There is a lot to feel overwhelmed with in the world of Disney. No matter where you go, you’ll be surrounded by endless magic and intrigued. Best of all, on almost every ride and experience, and on every sidewalk, there are gift shops and gift carts filled with the cutest, coolest stuff ever.
On my recent trip to Disney, I didn’t take the kids (I’m not evil; it was a work trip) and I was determined to bring back something perfect and special for each of my kids. But I wasn’t prepared for so many choices. Especially on a multi-day trip to multiple parks, it’s hard for me to know when to buy something and when to wait. I also have a hard time knowing when I can find an item at another store, or when I’m looking for a one-time gift purchase.
Just like shopping at Costco, shopping at Disney is a bit like a treasure hunt – which makes it super fun but sometimes difficult for indecisive people and perfectionists, and I am both!
After that experience, here is my quick gift shop guide for others so that you can be as strategic as possible when shopping at Disney.
Best one-stop gift shop
Most of the time, I want to complete my shopping in one go. When I try to experience the parks, I don’t have to worry about doing just a little bit at a time, and I can check everyone off my list instantly. I learned that each of the four main parks has a large comprehensive gift shop, as well as two great off-the-beaten-path options.
Disney World, Disney Springs
Disney Springs is this Shopping outside the park. So it’s no surprise that it’s home to the largest collection of Disney merchandise in the world. This is definitely a good thing and I definitely do most of my shopping here including t-shirts, sweatshirts, stuffed animals, and jewelry. But you should also note that, at least during our weekend night stay, it felt very crowded and overwhelming. Are there too many choices?
Magic Kingdom Main Street Mall
When you walk down Main Street in Magic Kingdom, you might think you’re passing by a bunch of small stores, but step inside and you’ll find they’re all one big store: Emporium. There is a lot of Disney merchandise here, stop by to shop on the way into the park (maybe a pair of ears) or stop on the way out so you don’t have to carry anything.
Creative Shop, Epcot
Mickey is the centerpiece of the Epcot flagship store event. I like this option because Epcot is more shopping-centric in general, and the gift shop is spacious and well-lit, making it a calmer and happier place to shop than some of the other options in the park. Like other flagship stores, this one is very close to the entrance and exit, which is super convenient.
Hollywood Mickey, Hollywood Studios
This is the big gift shop at Hollywood Studios, and I really like the retro Hollywood feel. I also like the way it’s separated, like the park is divided into different areas Star Wars, toy storyTower of Terror and more. It’s huge and the selection is great.
Discovery Trading Company, Animal Kingdom
This is the flagship mall of Animal Kingdom and perhaps the best place in all the parks to buy amazing stuffed animals. Additionally, it offers special toys, gifts and souvenirs from the parks, including your Avatar, lion kingand dinosaur delicacies. There is a big line for check-out, so you can get in and out quickly!
Orlando Airport Disney Magic Park
Finally, don’t sleep on the two Disney Magic stores at the Orlando Airport. If you’re like me, you might find yourself forgetting something towards the end of a trip. In my case, I forgot to buy something for myself! This is the perfect solution. While they don’t sell all the specialty items in the park, the store is large and has a wide variety of basic gifts, making it easy to find something you like at the last minute.
Best specialty gift shop
In addition to the large one-stop shopping options around Disney World, there are also some specialty stores you shouldn’t miss. These smaller stores often offer items you won’t find elsewhere in the park, making for a fun shopping experience that’s enjoyable and memorable whether you buy something or not.
Wind business, animal kingdom
This is one of my favorite places to shop at Disney, not least because my daughter is obsessed with everything Avatar. Located as you leave the stunning “Avatar: Flight of Passage” rides, this atmospheric shop has many Avatar Great stuff and role play opportunities. There are also special events including a customizable N’avi statue, a banshee adoption station, and a bracelet and necklace making station. I got a banshee shoulder stuffed animal for my Pandora lover.
Memento Mori, Magic Kingdom
I was like a kid in a candy store at this gift shop located near the exit of the Haunted Mansion ride at Magic Kingdom. It had all the creepy and morbid stuff and I could have bought everything there, although I chose a haunted house themed sweatshirt instead.
Hollywood Studios Doc-Hondale Caves of Antiquities
attention Star Wars Fans: This is the place to go if you want to pick up the perfect Hollywood Studios souvenir from the day. just like everyone else Star Wars A Disney World experience, this gift shop is immersive – as if you are actually in the world. This place has tons of unique items you won’t find anywhere else in the park, and has a fun otherworldly thrift store feel.
Mitsukoshi Department Store Epcot
People often talk about all the international food and fun rides at Epcot, but don’t forget that each pavilion has shops filled with items you can’t find anywhere else in Orlando. My favorite among these stores is Mitsukoshi Department Store in Japan. It’s huge and has a lot of cool stuff inside, from anime gifts to Japanese snacks to a find-your-own pearl station.
Ye Olde Christmas Shop, Magic Kingdom
It’s Christmas all year round at this gift shop located in the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Plaza. This is a gift shop where you will find things not found in other stores in the hotel, such as decorations and socks. I love shopping for Christmas decorations every time I travel and this is certainly the place to be!
