So be honest...

[kfergdisney]

You are certainly entitled to do just that, but, it made me kinda shiver. Maybe I have AADD, but if you see the dent in the cushion of my chair you wouldn't think I ever get out of it. I cannot stay on-site without transportation of my own and I use it. The idea of being held captive for that long just makes me go all ga-ga!

I must get away so I not only go to the "cheesy" gift shops, but, I also go to Wally World to buy better quality, lower priced souvenirs then Disney offers. I also go other places, like Silver Springs, Universal or just wander around central Florida from coast to coast all the while maintaining my base at WDW or just off-site.

Better quality stuff at Walmart? I'm from Arkansas and even I can laugh at that one.
That shop in that picture looks too familiar...
We used to stop at those crazy tourist shops every trip just to get something cheap to go along with the few things we could afford to buy at WDW. Now, I don't stop at those tourist traps, but I do shop at other places other than WDW...but only for an hour or so...and if I have time.
We fly into Sanford, so we have to have a car-but, wouldn't have it any other way. Love having a car while at WDW. In my mind, I think I can get around the world pretty well now...pretty sure I have never actually driven in WDW, though (always a passenger).

 

[Goofyernmost]

Better quality stuff at Walmart? I'm from Arkansas and even I can laugh at that one.
That shop in that picture looks too familiar...
We used to stop at those crazy tourist shops every trip just to get something cheap to go along with the few things we could afford to buy at WDW. Now, I don't stop at those tourist traps, but I do shop at other places other than WDW...but only for an hour or so...and if I have time.
We fly into Sanford, so we have to have a car-but, wouldn't have it any other way. Love having a car while at WDW. In my mind, I think I can get around the world pretty well now...pretty sure I have never actually driven in WDW, though (always a passenger).

Laugh if you want but I could go to Walmart and buy a Disney T, in many more choices then on Disney property, for less then $10.00. I don't think I have ever seen one on-site for less then $25.00. I have purchased both and the on-site ones lasted about a year before it frayed, faded and became unusable. Some that I bought from Walmart are still usable eight years and hundreds of washings later. You do the math!

I was in retail for a number of years and if you think for a second that charging more for something equals better quality, you are living in a fools world. It is the elitist in a lot of us that convince ourselves that we will get more if we pay more. All you really get is closer to being broke.

 

[cynic710]

i dont bother with them, and from my sig you can see i often stay off site with a car. we usually keep gifts to a minimum (photo album, pins, ears, caracature, dtd Christmas ornament) which are all best had in the park, despite pricing. those places kind of ruin the mood for me.

 

[Lord_Vader]

Short answer, no. The Character Outlet in the Premier Outlet mall is about the closest thing we have done to one of these. Most of the items sold in these can be picked up elsewhere and are cheap by design. WDW merch. is never cheap but is guaranteed for life and anyone who has had problems with anything should take it back on their next trip. We have exchanged items that were poorly made/failed a few times in the past, even the ponchos are guaranteed for life at WDW.

 

[AswaySuller]

I haven't for years but your picture brought back memories.... Maybe I will next time

 

[Soarin' Over Pgh]

I make it a point to avoid Walmart at all costs here...I can't imagine going to Florida on my vacation and ending up in Walmart there.

 

[jlsHouston]

I cannot agree that the merchandise made at the disney store is that much better quality than what I have picked up at wally world or old navy or target because I have two very cute outfits for a size 6-7 girl barely worn that have seams coming out and they were either bought at the disney store here in Houston (willowbrook mall not an outlet) or at one of the disney stores at the world. In fact that cute little minnie outfit on the little girl in my avatar, washed 3 times, worn twice, seam undone on leggings... meanwhile the tshirts for 10's of dollars less purchased this past year at target or old navy...seams are fine....so quality is as quality does... S

 

[MarkTwain]

Nope.