundred of your fellow Disney fans. We only stayed once to watch fireworks. On Sunday night, we saw the Symphony in the Stars Fireworks, the finale to each night of Star Wars Weekends. They were beautiful and incredible, and I loved the way they were set to John Williams' music.

Unfortunately, I also paid a visit to Downtown Disney. What a mess! They've finished one parking garage, however, all of the other parking lots are torn up, as well as the road to the parking garage. We had to park behind the gas station in the former employee parking and get shuttled over in a van. Once there, I noticed that the changes from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs are moving along quite quickly. There is a lot of construction going on, but a lot of new shops as well. Bean and I especially enjoyed the new Super Hero Headquarters. It's filled with Agents of Shield, Avengers, and Guardians of the Galaxy merchandise. (Surprisingly, especially with regard to the restrictions on how Disney can use their Marvel characters, Youse Guys Moychindice in Hollywood Studios is now an Avengers store too. I was quite surprised to see so much Marvel merchandise inside the parks, but I hope this means we might see the characters there someday soon as well.)

Speaking of merchandise, the Character Warehouse at the Prime Outlet Mall in Orlando is preparing to remodel the store. As a result, everything was 50 percent off the lowest price. There were some fantastic deals. Hats and ears for $6.50 or less, pins for $2, scarves were under $10, and much more. However, I discovered my favorite deal at the register: Limited Edition Frozen Olaf Christmas Magic Bands for $8.50 each. You could only purchase two per person, but it was a fantastic deal. And they're so cute that I couldn't resist.

In all, we had a great trip. I look forward to sharing everything with you in greater detail in the coming weeks.

Star Wars Products Coming to Disney Parks

Disney

Disney has created some fantastic Star Wars inspired products in recent years. This fall, they have even more incredible merchandise.

Disney/Lucasfilm

First up is an Imperial Comlink Bluetooth Communicator. It looks just like the one Luke Skywalker used to call C-3PO from trash compactor in Star Wars: A New Hope. It can be used to take calls and play music when connected a smart phone. It's rechargeable and comes with a belt clip. I love it and can't wait see it in person.

Disney/Lucasfilm

Starting in mid-December, you can find a remote controlled Mouse Droid. The Droid, whichmakes sounds and includes rechargeable batteries, looks like the one Chewbacca roars at On Death Star.

Disney/Lucasfilm

A second set of Ewok plush will be available from Disney Parks online store this fall. The set of six characters includes another Wicket, Tokkat, Latara, Widdle, Shodu, Winds. A basket of Ewoks will also include an additional character, Kaink. These new Ewoks will be available individually at Disney Parks in December.

Disney/Lucasfilm

Finally, the Starspeeder 1000 viewer will be available again. The set, which has been updated with a new destination disk featuring Jakku from The Force Awakens, plays dialogue from the Star Tours - The Adventure Continues ride.

Disney Store Scare School

 We took Bean to a special class at the Disney Store on Saturday. She attended Monsters University Scare Approaches 101. The class was short, but wild. When we approached the class, we were both given an ID and a sheet of stickers so that we could pick our monster picture. We also started thinking about names for our monsters. I named my monster Oozma and Bean named hers Fast Pink Shadow.
 

Scary Feet Scary Feet Scary Feet

After everyone had their IDs, our teacher walked us through the various scare techniques. We learned to do "Scary Feet", how to really "ROAR!" like Sulley, and even how to do the "Waternoose Jump and Growl."

ROAR!

Bean was so into her roars, that she was even selected to be a helper to get the other kids excited and loud. After learning how to scare, we had to practice until we could fill a scare canister so full that it flew around the room, which meant my mom, sister and I had to participate as well.

Monsters University ID & Pennant

We did a great job and were rewarded with Monsters University pennants, although we each had to roar to get them. We had a great time and a great teacher, which really added to the fun.

Tsum Tsum Advent Calendars

When it comes to advent calendars, every year brings more choices. From chocolates from Germany, to Legos from multiple series, to boxes you can fill yourself, the possibilities seem endless. This year, you can add Tsum Tsum advent calendars to the mix, and there are three different ones to choose from: two with the vinyl mini Tsum Tsums and one with the mini plush.

Disney

The first vinyl set is available from Walmart, Toys R Us, Amazon, Macys, and Costco. The gingerbread shaped house includes 18 Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis: 6 large, 6 medium in Christmas finery, and 6 small, as well as 6 holiday accessories and 6 head pieces. 

Disney

Each accessory is stackable and can be used with any size figure. The head pieces fit the large Tsums and give them some holiday style. This set retails for  $39.99.

