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. Some of the posts will contain a rating scale for several different key components: price, age group, and whether the product is a “must have.”
I had never visited a Pandora store prior to a couple of weeks ago, but I might have found a new addiction! Walking into the Pandora store in our
local mall, I immediately spot the Disney area showcasing several of the new charms being sold. I honestly had no idea that the store sold so many charms until the employee opened one of the cases to get the organizer out with hundreds of options! I cannot imagine how much fun it would be to work there and get to put bracelets and other jewelry together all day.
Moving to the Disney Charms:
Since we all know that the most important merchandise is Disney-branded, I asked to see that right away. The employee was very nice and let me know which charms were new to their collection. Most of their charms were Mickey and Minnie themed, but they also offer a few princess ones.
Speciality Charms:
I fell in love with several of the charms, and the lady who was helping me also let me know that the charms which are sold at the parks are not 
available on the Pandora website, and you can only get them at the Disney parks or resorts. I did a quick search on the official Disney Store website, and they do have charms for sale at times. However at the time of this blog publication, they had none available. They do offer a place for you to sign up to receive e-mail alerts about upcoming collections.
Display Options:
When you mention Pandora, many people immediately assume you are talking about the charm bracelets and all of the little bangles that you can add to the bracelet. I was also informed of the option of making some of the bangles and beads into earrings and necklaces!! Some of the beads that I saw at the store would make absolutely amazing earrings. You can make a simple ball-shaped charm into cute post or dangly earrings!
Pricing:
Now comes the reality of beginning a Pandora collection, pricing. The Disney charms and beads for your piece of jewelry range from $40.00 to 
$85.00 EACH. That does not include the bracelet that you would need to purchase to put the charms on, which range from $40.00 to several hundred. On the other hand, Pandora charms are made well, consisting of silver or gold metals and often using Swarovski crystals. They would be a major step above the charm bracelets you and your kids can create at any of the gift shops on property.
After having actually been able to see the Pandora charms and that they can be used in different ways, I actually believe they are quite adorable and a piece of jewelry that would be wonderful to own. The price is quite steep, and I don’t honestly know if I would consider paying that much for jewelry that doesn’t involve diamonds or other gemstones!! Not that I am being snobbish, but to consider you would be paying well over $200 for a pair of earrings (not to mention the several of hundreds of dollars you would pay to create a bracelet). I believe a pair of small diamond earrings would cost far less. However, if you are a collector of Pandora pieces and charms, I would love to see pictures of the Disney items you own.
Have a wonderful few weeks leading up to Christmas and remember to keep doing all of your Holiday shopping Disney-style!
(All photographs are from the authors personal collection.)
Alyssa Wiseman (also known as ajwiseman09 in the box), her husband Brandon, and newborn son, Walt, reside in central Indiana (too far from Disney). 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.
