Regular Costco shopper...and yes, definitely seasonal or at least they are not a regularly stocked item around here.
When I bought my daughter's Elena dress it was before Halloween. It was exactly the same as the ones I saw at Target a few weeks later (but the one I bought was much cheaper!). I want to say I paid $15 or so? It was a great deal.
Disney store dresses are slightly "fancier" (they might have extra ruffles, or more decoration, etc.) and are going to cost a bit more.
If you want a deal on a dress right now, I would suggest a mass retailer, although they will have limited characters...
Yes ... also a regular Costco shopper! However, I'm from Canada but I'm assuming MNDisneyMommy is from USA since she mentioned Target.
To give you a
"Canadian" perspective ...
* In Costco (Canada) the Halloween costumes usually start appearing in summer (August - September sounds about right).
* The Princess costumes I've seen in past years sell for about CAD$30 (although I expect it'll probably be higher this year as everything has gone up in prices this year ... low CAD dollar etc.).
* The Princess costumes are pretty fancy but some parts of the dresses seem a bit "cheap" in terms of the fabric they use.
Example: some fabric actually seems more like "paper fabric" is the only I way I can describe it ... it feels pretty stiff and actually sounds kind of like "crunchy" paper.
* Good for Halloween or costume play at home BUT not sure how well it'll hold up in the parks if that's your intention (reason: not sure how well the "paper fabric" will hold up under park wear).
* Buy the sizes you need when you see them at Costco AND then you can always check back closer to Halloween. If there's costumes still available there's great discounts on them (although usually smaller sizes are left but sometimes you get lucky) AND then you can buy ahead for next year. I lucked out at the right time and managed to pick up a Merida costume (complete with wig) for CAD$10 + taxes (last one on the rack) ... it was a "free for all" (people had 4 - 5 dresses in their carts) but I managed to snag one a few years ago!
* Another idea if your dress is for Disney park wearing ... Disney sells "fancy" nightgowns (eg. gauzy, soft fabric) ... these might be more comfortable in the parks to wear (unless your heart is set on a fancy, actual costume). Here's a link for the disney store and to see an example of what I mean, please see the Ariel & Elsa nightgowns.
https://www.disneystore.com/disneystore/product/search?searchTerms=nightgown
I used to buy these fancy nightgowns for my daughter to play "dress up" in since these were much for comfortable and cheaper than the actual costume. Also ... what turned me off the actual costume was the amount of "glitter" that kept coming off from it ... I didn't want that "glitter" all over the house + my child was able to "dress up" herself (the actual costume = I probably would need to help each time)
NOTE: the prices in Canada are "much higher" at the Canadian Disney store SO please do not expect to pay the same USD internet prices at the Canadian stores (just a heads up to avoid sticker shock).
Good luck finding a princess dress for your princess! Happy shopping!
