Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! the longest running monthly look at the Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. Outlet Intern Julia Mascardo, secret shopper Daisy Lauren and I found a whole bunch of neat items this month including tons of Star Wars items, emoji plush, fidget spinners, and one of the weirdest Christmas ornaments to ever make the Outlets (and imagine what ground that is covering.)

Ready to see what we else we found? Alright, let’s go!

Last month we speculated that a whole bunch of MagicBands would be coming to the Outlets and boy did they ever. The only MagicBand 2.0 however was this one for the 2017 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. This was “limited to 2500,” had a special lighting effect when you used it on an Epcot touchpoint, and originally cost $32.99. It was reduced to $5.99.

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The rest of the MagicBands were all of the original variety and prices were SLASHED down to $1.99.  So even though I have more MagicBands than any human in their right mind should ever own, I picked up one of these featuring the little Orange Bird because it’s not like you’re not not going to buy one, right?

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Also picked up this one featuring Figment against the backdrop of Spaceship Earth. Just a warning, for those of you who try to keep a “mental track” of how much I spend at the Outlets, you’re gonna need a big piece of paper this time, and don’t forget to carry the two.

A different Figment MagicBand? Sure why not.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates.

Couple Star Wars MagicBands. Passed on both of these.

You can imagine how many of these “limited release” Jyn Erso MagicBands they sold when it seems like 2000 of them made it to the Outlets.

Last month we also covered these Disney Cruise Line pins and I figured those portholes must have opened up. Turns out they did. Nothing spectacular. This was the equivalent of unwrapping socks for a Christmas gift. Not that exciting.

These Rogue One pin packs (also “limited release”) were originally $26.99, but reduced to $9.99. What is amazing though is that on the actual package it says ALL SALES FINAL. NO RETAIL EXCHANGES OR RETURNS. Now they have similar signs made for items like Vinylmation, but I’m not sure I have ever seen that before on an actual package. Fascinating. Makes me think there must be a story of people returning a ton of “mystery” pins because they felt ripped off or something.

This Star Wars: Force For Change pin is an annual one made to help support UNICEF, with 25% of the retail price being donated to the charity. Originally $16.99, now $3.99.

Star Wars can coolers. You would think by now literally every item in the history of the world has been licensed for Star Wars yet we all know Disney is going to have 100,000 new ones ready for when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens. Originally $9.99, now $2.99.

Speaking of which, I didn’t even know what a “growler” was, but here is one for Star Wars. It’s spillproof and holds about 40 ounces of blue milk. Originally $40.99, now $11.99.

Have we figured out who the audience is for these lightsaber keychains? Imagine some guy trying to pull one of these keychains out of his pants packet but it gets stuck sideways because it’s so long and eventually snaps when it gets pulled out too hard. The reduced price is $12.99. That’s the REDUCED price. Wow.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all. Star Wars aprons. Originally $24.99, now $7.99.

Han and Leia aprons.

Storm Trooper and Darth Vader ice cube tray. Originally $9.99, now $2.99.

I wonder why Disney would have so many extra of this one Ewok? Did all the “Wicket” ones sells out and “the other guy” just sat there?

Here is a Dumbo Tsum Tsum carrying case they holds four “mini” Tsum Tsums (Timothy J Mouse, Mrs Jumbo, Dumbo as a clown and Dumbo.) Originally $34.99, now $14.99 and as you can see, I bought one.

Been waiting a long time for these plush to finally come to the Outlets. Disney did a “transportation” line of plush a while back and they’ve finally been reduced. Here is a train with a cute looking conductor Mickey along with Pluto. Originally $34.99, now $19.99.

While this monorail set came with Donald and Goofy. Same price.

Here’s a view of the two plush.

They also had this one featuring a Haunted Mansion doom buggy. Pass on that. Originally it was $34.99 like the train and monorail, but was reduced to $14.99, $5 less than the others, so I’m probably not the only one who passed.

These emoji plush were about the size of your hand. I don’t get the appeal but I also have probably over 200 Tsum Tsums so maybe I’m not the one to ask for sane reasoning.

This here is a pillow which is reversible. The one on the left shows the pillow fluffed up in Nemo form. The one on the right channels John Carpenter’s The Thing with Dory coming out of Nemo. Nemo would then be stuffed into Dory to make her fluffed up. These were originally $49.95, which seems next level bonkers, and now reduced to $19.99.

Here’s the same thing with Mater who transforms into a tire instead of what I imagine most kids would want, Lightning McQueen. Also originally $49.95 reduced to $19.99.

I believe just about every one of the Attractionistas line of dolls has made it to the Outlet with this one from Pirates of the Caribbean. Originally $29.95, now $9.99.

