Welcome to the latest edition of The Magic, The Memories, and Merch!, the longest running monthly look at the still closed Disney Outlet Stores in Orlando. That’s right, they are STILL CLOSED. Disney Springs? Open. Disney theme parks? Open. Disney hotels. Open (some of them, at least). The Disney Outlets? Doors locked shut.

However, for the first time we’ve seen some movement in the direction of a reopening. First, let’s check out the Disney Character Warehouse off Vineland Ave. There is now signage on the doors with “exit only” and “enter only.” Going by how many people observe the directional arrows in the aisles at Publix down here, these signs will probably have a similar effect to when Demi Moore “strenuously objects” in A Few Good Men.

A peek through the windows reveals that nothing has been done inside the store in terms of social distancing, nor has any other new safety procedure been implemented that we can see (such as a hand sanitizer station).

The pallet jack here is generally reserved to help the eBay pirates get the merchandise to their cars.

Meanwhile, over at the Disney Character Warehouse off International Drive, this is the signage outside.

So, it may be a little while still until we get our fix of bad Disney merchandise. However, over on Twitter, one member brought back a memory of Outlet items of the past…

Another posted a sneak peek of what surely will be coming to the Outlet shelves once the stores reopen…

Meanwhile ShopDisney.com is still a great place to find next level bonkers Disney items.

Without fail, one constant question that has come up in this fine blog series is “Does Universal have a similar Outlet store?”

Short answer: No.

Long answer: They used to, but not anymore. Back in the day there was a Universal Orlando outlet store in what was known as the Festival Bay mall. This is the mall that is located right next to Orlando Premium Outlets at the end of International Drive. Since the mall opened in 2002, it has gone through more “updates” than the Flights of Wonder bird show at Animal Kingdom, all with near disastrous results. Many reading this may remember the mall’s change  several years ago to “Artegon Marketplace,” when it became home to a bunch of small shops featuring local artists. Billed as the “anti-mall,” Artegon was neat idea in theory, but didn’t draw in the crowds like they had hoped for.

Anyway, the Universal Orlando outlet store closed at the Festival Bay mall in April, 2012. The merchandise that went to the Universal outlet store instead went to a new store that was available to Universal Team Members only. Guests are not allowed at this store located backstage.

HOWEVER, what Universal does have is an annual “garage sale.” Inside a soundstage they will sell merchandise at a huge discount, much like we normally see at the Disney Outlet Stores. For the most recent garage sale – which took place at the beginning of July – the first day was reserved for Universal Orlando annual passholders. On the second day, both annual passholders and Team Members could go.

The waiting area outside should look similar to anyone who has gone to the Celebration of Harry Potter events, with the queue located in the New York section of Universal Studios Florida.

Once you get inside the soundstage, you’re at the garage sale. It is a no-frills experience.

Big discounts are available.

Pretty much every brand at the resort has items available, including many from the Wizarding World.

Just like the Disney Outlet Stores over the past few months before they closed down, tons of hats in general were available.

Plenty of shirts too.

Like the Disney Outlets, there were some diamonds in the rough among all the merchandise, like this sweet throw featuring the Universal globe.

But for the most part, the items are stuff you would expect to find discounted.

 

Now then, another reason Universal doesn’t really need official Outlet Stores like the two Character Warehouse locations is because they don’t have to supply anywhere near the amount of gift shops that Disney does. Forget about the theme parks and Disney Springs, the gift shops for Pop Century, Art of Animation, and the All-Star Resorts are gigantic. I’d make a case that because Universal is also beholden to brands it licenses Intellectual Property from, there is also a higher level of overall quality of merchandise compared to Disney (who for all intents and purposes is their own boss). For example, the items made for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Springfield USA are gone over with a fine-tooth comb before they get approved. Meanwhile at Disney, they can make a Forky hat that looks like it should be included with the welcome bag when you check into an insane asylum.

THAT SAID, Universal has put out its share of “outlet worthy” items over the years. I posted this picture of a Spider-Man pin I bought at Universal back in the day. The pin has ol’ web head celebrating President’s Day, as one does.

