shopDisney is a bi-weekly blog that will focus on Disney merchandise and products sold in the parks, in Disney stores, and in other retail markets. We will explore product reviews, affordability, and to whom the products are marketed. Like any other good product review, we will conclude with a rating scale for several different key components: price, age group, and whether the product is a “must have.”
If you are like my husband and I, then you have been watching some of the FIFA World Cup™ coverage the past two weeks. Although we have never been interested in soccer before, it seems like we are completely wrapped up in the entire experience.
This coverage got me wondering if there was any World Cup merchandise being offered in the Walt Disney World® parks. I know the most likely place to look would be ESPN Wide World of Sports complex on Disney World property, but I was hoping they would offer it at a more accessible place.
I want to give a very big thank you to the people who were in the World this week and able to help me get this merchandise to you. So, to Beth Thompson and her nieces Paige and Meg Pomranka, thank you all so much for taking time out of your vacation to get this information.
With the help of my very special friends, I found out that Epcot® appears to be the central location for merchandise and match viewing during the entire tournament. If you listened to Lou’s Live WDW News Cast for June 18, 2014 , then you already know that there are numerous places in Walt Disney World® to watch the matches and also a very special viewing location in the old Odyssey restaurant in Epcot®.
Disney-created Soccer Merchandise:
Like most major events that occur in Disney World, they have created their own little logo gear that features a Mickey Mouse silhouette kicking a soccer ball, but the silhouette is filled with flags from different nations around the world. The different items that feature the logo are shirts, bags, mugs, and glasses.
Pins:
Disney also created a special limited edition pin for the event that features José Carioca playing soccer. I love when they tie in a Disney character to a specific pin or ties them to a different event that brings them back into the spotlight for a bit.
Kid’s USA Soccer Uniform:
This might be one of the most adorable items that Disney is selling for this event. I think the kids who have been watching the games are all having dreams of playing soccer or even being on a team one day. Disney offers a mini Team USA uniform so that all the kids can feel like they are part of the team.
Pricing:
Shirts: $19.95 to $80.00
Glasses and Mug: $11.95 to $14.95
Backpacks: $18.00 to $19.95
Soccer Jersey’s: $29.85 to $39.95
Pins: $12.95
Kids USA Soccer Outfit: $75.00
Official FIFA Gear: $70.00 to $85.00
I hope that you all have enjoyed this look at some of the special merchandise that is on sale at Epcot® for the World Cup. I like that it is something different being offered for a while and allowing those who aren’t really fans to have a little piece of the gear. Have a wonderful couple of weeks and go Team USA!
(All photographs are used with the permission of Beth Thompson.)
Alyssa Wiseman (also known as ajwiseman09 in the box) and her husband Brandon reside in central Indiana (too far from Disney) with their shih tzu London Bridget and Bulldog, Maggie Mae. Alyssa and Brandon enjoy traveling to Disney several times a year to see what is new and enjoy classic Disney. While traveling, and at home, Alyssa is frequently shopping for Disney products and making a list of items to buy while in the parks. Please follow Alyssa on twitter @ajwiseman09.
