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Credit: Walt Disney companyMany people assume they know exactly what they can expect to find at any Disney Store location, but do they really?
Despite being around since 1987, it’s not uncommon, even today, for some of the most ardent Disney fans to be entirely clueless about all the unique Disney merchandise finds awaiting them at various Disney Store locations. There are, of course, those obvious items, like plush Disney Character toys, themed Disney clothes, or otherwise Park/Resort-exclusive items direct from Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Disney World in Orlando, Florida. But the fact remains that people tend to believe that the most unique Disney novelty items can only be purchased through separate Disney merchandise store affiliates, and not directly from the Disney Store.
In reality, you can purchase many specialty items from Disney Stores, several of which may even surprise you. Here at Inside the Magic, we’ve compiled a list of 10 unique finds you wouldn’t have expected at Disney Stores.
Related: Brand-New Disney Store Opens at Major International Airport
Specialty Mouse Ears and Headbands
A classic, iconic pair of Mickey Mouse Ears should be on top of any diehard Disney fan’s list of must-have items. But times have changed, and so has the general Mouse-Ear style (which now includes Minnie Mouse too). Today numerous styles and themes are offered, including caps that sit on the head and flashy, fashionable Mouse-Ear headbands. For instance, the shimmery Walt Disney World Four Parks Headband is currently one of the hottest new items.
Related: Mickey Ears Labeled Problematic by Fans
Couture Clothing
Again, many folks already know about all the fun-themed Disney clothing and apparel you can typically find at any Disney Store. However, what isn’t evident to most is that Disney Stores also boast some relatively upscale, refined fashions. For instance, the collection of specialty dresses available to women is often a happy surprise to shoppers looking for that Disney-inspired touch of magic—sometimes subtle—and never overdone to the extent that it’s rendered as redundant as a full-fledged costume. In fact, many are undeniably upscale in every way.
Do be warned that pricing on such finds is often steep, but that’s to be expected of all specialty Disney merchandise. The most expensive item currently available at the Disney Store is a specialty Indiana Jones Leather Jacket, priced at $399.
Related: Indiana Jones is Officially Ending
High-End Bags
Because a dapper Disney-inspired wardrobe ensemble needs viable accessories, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Disney Store can be your ultimate go-to for high-end Disney-themed purses, handbags, backpacks, and wallets from some of the most notable brands in the industry. These include exclusive Disney collections from Vera Bradley, Dooney & Bourke, Loungefly, Petunia Pickle Bottom, and more.
Jewelry and Watches
The vast and versatile jewelry and watch offerings at the Disney Store range significantly in price, theming, and available media. You have some unique finds for affordable prices like Tiki Room earrings and necklaces that start at just $19.99 to the more upscale, impressive offerings like the new Mickey Mouse Steamboat Willie Disney100 Citizen watch. Some other notable names in the jewelry industry here include Alex and Ani, BaubleBar, Bulova, Rebecca Hook, Bolo, and CRISLU.
Related: Citizen Watch Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Special Offer Extended
National Geographic Products
It’s easy for Disney fans to forget about the partnership between the Walt Disney Company and National Geographic. So, learning you can purchase National Geographic products directly from the Disney Store may surprise some. From hands-on activity sets to themed apparel, books, magazines, games, and more, the options are all pleasantly plentiful.
Fine Art
Are you a fine art-loving Disney fan who prefers intricately crafted prints of your favorite Character or a masterfully recreated scene from a Disney film over some replica of The Moana Lisa? Well then, you’ll be happy to learn that the Disney Store proudly presents Disney-themed featured paintings, prints, and illustrations done by actual professional artists. Some of the notable names you may recognize include Thomas Kinkade, Tim Rogerson, Rodel Gonzalez, Jim Warren, Heather Edwards, Jared Franco, Michelle St. Laurent, and others.
Collectible Figurines
Again, we’re looking at the finer side of all things Disney. And for anyone who has ever thought Disney figurines are all about toys and dolls, it’s time to take note of all the impressive, Disney-inspired collectibles you can get from Disney Stores. These all take on different media and call on diverse crafting techniques, including handmade works, fire-forged formations, and other methods. From stunning crystal to shimmering gold and silver, pewter, glass, and more, some of the names you may recognize include Jim Shore, Giuseppe Armani, Royal Selangor, Enesco, and the Arribas Brothers. Several of the most eye-catching finds include rococo figures, die-cast collectibles, the LIGHTSABER Collectible Set, the Star Wars Pewter Chess Set (priced at $2,100), and a Crystal Skull Replica from Indiana Jones (priced at $250). There’s also an Arribas Brothers exclusive Elsa Jeweled Figurine priced at $8,950.
Related: You Probably Never Knew You Could Buy These at Disney World
Home Accents
There are many ways to make your house a home, but to make your home into an enchanted Disney Castle requires shopping around for your favorite themed accents for your living space. And fortunately, you can get many of these on location at various Disney Stores. Grab a couple of throw pillows featuring your favorite Characters, movies, or even Resort themes. They even have a vast collection of entirely customizable lamps. Check out what you can do in the way of bedroom and bathroom décor while you’re at it!
Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
Bring a little “Mouse” into your kitchen (the Mickey kind, that is) or one of your other Disney favorites by shopping for a wide range of kitchen tools and gadgets you may not have even realized were available at Disney Stores. Consider creating some of those iconic Mickey Mouse Waffles with a themed waffle maker. Other themed options are also available, along with other kitchen essentials, like toasters, popcorn makers, slow cookers, cookie jars, and more!
Pet Products
Bring Disney Magic to your four-legged friends when you shop from a surprising variety of themed pet products at Disney Stores. These include everything from collars and leashes to pet bowls, food canisters, frisbees, toys, pet chews, and even costumes and clothing!
Perhaps you’re thinking to yourself, “That Disney Store near me doesn’t carry all that!” You may be right. Each and every location varies in inventory and in-store offerings. Also, with so many Disney Stores closing recently, you may not even be near to a brick-and-mortar store location. Thankfully, there’s always the option to shop at the Disney Store online—your ultimate go-to for all the unique finds we’ve just highlighted in our list.
What’s the most unexpected purchase you’ve ever made at the Disney Store? Let us know!