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  4. I went to one of the last Disney stores in the country, and it was full of discounted theme-park souvenirs

I went to one of the last Disney stores in the country, and it was full of discounted theme-park souvenirs

Amanda Krause   

I went to one of the last Disney stores in the country, and it was full of discounted theme-park souvenirs
I could see deals and discounts through the store's windows.Amanda Krause/Insider
  • I recently visited one of Disney's last retail shops — an outlet store — in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
  • Inside, I found discounted clothes, stuffed animals, theme-park souvenirs, and more.

As a lifelong Disney fan, I was pretty upset to see most of the company's retail stores close in the spring of 2021.

As a lifelong Disney fan, I was pretty upset to see most of the company
Disney Stores faced difficulties as result of the pandemic, according to the company.      Ben Margot/AP

But then I discovered that a few Disney Outlet stores — similar to official, discount-merchandise shops located near Disney World — still exist across the country. I couldn't wait to visit.

But then I discovered that a few Disney Outlet stores — similar to official, discount-merchandise shops located near Disney World — still exist across the country. I couldn
I took this selfie while visiting the Disney Character Warehouse in Florida last year.      Amanda Krause/Insider

So last week, I hopped in my car and drove to the Disney Outlet store in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which is approximately a 40-minute drive from where I live. There are 21 other Disney Outlets in the US, including ones in California and Texas.

So last week, I hopped in my car and drove to the Disney Outlet store in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which is approximately a 40-minute drive from where I live. There are 21 other Disney Outlets in the US, including ones in California and Texas.
The Elizabeth location is the only full Disney store in New Jersey.      Google Maps

The store is located inside The Mills at Jersey Gardens mall, which is also home to outlet shops for brands like Coach and Adidas.

The store is located inside The Mills at Jersey Gardens mall, which is also home to outlet shops for brands like Coach and Adidas.
An entrance to The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The mall seemed pretty huge and daunting when I first walked in, but directories led me exactly where I wanted to go.

The mall seemed pretty huge and daunting when I first walked in, but directories led me exactly where I wanted to go.
A section of The Mills at Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth, New Jersey.      Amanda Krause/Insider

When I reached the Disney store, I was greeted with a glowing entrance sign and a sale poster promising "fabulous clearance."

When I reached the Disney store, I was greeted with a glowing entrance sign and a sale poster promising "fabulous clearance."
I could see deals and discounts through the store's windows.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Inside, the location looked exactly like the modern Disney stores that were recently closed.

Inside, the location looked exactly like the modern Disney stores that were recently closed.
What you see when you enter the Disney Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey.      Amanda Krause/Insider

There were some major differences though, like clearance prices on most items. One Disneyland shirt I found was more than 50% off, with its original $34 price tag replaced by a $12.99 clearance sticker.

There were some major differences though, like clearance prices on most items. One Disneyland shirt I found was more than 50% off, with its original $34 price tag replaced by a $12.99 clearance sticker.
This shirt was available in multiple sizes when I visited.      Amanda Krause/Insider

The selection was also better, in my opinion. There was regular Disney Store merchandise, some of which you can buy online, and items straight from Disney theme parks.

The selection was also better, in my opinion. There was regular Disney Store merchandise, some of which you can buy online, and items straight from Disney theme parks.
I found these "Tangled" and "Toy Story" toys not far from this Hollywood Studios shirt.      Amanda Krause/Insider

For young Disney fans, you could buy everything from pajamas to princess costumes.

For young Disney fans, you could buy everything from pajamas to princess costumes.
A kids section of the Disney Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Adults, especially those who are fans of Marvel and the Muppets, could choose between lots of clothing options.

Adults, especially those who are fans of Marvel and the Muppets, could choose between lots of clothing options.
Some of the jackets I saw cost less than $20 each.      Amanda Krause/Insider

Seasonal items, like Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations, are seemingly available year-round.

Seasonal items, like Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations, are seemingly available year-round.
Halloween costumes (left) and Christmas decorations (right) at the Disney Outlet.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I saw a few Disney fans gathering around walls of mugs, and was tempted to buy one myself.

I saw a few Disney fans gathering around walls of mugs, and was tempted to buy one myself.
The mugs featured nods to classic characters and rides.      Amanda Krause/Insider

But then I was distracted by shelves of plush toys, which brought me back to my childhood.

But then I was distracted by shelves of plush toys, which brought me back to my childhood.
There were classic characters like Mickey Mouse and more obscure ones like Baymax.      Amanda Krause/Insider

When I visited, I noticed a 40% off sale on children's bathing suits, and discounted toys including princess dolls.

When I visited, I noticed a 40% off sale on children
A section of the Disney Outlet in Elizabeth, New Jersey.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I also found lots of home decor, including wine glasses, trinket trays, and decorative notebooks.

I also found lots of home decor, including wine glasses, trinket trays, and decorative notebooks.
Everything I picked up in this section had a sale sticker on it.      Amanda Krause/Insider

For theme-park lovers, there were plenty of pins, Minnie Mouse ears, and Loungefly bags. To my surprise, these were discounted too.

For theme-park lovers, there were plenty of pins, Minnie Mouse ears, and Loungefly bags. To my surprise, these were discounted too.
Though the selection was small, I loved looking through these designer Disney items.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I was surprised to find some newer merchandise, like the popular nuiMO dolls and accessories. I found an Eeyore one on sale for $6.98, despite originally retailing for $19.99.

I was surprised to find some newer merchandise, like the popular nuiMO dolls and accessories. I found an Eeyore one on sale for $6.98, despite originally retailing for $19.99.
NuiMOs fans could choose between plenty of accessories for their dolls.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I was also thrilled to find popular Disney jewelry. Though it wasn't all on clearance, some pieces were on sale for 30% off.

I was also thrilled to find popular Disney jewelry. Though it wasn
Some jewelry was created by Disney, while other pieces were designed by BaubleBar.      Amanda Krause/Insider

But what really shocked me were the highly-discounted items, like $5 theme-park sweaters and $3 limited-edition candles.

But what really shocked me were the highly-discounted items, like $5 theme-park sweaters and $3 limited-edition candles.
I couldn't believe how inexpensive some of the merchandise was.      Amanda Krause/Insider

There is one frustrating aspect of shopping at a Disney Outlet: limited quantities of merchandise. I found shirts I liked that weren't available in my size, and cute collectibles that were a bit damaged.

There is one frustrating aspect of shopping at a Disney Outlet: limited quantities of merchandise. I found shirts I liked that weren
This shirt was only available in sizes large and extra large.      Amanda Krause/Insider

I bought four items — a "Luca" plush, Mickey Mouse shirt, castle necklace, and reusable bag — for $55. At full price, the items would have cost almost $78.

I bought four items — a "Luca" plush, Mickey Mouse shirt, castle necklace, and reusable bag — for $55. At full price, the items would have cost almost $78.
I left with four items: a necklace, shirt, plush toy, and reusable bag (not pictured).      Amanda Krause/Insider

I loved shopping at the Disney Outlet, and would happily drive 40 minutes to visit again. The store had tons of merchandise, steep discounts, and the Disney magic that fans know and love.

I loved shopping at the Disney Outlet, and would happily drive 40 minutes to visit again. The store had tons of merchandise, steep discounts, and the Disney magic that fans know and love.
I definitely plan to visit the Disney Outlet again.      Amanda Krause/Insider

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