WDW is a magical place. Foods, rides, entertainment, characters… and shopping!
I love shopping at WDW. Not only do they obviously have the best Disney selections, but there are some places that are unique and not particularly Disney, but I can only get them while we are in the Sunshine State.
This is not a complete list, or even a favorites, must do list. This is just a few of my faves, and hopefully you will share a few with me. I am always up to a new shopping adventure!
So if I am out for Disney merch, here are a few of my go to places around the World:
Contemporary Resort: Fantasia and Bayview Gifts
We have stayed at Bay Lake Towers as DVC members quite a few times. After a quick lunch at Contempo Café, I like going to the shops and looking at the Disney merch. They are never as crowded as, say, Emporium at MK, but each has a great selection.
Fantasia is a great place to go pin hunting. I have a large canvas in our family room that is essentially a pin board of memories and family adventures. If I am looking for a particular pin, Fantasia is a great spot to get it. The selection is immense. They also have a nice selection of plushies, toys pet, and tech accessories.
BVG is an upscale Disney merch store. I like perusing here at the nicer line clothing… think Tommy Bahama, Vera Bradley, home goods. Jewelry, and Artwork. Nice Loungefly selection too. Never overly crowded, staff super nice, and a bakery on one end to make it smell good. Very pleasant shopping.
So before I go on…. I am not including Emporium (MK) or World of Disney (Disney Springs) on this list. They are great! They are fun! They are crowded!!!! Hard to relax and shop, especially if Little Banshee has had enough of crowds for the day. But if you are looking for specific character merch, here be your destinations!
Epcot
Mitsukoshi (Japan)
Little Buster and I spend so much time and money here. No joke! Like manga, Pokemon, Hello Kitty? Like Japanese artwork, clothers, accessories, tea sets? Want to try weird Kit Kat flavors? Need lucky cats? This is your place! They also used to have Pick a Pearl, but that has not been here since COVID, and no word if that is coming back. I always end up getting my mother something here. Little Banshee has some really cute Japanese barrettes from here. I have a few silk fans from here. Little Buster every year gets a set of collector chop sticks. Maybe I need a kimono…..
House of Good Fortune (China)
My silk wall hangings above my bed are actually silk pillow shams from this store. Here is a collection of clothes, jewelry, figurines, toys, and whatever knick knacks they can fit in. It is a colorful fun store, prices are pretty reasonable and your souvenir will be unique.
Plaza de Los Amigos (Mexico)
Little stalls and carts inside the volcano in Mexico. Wood carved animals, really pretty glass Jewelry, and all things Mexico in here. Big bonus… air conditioning is great in the volcano, and ambiance is top notch.
I would also suggest just weaving in and out of all the shops in the World Showcase. I now wear Laila as my signature fragrance, and I discovered it first in the Norway gift shop. You never know what you may find…
Gateway Gifts, Creations Shop, Port of Entry
All good for Epcot specific or festival merch!
Hollywood Studios: Batuu
Here is where my vacation money lands as far as souvenirs. I am a unashamed Star Wars nerd. I have made a light saber at Savis (worth my $200) Little Buster and I made droids at Droid Depot. My favorite stalls are the Creature stall and the Resistance stalls outside Rise of the Resistance. Oh the money I have spent. Without an ounce of regret! Great unique star wars pins, my stuffed loth cat, model X-Wing ( I love X-Wings! Black One is my favorite!). Doc Ondors is also a great place to peruse. All the legacy lightsabers are here. My favorite little souvenir is the flash drive that looks like the data thingie Poe and BB8 retrieved in The Force Awakens…. Fun movie prop!
Animal Kingdom
My favorites are Windtraders (Pandora merch), Expedition Everest Merchandise and SouvenEars (Yeti! He is so damn cute) Island Mercantile (Animal Kingdom merch). Need anything Disney and animal print – go here!
Disney Springs
Just go and look around. Every year there is somewhere new I like. The Star Wars store, the Marvel Store, the Christmas store. And grab some Gideons merch – it is so cute! (and of course get a cookie and a cold brew!)
[Buster: I’m surprised that she didn’t mention the Lego Store. She is a Lego fiend!]
Best of the Rest
There are so many more you could list but these are the ones I find myself in year after year. Every vacation I find some great something in another place, but these are consistent, tried and true.
And if you are a shopper, brave the Vineland outlets! Worth it for the Disney Character Warehouse alone, but some great outlets there for clothes and shoes. Buster laments my going near the Crocs outlet but I live in them at work every day. I am a veterinarian and they are the best footware at the hospital and hoseable! Lately, we always make a stop at Tommy Bahama so Buster can add to his tropical print button down shirt collection. Long term planning for retirement!
Now go forth and shop my friends! Let me know what places you love and what goodies you have gotten as souvenirs and treasure!
AD: We hope you enjoyed this post. If you are coming to Central Florida and need a place to stay, please consider the Encore Magic Villa. It sleeps up to 12 and features a game room, theater room, themed bedrooms, and private pool… located only a short drive from the Magic!
