resort/park specific merchandise

[kid-at-heart]

A decade ago when we started visiting WDW we bought merchandise in the resorts which were based on the particular resort’s theme, i.e., at POR we bought an enamel “old fashioned” soap dish and wash basin. From AKL we bought cups promoting Safari Mickey and various home decorations. Now we are DVC members but still search the various DVC and non-DVC resorts for themed merchandise. It is hard to find. AKL still has some, the rest are severely lacking. I do not think I am the only one wanting to buy resort/park specific merchandise. I know several of you have complained about not being able to find DVC merchandise. Would it be possible/acceptable for someone to start a petition/poll asking if folks would like to see the return of resort/park theme specific merchandise and then ship the petition/poll to someone who is in charge of Disney merchandizing department? I do not have the tech skills necessary to do so. I also realize this topic may not be “Mousecellaneous” specific so Mods, please move if needed.

Thanks,
Kate

 

[Reddog1134]

I've never really looked for resort specific merchandise but I have read many peoples post complaining about the lack of many types of unique merchandise over the past few years.

However, recently people have mentioned an increase in available items. Hopefully this will continue.

 

[photobob]

We like having resort specific things as well. We started buying the small disk type Christmas ornaments for each resort where we have stayed. It is getting increasingly more difficult to find these types of things. If it is something that doesn't increase profits don't look for that to change.

 

[jpeka65844]

If you're a fan of the DisUnplugged podcast, the host Pete Werner (who's also owner of Dreams Unlimited Travel and the Disboards) has called for his fans to send mail to WDW about this very issue. Many people (including myself) have done so and gotten responses via email and phone call.

Email tom.staggs@disney.com with your concerns! Disney will never change it if they don't know about it!

 

[Chuck S]

Just reminder that it is fine to encourage folks to write/call Disney to voice their opinions and make their preferences known. However, we do not allow petitions or fill in the blank form letters of any kind.

I really miss the resort specific merchandise. I think one of the best items were those colorful Starbus jackets, each resort had their own color scheme, and those jackets last forever.

 

[Dizny Dad]

And I miss being able to buy clothing (T-Shirts & Sweatshirts) that LOOKED new, not this new "washed 10,000 times stuff". My clothes usually get there anyway, but It would be nice to buy a few Tees and Sweatshirts that kind of looked High end for a little while.

 

[Chuck S]

And I miss being able to buy clothing (T-Shirts & Sweatshirts) that LOOKED new, not this new "washed 10,000 times stuff". My clothes usually get there anyway, but It would be nice to buy a few Tees and Sweatshirts that kind of looked High end for a little while.

Absolutely!! I will not buy clothing that already looks like it has been worn for years.

 

[kid-at-heart]

Just reminder that it is fine to encourage folks to write/call Disney to voice their opinions and make their preferences known. However, we do not allow petitions or fill in the blank form letters of any kind.

I really miss the resort specific merchandise. I think one of the best items were those colorful Starbus jackets, each resort had their own color scheme, and those jackets last forever.

Thanks Chuck for letting me know about the petitions. Now that I am aware that petitions are not allowed I will do as suggested by jpeka65844 and send an email to Tom Staggs. Perhaps if enough folks let marketing know their wishes we may once again see resort themed merchandise.

Kate

 

[kid-at-heart]

If you're a fan of the DisUnplugged podcast, the host Pete Werner (who's also owner of Dreams Unlimited Travel and the Disboards) has called for his fans to send mail to WDW about this very issue. Many people (including myself) have done so and gotten responses via email and phone call.

Email tom.staggs@disney.com with your concerns! Disney will never change it if they don't know about it!

Well that was painless. Thanks for the suggestion. I sent an email and within the hour received a very nice reply.
Kate

 

[rillsung]

I agree! Shopping is soooo boring now since very store on property just has the same "Disney Parks" junk!

 

[sleepydog25]

I spent--wasted--hours last December trying to find some quality DVC merchandise. Heck, I could barely find any DVC merchandise. That's a shame given I'd buy something every time I visited if there was anything worth buying. I have little to no desire to buy the generic Disney memorabilia anymore.

 

[El&Asmom]

Dh and I just came back from WL last night. It was our ongoing joke that each shop had the same 4-5 sweatshirts/t's for each gender. Nothing unique. It became a quest because I wanted to bring a sweatshirt home on this trip so we would go into every shop looking for something I liked only to find the same stuff. I did end up getting a nice green WL zip up sweatshirt that I like. Just wish they had more DVC stuff.

 

[rmcildw2m]

I also believe that all the resorts should have resort specific merchandise.I since I am advc owner I really want shirts and the like, that have the dvc logo on it .

 

[sleepydog25]

FWIW, I also sent a note to the email link provided above. . .we can't change things if we don't try.

 

[laura-k]

I also believe that all the resorts should have resort specific merchandise.I since I am advc owner I really want shirts and the like, that have the dvc logo on it .

I totally agree ,Our 1st trips I purchased WDW park stuff with the years on it
and then i started getting T-shirts or ornaments with the resort names and when I purchased DVC -I really wanted stuff with our new "Home " name on it
also that year they where actually clearancing stuff with the names on it and replacing everything with generic DVC stuff and like a pp mentioned much of it was that worn look stuff -
I also just sent my Email to tom.staggs@disney.com -

 

[Dizny Dad]

I sent an E-Mail To Tom, too! Even in Horton Hears a Who the word got out. We just need to sing the song together!

 

[Chuck S]

I agree, that I'd love better quality and more resort specific merchandise...but consider something given the lousy economy.

The DVC member, over the course of their membership, likely spends more on resort merchandise. But on a per trip basis, it is probably the once in a lifetime, or very occasional guest that likely spends it, and they will want more generic merchandise. I really think there needs to be a good mix, but short term, Disney is currently after the money of the people willing to spend NOW versus over seveal trips.

 

[laura-k]

Hey all just received my reply already -

Thank you for your note regarding the merchandise selection at our resorts. Thank you also for your membership in DVC. I appreciate that commitment and your loyalty to Disney!

I'm sorry that you have not been able to find the type and variety of merchandise to commemorate your visits with us as you had hoped you would, and I appreciate you taking the time to express your concerns. I understand and appreciate that these items can be an important part of how you and other guests celebrate and preserve the memories of your Disney visits.
It is true that the number of resort-specific products had been scaled back over the past couple years. With that in mind, you will be happy to know that we are exploring opportunities to reintroduce resort-specific merchandise over the next year. This merchandise will become available at several of our resorts, such as Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and Villas and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. We currently have resort themed merchandise at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. We hope you enjoy the selection of offerings that will be provided in the future.

Thanks very much for your feedback. I hope we have the opportunity to welcome you back to your DVC home soon.
Best wishes,
Tom Staggs

 

[DiznyDi]

I just sent an email as well.

 

[Debi]

That e-mail from Tom sounds promising, but at the same time, it's frustrating that it's going to happen over the course of a year. I'm looking forward to see what Disney introduces in the new resort merchandise rollout.