Everyone wants something special to take home from Disney, but there are so many options around the theme parks that choosing just a few items is a dizzying prospect. You don’t want to grab the first character mug you see only to wish for more shopping funds later in your trip. Use these tips to know where to shop, when to buy, and how to keep your purchases safe until you get home.
Know where to shop
In Walt Disney World, you’re rarely more than a few steps away from a gift shop. While you can find standard picks like pins and mugs in nearly any gift shop, there are many outstanding destinations that offer more distinctly themed wares. Take some time to think about what you’d like to buy so you can conduct a smart search for great merch rather than giving in to impulse buys.
If you have a favorite character or movie, look for gift shops that are themed to your faves. If you’re looking for Nemo and Dory, try the SeaBase Gift Shop in Epcot’s Future World. For Pirates of the Caribbean, explore the treasures in the Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar at the exit to the Pirates attraction in Magic Kingdom. If you’re a Star Wars fan, the most extensive picks are at the Star Wars Galactic Outpost at Disney Springs and Tatooine Traders in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
For festive finds that you can break out during the holiday season, you’ll find that it’s Christmas year-round in Disney’s Days of Christmas at Disney Springs. If you’re interested in chic home décor with a subtle Disney slant, hit D-Living or the Marketplace Co-Op, Disney Centerpiece in Disney Springs.
Fans of the darker side of Disney won’t want to miss Memento Mori beside the Haunted Mansion in Magic Kingdom. You’ll find plenty of chilling picks themed to the spooky house. Beverly Sunset at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is skewed toward the villainous side of Disney, with merch that serves characters like Maleficent, Cruella, and Ursula.
If you want souvenirs with a cultural slant, you can find items from Asia and Africa in the gift shops in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Epcot’s World Showcase features a gift shop for each of the featured countries. You’ll find both authentic items from those countries as well as Disney-inspired pieces with global interest added, such as products that feature Mickey and Minnie by the Eiffel tower in the gift shops of Epcot’s France.
Snag what’s unique
If you’re looking for an item that’s themed to your favorite ride or country, grab great finds when you see them. The woven baskets from Africa are unlikely to appear anywhere other than the gift shops in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The extensive collection of origami paper available in Epcot’s Japan is exclusive to this part of the park. Don’t hold off hoping to see these types of items elsewhere. Grab them now.
Resort merchandise is also unique to its destination. With the exception of some pins, items that sport the Grand Floridian logo are only available at the Grand Floridian. The rustic finds at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge only appear at their gift shop. If you see hotel-themed items in a resort gift shop, snag them while you can.
If you’re not sure whether you’ll see a certain type of merch again, don’t hesitate to find a Cast Member and ask. Merchandise Cast Members are a great source of information. They can peek in the back for different colors or styles, tell you which stores carry similar wares, and offer some suggestions for similar merchandise in other parts of the resort.
Buy common items late in your stay
If you’re shopping for a common item that’s regularly found throughout the theme parks, take some time to browse all your options and pick your favorites toward the end of your stay. Some examples of products that you’ll find in great variety throughout the parks include:
- Mugs
- Pins
- Apparel with the year or WDW logo
- Ear hats
- Baseball caps
- Vinylmation
- Plush animals
These types of products are so widely available that you’ll want to check out everything the parks have to offer before you settle on just one item. While you can return items to Disney gift shops, it’s a hassle to carry them around with you for this purpose. Browse for a few days and buy at the end if you’re planning an extended stay.
Keep purchases safe
Disney’s attractions all allow you to take your bags on the ride with you. While this is convenient for guests who dislike the hassle of moving items from locker to locker, as you do at Universal, it also means that you’ll have to stuff whatever you’re carrying into the small pouches available on ride vehicles and hope that delicate pieces really do have enough bubble wrap to survive.
Say goodbye to the hassle of carrying your merchandise with you all day. If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort, you can have your purchases delivered directly to your room. This is by far the best option. You can also have your items sent to Guest Services for pick-up at the end of the day.
If you have something bulky or you’re working with limited room in your suitcase, Disney will also package and ship your purchases to your home. Just ask about the available options when you check out to lighten your load and keep things easy during your time in the parks.
With a few smart strategies to guide your buys, you can make sure that your Disney World purchases are well-chosen and properly protected so you have something special to enjoy long after your visit is over.
