Tag Archives: Shopping

Sep 25 2017

Retro-Inspired Merchandise For Epcot’s 35th Anniversary

On October 1, 2017, Epcot will celebrate its 35th anniversary and in honor of this event, Disney Parks Merchandise Team has created some nostalgic retro-inspired souvenirs.

“Many of the artists on my team are long-time Epcot fans,” explained Eric Caszatt, Creative Manager with the Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media Creative Group. “We wanted the art to have a distinct vintage feeling, and take its cues from artwork, logos, signage, and in-park graphics found in the early 1980s. We also referenced actual merchandise released during the first few years of operation. Many products then did not incorporate Disney characters into the artwork with the exception of Figment from the Journey Into Imagination attraction. I’m excited to see several products being released this fall can trace their heritage back to those original items.”

Not only do these awesome commemorative items have the look and feel of the 1980s, many are also in the color palette used by “Epcot Center” back in its early days – purple, pink, red, orange, and gold.

I’m kicking myself now for not holding onto my classic Epcot t-shirts from back in the day, but I’m hoping to get my hands on one of those adorable blue and white Epcot Center short sleeve shirts while I’m visiting in October!

The Epcot 35th Anniversary collection will be available in late September in select locations throughout Epcot and you may also find select items via the Shop Disney Parks app once they’re released.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be buying some Epcot 35th Anniversary merchandise?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Jul 20 2017

Summer Fun At Disney Springs

As a frequent guest of Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, I have become a big fan of its neighbor…the recently reimagined Disney Springs. If you haven’t visited for a while, it’s definitely worth the time to stop by and take a look at all this place now has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a fun-filled time with your friends and family at Disney Springs this summer courtesy of Disney:

Wrapped in Florida-inspired, made-for-strolling promenades, arcing footbridges, flowing streams and waterfront charm, Disney Springs treats Walt Disney World Resort guests to an exciting, one-of-a-kind blend of shopping, dining and entertainment – with an unmistakable Disney touch.

By day or night guests can expect a vibrant scene, whether they are shopping top-name retail brands, enjoying high-quality entertainment, having that special dining experience, pleasure boating on Lake Buena Vista or hopping a balloon skyward for spectacular views of Walt Disney World and beyond.

The former Downtown Disney completed a dramatic, multi-year transformation in 2016, was renamed Disney Springs and more than doubled – to more than 150 — the number of shops, restaurants and other venues for guests to explore and enjoy.

Stop for a snack or cool drink, listen to talented musical performers or enjoy a meal at one of many great dining establishments. From sweets to street food to everything in between, there is something for every taste at Disney Springs.

If it’s a memorable meal you’re after, Disney Springs offers unforgettable dining experiences – some created by celebrity chefs and James Beard award-winning chefs. Chefs including Matsaharu Morimoto, Art Smith, Kevin Dundon and Rick Bayless call Disney Springs home with exciting restaurants offering unsurpassed dining.

Newest dining choices include The Polite Pig, where renowned Orlando chefs James and Julie Petrakis serve up modern barbecue with Southern sides and a bourbon bar offering more than 50 selections, and Paddlefish – an elegant old paddlewheeler reimagined into a modern yacht experience dishing up fresh seafood and steaks, a delicious Sunday brunch and a late-night menu with starry views from a deck-top lounge.

If shopping is your thing, Disney Springs is an experience like no other, with many great venues you won’t find anywhere else. Guests can shop a “Springs” brimming with everything from fashion apparel and jewelry to collectibles and artwork. For that special something, unique shopping found only at Disney Springs includes Uniqlo, American Threads, the Coca-Cola Store, Trophy Room, Shores and Sugarboo & Co. And The Force is more than with you at the Star Wars Galactic Outpost – great Star Wars merchandise is, too.

That’s only part of the shopping story. Fans of All Things Disney can stock up on Disney merchandise at World of Disney and Marketplace Co-Op. Uniqlo, Vera Bradley, Pandora, Alex & Ami and more stock Disney co-branded merchandise.

In creating the largest expansion in its history, Disney planners infused Disney Springs with the same focus on storytelling and attention to detail that are hallmarks of Disney theme parks, resort hotels and cruise ships, creating a welcoming space that only Disney can provide.

The story of Disney Springs begins as Florida’s did, with bubbling springs and natural beauty that first attracted settlers to the area. At the turn of the 20th century waterfront towns sprang up, dotting Florida’s landscape. Today’s Disney Springs fittingly starts with a clear water stream and fans out to exciting precincts for entertainment, dining, lounging and shopping.

Guests will find four outdoor, fun-to-stroll areas, each with its own personality:

