Disney Shopping…
Two words that bring about excitement, Disney and shopping! Shopping at Disney World could be likened to an attraction or even a sporting event that takes place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Whether it is in the parks or Downtown Disney, you are guaranteed a diverse variety of merchandise that caters to any desire or “need” you may have. Today we will cover our favorite as well as most unique shopping locations within WDW parks and Downtown Disney. Let me make mention that some of my greatest shopping moments have been in Disney Resorts, as they have resort specific merchandise that may not be found anywhere else on property. Let’s begin with the parks-
MagicKingdom
Main Street USA*
Emporium -This is the place to shop to find just about anything you are looking for. The store encompasses quite a long layout and will have kitchen wares to men’s fashion. My favorite room still remains the same, about mid way through the emporium is the princess section. All the tiaras, tutus and princess fashion one could hope for.
Chapeau – My favorite place to get a new set of “ears” or maybe your first! Be the first customer and get your name embroidered for free!
Crystal Arts – The partnership of Disney and handbags is a marriage made in heaven. This is where you will find all the latest and greatest, I can’t believe Nicole and I made it out without spending a dime, though we did leave breathless.
Adventureland *
Zanzibar Trading Co – I can’t say I have made it into this shop every visit- but I love the unique gifts you will find here that will not be in any other shop in the Magic Kingdom. They have an Africa/Asian flair. I would liken it to a very small version of the gift shop in the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Frontierland *
Briar Patch – I can’t resist a peek in this store, I love Splash Mountain and they have attraction specific merchandise here. Besides, the entrance is so darn cute it just calls to your Brer side.
Liberty Square -*
Liberty Square Portrait Gallery – I have not patronized this store but have it on my bucket list. I have wanted to have Rebekah’s shadow art profile done since her first visit. It would have been a wonderful memento to have done each year, but I missed that Liberty Boat. It’s never too late to start.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe – My daughter’s first Christmas ornament was purchased in this store. It can be very cramped, try to go in carriage free or leave the kiddies with your traveling partner. Another note* if you would like to have your ornament engraved, it is a great possibility they will ask to mail it to your home because of the heavy demand in personalization.
Tomorrowland *
Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. – you will enter this shop as you exit Space Mountain. I love to see the attraction t-shirts they have displayed. One of my most favorite shirts was purchased from this very shop.
Epcot
You can shop from the future to the Old World
Futureworld *
Mouse Gear – I liken this shop to the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom. It almost resembles a department store in its layout which I prefer to the Emporium. It’s one of those stores you could browse for an hour or run in to find that last minute souvenir for someone back home (which I have done many times)
World Showcase * the following are my favorite Countries to shop and browse.
Mexico –
My favorite pavilion to visit because of the nighttime outdoor market feel. Not only is the atmosphere remarkable, the Mexican wares are so interesting to browse through. Sombreros of every size, bongo drums, worry dolls. We have left this market with bags in hand countless times.
China –
One of the largest shopping destinations in World Showcase, I love to try on their authentic Chinese clothing and browse through their coral and jade jewels. I have purchased many teacher gifts in this shop.
Germany –
Germany is always a must stop shop for me. I have purchased glassware and had it personally engraved, shopped for Christmas ornaments, enjoyed browsing the teddy bears and dolls and had a wonder “Wine Flight” with Nicole.
Morocco –
This is another fun location to browse and shop. The waft of incense calls to you from the “street”. You will see stacks of carpets, towers of fez hats, and coin skirts. My past purchased possessions have been a picnic style basket and jewelry.
America –
Though a rather small shop, I tend to find an abundance of clearance merchandise that you may not necessarily think you would find here. One year I found an Orange Bird t-shirt; to this day I am kicking myself for not getting it. I purchased a whole wardrobe for my daughter’s Duffy Bear – buy one get one free!
Outpost –
Bead Outpost – Old Disney guide books and other out-of-date Disney paper products are sent to this gentleman’s family in Uganda. His family hand rolls the papers into beautifully colored beads and strings them into necklaces and bracelets. This product is extremely durable and water resistant. How cool to wear a bit of recycled Walt Disney World.
Hollywood Studios
In creating this Shopping post, I realized I am not qualified to speak on the topic of Shopping in Hollywood Studies. I have always wanted a time allotted for window/shopping in this park, but my family had other thoughts and plans. I have shopped at –
In Character – They are stocked with princess gear. We have decorated our own crowns and blinged out our charm bracelets at this open aired shop.
Please share with us your favorite Hollywood Studios Souvenir Shop and why you love it so much.
Animal Kingdom
Africa *
Mombasa Marketplace/Ziwani Traders –No African village would be complete without a marketplace and shops. This one is my favorite because of the quantity of merchandise. Kilimanjaro Safari souvenirs and apparel, T-shirts, hats, gourds, carvings and jewelry, are but a few of the many gifts and souvenirs offered here.
Downtown Disney
Disney’s Days of Christmas – its fun to have a little Christmas all year round and what perfect souvenirs to bring home, a Disney ornament.
Disney’s Pin Traders – Looking for that special pin for your collection, you’ll find it here! They have a mystery pin basket, $1.00 for a mystery pin. One of my favorite pins came out of this basket!
Goofy’s Candy Company – make your own candy concoctions!
Market Place Fun Finds – Want a souvenir under $25.00? Check this place out; it’s my go to souvenir shop when I’m stumped and broke!
Mickey’s Pantry – They carry cooking supplies and ingredients. Bring home a bag of Mickey Pasta (perfect souvenir for a little one a home), I have found cute Disney place settings that have become part of our everyday meals.
Once Upon a Toy Store – The Toys -r-us of Disney. My favorite is the huge circular display of Make Your Own Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head.
Tren-D – Hands down my favorite store on Disney property. We Two Moms could set up a tent and camp out right on the showroom floor. In our opinion, the coolest and cutest of Disney fashion from head to toe including accessories. Make sure you make this part of your D-shopping experience!
World of Disney – The name says it all; with multiple upon multiple rooms of Disney merchandise. You can easily spend hours shopping in this Kingdom sized store. You are bound to find your Disney desire in one or more of these rooms:
Magic Room: Photo frames, towels, snow globes.
Princess Experience Room: everything princess and home of Bibbidi, Bobbidi Boutique
Enchanted Dining Room: Kitchen items, mugs and more photo frames
Adventure Room: Boys clothing
Villains Room: Collectibles, jewelry/watches, D-trading pins, clocks
Map Room: Computer software, CDs, stationery and Disney souvenirs such as pens, magnets, key chains.
Carnival Room: Plush “animals”
Bird Room: Men’s clothing
Snow White Room: Infant/toddler clothing and accessories
Great Hall: Women’s clothing, sleepwear and more
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D-Street – Collector of Vinylmation? Here is where you want to be, create your own Vinylmation table as well as trading. This is a unisex store carrying pop culture items and clothing for the “Disney street smart” guy and or gal.
I hope you have enjoyed our list of favorite Walt Disney World Shopping locations. We would love to hear about yours!