World of Disney Annual Passholder Sale

It's like Black Friday… but BETTER.

I recently attended the 2nd annual World Of Disney Annual Passholder, D23 member, Disney Vacation Club, and Club 33 member sale on December 4th, 2010. Being a member of 2 out of the 4 clubs invited, I was obviously pretty stoked. I was even more stoked because I knew that most of these people weren't avid shoppers like myself, so I could get the one-up on them without breaking into a fight over a Kooky pen...hopefully.

While I was there, I thought about what tips would be most helpful to Theme Park Source readers who want to catch this sale next year....

The Disney website stated that no one was allowed to line up before 5:45AM, but I knew better. I arrived at the Downtown Disney parking lot at 5:15, and the line was already about 500 people deep. Lucky for me I brought a jacket, a fully charged iPhone, and my boyfriend for company. (essentials for any full day of shopping). The line kept growing, and by the time the doors opened at 6:30, the place was a zoo.

Disney did a very good job at keeping the line moving, using lots of switchbacks and cast member escorts. I almost felt like I was waiting for Indiana Jones. I got into the store around 6:45, which was better than I expected, and was pleasantly surprised at how well organized the sale bins were, and how well Disney had everything mapped out and labeled.

So without any further delay, I give you my top tips for a successful day at a Disney sale!

Rule #1:

Line up EARLY. Don't get lazy, because it will only hurt you in the end! By the time I left the store at 8:30, the madness had kicked in! Stuff had been thrown and broken, people were complaining, and cast members ready to rip their hair out...gosh!

Rule #2

Always make a plan! The night before, Disney had listed the things with the deepest discounts, and had a map posted of where they would be. I knew what I wanted most, so my boyfriend and I went to separate sides of the store to grab the "must haves" before meeting back up in the middle to browse and see what little treasures we could find. We got everything we wanted, and then some, because we had time, and a plan.

Rule #3

Don't get angry at the cast members. When in the checkout line, people were getting very rude to the poor CMs. Even though the lady was slow and not in the greatest of moods, who can blame her? This angry guy in front of me was ripping her a new one, and well, security kindly escorted him out of the store. Even though I was tired and impatient, I gave her a smile, told her “happy holidays”, and I swear it made her ring up my items faster.

Rule #4:

Don't expect everything to be on sale. While most the stuff marked down was pretty great, there were plenty of popular things that weren't. If you expect to get a brand new Rapunzel doll for 75% off, or a just released Vinylmation series for the same price as the clearance, you will be GREATLY let down. Disney is smart. They use these sales to clear out overstocked or dated items to make room for new versions for the upcoming year. Keep that in mind, and you'll feel a lot better when that gorgeous Disney Couture top is still full price. Just remember, while you may not be getting the newest and latest merchandise, you still scored a limited edition 55th anniversary sweatshirt for $12, which will never be made again!

That about sums it up for me here today!

Remember the rules, have fun, don't hold your expectations too high, and you can get great deals at these sales. Take advantage of them when they arrive, because Disney usually only holds them once a year right before Christmas! If you have any questions, or need advice from your local merchandise expert, I'm always just an email away.

Lacey, your geek girl, signing off...