While the Disneyland Parks themselves remain closed, Downtown Disney has become an increasingly popular option. Don’t believe me, just look at the 2-hour lines to get in! I’m excited to share the latest items with you. Highlights for this round include the popular monthly Minnie Mouse attraction themed merchandise, oh so many mugs, and some new friends to either cuddle or help you with class. Let’s get started . . .
World of Disney Update
So Much Minnie Merchandise!
Minnie Mouse is a popular gal and she has the merchandise to prove it. Let’s start off with what are sure to be hot commodities, the latest Ear Headbands.
The bow on this Ear Headband is made of a satiny, purple fabric, covered with shiny stars. Add in the glittery ears and you’ve got an accessories that can match both magical and outer space aesthetics.
At first glance, you’d think that was just a sequined animal print on the ears of this Ear Headband but upon closer inspection, you’ll spot more than a few Hidden Mickeys!
This model of Ear Headband is so similar to an earlier version (which you can find in our Guide!) that you almost can’t tell them apart. But there is a slight (and I do mean “slight”) difference in the sequins on the bow. Previously, the sequins were lined up on the bow’s fabric. As you can see here, they are more packed onto the fabric, causing them to bunch. Additionally, the headband’s lining is now red while the earlier one was black.
Speaking of sequins and mouse ears, check out this pencil case! I don’t think you could even fit any more sequins on that thing.
This little wristlet is a tad small so it probably was made with kids in mind. The little bow zipper pull is a charming touch.
For those who want something less sparkly or need more room to carry stuff, this backpack features Minnie’s bow at the top and has a large see-through window.
Drink in the Magic
Practical yet magical drink receptacles are always in style.
This 65th Anniversary sipper was originally sold at the first Downtown Disney shopping event. Of course, that item, along with everything else from these events it seems, is now available to the general public. Man, those shopping events just continue to disappoint.
Fantasia fans, this mug and spoon set is for you. The art on the mug itself is taken from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice with one of those magical brooms serving as the spoon.
While there is quite a bit of Marie merchandise these days, it is rare to see the rest of the Aristocats family. And doesn’t it look fittingly fancy with the gold-toned handle?
The last of our mug shots features a rainbow of princess silhouettes, anchored by Cinderella Castle.
Odds & Ends
There have been some new additions to the Big Feet plush family. Four, to be exact! Say “Hello” to Big Feet versions of Zootopia’s Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps, Pua from Moana, and Sven of the Frozen films.
Along with the Big Feet friends, this plush of Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws was also added to the World of Disney’s Nightmare Before Christmas section.
School’s in session but you can inject a bit of pixie dust into note-taking with these new figural pens (each sold separately). Which one would you use? I am particularly fond of the Stitch one.
The Upcoming Downtown Disney Shopping Event
So far, there have been three reservation-only shopping events held in Downtown Disney. Each one has been, well, disappointing. Maybe it was the lack of merchandise variety. Or perhaps that some of the items sold were available somewhere else first (not to mention sold at World of Disney shortly afterwards). Whatever the reason, these events have clearly not been doing as well as Disney would hope. Heck, this latest one, which opened reservations on October 7, still has time slots available!
For those interested, an upcoming shopping event will take October 12 and 13 at the old ESPN Zone Building. The merchandise available (or at least the ones revealed, they mention other merchandise will be available but that is not always the case) consists of four Haunted Mansion-themed Dooney & Bourke pieces: a satchel, a wallet, a crossbody purse, and a backpack. These items may look familiar if you have visited Walt Disney World recently as they were sold there first.
If you want to see what previous Downtown Disney shopping events entailed, here is our coverage on two of the three events:
First Look At Today’s Haunted Downtown Disney Shopping Event
October’s Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Collection
The latest collection in The Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Series puts the spotlight on The Haunted Mansion, home to 999 grim, grinning ghosts. If you have been keeping track, this merchandise series features a variety of items themed to both Minnie Mouse and a beloved Disney Parks attraction. This time, the collection will be available to purchase (and yes, they are using MerchPass again) on October 13, from 7am to 11:59pm Pacific. Let’s take a look at what Disney has planned.
What is MerchPass?
MerchPass is a lottery-type system that allows those lucky enough to get a pass the first opportunity to buy high-demand Disney items.
How MerchPass works and things to know
- You must have an account on shopDisney.com to enter.
- You are entering for an opportunity to purchase an item or items. You get to select which items you want a chance at buying.
- You can enter multiple drawings but only one item entry per drawing is allowed. If your entry was selected, the product will be automatically added to your shopDisney Bag, log in to complete your purchase.
- If selected, you will get an email from shopDisney announcing you won a chance to purchase. Be sure to check your spam folders as well. If you don’t receive an email, then you weren’t selected. Additionally, if you are selected, you are not required to buy the item(s) you were interested in.
- Selected winners will have a limited-time window to purchase the items.
The window for MerchPass entries for Minnie Mouse: Haunted Mansion Collection will open October at 7am Pacific and close that same day at 11:59 pm Pacific. Please note that the related links in this post will not be active before that time.
As they say, don’t close your eyes and don’t try to hide . . . or you’ll miss out on the merchandise details!
Minnie Mouse Plush ($29.99)
This plush Minnie’s outfit appears to take inspiration from the eerie wallpaper from Mansion’s hallway. And you’ll spot Madame Leota in her crystal ball adorning Minnie’s veiled hat (could that be a nod to Constance the murderous bride, I wonder). As darling as this plush is, I can’t help feeling a teeny bit disappointed that the dresses worn by the attraction’s Cast Members were not factored into the design.
The Main Attraction Haunted Mansion Minnie Plush will be available here.
Ear Headband ($34.99)
Madame Leota features prominently in the collection’s Ear Headband. The crystal ball-bound medium sits among a line of black and purple fabric flowers. The pattern on the sequined ear portions may perhaps be a slight nod to the striped costumes of the Ghost Hosts and Hostesses. The veil that runs on the back includes a tulle fabric with ribbons resting on top.
Interestingly, it appears that the veil is removable. If so, that adds a lot more versatility to the accessory.
The Main Attraction Haunted Mansion Ear Headband will be available here.
Hip Pack by Loungefly ($50)
It seems that with these collections, the Loungefly item is either a mini backpack or a hip pack. This time, they have opted for the latter. The hip pack looks remarkably close to the Ear Headband, with the same (or similar) Leota embellishment, faux flowers, and sequins. It does have a few extra details, however. The lining features the Haunted Mansion’s wallpaper and the zipper pull is one of the wallpaper’s creepy faces.
The Main Attraction Haunted Mansion Hip Pack will be available here.
Pin Set ($19.99)
The three-piece pin set includes pins of Madame Leota, Minnie Mouse (in the same outfit as the plush), and the Ear Headband. I really enjoy Minnie’s frightful expression in this set. The other pins are less impressive in my opinion but I can understand why each one was chosen since every set has an Ear Headband pin and Madame Leota appears on everything in this collection.
The Main Attraction Haunted Mansion Pin Set will be available here.
Mug ($19.99)
The stackable mug for this collection makes good use of the Mansion’s wallpaper. And of course, there is Madame Leota again. What I don’t understand is why Disney chose to use that print on the bow instead of the striped on seen on the Ear Headband and hip pack.
The Main Attraction Haunted Mansion Mug will be available here.
Let’s Hear from You
Thanks for joining me on this update. Did you anything capture the attention of your wallet? Do you have any interest in attending the upcoming shopping event? Should Disney give up on them altogether and just release items online or in the stores directly? And will you be trying your luck with MerchPass for some Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction merchandise? Let us know in the comments below!