Post Three: The Ultimate Fringe Benefit, First Look at WDW Christmas Shopping!
Hello, fellow Disney Nerds and meetup attendees! Your co-hosts are having a blast, and the parks are buzzing. It’s a bit cold so far but would you rather be sweating? Since we’re all so spread out enjoying the magic, we’re keeping the podcast feed filled with these daily updates this week.
Today, let's talk about one of the biggest fringe benefits of scheduling our annual meetups in November: We get to be the very first to see the new Walt Disney World Christmas merchandise!
As many of you know, the Disney staff works literal magic this time of year, transitioning the parks from spooky fall fun to a holiday wonderland overnight. It’s a spectacular sight, but for a true Disney merchandise collector, it's what's happening inside the shops that truly gets the holiday spirit flowing.
The Magic of the Switch-Over
We’ve all been there: it's a brisk November morning, and suddenly, the Keystone Clothiers windows are decked in garlands, and the Mickey’s of Hollywood is bursting with reds, greens, and sparkle. You walk in, and it's like an annual Christmas treasure hunt! Getting to see (and buy!) the official 2025 holiday collection before the masses descend is a rite of passage for us November Nerds.
It's the ultimate “I was there first!” moment, and it’s why an extra suitcase for all the loot is basically mandatory for this trip.
A Sneak Peek at This Year's Jolly Goods
What’s catching our eye this year? The collections are absolutely fantastic, blending classic Disney charm with the cozy winter aesthetic we all love.
The Apparel: Spirit Jerseys are a year-round staple, but the holiday versions are always next-level. This year's plaid and Fair Isle designs featuring Mickey and friends are perfect for those surprisingly cool Florida evenings. We've also spotted some incredibly cute holiday pajamas (perfect for Christmas morning photos!) and a classic red and green Mickey sweater.
Ornaments Galore: It wouldn't be Christmas without a new Disney ornament for the tree. The variety this year is exceptional, from the delicate park icons to character-specific Sketchbook Ornaments. I particularly loved the new Wreath Mickey Ears ornament, it’s like a mini version of the popular headband!
Bags and Accessories: For those who love to sport their Disney fandom, the new holiday Loungefly bags are a must-see. Terri saw a gorgeous peppermint-inspired mini backpack that will sell out faster than you can say "Jingle Cruise." Plus, you can't leave without a new pair of festive ears!
Cozy Home Goods: Get ready to snuggle up! We found a delightful collection of holiday mugs, pillows, and throw blankets featuring the main mouse and his friends. These are the perfect items to bring a little bit of Walt Disney World magic back to your home for the holidays.
Why Being Here Now Matters
Yes, you can shop online, but nothing beats the smell of cinnamon and pine, the sight of a completely decked-out Parks, Hotels and Stores, and the sheer joy of walking out with a huge bag full of brand-new holiday cheer.
Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you secured that must-have item before it hits the inevitable "sold out" list. It’s not just shopping, it's collecting a piece of the very beginning of the Walt Disney World holiday season. It's the ultimate Disney Nerd flex!
Keep following along as we cover more of the meetups this week. We’ll be sharing more photos, food reviews, and maybe a few "accidental" merchandise purchases!
What is the first holiday item you buy at WDW every year? Let us know in the comments!
P.S. Shout out to everyone we’ve met up with so far! Keep those photos coming! Thanks Terri!!!