Forums are nice. You get to read about what other people think, and at the same time realize that you aren't alone on things. My wife and I have been complaining about the lack of park/resort specific souvenirs since the first Disney Store opened up. Lots of stuff packed in the last 11 pages!
Vinyl- Don't understand it. Last time I was there I asked the CM at the counter to explain and he just said it's something to collect. Ok by me. Still don't get it but whatever.
Pins are the same way, except I at least understand the premise. Don't do them myself, but I understand the lure.
Every year we would buy a dated CHRISTmas ornament from the resort we were staying at, and a general WDW ornament that we liked from that year. (I don't normally roll with the all caps myself, but don't see any harm in it. They aren't preaching, just expressing in a subdued way).
I had an EPCOT t-shirt from when Test Track first opened. On the front was a small logo of mickey and the gang as crash dummies in a Test Track car framed with a set of checkered ears. Same logo on the back but full sized. I had that shirt until about 3 years ago when my wife finally threw it away because it had so many holes in it. I went to replace it and they were finally gone.
![Frown :( :(](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
When you all refer to retro EPCOT shirts, that wouldn't be one of them, would it?
![Eek! :eek: :eek:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
This has been said, but I'll just comment on the agree side, I would love to see more park specific and resort specific products for sale. I would really REALLY like it if it were quality merchandise but like someone said, baby steps.
I have a couple of polo shirts with mickey on the left front, small with nothing on the back. I think they were about $45.00, and I can't wear them any longer so they have to be at least 10 or 12 years old (maybe older?).
Our favorite MUST STOP was always the large gift shop in EPCOT, as you're walking from the fountain towards Mission Space and Test Track, on the right hand side as you walk through the buildings. Can't recall the name, but it really had a good selection and we always came away with something if not unique, at least better than the typical junk.
So I know I forgot some of the stuff I was going to mention after 11 pages, but on our trip this June I really hope to see and bring home some of the better quality items that have been mentioned. It just seems that if you spend the time and money to go to WDW, you should be able to bring something back that you can't get at WalMart, or a Disney Store. Heck, even Disneyland!