Parents everywhere just finished shopping for clothes and supplies associated with a new school year, and already the store shelves are starting to show signs of the next retail opportunity — um, holiday — Halloween.
Is it too soon to start planning Halloween costumes and parties?
Maybe for some parents, but if you’re someone who enjoys sewing it’s understandable that you need to start now on your handmade creations. And if you have more than one costume to whip up, you certainly need the extra time. Or, perhaps, you need to spread out the cost of multiple costumes, so starting the shopping early helps with the budget.
And then there are those of us who just love the excitement of the holiday and aren’t bothered by the extended retail season. I really dislike seeing Christmas merchandise before Halloween, but I don’t mind the orange and black before there’s even a hint of coolness in the air. Strange, huh?
Recently, we noticed some of the first kids’ Halloween costumes have made their way into stores on Disney World property. The resort regularly stocks Disney princess dresses, including that of the newest addition to the royal family, Merida from Disney-Pixar’s Brave. (To read more about where to find Merida gowns for girls of all ages, please see my previous blog post.)
Pirate costumes for both boys and girls also are a staple, and the widest selection can be found in the gift shop adjacent to A Pirate’s League and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Magic Kingdom. There are two boys’ outfits — Captain Jack Sparrow and Will Turner — and one generic Disney pink pirate costume for girls, as well as many T-shirts and accessories to create your own look.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we recently saw a kids’ furry Perry the Platypus costume that was adorable. With this costume, only your child’s face would escape the blue and orange of Agent P.
Also at the Studios, we spotted the new 2012 Halloween Minnie Mouse costume, and Mickey’s girl is taking on a more traditional look. For the last few years, Minnie’s costume sold at Disney Parks was orange and purple. This year, it is orange and black polka dots with green trim and a Minnie Mouse cameo on the neckline. Although the coordinating hat wasn’t in the store we visited, it is already online at DisneyStore.com.
So far, we spied two new designs on Walt Disney World treat sacks for this year. The iconic glow-in-the-dark pumpkin Mickey bucket wasn’t yet available, but it, too, is already online at DisneyStore.com.
New this year: a green Haunted Mansion Mickey Mouse lantern and orange door hanger. And, of course, the Halloween Mickey and Minnie plush have been updated with their new costumes.
You can bet Disney World retail locations will have more choices for Halloween costumes as the holiday approaches. Be sure to let us know if you’ve seen something new for 2012’s Fright Night.
Good Morning,
Do you happen to remember how small the Perry costume came? Also we are going the week of Sept 22, Do you think they will still be available. I hate to plan our family costumes around this costume and then it not be available.
KRISTIN: I think it came in an Extra Small, but I recommend calling the WDW Mail Order Dept. at 877-560-6477 during regular business hours to verify. You also could order it then, if the shipping time will allow it to arrive before you leave.
Our son really wants to be Agent P for the MNSSHP. Do you think there will be an abundance of those costumes? I am nervous about leaving it until we arrive but I cannot find this costume in Canada. Thanks.
KRISTIN: I would call the WDW Mail Order Dept. at 877-560-6477 during regular business orders. In my experience, they can ship almost anything you can find for sale in gift shops.
I’m right there with ya! We’re visiting in October and attending MNSSHP so we’re already picking out costumes. I love the Minnie Mouse Halloween outfit. Might get the hat as my daughter mentioned she wanted to be a witch. So cute!