Prices on items at the theme parks have risen as of today

[Dean1953]

If you haven't been in a while, be aware that the parking situation has changed significantly there this year. The parking deck now has a charge of $10 to park, and my favorite spot to park (in the back lot) is now valet, which costs $15. There is still some free parking, but a lot less than there used to be. The same thing has happened at the outlets up I-Drive. All the good, close-up spots are "premium parking" or valet at $10 or $15 a pop.

I mainly drive down from Kansas City because we tend to stay for 3-4 weeks at a time, offsite. This time, as new DVC owners, we are staying at BLT for 6 days/5 nights, and am flying down. I rented a car for 1 day, to make it easier to go to Typhoon Lagoon, a grocery store and the Outlet stores. I’ve been to both several times and have had horrible luck parking at I drive (even having lunch at Taco Bell across the street to park while shopping). At Vineland, as long as you get there before 10, parking in the free spots isn’t a problem. After 10, you can go on line and reserve a parking spot for $3 for 2 hours. I recently discovered several people on you tube that make 20-40 minute videos every week of them throughly canvassing the aisles at both outlet stores and commenting on when there has been a price drop (occasionally down to 99 cents). I’ll start watching in earnest the week before my trip to get an idea of what’s available. I should be able to get a lot of my Christmas shopping done there.

 

[Dean1953]

Our souvenir purchases are way down. We have bought a lot over the last 20 years, and to keep going, we now buy much less, and eat table service much less - if at all. It is the only way we can go every year, and maybe twice in some years. T

We will be going to 2 MNSSHP on our October trip and will eat at Cosmic Rays or Pecos Bills those 2 nights, but otherwise I’ll bring food with me in the luggage and stop for groceries in my rental car. I know that food is a large component of many families trip to WDW but for me, it’s the atmosphere in the Parks.

 

[SL6827]

I am buying less souvenirs when we go as well. I guess that is why the repeat guest is not as favored by Disney as much as the first timers.

 

[Tess]

I wish they would stop selling those dang bubble things all together.

THIS!

 

[SL6827]

Also, I have seen some awesome, just great looking Mickey ears on Etsy.

 

[SL6827]

THIS!

Ok, I have to admit this. We did buy a bubble blower for my niece this past June, and it was beyond hilarious to watch our Labrador run from the bubbles.

 

[fla4fun]

The ears bands have gotten really good, cute and nice quality. Dare I say even comfortable, at least my newer ones are much more comfortable than the older ones are. They are the only things that suck me in. Well, some of the shirts too. They have gotten some really good fashion shirts lately. Things I can wear at home. No fair for them to up their game in design and up their prices at the same time!

I agree with finding some nice shirts other than tees. I have several Disney shirts in my work rotation right now. Some are very subtle and some less so, but the style and fabrics are very work appropriate. I really give that AP discount a workout, lol!

 

[Farro]

The souvenirs we bought last trip were actually great quality:

A pretty Pandora charm with Mickey heads on it
A quilted (but fitted) fleece lined black jacket with a hood - the quilt stitching is in the shapes of (subtle) Mickey heads!!! I love it, so many compliments on it.
A windbreaker from Everest at Animal Kingdom - again attractive and great quality.
A stuffed animal - love it!
Star Wars drinking glasses - they were at Contemporary. Love them.

We don't buy the smaller stuff you find all over.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Man ... to each his own on those bubble wands but I didn't realize the price was already that crazy ...

especially since they have the same thing at Walgreens and target for $8.

 

[OhDannyBoy]

Good thing all I ever get is a refrigerator magnet with the year on it and a $20 balloon.

 

[SgtTibbs]

And I always have to buy a hoodie when I go with the year on it, regardless of the price. lol

You should not say such things. The Mouse has very large ears.

 

[chelseabun76]

My oldest daughter insisted that we buy her one of those darn fans during her trip. We ended up carrying it around for her the whole time, so my mom talks about it every time we talk about Disney. She made the mistake of bringing it up around my youngest, whose trip it is in November, and he's already asked for one now. lol

 

[chelseabun76]

You should not say such things. The Mouse has very large ears.

Haha yes I know, oops!! lol Ok, I DO have a price limit. But, a $2-5 increase won't change my mind. More than that? Perhaps.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I wish they would stop selling those dang bubble things all together.

THIS!

Like x1000.

The only Disney toy I truly despise is the Aerial bubble wand we just 'had to have' on some trip last year. The dang thing is so loud and has no volume control on "Under the Sea" which plays over and over and over again. Bah Humbug!

 

[MouseOfCards]

Uh oh. Time to dig up some of those old bubble wands in our garage for our next Disney trip. Thanks for the notice!

 

[Dean1953]

Do you know if they have the Minnie ear headbands? We have been thinking of stopping there on our way in next week.

Go to YouTube and search for Disney Character Outlet. Like I said, there are at least 3-4 persons that post their shopping adventures there once a week.

 

[monorailrabbit]

I recently bought a cute MM baseball style hat for my upcoming trip at the outlet for less than $5. I will smile ear to ear when I see the insane prices in NOV.

but.....my weakness are those PINS...…………..!!!!

You and me both!! I always come home and am alarmed at how many found their way into my suitcase! I can't help myself!

 

[Texans_loyal]

This is why I go to the character warehouse first. I paid $4.99 for the same ears that were in the park and $7.99 for a $60 sweater. I don't spend any money in the parks anymore unless it's on food.

 

[Texans_loyal]

Also, I have seen some awesome, just great looking Mickey ears on Etsy.

Most of the ears Disney makes are just a copy of the ones on etsy. I had rose gold ears for a year before they were in the parks. I personally would rather support a small business than buy a cheaper made replica in the parks.

 

[Texans_loyal]

BTW walgreens has singing Disney bubble wands for around $4.99. People always stop and ask us where we purchased them from.