Shop for Disney World, Disneyland merchandise from home

If you’ve arrived home from your Disney vacation and realized you forgot to purchase the perfect gift for someone on your holiday list, don’t panic. The Mouse is happy to have your long-distance business.

Disneystore.com has recently expanded its offerings from Walt Disney World and Disneyland to include 500 of the most popular items sold on Disney property. You can find everything from toys and holiday decor to apparel and autograph books. Plus, you actually can get a discount by using coupon codes when they’re available. When was the last time you used a coupon in the Magic Kingdom?

For parents, toy selection can be key, especially this time of year. The choices are decent, but not complete. For example, the site says its iconic monorail play set is sold out, but I saw it this week at several Downtown Disney stores. The same goes for the Contemporary Resort accessory, which Once Upon A Toy Store began stocking again recently.

This is where the Disney World Mail Order department comes in. If you can describe what you’re looking for, the cast members most likely can locate it on property and ship it to you. I’ve used this option several times when I needed a present and knew I wouldn’t be driving to Lake Buena Vista soon.

The operators were helpful in tracking down items, even calling me back if necessary. Allow yourself plenty of time, though, because the shipping takes two to three weeks. Also, while you’ll pay the same prices for the merchandise, the shipping rate is a little higher than you might be used to  with online ordering.

To order merchandise from Walt Disney World, call 407-363-6200 or e-mail wdw.mail.order@disneyworld.com. Calls are answered 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

To order from Disneyland, call 1-800-760-3566. Calls are answered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.