Disney Clothing... is it ALL so, er, Disney?

[SweetAlex]

So the one dilemma I've always had on our trips is what to buy for myself for a memento/souvenir. Every time we go shopping there, I tell myself that I will find something to bring home... something that I know I will use/wear. But every single time, I come back with nothing/nada/zippo. The reason? Because I personally find 99% of the Disney attire to be so... busy! It's so bright and splashy and, don't hate on me, but a tad tacky to wear anywhere in public... outside of Disneyland of course . I mean, how often do you see someone walking down the streets of your hometown in their bright purple "Disneyland 2014!!" hoody adorned with all the beaming characters of Disney? Unfortunately, those sweaters tend to stay inside or packed in a drawer of the family's winter cabin somewhere. I just can't justify spending the (huge amount of) money they charge for something I know I'll never wear again.

My kids are happy to select a stuffy (which they sleep with every night after... at least for a while) and maybe a shirt or stationary set. DH usually finds a toque (Canadian winter hat for those who don't know the word ) or something for his Cars collection. Me, I find nothing.

So I'm curious, has anyone been able to find more "subtle" Disney merchandise? Something that you actually use/wear on a regular basis that is from Disney but still looks classy and, well, grown up? If so, tell me about it and where to find it because I am determined to come home with something this time that is both Disney AND practical!.

 

[Tyggress]

I know exactly what you mean...but yes, I have found clothing that I love that is more subtle...especially for women.

A few years ago I bought a really cute sweatpant and long-sleeve top set...almost like PJ's, but the pants are really cute. they just say "Disneyland Resort 1955" on the hip and I wear them to run errands, etc.

I also found a REALLY cute, lighter-weight sweatshirt inside WOD last year. It has a Disney motif on the back, with the castle and fireworks, but all done in a light silver threading against a grey sweatshirt. More subtle and I wear that all the time.

A few weeks ago, I found a really cute tank top, turquoise, with a Minnie head crocheted in lace on it and a yellow bow embroidered above that. Sounds crazy now that I typed it out like that, but it's super cute...that was in the Bat en Rue (I think that's the name of it?) tucked back in a corner of New Orleans Square.

Additionally, the shops to the left on Buena Vista Street when you first enter DCA has some more upscale/toned down Disney clothing that is REALLY cute/pretty. They also have more subtle men's clothing, like golf shirts, etc.

FWIW, I adore most of the cooking/kitchen stuff Disney has as well. Though you wouldn't walk around town carrying an oven mitt, etc.

Good luck!

 

[crystal1313]

I usually rock my Disneyland clothes at home but I'm a total Disney nerd

But, this last trip I did buy a hat that I LOVE! It was $25 and it's a fedora style. I usually never buy hats at the parks, but I got sunburned the first day and needed one. It's very Un-Disney except for a tiny embroidered mickey head on the ribbon around it. We just back home Thursday and I've used it twice at home. It saved my forehead and scalp from being burned.

They also have some really cute plates and glassware with attractions on them. They would be totally functional! I also like getting a picture frame that says Disneyland on it. They are really nice quality and fun to put a memory from the trip in. Maybe you could start a pressed penny collection? Not functional, but neat to have and don't take up a ton of space.

 

[SweetAlex]

But, this last trip I did buy a hat that I LOVE! It was $25 and it's a fedora style. I usually never buy hats at the parks, but I got sunburned the first day and needed one. It's very Un-Disney except for a tiny embroidered mickey head on the ribbon around it. We just back home Thursday and I've used it twice at home. It saved my forehead and scalp from being burned.

Ooh! This would be perfect! I actually plan to buy a hat because I'm totally a hat person but can never find one that I'm confident I would wear outside of the parks. This one sounds totally like something I would wear. Can I ask where you found it?

 

[GatorChris]

I'm with Crystal. I'm always wearing my Disney stuff. In fact, I just got a Disneyland shirt with the shape of Mickey but with the American flag on it. I wear that dude a lot! On my first trip to WDW back in 2002, they had this dark blue T with a Mickey Head with the American flag on it. I wore that shirt beyond the logo cracking. And I still wear my zip up hoodie that's grey, has "DONALD" written on the front and has a mean Donald on that back in "letterman" style emboridery. Sure I may get some looks, but I'm representing who I am (Donald) and what I love (Disney World).

