difference between dresses bought in the park, and those from the Disney store?

[Jessicalynne]

We are going on a Make a Wish trip in October, and I am trying to figure out if the difference between dresses is worth it? My daughter loves to dress up, but I am not sure I can justify $80 for a dress from Disney World for a 4 year old, but I want her to have an amazing experience.

 

[squirrel]

If your child doesn't like itchy things touching her then I would go with the cheapest.

Also keep an eye out for costumes since Halloween is coming up. I know my mom got a nice Tinkerbell one a few years ago at Wal-Mart, but that was in the spring for my niece's birthday.

If you sew, check out the Disboutique Board as you can modify the Simply Sweet pattern into Princess Dresses. A sundress that is cool and non-itchy. I've made quite a few Princess Dresses.

I've even seen some nightgowns that could pass as dresses.

 

[brdlyleon]

Always go with Disney Store merchandise. I'm not just saying that because I worked there for a year but because I know for a fact everything made for the Disney Store is higher quality. They aren't made from the same people or materials as the ones from Disney World, which is good because WDW costumes are disposable, one use and you're done! I had so many people comment on the quality of Disney Store dresses and how not only were they beautiful, but durable as well! Same goes with toys or any of that other stuff; sure they both carry a lot of the same merchandise but if you look closely, all the plush isn't the same, action figures, DOLLS especially, aren't alike, so it's always better to shop at the Disney Store. Cheaper too!

 

[jadelane1]

Another idea would be to check local consignment stores. We managed to get a couple for what we would have payed for a new one. We found really nice ones from the Disney store that other kids had grown out of. That way my daughter was able to dress up as a couple different princesses. Its getting closer to Halloween and I bet they won't be hard to find. Good luck

 

[Gorechick]

There's not much difference between the quality of the park dresses and Disneystore. The only difference is that the styling and design is often different and the price. When we went last August my DD wore Disneystore dresses and we often had people asking us where we got them and if they were available in the parks.

 

[bababear_50]

Just my experience as a Nana who has bought a few princess dresses,
Itchy and uncomfortable makes for a very unhappy princess.
I have had alot of success buying from second hand shops and here
although I'm not sure I can post a link.
http://www.littledressupshop.com/girls-princess-dresses-and-costumes.html
Hugs Mel

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Also, a plus on buying one a head of time is if it needs any adjustments you can do it before the trip.
Our daughter is very thin so we are going to need to take in her dress a little bit before going. If we had bought it there I think she would have been disapointed and uncomfortable.

 

[Mom22girls56]

Disney Store!

 

[sladphie]

We buy Disney Store costumes off eBay. As long as it's not some special edition or rare costume, I've never paid more than $30 for something that looks brand-new (and sometimes is).

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using DISBoards

 

[Mom2kmta]

If your child doesn't like itchy things touching her then I would go with the cheapest.

Also keep an eye out for costumes since Halloween is coming up. I know my mom got a nice Tinkerbell one a few years ago at Wal-Mart, but that was in the spring for my niece's birthday.

If you sew, check out the Disboutique Board as you can modify the Simply Sweet pattern into Princess Dresses. A sundress that is cool and non-itchy. I've made quite a few Princess Dresses.

I've even seen some nightgowns that could pass as dresses.

Do you have a link for the simply sweet pattern?

 

[angelmom27]

The ones at the disney store are a bit cheaper and are made the same. The park ones do have extra details or different designs but same quality. The ones at walmart or target are just cheap dress up clothes that won't last long.

 

[maxiesmom]

The ones at the disney store are a bit cheaper and are made the same. The park ones do have extra details or different designs but same quality. The ones at walmart or target are just cheap dress up clothes that won't last long.

I've always found the ones at the Disney Store to be much nicer than the ones you get in the parks.

 

[angelmom27]

I've always found the ones at the Disney Store to be much nicer than the ones you get in the parks.

I don't know. Quality wise they are the same. My girls have tons of them from both places and you can't tell which ones came from where. Some we have had for 11 yrs. We started buying them when my ODD was a baby. Since then all 5 girls have taken turns wearing them. We haven't bought halloween costumes in yrs. This we are talking about buying some new ones cause they have new princesses out since then and the girls want some of the new ones.

 

[squirrel]

The Simply Sweet pattern is available on www.youcanmakethis.com by CarlaC

I however made my own pattern-since it's called a simply sweet I figured it can't be that hard to figure out.

You can see some of the things on the Disboutique Thread (it's here on the Family Board). Since that one pattern can be used so many ways you shouldn't have too much trouble finding it. I just posted a Pirate Dress and a checkered fabric with a Marie head silhouette using my own pattern of the Simply Sweet. There is a tutorial that shows you how transform the pattern into Belle, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty (Aurora). I've also made Rapunzel with the pattern. I'm going to attempt a Merida (I hope I have time to make it before my trip).

 

[ktrask]

I bought DD her Cinderella dress when the Disney Store did their 25% off friends and family discount. You can keep an eye out for clearance too. Start looking end of this month and thru September. New Halloween versions will be coming out, so the ones out now will start to go on sale.

 

[Ero_FL]

We arrive at Disney with a bag full of stuff (clothes, stuffies, etc.) we get on sale at Disney store or toy stores. Every day we're there something new appears in our room for the kids. The only thing other than food we buy at the parks is one balloon each the first day to leave floating around the room. Oh, and ears. Gotta get ears at the park. We have lots of ears!

 

[RachSal]

Speaking of the princess dresses, does anyone have a way to tone down the massive amount of glitter they shed? We got the Cinderella one at the Disney store and every time DD2 wants to wear it (almost every day now) it looks like a fairy exploded all over our house! I've tried washing it, but it doesn't seem to help.

 

[Yoshiandi]

Speaking of the princess dresses, does anyone have a way to tone down the massive amount of glitter they shed? We got the Cinderella one at the Disney store and every time DD2 wants to wear it (almost every day now) it looks like a fairy exploded all over our house! I've tried washing it, but it doesn't seem to help.

HAIRSPRAY!!! Seals it on. If you have to wash it, spray it again.

 

[AZMermaid]

Oooooh great tip! I am eyeing the Snow White dress for my daughter for Christmas and was going to go the Disney Store after Halloween route but the reviews say the glitter is a nightmare. So, I have a friend investigating the Parks version at Disneyland next week for me. But, I wasn't really wanting to pay the difference in price for a not even 2 year old!

 

[Mom22girls56]

HAIRSPRAY!!! Seals it on. If you have to wash it, spray it again.

Yes! We do this too and it helps tremendously!