Disney Antique and Prop Shop Near Disney World is ‘Best Kept Secret’
Eric Zinkann, age 49, knows a thing or two about the collectible business. After all, he’s been in it since the eighth grade. He started by collecting comic books, which eventually led to selling them through eBay and his website, Vault Collectibles. He once sold a Batman comic for nearly $100,000, bringing home an $80,000 profit! But about five years ago, he expanded to collecting props and merchandise from major Orlando theme parks.
“I’m not gonna be a millionaire overnight. But it’s fun, and I think that’s what I’m looking to do eventually, is retire and do this and enjoy myself,” Zinkann said. “Some people call it 401K. It’ll be 401D, for Disney.”
Donna Ginn, a vendor at Lakeland Mall. Image credit: Ernst Peters
Over in Polk County, just outside of Disney World, Zinkann has a thriving business of selling authentic Disney furniture and merchandise from the Disney theme parks and resorts. The name of the store is Forever Vintage. The items come directly from Disney. Buyers have actually been known to schedule their Disney vacation around a trip to a local seller or travel from several states away to get their hands on a lamp once used at their favorite Disney hotel.
“People love just getting something from Disney that was used at the parks or the resort,” Zinkann said. Customers looking for furniture and other collectible pieces sold directly from Disney can find them in two main places: Forever Vintage and Surplus in Winter Haven and the Lakeland Antique Mall in North Lakeland.
Image credit: Ernst Peters
“The tiki lamps, the special pillows, the bed runners — these are all items that everybody wants,” he said. “They see them in their hotel room when they stay there and they love them and they want to take them home. So, these are the items we try to keep getting for them.”
Image credit: Ernst Peters
The store has attracted quite a following, nearly 20,000 likes on Facebook. And at store opening each week, the line can stretch 50 people deep.
Image credit: Ernst Peters
But not everything is for sale. Many items are often donated, and Zinkann said cast members can get first priority. Items from inside the theme parks outside of holiday decorations and popcorn buckets are even harder to come by as Disney often doesn’t sell those pieces.
Have you had a chance to visit this fascinating store yet?
Thinking about a Disney getaway? 2020 packages are now once again available for booking and 2021 packages are now open! Fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.Are you ready to start planning your magical Disney vacation? Contact me today at MickeyTravels for your FREE, no obligation quote for a Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line or Adventures By Disney vacation! My magical planning services are included at no extra cost. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Get in touch at 843-288-1130, via email at whitney@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook and Instagram.
Source: The Ledger