Disney

The second vinyl set is an exclusive of Target. The Christmas tree shaped box also includes 18 Tsum Tsum Vinyl Minis: 6 large, 6 medium in Christmas finery, and 6 small, as well as 6 holiday accessories and 6 head pieces, but different ones than the first set.

Disney

Each accessory is stackable and can be used with any size figure. The head pieces fit the large Tsums and give them some holiday style. This set retails for $39.99.

Disney

The final set is by far the most expensive. The Tsum Tsum plush advent calendar from the Disney Store includes 25 mini Tsum Tsums, including: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy,  Tigger, Tinkerbell, Baymax, Lady, Simba, Stitch, and many more. This large set retails for $139.95 and is available from DisneyStore.com.

September Disney World Trip Highlights

I got back from an impromptu trip to Disney World earlier this week.  I'm excited to share some of the fun new things I've discovered.

We attended Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party for the first time in years. We couldn't wait to see the Sanderson Sisters takeover the Villains show, and it was well worth the ticket price.  It didn't hurt that we came home with about 22 pounds of candy from Trick or Treating, either. (Seven pounds of that was Werthers Caramels! And yes, you can go through a Trick or Treat line more than once.)

We had a fun Cast Member experience during the Party as well. While we were sitting near Storybook Treats, a Cast Member brought us a dish of ice cream with candy corn. She said that Maleficent had sent her around to collect autographs from visitors to the party. She asked us to write down what costume we were each wearing, and why, and then sign our names. It was a lot of fun!

It was still fairly hot last week, so I ended up running out of water once or twice.  Luckily, Disney has started selling 1.5 liter bottles of water for $4. That's about three times the size of the 20 oz bottles they sell for $2.50, so it's a good deal.

We tried to stop at my favorite Disney Outlet Store on International Drive, but it still hasn't reopened since they closed for renovations in May. And it looks like it may be smaller when it does reopen, because a Panera Bread is going in where part of the store used to be.

Overall, we had a great time. Halloweentime is definitely one of my favorite times to visit the Disney Parks.

New Pressed Pennies In Disney World

Pennies

I've loved collecting pressed pennies since I was a little kid. They're the perfect souvenir: small and portable, inexpensive, and easy to store or display once you get back home. I have pennies from places I've visited all over the country, but the vast majority have come from Disney Parks. 

As part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disney World, 53 new designs have popped up throughout the parks. While I prefer the old hand-crank machines where I can use my own carefully saved pre-1982 copper pennies, many of the new automated machines contain new, uncirculated pennies. Either way, they're still a fun collectible. 

Designs include 50 single character designs, one Mickey and Minnie celebration design, and two resort coins. Here's a list of the characters you can find:

• Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Chip, and Dale
• Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio, Cheshire Cat, Lady, Tramp, Dumbo, Timothy Mouse, Mad Hatter, Tinker Bell
• Simba, Timon, Pumba
• Pua, Hei-Hei, Miguel, Dante, Bruni, Olaf, Joe Gardner
• Sebastian, Flounder, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Genie, Abu, Stitch
• Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Bambi, Thumper, Gus-Gus, Jacques
• Woody, Bo Peep, Nemo, Dory, Frozone, Edna Mode
• Figment, Orange Bird, 
• BB-8, R2-D2

If you'd like to collect these new designs on your next visit to the parks, Disney has actually made finding the machines easier. Just open the My Disney Experience app and search for "Coin Press Machines". Select "Find On Map" to see machine locations throught the Walt Disney World Resort. 

Brave merchandise

Disney

The Disney Store released several new Brave items today. My personal favorite is the Merida toddler doll. I just love the little smirk and gorgeous red hair! And at $24. 50, she's not even a bad deal for a 16 inch doll. They also have a Merida fashion doll, a soft doll, and a 10 figure play set.

Disney has also released several costume options for little girls. They have an adventure costume, like the one Merida wears on her adventure, as well as a formal costume, similar to the dress Merida wears during the archery tournament. There's even a wild and fiery red wig, full of tangled curls! To complete the look, Disney has created golden gladiator sandals, a golden knot-work tiara, and an archery set with a bow and quiver full of suction cup tipped arrows. (I know Bean would love the archery set because she has been begging for a bow every day since we went to the Georgia Renaissance Festival.) Disney has also created several t-shirts and pajama sets sure to delight little girls.

Disney World Trip

So we took another trip to Disney World last weekend. We bought annual passes again, and we had a blast! Luckily, we were able to visit the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival for the first time. The gardens were beautiful and the food was fantastic. My favorite was the candied strawberries from the China Pavilion. They were SO good!