  • Town Center offers a sophisticated mix of noteworthy shopping and dining along with a promenade where guests can relax, refresh and reconnect. Town Center features Spanish “Revival” style architecture, drawing from a rich history of explorers that landed in Florida centuries ago. Stop at Sprinkles where yummy cupcakes dispense from an ATM-style machine. Or order up an artisanal pie at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza and it’s “fired up” oven-to-table in a lightning-fast 180 seconds. Long noted for Hollywood stars, the newly-renovated and renamed Planet Hollywood Observatory sets its sights on celestial ones. Its out-of-this world setting is home to a revamped menu that includes signature burgers from celebrity chef Guy Fieri.
  • BoathouseA colorful and thriving commercial district called The Landing offers inspired dining and breathtaking waterfront views. High-quality retailers are found along its lantern-lined byways, including Sanuk for footwear, Chapel Hats and The Art of Shaving. Dine fine at STK, Morimoto Asia, dine fun at Paradiso 37 or the Raglan Road Irish Pub. The BOATHOUSE serves up a great menu and terrific lakeside views. Book a romantic sailing on an Italian water taxi or opt for the thrills of an Amphicar: vintage-style cars that transition from the land to the water for an unforgettable cruise of Disney Springs sights.
  • The family-friendly Marketplace continues to delight guests of all ages by combining new experiences such as an over-the-water pedestrian causeway, along with classic Disney favorites, including a Lego Store for hands-on play or an expanded World of Disney store – largest Disney character store in the world. Cooling refreshments at the water’s edge are found at Dockside Margaritas. For the little ones, a spin on the Marketplace Train Express or a charming Venetian carousel is sure to bring smiles. Treat the family to dino-themed dining at T-Rex Café or jungle-style at Rainforest Café.
  • The West Side delivers an exuberant atmosphere with lively entertainment, retail and dining along with a series of new elevated spaces that provide both shade and an overlook to the activity below. From Cirque du Soleil to iconic restaurants like House of Blues to bowling with a stylized twist at Splitsville Luxury Lanes, West Side offers something for everyone. For unmatched aerial views of Disney Springs and beyond, hop aboard Characters in Flight. Operated by Aerophile, the world’s largest tethered helium balloon ascends 400 feet.

Thanks to new slot-smart parking decks where green lights indicate available spaces (and take the guesswork out), parking is convenient to the entire Disney Springs scene – and free. Valet parking also is available.

Disney Springs is easily accessed from I-4, Central Florida’s major interstate, and connected to the rest of Walt Disney World Resort by motorcoach, watercraft or pedestrian pathways.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

What do you love most about the recently reimagined Disney Springs?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 1 2017

Enchanting 2017 Epcot International Flower And Garden Festival Merchandise

flower-garden-9

For anyone that is going to be attending the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival this year, remember to bring money! Disney is offering lots of unique merchandise during this event that is being sold exclusively in Epcot. Take a look of some of the fabulous selections…


Look for these items and more at the Festival Center which is located in Future World between Mission: SPACE and Universe of Energy. The location will have expanded operating hours during opening week, Wednesday, March 1 to Sunday, March 5. For the remainder of the Festival, the center will be open only Friday through Sunday. You can also find additional merchandise in select locations throughout Epcot.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

What about you? See any souvenirs you must have?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Dec 5 2016

New Benefits For Walt Disney World Passholders During Resort’s 45th Anniversary Year

Magic Kingdom Holiday Fireworks

Wrapped in exciting events, the merriest of holiday happenings and a 2017 filled with spectacular openings, Walt Disney World Resort is marking its 45th anniversary — and unwrapping three special offers for passholders.

Popular Walt Disney World passes, good for theme park admission, valuable Disney savings and other perks throughout the year, gets even sweeter to mark the anniversary:

  • The EmporiumNew dining and merchandise benefits – Passholders can receive 10 percent off food and nonalcoholic beverages at select table-service restaurants at theme parks and Disney resort hotels and 20 percent off purchases at Disney owned-and-operated merchandise locations. These new benefits will continue even after the anniversary comes to an end on September 30, 2017.
  • Skipper Canteen 17Even more savings exclusively during the 45th anniversary – In addition to the ongoing benefits, passholders can save up to 20 percent off the price of food and non-alcoholic beverages at select restaurants in the theme parks, resort hotels and Disney Springs, as well as dinner shows. Passholders can choose from 45 restaurants participating in this special offer during the 45th anniversary year that runs now through September 30, 2017. Among the great restaurant choices: Signature Dining (Flying Fish, Artist Point, Citricos) and Family Dining (Jungle Skipper Canteen, Wave of American Flavors). And, for the first time, savings are available at select quick-service locations.
  • France PavilionGet 13 months for the price of 12 – Guests who purchase a 12-month pass will enjoy 13 months of unsurpassed passholder magic filled with seasonal events, unique attractions and stellar entertainment. New passes must be purchased between October 2, 2016 and January 3, 2017. Prices vary depending on pass type selected – Weekday Select, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus.

In addition to offering theme park admission, passes include special savings on resort hotel rooms, merchandise, recreation, sports, tours and spa treatments. Passholders will find still more savings on admission to special events and entertainment. Passes also add value and convenience with benefits like standard parking, park-hopping privileges and a Magic Band.

For more information on the offers or to sign up for a pass, please click here.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Are you Walt Disney World Passholder? Which benefits do you use?
Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Sep 15 2016

Cute Disney World Halloween Souvenirs Now Available

It’s officially Halloween time in Walt Disney World! The holiday decorations are up, tasty treats are for sale, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is now being celebrated on select nights at Magic Kingdom. With all of the fun fall festivities underway, you know what that means; Halloween themed merchandise is now available! Check out some of the cute Disney World Halloween souvenirs that you can purchase.

Look for these items in select merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World, products can be shipped directly home with the Shop Disney Parks app, or you can find select items at the Disney Parks online store by clicking here.

I can’t wait to do some souvenir shopping on my upcoming trip!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Will you be visiting Disney World during the Halloween season?
Which souvenir are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!