DTD or Theme park connection?

[dwsandy]

Our trip is less than 2 weeks away. We are trying to get our itinerary in order. Which would you choose DTD or Theme Park Connection? and why?

 

[Dan Murphy]

To get to where?

 

[dwsandy]

To get to where?

For shopping

 

[Itinkso]

Theme Park Connection is very expensive. If you are just shopping for souvenirs, go to DTD or any store in any park.

 

[CAL2]

need more info, not sure what you are asking, are you wanting to shop at Disney or at a mall ? are you staying on or off Disney property? and by connections you mean transport yes ?

cal

 

[dwsandy]

need more info, not sure what you are asking, are you wanting to shop at Disney or at a mall ? are you staying on or off Disney property?

cal

We are looking to spend some time shopping either at Downtown Disney or Theme park connection http://www.themeparkconnection.com/ One afternoon next month. We are staying offsite and have a car

 

[minnie mum]

We are looking to spend some time shopping either at Downtown Disney or Theme park connection http://www.themeparkconnection.com/ One afternoon next month. We are staying offsite and have a car

OH. Its a store. I've never heard of it before and have no idea how to even get to it.. I know you are staying off site, but are you going to the parks at all? If so, there is no reason to go to either this store or DTD if you are shopping for Disney souvenirs. The parks have gift shops up the wazoo selling just about anything you can think of.

I see that this Theme Park Connection seems to be in the buy/sell/trade business. I don't think you would find that sort of store at DTD

 

[DOOM1001]

DTD and Theme Park Connection are different things, I don't think there's a clear cut answer.DTD has new current Disney merchadise in their stores as well as other stores and restaurants.Theme Park Connection is a warehouse close to the Florida Mall with tons of old park merchandise and unique items,for example you're not finding plates used at the Poly,1997 Disney refrigerator magnets,watches given to Cast members or theme park maps from 1990 but you might find them at Theme Park Connection.I think they're different,so do both but I would pair Theme Park Connection with a visit to the Florida mall,Mall at Millennia or the Premium Outlets.If you go on Wednesday I believe,you can catch the tapings for Orlando Attractions Magazine weekly YouTube show.I always pay a visit to TPC the day after running the Disney marathon,I'm stiff and it requires little walking,they also have back issues of Orlando Attractions Magazine,I think I'm only missing like 2 issues from when it started several years ago.

 

[mickey1968]

I am thinking about the same thing for my trip in November! I just recently learned about Theme Park Connection and it sounds intriguing. I have seen pictures of the boxes and boxes of park maps and printed materials that I would love to dive into for my paper crafting. Right now I am looking at doing this on my departure day since my flight doesn't leave until about 6:30 pm and it is more or less on the way to the airport. However, if I decide not to get a rental car it will have to wait until another trip.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Theme Park Connection is very expensive. If you are just shopping for souvenirs, go to DTD or any store in any park.

I can't agree with that statement. Are you only basing that on the $10,000, car or truck from Disney properties ? or their eBay auctions ? I've been visiting them for years. The latest location just opened this year. NICE !

OP- I had a feeling that many people would not have any idea what you were talking about. If you can go do it the place is something to behold. You can ( I do ) get " lost " in there for hours. I have purchased some really unique things in there from $ 1.00 to many hundreds.

 

[disneysteve]

These are totally different places. If you really want to pick one, it depends what you're looking for. Theme Park Connection is great for collectible a and unusual items. And no, it is not expensive. You can spend just a few dollars or hundreds or thousands. There is something for every budget.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Oh, never heard of it.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Oh, never heard of it.

I figured many people would not have. If you can EVER go I tell you amazing !

 

[DOOM1001]

I can't agree with that statement. Are you only basing that on the $10,000, car or truck from Disney properties ? or their eBay auctions ? I've been visiting them for years. The latest location just opened this year. NICE !

OP- I had a feeling that many people would not have any idea what you were talking about. If you can go do it the place is something to behold. You can ( I do ) get " lost " in there for hours. I have purchased some really unique things in there from $ 1.00 to many hundreds.

I agree, it's not that expensive.I'm a theme park map collector geek and any place that has a collection of old theme park maps I gotta be there searching for the oldest and most unique ones.When people go on a trip and they go near a theme park that I don't frequent they know they gotta get me a map or brochure even if it's from a hotel lobby.Eventually I will need a separate room to put them in.They also have all kinds of unique books and things only CM's would have been able to get.There are things that are not going to be super cheap but that's because they're unique,I've seen things like the banners that are in the light poles at Epcot for the Food and Wine festival that I would have loved to buy but they were priced higher than I wanted,but they have to make their money somehow,plenty of people out there looking for unique items that would shell out the money.But there's plenty of things to buy for a few bucks.

 

[Itinkso]

I can't agree with that statement. Are you only basing that on the $10,000, car or truck from Disney properties ?

Just basing it on the items that weren't sold at the CM outlet end up at Theme Park Connection and are marked up 300% or more. It is fascinating to see all the items that are up for sale.

 

[disneysteve]

Just basing it on the items that weren't sold at the CM outlet end up at Theme Park Connection and are marked up 300% or more. It is fascinating to see all the items that are up for sale.

That's not really a fair comparison. The CM outlet isn't open to the public. It's a "company" store, not an independent commercial venture. Theme Park Connection probably buys that unsold stuff from Disney and then has to resell it at a profit.

I found many prices at TPC to be quite reasonable and we bought a number of items when we were there last year. We haven't been to the new location yet as they moved after our visit but we'll definitely stop by when we are there in a couple of weeks.

For basic souvenirs like hats, mugs, cups, pins, etc., I think you can save a ton of money by shopping at TPC instead of direct from Disney.

 

[FLchick415]

I've never been to TPC, but I'd love to check it out, even if I don't buy anything.

 

[disneysteve]

I've never been to TPC, but I'd love to check it out, even if I don't buy anything.

I think all Disney fans should do this. It's like stepping into Disney's archives to some extent. You'll find old merchandise but also park fixtures, cast costumes, banners, signs, movie props, and more. It's really a neat place to visit.

 

[FLchick415]

I think all Disney fans should do this. It's like stepping into Disney's archives to some extent. You'll find old merchandise but also park fixtures, cast costumes, banners, signs, movie props, and more. It's really a neat place to visit.

And I love looking at that kind of stuff. It's why I love One Man's Dream, GMR, and the Back Lot Tour

 

[Itinkso]

Theme Park Connection probably buys that unsold stuff from Disney and then has to resell it at a profit

With old costumes and shoes, Disney donates directly to Goodwill and other thrift stores. Theme Park Connection must scour the Thrift Shops after shows or parades close at Disney to be able to sell outdated costumes at a great profit. For collectors of such items, that may be the only place where they believe they can be found.