Best Disney Outlet Tips | Shop Parks Merchandise for Less

Want to buy Disney souvenirs like a local? Grab these 14 Best Disney Outlet Tips to Shop Parks Merchandise for Less!

14 Best Disney Outlet Tips to Shop Parks Merchandise for Less

Disney Pandora charms for under $20.

Disney Parks apparel for 80% off.

Disney Princess dresses for BOGO 50% off.

The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane dresses for under $25.

Sounds too good to be true or a sprinkle of Disney magic? Um…can we say both?! Finally sharing my ultimate guide: best Disney Outlet tips and how I score parks merchandise for LESS! I’m talking best deals, cast secrets and more to grabbing all of the Disney goodness without the high sticker shock.

Where is the best Disney Outlet located?

So my favorite Disney Outlet, (aka the Disney Character Warehouse) is located at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets: 8200 Vineland Ave.,#1252, Orlando, FL 32821. Yes, this is barely a few miles up the road from Disney Springs. This is also the BIGGER store than the Orlando International Premium Outlets off of I-Drive. Being closer and bigger makes this locale much easier to drop new deeply discounted items and grab a larger selection.

Scan Shop Disney & Disney Parks App

While not guaranteed, scanning the Shop Disney website and Disney Parks app can give you clues to what merchandise may be heading to the Disney Outlet soon. Check for items that have been around awhile and discounted 20-40% off: like Cherry Tree Lane dresses and name brand purses.

Call Ahead for Specific Items

Looking for something specific? Save yourself a drive and call ahead to the store first. The cast members are super helpful in tracking down hard-to-find items (like ahem, anything MULAN for me) and possibly holding them for you (not guaranteed – obviously! But doesn’t hurt to ask). Call 407-354-3255 during business hours to inquire!

Go Early

Not only because parking is a BEAR.

New product gets put on the shelves daily. According to cast members at the store, they get new apparel shipments every single day. So within 2 days (as was the case on one of my recent visits), the whole store was basically wiped out of adult clothing and restocked with all new options. Specialty items get cleared out first thing in the morning – when the store opens, especially name brands. I highly recommend going Monday-Tuesday when the outlet opens. Avoid weekends.

***Update: Mask mandate and early virtual line available, usually 30 minutes to 1 hour before opening.

Items to NOT Rush for

First, let’s talk about year round items. These are definitely Disney Outlet items that always seem to be in stock. After quite a few visits now, I’m pretty sure that I have a handle on what items you can grab – but maybe not rush for.

Mugs. I’ve been seeing the same stock of mugs for weeks and even months now. New designs won’t roll out until they sell what is there. Always an abundance and always at a good price, definitely grab mugs when you need them (perfect for gifting) but don’t worry so much about the rush for these items.
Pins. There are a plethora of trading pins. If there’s only a couple of your favorites left, definitely buy. But there’s always a good selection of pins and pin trading accessories in stock.
Toys. Not hurting there either. Tiaras, action figures, stuffed animals and more – the Disney Outlet is always well stocked in this area. Even at a discount.
Park Apparel. I’m not talking about spirit jerseys. But everyday tees for adults and kids – definitely. Come early for a greater size selection (especially for smaller sizes for both adults and kids) but overall you can see the same kinds of apparel throughout the weeks.
Candy. Yes, even Disney candy can be found for less. And if you have a sweet tooth hankering, you won’t have to worry about grabbing. There are plenty of candy options every single time.

Look for Name Brands

Danielle Nicole, Loungefly, Kate Spade and Dooney & Bourke – just to name a few. If you’re searching for name brand purses and accessories for less, this is where to come. My Disney Outlet usually stocks these specialty items together in one shelving area (a few exceptions below) in the middle of the store. Be warned: these items go quickly.

Grab Just Discontinued Items

Within a few days of the Briar Rose Gold Ears going on sale, the old Rose Gold Ears were already hitting the shelves for a whopping 50% off. Checking the Disney Parks Blog for new product roll outs and retirements can also clue you in to discounted parks merchandise in abundance. And also think beyond parks. Disney Cruise and also some Disneyland merchandise can be found here as well.

Holiday & Year Specific Merchandise

Christmas in May? Why, yes! It may take a few months to see, but definitely holiday merchandise can be found here as well. If there’s an item you have been eyeing, wait about 3-4 months to see them show up in the outlets. I just spotted some of the 2018 holiday merchandise this week.

For year specific merchandise (for example 2018), those earlier years get sprinkled throughout the store at different times of the year. But I’ve seen this year’s items as early as May (depends on how well they sell in the parks). Usually not as deeply discounted though!

Inspect All Bins

There are usually small item bins scattered throughout the store. Some on shelves, some in the checkout line, this is where you can find a lot of “Hodge podge” items. If it’s one of the last 1-2 items in the store, these bins can definitely hold hidden gems for shoppers. Take the time to open up each bin for unexpected discount treasures.

Scope the Checkout Line

More hidden discounts? Yes, please! It’s a good idea to inspect the checkout line goodies BEFORE you hit the lines. I definitely give this area a once over beforehand. This is a great spot to find items for as little as $0.99 (like cards and autograph books). Tech items like earbuds and phone cases are also located here.

Check Behind the Cash Registers

THIS is one of my biggest Disney Outlet tips. Pandora charms, Alex & Ani bracelets, and even specialty small items like Star Wars Day at Sea coins can be found right behind the cash registers. Hidden and out of sight from usual shoppers, lots of folks (including myself) miss these really great jewelry deals unless you happen to glance behind the cashiers. BEFORE getting in the checkout line, definitely try to eye these highly sought after deals.

Here’s what I found on my recent visit:

Pandora charms starting at $19.99.
Alex & Ani bracelets in multiple styles, starting at $12.99. They now have a new line for Alex & Ani bracelet purchases only (because of designs up to 20+). You CAN bring your other purchases in this line if shopping for one of these bracelets too.
Dooney & Bourke Mickey Mouse Leather wristlet for $54.99 (originally $108).
Star Wars Day at Sea coins (couldn’t get a price without making the rest of the folks in line mad!)

Can I Get Extra Disney Discounts?

NOPE.

While there are NO Disney Annual Passholder discounts, Disney Credit Card, or Disney Vacation Club discounts on top of the already amazing steals, you can redeem your Disney gift cards at the Disney Character Warehouse. So if you have a gift card burning a hole in your pocket, here’s another place to redeem them.

Come for Pin Trading

Yes, even the Disney Outlet has special events! Signs are usually posted by the cash registers for the next event. Come for Pin Trading on certain dates throughout the month. I haven’t been yet, but I expect to find some rare and discontinued pins for trading, perfect for collectors!

Come Back Often

How big is the turnover? HUGE. Within 2 days of my last visit, the inventory in the store had completely changed. And whenever the Vineland outlets gets a huge busload or weekend visitors – expect big changes to the store as well. Definitely make visits often if you can – better luck in grabbing that must-have item. Out-of-town? I definitely recommend hitting the Disney Outlets before heading to the parks – so you can have gifts and souvenirs lined up prior! Then you can grab any other souvenirs in the parks after.

Holy moly, this was a long post. But for all of those who have been following my Disney Outlets adventures, I hope these Disney Outlet shopping tips are helpful in grabbing a little Disney magic for less. From great name brands to hidden secrets, I LOVE shopping for Disney…especially at a discount!