Buying in parks vs buying in outlet stores

[sophie131]

I am visiting Disneyland from the UK in April and have a lot of family and friends that want/I would like to give gifts.

I am visiting the park first followed by Phoenix where there is a Disney outlet store, so I am wondering whether it's worth waiting until I am in Phoenix to buy their souvenirs to save some money.

Does anyone have much experience of shopping in the outlet stores? Do they have a good selection and are their prices worth the risk of not being able to get the gifts that people want (mainly t-shirts, pins and plush toys)?

 

[SandrA9810]

Usually you can find t-shirts and trading pins easily. Like with most outlet stores, the merchandise is outdated. You'll most likely find old seasonal merchandise and last year's dated merchandise. Although there's a few undated shirts that make the rounds through it. Sizing is also an issue, sometimes there's a whole bunch of medium and small of one thing, while something else you can only find in 2XL. I'd supplement, but not make it a one stop shop for all.

If you want generic little knick knack stuff then its a good place. But for specific items, I'd stick to the parks or shops near Disneyland.

 

[PHXscuba]

I live near the Phoenix Disney outlet store and visit several times a year.

I think it depends how particular you are. If you just need a certain number of gifts for nieces and nephews etc. and are flexible as to what they get -- say, anything cute and Disney -- the outlet store would be great. Prices about half of what you'd pay in the park. And much of the merchandise is from the Disney parks (mostly Disneyland in the Phoenix store) and will say it on the label or packaging.

Lots of T-shirts at the outlet, especially in the biggest or smallest sizes. Lots of plush, often at Buy one, get one half off or free. I have NEVER seen pins at the outlet store in the last few years, so if they are important, get them at Disneyland.

PHXscuba