About a year ago (early 2009) I stumbled upon furniture that was from a Walt Disney Resort. The ad in the Sarasota, FL Craigslist described armoires, side tables, mini fridges, bedding, curtains, and other Disney items and memorabilia. The items for sale were from the Walt Disney World Caribbean Resorts. We were interested in the bed side tables and armoires.
This stuff was quality furniture made from the 80’s that weighed a million pounds. The armoires were green with 20 inch Sony TV’s 3 dresser drawers on the bottom and 2 doors on the top (with stenciled palm trees) that hid the TV. We bought 2 of the armoires and 2 bed side tables with delivery included. With a little paint, cleanup, and added shelves for the bed side tables we felt like we came away with a steal.
The Sarasota operation is no longer in business, but we found another similar operation out in Haines City, Florida. They call themselves Mouse Surplus and the location is named Never Never Land. They have items from the resorts (the Boardwalk, Grand Floridian, Caribbean Resorts, Coronado and others) and the theme parks. Haines City is roughly in the middle of Tampa and Orlando and very close to Lakeland. Never Never Land looks like an old warehouse building that could have operated at one time as an orange grove. No AC or heat so dress accordingly. They have armoires, bed side tables, a wide range of tables and chairs, dressers, daybeds, picture frames, etc. These items simply were discarded because of redecorating at the resorts or for other reasons. You really have to do some searching and have an open mind when viewing what they have. Some items could simply be used as is, some might need a little paint, and some items need reupholstered. Now the theme park items are extremely neat, but as you might imagine a little expensive. The items included a van from the movie Toy Story, a huge prop from the Star Wars attraction at MGM Studios, miscellaneous seats from the rides, and Disney Statues that might have been in the gift shops. When you arrive expect items arranged in no particular order, many items don’t have prices, and again some items are dirty and even a little beat up.
I have been to the warehouse a few times now and keep a close eye on their eBay and craigslist sites. It is definitely worth checking out and more than likely you’re going to find something unique for a great price. They accept cash only so keep that in mind too. I have actually been there and determined the furniture was such a good price and the distance was close enough to warrant getting a box truck.
To find their craigslist ads check Lakeland FL or Orlando FL and search for mouse surplus. The link provided above will take you to their eBay store.
Update 2/22/10
According to their website the warehouse in Haines City is closed, but they are building a new store. You can keep an eye on their progress at www.mousesurplus.com. I know I will be…..
Update 5/14/12
Here is their new info:
Address:
5503 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
Phone: 1 (313) 574-8007
Email: info@mousesurplus.com
Websites:
Mouse Surplus WordPress Blog
Update 9/02/18