Disney has officially made its move outside of Orlando, and Tampa Bay shoppers no longer have to drive down Interstate 4 to score discounted Disney merchandise.
A brand-new Disney Character Warehouse is now open at Tampa Premium Outlets, bringing official Disney goods to Florida’s Gulf Coast.
We’ve been following this development for months, ever since job postings first revealed the store was on the way. Now, the doors are finally open.
And for Disney fans in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and beyond, it could change how they shop for their favorite Disney merchandise.
The Tampa Disney Character Warehouse Is Now Open
As of Monday, November 9, 2026, the new Disney Character Warehouse at Tampa Premium Outlets is officially open for business.
The store sells discounted Disney merchandise, giving shoppers another way to pick up Disney goods without visiting Walt Disney World.
Karla Garay, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Tampa Premium Outlets, told WFLA the center is “thrilled to officially open the doors to Disney Character Warehouse.”
She also said Disney’s multi-generational appeal fits perfectly with the shopping center’s goal of bringing excitement and value to local shoppers and visitors.
Where to Find the New Store
Tampa Premium Outlets is located at 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz, just north of Tampa near the Interstate 75 and State Road 56 interchange.
That location makes it convenient for shoppers across the Tampa Bay area, including:
- Tampa
- St. Petersburg
- Clearwater
- Pasco County
For locals who love Disney but aren’t planning a trip to the parks anytime soon, this new store offers an easier way to shop.
Disney’s Third Character Warehouse in the Region
The Tampa store is now the third Disney Character Warehouse in the Central Florida area.
The other two locations are:
- Orlando International Premium Outlets
- Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
The Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets store is also in the process of moving to a larger location within the same shopping center.
How We Knew Tampa Was Coming
Disney first tipped its hand back in August through job postings on the Disney Careers website.
One posting, dated August 6, listed a Merchandise Inventory Specialist role at “Disney Character Warehouse, Tampa Premium Outlets in Tampa, FL.” The position offered a starting rate of $20.10 per hour and included duties like inventory counts, pricing, transfers, and deliveries.
A second posting, dated August 9, sought a full-time Heart of House lead at the same location, with a starting rate of $21.10 per hour. That role included opening and closing the store, leading Cast Members, handling deliveries, and running point-of-sale transactions.
At the time, Disney hadn’t shared an opening date, store hours, or exact location details. Now, shoppers finally have their answer.
What You Can Expect to Find
Disney Character Warehouse stores are known for selling discounted Disney merchandise, including items that may have rotated out of the parks.
In the past, shoppers have reported finding:
- Spirit Jerseys
- Loungefly bags
- Pins
- Toys and collectibles
- Apparel and other park merchandise
However, inventory changes often and can vary between locations. Shoppers shouldn’t expect a specific item to be available every visit, since the stores function more like rotating outlets than predictable shops.
Important Return Policy Change
Before you shop, there’s one major policy to know about.
Earlier this year, Disney Character Warehouse introduced a no-refund, no-return, and no-exchange policy to help combat resellers. That policy went into effect on February 1, 2026.
That means all sales are final, so be sure you’re happy with your purchase before heading to checkout.
This Isn’t a New Disney Park
It’s important to keep this news in perspective.
Disney isn’t building a theme park, resort, or attraction in Tampa. There are no rides, themed lands, or ticketed experiences.
This is a retail location only. But for Disney fans on the Gulf Coast, having an official Disney-operated store nearby is still exciting.
Why Disney Picked Tampa
The Tampa location places discounted Disney merchandise closer to a large population center outside of Orlando.
Based on the job postings, the store is connected to Walt Disney World’s staffing and distribution network. The roles referenced working with the resort’s distribution center, suggesting the store will receive merchandise directly from Walt Disney World operations.
It also gives Disney another way to move products that have been marked down or rotated out of park displays.
The opening follows the reported closure of Disney’s South Florida outlet in April 2026, making Tampa a new focus for Disney’s outlet retail in the state.
Tips for Shopping at the New Store
If you’re planning to visit the new Disney Character Warehouse, here are a few tips:
- Go early. New stores can draw big crowds, especially in the first few weeks.
- Visit often. Inventory changes regularly, so you may find something new each trip.
- Know the return policy. All sales are final.
- Check store hours. Look at the Tampa Premium Outlets directory before you go.
- Be flexible. Popular items may sell out quickly.
A New Option for Gulf Coast Disney Fans
The opening of the Tampa Disney Character Warehouse marks a real expansion of Disney’s retail footprint beyond Orlando. While it’s not a new park, it gives Tampa Bay shoppers a closer and more affordable way to bring home a little Disney magic.
Will you be making a trip to the new Disney Character Warehouse in Tampa?
