I have bought all 3 in store. There are two Disney Stores in the Portland metro area.
Cinderella I bought the night it came out; I was on the fence about buying them, so I went in store to check them out and of course bought one. They had two left.
Ariel I bought in store; I got in line about 9:50 AM and there were about 3 people in front of me. 1 of them was there to buy the Lion King Vinylmations.
Belle I bought in store and I was in line at 9:45. There were about 5 people in front of me and some were there at 9:00. the
Disney Store CMs had given those people in line at 9:00 cards to mark their place in line so they could go to Starbucks or whatever to get a coffee. At 9:55 the Disney Store CM came out and said those with a card may follow me to the cash wrap. Those without a card may follow in behind them and go to the 2nd cash wrap to wait your turn.
I think my store had 16, so it was easy getting one.
But still- the lady who was at the front of the line both times is the one who was wanting the lowest possible number. Last week the CM acquiesced and looked for her; this week she said, "You will have to wait til I help everyone else, and then we can look but you risk not getting one at all."
Again, I don't get it- why does the # matter? Even if selling it on ebay, why would a lower number be better?? And my store had the gamut of #- mine was 7XXX and my mom's was 3XXX. So it's not like they are in order or anything.