This one blew my mind. Here is a photo frame that pays tribute to the Main Street Windows at the Magic Kingdom. Last month SATURDAY SIX crack photographer Brandon Glover and myself went to the Magic Kingdom to get pictures for an article which would spotlight some of the cool items you could get there. One of the pieces that we thought was the best was this photo frame. I think its one of the neatest ideas for a picture frame I’ve ever seen. Originally $27.99, now $9.99 and I definitely bought one of these.

Here is the picture Brandon took in the Emporium. I know, you can barely tell the difference between his shot and mine. Don’t feel bad, only fellow professional photographers like Tom Bricker and Trevor Allen can.

Not sure of the original price of this Princess frame, but it was reduced to $14.99.

These Mickey and Minnie holding ballon things must hold like a picture or something because they were sandwiched next to the photo frames. Originally $16.99, now $4.99.

I liked these decorative towels featuring the princesses. Mary Blair-ish style art and I’m all for that. Not sure of original price but reduced to $7.99.

Okay, I just got back from a trip to Disney and they were trying to unload these light up Fidget Spinners EVERYWHERE. I believe the picture below was taken at Coronado Springs, but they were at just about every store you went into at the parks and the hotels. What’s crazy is that Disney didn’t even start selling Fidget Spinners until June, get up to a completely BANANAS price of $16.95 (they bounced around at several different price points during those few months.) Later I was at the Beach Club Marketplace and the guy in front of me asked the cashier “do you think they’ll still have these in the parks? It took everything I could to stifle a laugh. Yeah, I think they’ll still have one or two left.

While at the resort the Fidget Spinners were $5 “with any merchandise purchase” (although I doubt they would have turned anyone down,) there was no buying minimum at the Outlets. They had several different versions available, including ones based around Mickey Ears and the Hitchhiking Ghosts. I’ve seen a lot of fads in my time, many of which I can at least understand how they became popular. Pogs, Tamagotchi, Sea Monkeys, Dub Step, Gangham Style, Grumpy Cat, Planking, and Jersey Shore, but the obsession with Fidget Spinners might be the weirdest of all.

OF COURSE I BOUGHT IT!!!

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Not too many Caribbean Beach items make it to the Outlets, so nice to see this cup. Originally $16.99, now $9.99.

I think this Nightmare Before Christmas cup was ceramic, because it was pretty heavy. Originally $19.95, now $9.99.

I absolutely LOVED Spider-Man: Homecoming this summer and can’t wait for the blu ray to come out. It was hilarious, had a great villain, and was such a great return for old Web Head. I liked the Sam Raimi Spidey films as much as anyone, although the organic web shooters always drove me nuts. Don’t get me started on the last reboot of Spidey with them trying to shoehorn Peter Parker’s parents into the story and completely ruining what makes Spider-Man the character great. This cup was originaly $19.99, now $5.99.

Last month we looked at some weird “Fantasy Football” like coffee mugs featuring Disney villains and wondered what the missing one was. Here it is, a “soccer” cup themed to Jack Skellington. What a weird series of mugs. Originally $14.99, now $5.99.

Here’s a fun one that has a “Mad Men” like vibe to it with retro style luggage tags. Originally $13.99, now $5.99.

Sometimes my eyes don’t even believe what they are seeing, but here is a castle mug for you. Originally $22.99, now $5.99. I think this is part of a series where a Spaceship Earth cup came out for Epcot, a Tree of Life cup for Animal Kingdom, and who knows what for DHS.

Mickey and Minnie themed coffee cups. The original price of $16.99 seems a bit high, but they have both been reduced to $4.99.

It’s been a while, but our old friend the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is back with a piece of nutso merchandise. This bottle features Mickey Mouse and makes me wonder if it was for a test to see if they could keep the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster gimmick but lose the band Aerosmith (and not have to pay license fees.) If that’s not the reason then this cup is really weird. Originally $9.99, now $3.99.

Plastic Mickey Mouse cup. Originally $7.99, now $2.99.

These were actual Tervis branded wine glasses featuring Mickey and Minnie. I guess it’s for those people who want an air of sophistication about them as they are drinking boxed wine. Originally $24.99, now $7.99.

Growing up I always loved collapsible cups. I also liked ninja throwing stars (and caltrops, remember when those were “hot“?) Turns out a lot of things I liked growing up aren’t all that practical in the real world. This was originally $9.95, now $2.99.

Neck pillow. I believe all the planes on it refer to all of the flights former HHS Secretary Tom Price took on our dime. Originally $24.99, now $9.99.

Large plastic luggage tags. Disney came out with a whole bunch of luggage tags like this in the last two years and some of them were quite inspired, including this one featuring Buzz Lightyear. There was another one featuring the house from Up floating on balloons that I really liked. These were all originally $12.95, reduced to $4.99.