I do understand that some of the shirts are too garish to ever wear in public, including those Grumpy shirts or Goofy shirts. But Mickey is pretty much universal, and I'll wear Donald Duck stuff to a church service! So yes, I get you, and no it doesn't completely apply to me

 

[ImDMous]

I have a ton of Disney clothes because frankly, I don't care what people think. But my taste in general in any clothing is understated.

They have this shirt in several different princess designs and I've gotten complements on it from several people who are not Disney fans.

Belle shirt

snow white shirt

I also have a grey sweatshirt with silver stitching of fireworks and Mickey on it that I love and is virtually color-less. I found a picture but it looks like it's from 2012 so I don't know if it's still for sale. (Hahaha, I see a PP shares in my love of this sweatshirt.)

The place I find that has the most main-stream style clothes is on the right side of Main Street when you are walking towards the castle, I think it's called Disney Clothiers?

Vault 28 in Downtown Disney has more trendy, stylish Disney duds as well.

If wearing your Disney love isn't your thing, perhaps a Disney Dooney would be more your style.

 

[Fivers]

I've gotten quite a few quite subtle Disney clothes (shirts especially) but they definitely aren't always easy to find! What kind of clothes are you looking for? Often the big Disney store in DtD will have something if you're looking strictly Disney. I've found subtle PotC tank tops before (shockingly enough). They used to have really nice capris and shorts that just had a small embroidered Mickey silouhette on the front. The Disney Vault I think it's called on DtD also often has some nicer stuff, and there's another store near it as well, can't remember the name right now.

I think they used to have more subtle stuff, we haven't been able to find quite as much in recent years, but in the past I've found Disney clothes that I've even worn to work, with no one the wiser! Good luck!

 

[larina]

I feel like I should be offended, but I'm just not, lol. I have lots of Disney clothes. Some the tacky bright obvious stuff you're talking about, but some just nice things. If it isn't for you, maybe get a kitchen gadget or something for your home.

 

[Angrose]

I'm not into the bold stuff either, but I have managed to find a few things that I enjoy wearing. This year I got a navy blue baseball cap with a small Donald Duck patch on the front that says "the original angry bird." It's really cute. I was also tempted to buy a scarf. There are some really pretty ones in that store on Main St. mentioned by the PP. Really subtle disney patterns.

Last year I bought a t-shirt from Lizzie's curio shop in Carsland. It has an old school faded out logo for the Cozy Cone Motel. I love it. There are lots of cute things in Carsland.

Next time I go I will be on the hunt for the plates and glasses from the lands. They have them online at disneystore.com and they are adorable. I also want to order some prints from the Prints on Demand service. I love the retro ride posters!

 

[SweetAlex]

Haha! The funny thing is that I'm SO not a "fashionista". I couldn't care less about what's in style or dressing up to pick up the kids from school. At my kids last school, the moms would all show up dressed to the nines. Me? I would wear jeans and a hoody and not care at all if I got "the look" from the other moms. I'm too old to care . Thankfully we moved out of the city and to a small town where that doesn't happen anymore. But for some reason, I draw the line at those BRIGHT neon clothes with the huge Disney characters splashed from one end to the other. I just know I won't wear them but still love Disney and would like to bring something home this time.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far!

 

[crystal1313]

Ooh! This would be perfect! I actually plan to buy a hat because I'm totally a hat person but can never find one that I'm confident I would wear outside of the parks. This one sounds totally like something I would wear. Can I ask where you found it?

Sure! I got it at the Mad Hatter store on Main Street right next to the Lincoln show.

I second the suggestion for a Disney dooney too! The small wristlet isn't terribly expensive either.

Oh and what about a Christmas ornament?

 

[SweetAlex]

I've gotten quite a few quite subtle Disney clothes (shirts especially) but they definitely aren't always easy to find! What kind of clothes are you looking for? Often the big Disney store in DtD will have something if you're looking strictly Disney. I've found subtle PotC tank tops before (shockingly enough). They used to have really nice capris and shorts that just had a small embroidered Mickey silouhette on the front. The Disney Vault I think it's called on DtD also often has some nicer stuff, and there's another store near it as well, can't remember the name right now.

