Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
A Walt Disney World Resort destination has packed its bags, exiting the politically controversial Central Florida.
The Walt Disney Company began its battle against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022 when former CEO Bob Chapek condemned the Parental Rights in Education Act (infamously nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” law). Disney Parks fans and cast members protested the corporation’s initial silence on the legislation as the largest employer in Florida.
Credit: DeSantis
The Republican governor allegedly warned the Mouse not to get involved and responded by legally dissolving Walt Disney World Resort’s Reedy Creek Improvement District. The former presidential candidate hand-selected board members to take over the now-titled Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Walt Disney World Resort attempted to make the district powerless and filed a First Amendment-based lawsuit against DeSantis, but both failed to stop the takeover. A judge dismissed Disney’s initial free speech lawsuit against DeSantis in January, though appeals and subsequent legal battles are ongoing.
Amid political and legal turmoil in Florida, some LGBTQIA+ Disney Parks fans refuse to spend money in the state. CEO Bob Iger previously threatened to pull billions of dollars in investments from Walt Disney World Resort, spurring fans to speculate that the company could be eyeing a new Disney Park location instead.
Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic
Of course, moving Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Springs, and dozens of Disney Resort hotels would be borderline impossible. However, one Walt Disney World Resort location recently spread across the United States.
Redditor u/KoBxElucidator recently shared this photo of bagged Joffrey’s Coffee purchased at TJ Maxx in Western Pennsylvania. The Disney-themed grounds are manufactured for sale at Walt Disney World Resort but made their way to discount department stores throughout the United States.
Some TJ Maxx finds
“I found the same Joffrey flavors at my local TJ Maxx in Iowa!” u/Mr_Underhill09 replied.
Other Disney Parks fans found Joffrey’s Coffee at Home Goods and Marshall’s.
“Sometimes Marshall’s/TJ Maxx/Home Goods has the resort-specific Joffreys here in the North East,” said u/n2theluz. “We’ve found the California Grill and Jiko bags in store.”
Credit: Disney
“I’m checking Austin TX too,” u/Owl-View-Hoot replied. “In the past I have seen them for 6.99 or 8.99.”
u/MissBitchyPants found a Star Wars-themed coffee drink at a TJ Maxx in Minnesota:
“My TJMaxx in MN almost always has Joffrey’s. Right now I’m working my way through the Dark Side trio, it’s good!”
This isn’t unusual. Since Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, we spotted Disney Park-themed Joffrey’s Coffee bags and merchandise, including pins, plush, clothing, kitchenware, and more at discount stores in Illinois and New York.
Credit: Disney
Related: Disney Dining Plan Quietly Changes
Even after the COVID overstock was long gone, the trend continued. The Disney parks initially send unsold merchandise to Disney Character Warehouse and Cast Connections, discount stores for guests and cast members in Central Florida. Additional stock is sold at a bulk discount to retailers nationwide.
Despite its battle against DeSantis, The Walt Disney Company continues investing in Walt Disney World Resort with upcoming expansions at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and more. In just two days, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens to the public.
Have you spotted Joffrey’s Coffee or Walt Disney World Resort merchandise at discount retailers outside of Florida? Share your bargain finds with us in the comments!
