Disney Welcome Center in Ocala?

[ratow]

I have read about a "Disney Welcome Center type thing" in Ocala. Could anyone shed some light on what it is exactly and what it offers?

I would like to purchase autograph books before we arrive at WDW on 10/19. Can I do this there? Will I see a sign from I-75?

Are the items outlet priced or is it run by Disney?

Also, can I buy the pins there?

Lastly, I know the characters need fat pens to sign with, but are they going to be ticked off if I bring permanent markers (Sharpies) from home and they "permanently mark" themselves in the process? LOL Do ya know what I mean?

Jamie

 

[Boo Mc]

We stopped at the Ocala Center last week. If memory serves, there were 3 Ocala exits and the center was the last (furthest south) one. You can see it from the freeway but it's kind of tricky (but not impossible) to find once you get off. You can buy autograph books, pins etc. there but at Disney prices (same prices as the stores at WDW). You can also pin trade with the CMs. There's a gift shop, restrooms, and some cute photo op areas. I think you can also buy tickets and make hotel ressies and PSs. It gave the kids a little taste of Disney and got them even more excited about getting to WDW. We used sharpies last year and the characters took them but I must admit that I felt guilty when Mickey got sharpie on his white glove! Have fun!

 

[ratow]

Boo Mc - Thank you, thank you for your prompt reply!!

Will the CM explain the ettiquete of pin trading? I know nothing about it but I think my 9 yo would get a big kick out of it, assuming the pins aren't too $$$ (they never want to spend their OWN money...LOL)

See! That's what I envision happening to Mickey's white gloves with my Sharpie and they'll arrest me and send me to the "bad guest" prison!

 

[NotTooGoofy]

ratow,

Yes they should be able to explain pin trading etiquette. When purchasing new pins at WDW, they tend to cost around $6. Larger ones are $9-$12. I think you can purchase pins and lanyards in Ocala (or trade with a castmember) but you'll find a bigger selection throughout WDW.

If you want to know more about the Ocala center, go to www.google.com and do a search on "ocala disney center". A large number of links pop up that you can take a look at. And Boo Mc is right - if you are driving south on I-75 keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the road. It's easy to miss.

 

[Poohnatic]

I've passed by it several times on the way down (we stop just south of Tampa to visit my mom before going to WDW) and this last trip we went in.

The gift shop is a good size shop, run by WDW. At the back of the building is a counter with cast members who can assist you with PS's, tickets and whatever questions you have. They gave us a couple of brochures that we found useful (the kids drooled on them the two days we were in St. Pete Beach!) and we watched the 'movie', which is the same stuff they show on the resort channel in the rooms.

They have the autograph books, which are $5.50. I got quite a few pins there, too. The nice thing about this gift shop is that they've got a good selection, because there aren't as many people going through there as there are at any shop on property!

Suzanne

 

[ratow]

YES! You all answered my questions with the "right" answers! LOL I am so JAZZED about leaving!

I am printing this thread out and away we go! I will, however, still look for non-permanent pens for the Characters to sign with.

WHOO HOO! Thanks all!