Where to find most popular Disney Halloween costumes

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has a little girl in his or her life that costumes from the Disney animated blockbuster movie “Frozen” are among the most popular this year for Halloween, according to Yahoo search results reported by Disney Consumer Products.

Although this is the first Halloween since the movie’s theatrical release, costumes for dress-up were in very short supply during the winter holiday season last year. The demand was so high that many parents were willing to pay double the retail price on sites such as eBay or wait in large crowds when new shipments were expected at Disney Stores nationwide.

A year later, the Disney marketing machine seemingly has caught up, and Anna and Elsa gowns and accessories can more easily be found at Walt Disney World, Disney Stores and other national retailers. The popularity of all things “Frozen,” however, does not seem to be thawing.

At Walt Disney World, guests can find Elsa’s traditional ice blue gown and Anna’s royal blue winter gown and red cape at Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post at Hollywood Studios. The same gown for Elsa and Anna’s green-and-gold coronation gown can be found at Sir Mickey’s in the Magic Kingdom. That location also carries the royal wigs, crowns and other coordinating accessories. An assortment of Anna and Elsa merchandise also can be found in the gift shop at the Norway pavilion at Epcot and at World of Disney at Downtown Disney.

The stock at the resort is being replenished regularly, so check back if you don’t find your child’s size right away. I was able to find the coronation dress for my daughter after stopping back at Sir Mickey’s several times. Another option is to call the mail order line at 877-560-6477. Items purchased this way can take up to 3 weeks to arrive, so this may be better if you are searching for the gown for a Christmas present rather than a Halloween costume.

One bonus about the costumes sold at Walt Disney World is that they typically have a larger range of sizes, extending to a youth extra large. Typically, that XL is a size 14-16.

Costume sales at Disney Stores peak during the first week of October, Disney Consumer Products reports, so most related items are now on sale — up to 40 percent off. “Frozen” items are not among those on sale at the DisneyStore.com, but there still is a great selection available in almost every size. Choose from regular and deluxe gowns for both Anna and Elsa.

Both the online store and physical shops also carry an Olaf costume for kids. Although it is temporarily sold out, it is expected to be replenished next week, a spokeswoman told me.

Disney Store locations nationwide will be hosting a fun “Dress Rehearsal” event next weekend for kids to dress up in their Disney costumes, participate in a parade around the store, play games, crafts and more. The event takes place from 5 o 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 and from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct.18. The minimum age to participate is 3. There also is a similar party for children of Disney Visa card members at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Florida Mall. This exclusive event requires an RSVP to obtain a pass, and card members must show their cards to enter the store before it opens.

Among other fun costume facts:

** The most popular costume in Disney Store history is Cinderella.
** Sofia the First was the top-selling costume at Disney Store last year.
** More than 2.1 million kids will dress up as Super Heroes this year.
** Spider-Man has been in the Top 5 for costume choices for the last 10 years, according to the National Retail Federation.
** In years with Star Wars theatrical releases, up to 10 million lightsabers have been sold in a single year.
** $350 million will be spent on costumes for pets.
** The first Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse costumes were introduced in 1932.
** 162 million Americans are expected to celebrate Halloween this year.

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