Has anyone been to either Character Warehouse?

[mamaanna]

Is this a "must visit" place? I'm looking at our transportation options from SFB and the hang up I'm having is if we shuttle, we won't be able to stop by the store on our way to the resort. I know we could always ride share off property, but we will have a little with us (under 2) so she'd need a car seat. The big (7) will have a booster or something, even though apparently FL law says she doesn't need one (bananas to me).

Absolutely interested in discounted merch, including ears and a magic band or two. I understand that it's hit or miss on what's actually in store, which is why I'd want the family to be there too, instead of just a solo excursion. If we rent a car, we'd be able to stop there and then also do a grocery trip. If we shuttle, we probably won't go and we'd consider a grocery delivery. Renting a car means we'd possibly still be able to get breakfast treats from a bakery I found in a facebook group that is no longer allowed to deliver to resorts... I have thoughts on that I won't get into here - this isn't about that.

SO. Character Warehouse. Must visit or skip?

 

[HopperFan]

Is this a "must visit" place? I'm looking at our transportation options from SFB and the hang up I'm having is if we shuttle, we won't be able to stop by the store on our way to the resort. I know we could always ride share off property, but we will have a little with us (under 2) so she'd need a car seat. The big (7) will have a booster or something, even though apparently FL law says she doesn't need one (bananas to me).

Absolutely interested in discounted merch, including ears and a magic band or two. I understand that it's hit or miss on what's actually in store, which is why I'd want the family to be there too, instead of just a solo excursion. If we rent a car, we'd be able to stop there and then also do a grocery trip. If we shuttle, we probably won't go and we'd consider a grocery delivery. Renting a car means we'd possibly still be able to get breakfast treats from a bakery I found in a facebook group that is no longer allowed to deliver to resorts... I have thoughts on that I won't get into here - this isn't about that.

SO. Character Warehouse. Must visit or skip?

We usually go every trip to Vineland (we RARELY go to International because of parking issues).

I will say on average there might be a few different ears. We have found MagicBands to be full price. We loved shopping there over the years but now we have actually walked out with nothing. Prices are def not the great buys they used to be. We used to find plenty of tshirts $8 and less, now we are lucky to get one for $10. And those are basic. One item I got was priced the same I just bought online at Disney Store.

And note there is now a big queue line outside. They limit the number of people they let in the store. We wait an average of 30-40 minutes to get in.

I will say that we used to go twice each trip and now we go if it works out because we know the drill, wait outside in a queue, maybe or maybe not find things we want and prices are going to be high enough that unless something is a must have, we usually pass on it.

 

[mamaanna]

Oooh, this is very good to know, thank you!

 

[Mle8308]

Skip. It used to be good back in the day, but now it's a ton of re-sellers and anything that may have been decent, they have bought it, in hordes. Plus, as @HopperFan mentioned, there can be long lines to get in. It's a lot of out dated stuff that no one wanted in the first place (I don't want 2025 Halloween dated stuff or Happy 2025 New Year t-shirts). Or, the clothing is odd sized, smalls and XXXL. You might get lucky, but personally, I wouldn't spend the money to go, use the money you would spend on a rental or a ride share to buy souvenirs at Disney. Get what you want, don't settle for something that is just okay because it was cheap. You'll end up regretting it later. Now if you were renting a car for your stay and have the time and planned to go to the madhouse outlets (go early as parking is crazy), then stop in. But I would not make a special trip.

 

[Nicnicnic.nic]

I really liked the Vineland one, not so much the other one. My kids love them a sale so they bring their money but we drive so it's an easier call.