I think they used to have more subtle stuff, we haven't been able to find quite as much in recent years, but in the past I've found Disney clothes that I've even worn to work, with no one the wiser! Good luck!

Thanks. Looks like I'll have to check Disney Vault. I think I've been in there before but maybe didn't look hard enough.

I also like the kitchen stuff. Someone bought me cute Mickey oven mitts and a bottle opener one year when they went to WDW. I use those all the time. I couldn't find them quite as nice in DLR but maybe this time around we will.

 

[YukonMommy]

I am just the opposite! I wear my Disney clothes all the time. Hoodies, sweat capris, shirts...
but if your not into it I also love the Disney coffee mugs and to go mugs!

Either way you will have the memories for life and that's whats most important!

 

[ktlm]

I really like the Executive collection pens. They usually run around $20. They are fancy pens which are subtle Disney- some a little less subtle. You can probably see some of the styles on Ebay if you search Disney executive collection pen. I use them at the office and around the house. I've gotten comments by people who wanted one. They are refillable.

I also like the Watches- but those are usually higher priced.

They are starting to have some Disney clothes which are a bit more subtle, but they are still going to be at least somewhat Disneyfied. I don't wear my Disney clothes out much myself- although I have started to wear the Disney hoodie zip jackets when I am out casual on chilly days. However, I go home about every evening and put on my Disney T-shirts and sweat shorts. I'm pretty sure my neighbors think I don't wear anything but suits or "business" wear or Disney stuff.

 

[Angrose]

I would love to get a Dooney, but cannot justify the cost! I have however seen some cute LeSport Sac designs. I would be tempted to get one of those!

Also, I just discovered the adorable Alex and Ani bracelets: http://www.disneystore.com/mn/10142...archTerm=Alex+and+Ani&catalogFromSearch=10002
I may need to ask hubby to get me a few of those for Christmas!

 

[figment_jii]

I agree that finding understated clothing is getting harder and harder to find, but there are general a few items. I've found t-shirts that only had a small embroidered logo on the front. Same for a slight weight sweatshirt. I think it's a matter of looking everywhere and not just on the main display racks. I've also found some scarves that have a very subtle Mickey pattern on it (the scarf is white with slightly darker Mickeys or vice-a-versa, I can't remember).

Also, I consider anything I buy at Disneyland a Disney souvenir, so some of the shops carry non-Disney items (like the one next to the Indy Jones store in Frontierland) and some of those can be pretty nice/subtle.

 

[DizMe]

LOL! I know what you mean. I can usually find something for myself but I've been reminded many times by my dh that I don't have to buy him anything when I go with my friends. The translation of that is that he wouldn't be caught dead in anything with Disney characters on it with the exception of the flannel Mickey boxers that are still in his drawer

 

[SweetAlex]

It's not that I'm embarrassed to wear Disney. I just wouldn't normally wear any clothing with such bold colours or large pictures. I like more subtle designs, neutral colours, less vibrancy. That's what I find hard to find. I would love to wear Disney, but I've never had luck finding it in a style I like.

This time, I am determined! Thanks to everyone for your help and some ideas of where to look.

 

[rentayenta]

So I'm curious, has anyone been able to find more "subtle" Disney merchandise? Something that you actually use/wear on a regular basis that is from Disney but still looks classy and, well, grown up? If so, tell me about it and where to find it because I am determined to come home with something this time that is both Disney AND practical!.

Visors and coffee mugs. The mugs get used daily and the visors about once a week when we take the boat out.

 

[ktlm]

Visors and coffee mugs. The mugs get used daily and the visors about once a week when we take the boat out.

Oh that made me think of another favorite, my favorite coffee mugs are the ones we made after our trips with photopass pics. Even if you don't want to buy the photopass+ or photopass cd(we always do), if you get a few cute photopass pics taken, you can get on the website and make a mug with one. We have a few of those from different trips. Photopass has some other products you can make too. I think you can upload your own picture to make a product from too