Ask anyone who has been to Disney more than once and they’re likely to have a favorite souvenir hotspot while at the parks. But if it’s your first visit or if its been a while since you last spent a fair bit of time at Walt Disney World, then you’ll want to know where to go to pick up a few special Disney treasures. With so many incredible shops on property we barely skim the surface with our “Top 8 Favorite Gift Shops” list but hopefully, it will steer all of you soon-to-be souvenir shoppers in the right direction.
8. Mitsukoshi Department Store (Epcot’s Japan Pavilion) – If you plan on enjoying a day at Epcot’s magnificent World Showcase then you’ll definitely want to set aside some time to explore this absolute treasure-trove of a shop. Here you’ll find a delightful mix of quirky pop culture items, home goods, kitchenware, books, amazing Japanese souvenirs and stunning accessories. This location is also home to the famous Pick-a-Pearl kiosk were Disney visitors can try their luck at plucking an exquisite pearl from an oyster which can then be added to that “just right” jewellery casing.
Other items that are sure to please are the Japanese candies and treats and a sake bar where you can enjoy a sample before heading back out to brave the park. You’ll find the shop open from 11 am (the official opening time of the World Showcase) until the theme park closes so there’s plenty time to pop by and enjoy.
7. Zawadi Marketplace (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – We’ve been lucky enough to pay a visit to nearly all of the resorts at Walt Disney World and if there’s one resort gift shop that comes to mind as being amazing its the Zawadi Marketplace. Yes, it has a lot of the bog standard Disney merchandise, grab-and-go items and those emergency toiletry items that you forgot to pack. But it also carries so much more. The space is definitely large when compared to other gift shops at Walt Disney World resorts and contains amazing cultural artifacts from African masks, carvings, drums, original artwork inspired by this magnificent resort as well as Lodge specific items like t-shirts, mugs and (my favorite) binoculars for checking out the animals either from one of the many viewing areas or if you’re lucky enough from your resort room balcony. There’s even a section offering amazing plants that you can take home and care for- as a poignant reminder of the message of conservation that is so important to the resort and theme park.
6. Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. (Tomorrowland- Magic Kingdom)- A question I get asked a lot by first-time visitors is if there’s a spot where you can customize your own MagicBands which is why this location is definitely a worthy addition to the list. If you’ve not heard of Tomorrowland Light and Power Co., don’t worry. It is the gift shop that you exit out into after you’ve ridden Space Mountain. Rather than selling just the same standard ride merchandise, what this shop does is really special. Guests have the option of creating their own MagicBand works of art at the MagicBand on Demand station housed in this shop. The MagicBands on offer are the standard colors but guests can choose from a range of over 40 graphics which transform these bands into something truly unique. In addition to the graphics, the MagicBand can also be personalized with names printed on the outside. Best of all, the printers dry pretty fast meaning visitors don’t have to wait around too long before walking off with their wearable works of art. The station also makes Disney-themed cell phone cases. Cost for a custom retail MagicBand is $24.99 with personalized retail MagicBands running $32.99.
5. Mouse Gear – Epcot’s Future World – If there’s one standard souvenir Gift Shop that my family enjoys the most its Mouse Gear over at Epcot’s Future World. At 25,000 square feet this is one of the largest shops at Walt Disney World and due to its sheer size, you can track down just about any bit of Disney related merchandise that your heart desires. Here you’ll find a range of fantastic items including those sporting the likeness of Figment from Journey Into the Imagination, trading pins, clothing, jewellery (including Alex and Ani bracelets), souvenirs, toys, candy and some fantastic Epcot-branded merchandise. The sheer range and variety mean that you’ll likely find something here that you haven’t seen in other shops at Disney World and therein lies the fun.
4. Marketplace Co-op (Disney Springs) – If I had to pick one gift shop to live in for the rest of my life this would win hands down. There’s so many wondrous treasures that can be found here that this shop alone makes it worth the trip to Disney Springs. The premise behind the shop is simple, its essentially a testing ground for new Disney merchandise. Its comprised of 6 different boutiques covering everything you could possibly imagine. Here’s a rundown of the shops you’ll find in the Co-Op.
- Cherry Tree Lane – Retro Disney Fashion including amazing dresses from The Dress Shop, scarves, shoes, bags and jewellery and more.
- D-Tech on Demand – A place to personalize and customize your own electronic accessories.
- Twenty Eight and Main– Mens clothing featuring vintage art as well as wall art and accessories.
- Disney Centerpiece – Home products for guests including room furnishings, textiles and everyday ware.
- Disney TAG – Retro-modern travel accessories and gear with dashes of Disney flair, Includes luggage, passport wallets, jewellery organizers and more!
- WonderGround Gallery – Innovative artists and illustrators put a spin on Disney’s rich storytelling legacy with limited edition artwork and merchandise.
So if you’re looking for some truly unique and exclusive Disney items this is your one-stop-shop. The Co-Op is usually open from 10:00am – 11pm seven days a week.
3. Tatooine Traders (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – A must-do shopping destination for Star Wars Fans, Tatooine Traders is the perfect shop for fans young and old. Guests are emptied out into the shop after Star Tours, but what you’ll find here is more than just a small souvenir shop. at Traders guests can construct their own truly unique lightsaber, manufacture one-of-a-kind droid companions at the Droid Factory or hunt down rare collectables. There also a ton of fun Star Wars-themed clothing, souvenirs and toys celebrating this epic saga.
2. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (Magic Kingdom) –For some reason, Disney and Christmas just seem to go hand-in-hand, that’s why you’ll find this quaint little Disney-themed Christmas Shop packed with visitors year round. What better way to remember your magical family vacation then with one of the delightful Christmas ornaments having pride of place on your family Christmas tree. There is even an amazing crew of skillful Cast Members that will customize your ornaments with dates and names. With a range of fantastic themes, you can buy something for Baby’s First Christmas, A Wedding, or even a graduation. Definitely pop by during your next visit to the Mouse. Even in the July heat, you’ll be singing Christmas Carols in no time.
1. Memento Mori (Magic Kingdom) – Chalk it up to my love the macabre or the delightfully creepy items you can find here – when it comes to Disney gift shops, this delightful location is tops! Located next to Columbia Harbour House, everything in this shop is 100% devoted to The Haunted Mansion attraction. Guests will find a plethora of spooky items from clothing, art, collectables, souvenirs and housewares. But one of the things that helps elevate this shop to the top of the list is that guests can pay $20 for an old-fashioned portrait sitting. The end product is a ghostly image (aka lenticular portrait) that magically transforms your face into one of the 999 Happy Haunts that frequent the Mansion. Its a spooky treat like no other. The shop is open daily from 9am – 11:oopm. Even if you’re not a Haunted Mansion fan it’s definitely worth a visit for all of the curiosities you’ll find there.
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