I just checked my Disney snowglobe collection...I've got 40 on display plus more still in boxes. I can't find any place to display them all!
I have found that the quality of them has gone way downhill in the past year or so. They are looking a lot more "plastic"...most of them just aren't as elegant as they use to be.
Scooter is right...if you see one you love, buy it immediately because you never know which ones will sell out. I'm kicking myself for not buying the recent Cinderella coach, the Tomorrowland that Scooter is also looking for and the list goes on and on. I ordered that same one Scooter's wife did. Sadly, it arrived with a broken chair AND it is sold out so it cannot be replaced.
If you're going to start a collection, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind. BOXES ARE IMPORTANT. You must have the box for it's collectibility value. Some of the snowglobes are available at both the store and through the catalog. They offer different boxes for these. The ones at the store have a "collector" box, but there's a huge hole in it and the styrofoam so you can see it without opening the box. Some people like this, others loathe it. Personally, I want a complete box...no holes! I only purchase from the catalog because of this. Another thing is airbubbles. Most collectors don't like airbubbles and won't purchase them if there's one in it. Unfortunately, they just happen and there's no way to 100% prevent one from forming. It is best to keep them out of sunlight or direct lightbulb light.
When I started collecting, I had no idea that these things would be worth some major money. I've got several that I paid $30 for on sale that are now going on eBay for $300. I didn't keep the boxes, though. For the most part, I don't buy them intending to sell them, but it's nice to know that if I had to get some quick cash in an emergency, selling a snowglobe is an option. Take care of them, keep them out of the hands of small children!
You may want to look on
www.disneyauctions.com or
www.disneydeals.com for them, too. A lot of times Disney Deals has the same snowglobes available on
www.disneystore.com but at a cheaper price. Disney Auctions often has limited editions and prototypes of snowglobes available. If you buy from
www.disneystore.com search online for coupon codes...I always get 10%-15% off my order from codes I find online. I normally combine it with free shipping and it makes everything a lot easier to afford! You may want to check disneystore.com this Friday...I have a feeling it will be another one of their 15% off everything days, and that 15% can be combined with a coupon code so you get 25% off your order. You must be a registered user to redeem a coupon code, though. Registration is free.
WDW does carry a lot of snowglobes that aren't available elsewhere - including the entire collection from the Share a Dream Come True Parade. They often also have retired snowglobes or ones that are no longer available from the catalog or in the stores. Plus there's all the smaller park exclusives.
Good luck!
:dazzle