 

So I asked on Twitter if anyone else had goofy merchandise from Universal over the years, and got back some great responses. First up is this Spidey backscratcher, which I would buy TODAY if they sold it in the parks.

Here’s a great close-up of the hand.

We all love the absolutely BONKERS ending of the E.T. Adventure ride, and here’s a toy which allows you to play that insanity over and over again at home. By spinning that green knob at the bottom of the toy, the plants will move.

Who among us hasn’t seriously considered dropping a couple hundred bucks on a fake dinosaur egg?

Have any goofy Disney or Universal items you have bought at the parks? Send an email to Derek@TouringPlans.com and maybe we can do a whole spotlight on them!

SEE YOU NEXT MONTH! (hopefully AT the Outlets…)

NOT THAT IT MATTERS, BUT…There are actually two Disney outlet stores in Orlando. Both are in Orlando Premium Outlet shopping complexes, and they are called Disney’s Character Warehouse, presumably because The Land Of Misfit Toys was already trademarked. There is one Character Warehouse located on International Drive close to Universal Studios (4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819), and the other is on Vineland Avenue, right across I-4 near the exits to Disney World (8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821). They do not ship. There are items at the Outlets that you can buy both in Disney stores along with the Shop Disney Parks app, but you will be paying full retail for the items. For our CALIFORNIA OUTLET trips, @ChristelaMcC goes to the Las Americas outlet in San Diego. It is located right off the last U.S. exit.

I often get asked “which store is better?” That depends. Vineland is close to Walt Disney World, while the I-Drive location is a hop, skip, and jump away from the Universal Orlando Resort. The Vineland Disney Outlet Store is much, MUCH bigger than the I-Drive location. However, the Vineland outlets in general are much, MUCH busier than I-Drive. Each have their pros and cons, and ultimately they carry much of the same items. For a Disney Outlet Store FAQ, check out this SATURDAY SIX Presents: Everything You Wanted To Know About The Disney Outlet Stores (But Were Afraid To Ask)

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2020: Jan| Feb | March | April | May | June

Very Special Editions & Milestones: Tribute to O.O.G.; Four Year Anniversary Special; First Pandora Items; Five Year Anniversary Special & Outlet Hall of Fame; Major Changes Come to the Outlets; Camera Hat

We also did an edition of Magic, Memories, and Junk for a non-Disney owned Outlet Store, and for you merch addicts like myself, you may also enjoy a look at the official Disney merchandise available on the Disney Cruise Line, Castaway Cay, and at the Orlando International Airport. Want to see our favorite WDW resort-specific merchandise? Well, CLICK HERE!

If you liked what you read here, you may enjoy THE SATURDAY SIX articles every week on the TouringPlans.com blog and you can follow your humble author on Twitter (@derekbugan).

The post The Magic, The Memories, and Merch! – Disney Outlet Store Update for JULY 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Magic, Memories, and Merch, outlet report

This week Getting to Know Universal visits The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar at Universal CityWalk. Cowfish was founded in Raleigh, NC, when two brothers each had an idea for a restaurant to open: one sushi, the other burgers. To save money (and split a kitchen) they combined their ideas into one restaurant. Cowfish opened at CityWalk in 2014 and resides above Vivo Italian Kitchen and Red Oven Pizza Bakery.

The Experience

Cowfish’s unique fusion of cultures starts with its design and attitude. In the lobby, kids can customize their own fish on large touch screens which then appear in a virtual fish tank inside the restaurant. At the reception desk, a large fishbowl topped with a pair of chopsticks is home to real fish.

The restaurant’s walls are covered in a merge of pop and Japanese Ukiyo-e art inspired by Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Sharaku. Art includes a T-Rex and King Kong fighting in downtown Tokyo and a 17th-century Japanese-print-art-inspired portrait of Elvis eating a burger. Natural wood tables, red and white chairs, and multicolored booths are accented by fish scale lighting fixtures and partitions throughout the large dining spaces.

