If you’re not staying at a particular resort, chances are pretty slim that you’ll get to know its gift shop. However, there are several resort gift shops on property that have unique offerings or an entertaining atmosphere that are worth a visit, even if you’re staying elsewhere.
If you have a little extra time on your next visit, stop by one of these resorts to do a little extra shopping.
1. Zawadi Marketplace at Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Zawadi Marketplace gift shop at Animal Kingdom Lodge features rich African theming to go with the rest of the resort. Among the merchandise you’ll find plenty of home décor pieces along the same lines. If you’re looking for tribal instruments, carved animals of the savannah, or African artwork, this is the place to find it.
This is also where you’ll occasionally find King Pin. This African King is among pin trading royalty. You can step up onto his red carpet and trade with him from his massive pin collection.
Best for: Things you forgot to buy while you were in Animal Kingdom
While you’re here: No visit to the Animal Kingdom Lodge is complete without a stroll out back. Once you’ve made it this far, it would practically be a crime not to head out those giant doors at the back of the lobby to visit the savannah. Giraffes, zebras, and other animals are free-roaming. Head around the pool area and you’ll spot other species in more segregated environments as well.
2. Ink & Paint Shop at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
If you’re not familiar with the Art of Animation Resort, it has four themed areas that highlight Disney and Disney-Pixar favorites. These include The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Cars, and Finding Nemo. The gift shop at Art of Animaion is unique because it offers some great themed merchandise featuring these four movies that you won’t easily find elsewhere.
Best for: Anyone planning to decorate a Cars-themed bedroom, or looking for clothing that features a throwback to these animated classics.
While you’re here: Head outside to Radiator Springs and get some great photos with all the main characters from Cars.
3. Panchito’s Gifts and Sundries at Coronado Springs
The Coronado Springs gift shop has a distinctly Mexican flair. The merchandise follows suit and includes such items as fine tequilas and Mexican cookbooks. The central display is a dream come true for visitors who enjoy this type of cuisine. This gift shop is also notable for its size. It has plenty of space to cover all the basics, with everything from apparel to toys.
Best for: Items you forgot to buy in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.
While you’re here: Stop by the Pepper Market for a quick counter service meal that has something special to offer. You’ll find everything from tacos to Italian to BBQ Ribs, so you can satisfy everyone in your party.
4. Boutiki at the Polynesian Resort
Boutiki is so richly themed that you’ll find few of the standards here, making it a great stop when you’re looking for something really original. The island theme lends tisel well to tropical cookbooks and novelties like coconut postcards. You can also find many pieces of the Adventureland dishware that’s so popular at Centerpiece in Downtown Disney. The giant tikis found throughout the store make for some great photo ops as well.
Best for: Adventureland memorabilia you missed while you were at the Magic Kingdom
While you’re here: Head out back to Pineapple Lanai for a Dole Whip.
5. Fulton’s General Store at Port Orleans Riverside
Fulton’s General Store has all your typical gift shop finds including kitchen wares, scrapbooking supplies, plush animals, and Disney apparel. It also offers New Orleans cookbooks and some themed artwork with a New Orleans flair. One of the gift shop’s best features isn’t what it sells as much as the atmosphere that it sells it in. This store features moving characters atop many of the shelves, including a large Goofy teetering precariously on a ladder after getting a bit of soot in his face. See if you can spot the mischievous culprits behind his condition.
Best for: Shopping in a quiet and relaxing environment. This gift shop lacks the crowds and congestion you’ll find elsewhere.
While you’re here: Rent a bike or take a carriage ride along the Sassagoula River.
Whether you’re staying on property or off, these resorts offer some enticing reasons to stop by for a visit. You can park at any of these Disney resorts to check out the shops after showing a valid drivers license or identification. You can also catch a bus (or boat or monorail as the case may be) from Downtown Disney or any Walt Disney World park to these and other resorts on property.