We also visited the Magic Kingdom. We rode the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train just as the park was closing the night we arrived. It was only the second time we'd ridden it, and it was a lot of fun. We also found a few new popcorn buckets. I love the new shaped buckets. We got Cinderella's Carriage and a Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Cart. Both have moving wheels, the Carriage has an awesome soft strap for easier carrying, while the Mine Cart sways, just like on the ride. It was dreadfully hot last weekend, so I also discovered a ton of new shady places to rest. I'll be sure to share them soon.

photo courtesy of Disney

Our final day was spent at Hollywood Studios. I love the way it looks without the Sorcerer 's Hat. However, the view was somewhat obscured by the stage they'd already set up in anticipation of Star Wars Weekends. There were also several photo spot backdrops ready for costumed characters from Star Wars. We took advantage of the fact that they were empty and snapped a few photos. It was hot that day as well, so we took the time to see a preview for Cinderella as well as a drawing class in the Animation Academy. We drew Minnie Mouse and mine turned out fairly well (which was nice, because my Tinker Bell from a few years ago had a strangely misshapen head.) We also watched the Indiana Jones Stunt show because I'm not sure how much longer it will be there. We ate at Backlot Express for the first time. I'm rather surprised we'd missed it; the food really isn't too bad.

The only disappointing part of the trip was when we discovered that you can no longer trade vinylmation in the parks. I don't know whether Disney plans to phase out the collectible entirely or whether they simply plan to make series you'd actually want to collect all of (like the new Frozen set or Avengers), but you won't be able to trade them in the park. Pin trading, on the other hand, continues unchanged.

At the beginning and end of this trip, we stopped at Character Warehouse at the Premium Outlets in Orlando. They had some fantastic deals! All of the Beautifully Disney makeup was marked way down. What was originally $24.95-$36.95 was now $3.99.and all of the nail polish, which were $11.95 each, were now 99¢. The best deal, in my opinion, was on the Vera Bradley bags. They've stopped selling the original blue pattern, so they had a few totes and hipsters left at the outlet store. I really wanted the hipster when it first debuted,  but I couldn't justify spending $75 on a purse. However, $19.99 was a great price, so I bought one. I was also able to find some of the Indiana Jones vinylmation for $3.99 each. And I lucked out and got exactly what I wanted: Indy, Marion, Sala, and the Golden Idol mystery figure from Raiders of the Lost Ark. As a huge Indiana Jones fan, I was ecstatic!

In all, it was a great three day trip. We had a chance to visit the theme park we love, ride a few of our favorite rides, see a beautiful festival from our Disney bucket list, and enjoy time together as a family. And isn't that what the magic of Disney is all about?

These Aladdin Wishables Come With Extra Magic

Disney

This year, Disney and Make-A-Wish are celebrating 40 years of making dreams come true. And for the first time ever, Disney has decided to donate 100% of the purchase price of some special toys directly to Make-A-Wish. Representing the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in the Magic Kingdom, this collection of Wishables is absolutely adorable. The set includes five figures:

• Genie
• Aladdin 
• Princess Jasmine 
• Abu
• Magic Carpet

The Aladdin Wishables are available at Disney Parks, the Disney Store, and online at shopDisney.com. They would make a perfect stocking stuffer while helping to support a great cause.

Uniqlo at Disney Springs

I had the chance to check out Uniqlo shortly after it opened in July. I have to say, I instantly fell in love! They have some of the coolest clothes and their prices are fantastic.

Uniqlo is a Japanese company that has stores around the world, although there aren't many in the US yet. The Disney Springs location is their first store in the southeast.

The two story building houses a wide variety of casual clothing, from Disney themed t-shirts to shirts designed to help you regulate your body temperature in hot or cold weather.

They also have fun Japanese inspired graphic tees, and even kimonos and adorable paper samurai costumes for kids and adults alike.

They're Disney and Marvel clothes were very unique, and could quite easily fill my closet. I especially liked the selection of Little Green Men shirts. As you know, I'm addicted to collecting Little Green Men, so I had to have one.

They also carry an awesome selection of Disney iron-on patches. They're happy to apply them to t-shirts, button down shirts, shorts, or pants for both kids and adults. If I had to wear office wear, I'd definitely get the Star Wars heads set for my shirts.

In all, I think Uniqlo is a fantastic addition to Disney Springs. The selection and prices make them well worth a visit. Whether you are looking for Disney clothes, vacation wear, or something new for casual Friday, be sure to stop by Uniqlo. You'll be glad you did.