Hello everyone - again -
Another newbie question here:
Where is the best place to buy souvenirs? Do you all tend to go off WDW property? I imagine there are savings to be had going off property?? And do any resorts or stores have any really unique must-have items??
Just curious... you all seem to know your stuff!
I know there are a lot of stores off property (like on International Drive) that will sell Disney t-shirts & collectibles much much cheaper than Disney does..that being said I usually buy my souvenirs on property.
Mostly because we typically don't leave WDW and also we don't buy a TON of souvenirs. We'll buy a coffee mug, maybe a picture frame and always a ton of Christmas ornaments.
Unfortunately with young kids you'll probably get a lot of "I want, I want!" but I am sure you're a seasoned vet and know how to handle that.
Bella
I have to confess a fondness for MouseGears and shopping along Main Street. I HATE shopping usually, but in Disney World I suddenly LOVE it.
Zipadeedoodah -- yeah, man
[url=http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0geu1w_Z1lM07IAGy9XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEzbDVqNzBwBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA0Y3NTVfMTEx/SIG=13b2dd7qi/EXP=1281013951/**http%3a//disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/shopping/world-of-disney/]World of Disney[/url] at Downtown Disney is the Disney store. It's the largest in the world, and it's awesome. It's a destination in and of itself, even if you don't buy anything. For me, I don't care much for buying Disney stuff outside the parks. The items outside the park, in my experience, are no different than what you can find in your hometown (such as at a Disney store or outlet). There are a lot of unique items in the parks you can only find there. Also, the memorabilia should be about the 'memories'. They are something you can have forever to take you back to that special time and place. It took me years to see things that way, but I feel I'm much better for it. Where once I would have scoffed at the mere mention of a twenty dollar coffee mug (lets say it has our picture on it or some such), now I would see it as an opportunity to remember a wonderful trip every time my dear wife has a cup of coffee.
p.s. We also like Mouse Gear at Epcot, and I loved Villains in Vogue before it was axed.
There are some Disney Store outlets that have some great, low-cost Disney Parks souvenirs, but, like the others, I tend to stay on property. We don't buy a lot of souvenirs (like to keep the money in pocket for the next trip), but I do love shopping through Mouse Gears in Epcot and World of Disney in Downtown Disney. Both are great suggestions!
There are plenty of stores throughout Disney parks and resorts that have really special merchandise. I like Zawadi Marketplace at Animal Kingdom Lodge for their unique African items, too.
May 2008 CSR 
We have a Disney outlet right down the street that has great Disney schtuff, and dirt cheap. We do buy things there sometimes, but we try to buy things at the World we wouldn't be able to get elsewhere. Honestly though, it wouldn't ruin my day if I found something I purchased while on a WDW vacation on sale at a local Disney store. I don't have wonderful memories associated with a run to the strip mall down the street, and that's what it's all about for me.
MouseGears always has the best vintage t-shirts! I love that store..
And I could spend all weekend in World of Disney. Dave has to confine me to one room at a time or else he'll loose me and get mad when he can't find me.
Bella
I love shopping at Downtown Disney. We always go our first and last day.
For the kids, I do buy some items from online, they go on sale or clearance a lot and it's a lot cheaper than buying in the parks!