The restaurant’s outdoor patio offers some of the best views at the resort outside of Bar 17 at the Aventura Hotel. Guests overlook the CityWalk marina where they can watch a musical performance  or see the fireworks from one of two nighttime shows at the parks.

Never pretentious or unwelcoming, Cowfish acknowledges its absurd existence and plays with it.

The Food & Drink

The star of Cowfish is the hybrid high-end sushi and burger bar menu. Appetizers range from the American truffle fries and fried pickles to Japanese-inspired edamame and sashimi. Touring Plans is a fan of the Crab Ragoon Dip and I order the Fried Pickles every trip.

For the entrees, half is dedicated to sushi. Classics like the California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, nigiri, and sashimi are on the menu and are served with ginger and wasabi. Cowfish also created their own speciality rolls such as the Geisha Roll (lobster and shrimp inside, topped with tuna) and the Tropical Storm Roll (Kani, avocado, and cucumber inside, topped with tuna, salmon, yellowtail).

The other half of the entrees feature burger creations like The Cowfish Has Left the Building Burger (a full pound of meat, peanut butter, fried bananas, and bacon), Hoisin Burger (short ribs, bacon, pickled red onions, and English cucumber), and the Black & Brie Burger (brie cheese, blackberries, marinated Asian pear, microgreens).

But what if you want both sushi and a burger? Cowfish has you covered with “Burgushi”, entrees that combine the styles and flavors of each cuisine into one unique dish. The Taste Explosion Roll a beef burger in the shape of sushi (cooked, of course). What’s Shakin Tuna Bacon Sandwich is a spin on the classic BLT by adding tuna, jalapeños, spicy mayo, and spring roll wrapper “buns”. For those who want both sushi and burgers, but separate, pick up a bento box that includes burger sliders, a sushi roll, and choice of sides.

To complement the burgers, Cowfish also features a selection of house-made milkshakes that give Toothsome a run for its money. While this humble author is lactose intolerant, the Rice Crispy milkshake gets rave reviews from friends. For the adult who just bought a family’s worth of Harry Potter merchandise and needs to take their mind off the upcoming credit card bill, Cowfish also offers a solid selection of beer, wine, sake, and cocktails.

The Opinion

With its unique spin on casual dining, Cowfish remains a hit with families and young adults. The menu is surprisingly complex yet also simple and approachable; if you have ever wanted to try sushi (cooked or raw) come to Cowfish. The sushi ranges from subtle and refined to over-the-top American while the burgers are all cooked with never frozen beef and feature unique, fresh toppings. Come to Cowfish if you want a funky and fun lunch or dinner.

Have you eaten at Cowfish? Let us know you thoughts in the comments below.

The post Getting to Know Universal – The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Universal Orlando Resort, citywalk, The Cowfish, universal citywalk

Wow! How did we get here already? It’s already the end of July?! In one of the weirdest years ever….I’m not sure how we’ve already hit this point on the calendar.

This week, find out what the newest Pixar film will be, see which Disney movie may not be showing in theaters when they reopen anymore, and more.

In Case You Missed It – Disney and Universal Orlando News and Rumors

The Magic Kingdom has topped TripAdvisor’s annual Traveler’s Choice Awards.

Carlye Wisel took at look at if the theme parks should be open, after visiting Walt Disney World recently.

Disney got a number of Emmy nominations!

Disney has removed Mulan from the box office calendar and delays Avatar and Star Wars films. What do you think of this move? (Also, at this point…we’re never going to see Avatar’s sequel….not that anyone is really clamoring for it…besides James Cameron.)

Congrats to Alan Menken! He just became the 16th EGOT winner!

Disney and scary doesn’t necessarily go together, but there’s a new list of some of the scariest Disney films. Which are your favorites? (And trust me…after looking at the list, there are some truly terrifying things on it!)

Yay! A new original Pixar film! Luca will be coming to theaters next year! What do you think of the premise?

Disney+ may be including the Broadway musical ‘Once On This Island‘.

The post In Case You Missed It: News and Rumors – Week of July 31, 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In Case You Missed It