Giant super ball filled with glitter inside. Hate to say it but if this was 99 cents I would have taken a flyer on one.

I feel like we’ve seen this its a small world snow globe before. Originally $19.95, now $9.99.

Cute keychain featuring the main man himself. Reduced to $5.99.

Anna and Elsa keychains marked down to $2.99.

Not sure of the price of these 45th Anniversary, but if I were a better man – and I am – I’d say the price was $1.99.

All of these Major League Soccer pins were reduced to $3.99.

Glitter face stickers for just 99 cents!

I love the design of the shirt. Very cute. Originally $27.95, now $6.99.

That Minnie Mouse shirt on the left is horrendous IMHO (originally $17.99, now $9.99) but the one with Minnie holding Figaro is pretty cute (originally $14.99, now $9.99.)

Lion Guard shirt featuring Kion and a rare Cars 3 shirt. Both originally $19.95 reduced to $9.99.

Was surprised to see this. A shirt for the (now closed) Pixar Live! show at DHS. Great design on this one. Originally $27.99, now $6.99.

Speaking of Pixar, here is a piece of art featuring characters from Finding Dory. Originally $39.99, now $19.99

Whenever the Outlets have this blank Vinylmations I always pick up a couple as they make a fun “rainy day” project. Originally $6.95, now $3.99.

Someone is going to have to explain why anyone buys these giant Vinylmation. I’m not sure  you could make them uglier if you tried. Originally $44.99, now $12.99.

The Outlets generally don’t carry many CDs, but when they do it is almost always at full price. This one featuring the the soundtrack for Alice Through The Looking Glass was originally $14.99, now $9.99.

Super rare to see an actual DVD at the Outlets. This one actually came out in 2005 and I think I have seen the program on TV. Interesting group of characters on the cover. An A-list collection of Disney all stars and the fox from Pinocchio? Originally $19.95, now $13.99.

I believe this print was the Herb Ryman art they offered at the Festival of the Arts earlier this year. Originally $50, now $24.99.

Last month we saw the plain generic white Disney towels and this month brings a more ornate one. These were originally $29.99, now $7.99.

Front and back of a Minnie Mouse pillow. Originally $21.95, now $9.99.

It seems every month I’m asked about Dooney and Bourke bags. This month the Disneyland Marathon Satchel was reduced to $124.99. That’s a scary price.

I toss and turn between Spider-Man as my favorite comic book character and Captain America. Alex Ross is in my list top ten favorite artists of all time. This Captain America print by Alex Ross for a REDUCED price of $598.99 is so insane I don’t even know where to start. The original price was actually almost a thousand dollars. WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!

Lord, grant me the strength for this next one.

A new Mickey Ears ornament arrived feaaturing all the lands of the Magic Kingdom. this half has Tomorrowland, Adventureland, and must be something missing that would reference The Haunted Mansion I’m guessing.

The other side has Main Street USA, Fantasyland, and a Pirates of the Caribbean. The ornament has been reduced to $7.99.

These “Mickey Head” ornament sets were originally $27.99, now $14.99. Not too bad a price. The Animal Kingdom one of the far left is kinda out there though.

I liked this Cookies For Santa set featuring a plate and glass. Originally $24.99, now $9.99. I would have picked it up but I have a previous year’s version that works well.

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Let’s go out on a high note with this bonkers Nightmare Before Chrstimas ornament that has been reduced to $7.99.

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH!

There are actually two Disney outlet stores in Orlando. Both are in Orlando Premium Outlet shopping complexes, and they are called Disney’s Character Warehouse, presumably because The Land Of Misfit Toys was already trademarked. There is one Character Warehouse located on International Drive close to Universal Studios (4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819), and the other is on Vineland Avenue, right across I-4 near the exits to Disney World (8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821). 

Previous editions of Magic, Memories, and Merch: July 2013, August 2013, September 2013, October 2013, November 2013, December 2013, January 2014, February 2014, March 2014, April 2014, May 2014, June 2014, July 2014, August 2014, September 2014, October 2014, November 2014, December 2015, January 2015, February 2015, March 2015, April 2015, May 2015. June 2015, July 2015, August 2015, September 2015, October 2015, November 2015. December 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, October 2016, November 2016, December 2016, January 2017, February 2017, March 2017, April 2017, May 2017, June 2017, July 2017: The FOUR YEAR ANNIVERSARY special, and August 2017.

We also did an edition of Magic, Memories, and Junk for a non-Disney owned Outlet Store, and for you merch addicts like myself, you may also enjoy a look at the official Disney merchandise available on the Disney Cruise Line, Castaway Cay, and at the Orlando International Airport.

If you liked what you read here, you may enjoy THE SATURDAY SIX articles every week on the TouringPlans.com blog and you can follow your humble author on Twitter (@derekbugan).