The Sassy List of Best Disney Shopping
In honor of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and all those other unofficial shopping holidays that are upon us, today I'm going to share my favorite places to Shop at Walt Disney World. Side note: Since I've made a lot of lists, I decided to call these "Sassy" lists, short for Sassagoula Times lists. Corny? Not sure yet. But despite the fact that maybe there is nothing sassy about them, I've landed on that.
I have done my Christmas shopping entirely at Walt Disney World before, the year I was interning there. Believe it or not, a lot of my finds were not Disney themed merchandise. There is a lot of neat stuff you can find to buy in the parks. My favorite places to shop that time around, in general, ended up being World Showcase and Disney's Animal Kingdom. These were the two places where I was able to find the most unique gifts, because of the multinational theme.
If multinational isn't your thing, though, there is still plenty to be found. So without further delay, here is the first "official" Sassy list of my favorite shops around Walt Disney World.
Animal Kingdom
Mombasa Marketplace (Africa) - I love this shop for the African art you an find there. There is also a great selection of Animal Kingdom t-shirts there typically. This is where I always find my favorite Animal Kingdom shirt when on vacation.
Mandala Gifts (Asia)- This little cart always smells amazing when you walk by because among other things, they sell incense and incense burners. You may also find chimes, tea, and of course Disney apparel.
Windtraders (Pandora) - This shop has two major things going for it: the chance to build an Avatar model that looks like you, and the chance to "adopt" a banshee. Both are really cool. Last time I was there my daughter adopted a banshee and it's really a pretty neat puppet like creature. The whole experience of 'adopting" is themed as well with the "trainer" telling you about the personalities of your banshee and how to train it. Kids will love it. Adults will too.
Disney Hollywood Studios
Sid Cahuenga's One of a Kind - Tucked to the left as you enter the park, this little misplaced looking shack is one of the coolest shops on Disney property. It's a shop I recommend stopping into but maybe not planning on buying anything in. Unless you have enough money to drop on a movie prop.
Sweet Spells - on Sunset Boulevard, this has made other lists as my favorite confectionary on Disney Property. Buy a poison apple for that special fairest of them all here.
Tattooine Traders - This is the official "exit through the gift shop" of the Star Tours ride, but you can enter without going on Star Tours. As the name implies, it's a mecca for Star Wars merchandise.
Disney Springs
World of Disney - what list would be complete without a stop at World of Disney, the largest Disney merchandise store in the world. Although overwhelming at times, this is where you must go if there is a Disney something or other you can't find anywhere else. Beyond the normal Disney apparel, autograph books, stuffed animals, and toys, you will also find Disney kitchenware, Disney jewelry, an entire room of Disney hats, Disney ties, etc.
The Art of Disney - This shop has two locations - EPCOT and Disney Springs. Here you can find animation stills and lithographs as well as other Disney themed art.
Ghirardelli's - Who doesn't like chocolate? And you get a free piece just for walking in. As a bonus, the hot chocolates made in this shop are among the best on Earth.
The Lego Store - Follow the lego sea serpent swimming in the harbor to this store. You will find a wide variety of Lego sets and Lego merchandise. One of my favorites is the key chains. There's an area for kids to use pieces in a tub to make a custom figure they can purchase. And there's a bar of individual Lego pieces for the real Lego geek.
Star Wars Galactic Outpost - Yes, this is another Star Wars shop. Yes, it's kind of like Tattooine Traders but in general less busy since it is NOT an exit to a ride, so if you are in the area and need Star Wars merch, go here.
Lefty's - This is a shop dedicated to merch made for left-handed people. The lefty in your life will appreciate this.
EPCOT
Mitsukoshi Department Store (Japan) - You would not suspect such a large mecca of Japanese culture to be hiding in this quiet EPCOT pavilion, and yet, there it is in all it's Hello Kitty, Pokemon, and Totoro glory. But wait! There's more! You can crack open an oyster and find a pearl you can set into jewelry here! You can purchase an honest to goodness kimono here! You can get your name painted on a grain of rice here! This is an honest to goodness full of wonders shop.
Germany (all the shops) - I was torn about the Germany pavilion. I could pick, but why? All the shops in this pavilion are interconnected in a horseshoe-like shape around the town square, so I say start on one end and work your way through. Among the things inside, you will find a Werther's candy store, a place you can buy beer steins, a place you can buy good German brandy, a beautiful (and quiet pricey) shop of crystal art, and an adorable toy shop that features stuffed teddy bears.
Twinings Tea (England) - I'm a bit of a tea snob, and I have to admit Twinings is not my very favorite. But still I love this shop. It might be because it feels so very English. It might be because they have all the flavors of Twinings. Not sure, but I do love this place and if you have a tea drinker in your life, they probably will too.
The Magic Kingdom
The Emporium - No stop to the Magic Kingdom is complete without a stroll through the Emporium which takes up one entire length of Main Street USA (basically from Casey's Corner on up the street toward the train station). It's not World of Disney, but it's close and you'll likely find the Disney merch you crave here.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe - With all those extra "e's" you know it must be cute. This place is always hopping busy, but for good reason. If you are looking for any Disney themed Christmas ornaments, this is the place to go. You can even personalize your ornaments (another long line, but if that's your thing, this is the place).
Resorts
Basin at the Grand Floridian - Basin makes bath products like salts, bath bombs, soaps, solid shampoo, etc. There are two locations at Walt Disney World, the one at the Grand Floridian, and the one at Disney Springs. I recommend the Grand Floridian because it's convenient (on the monorail loop) and just adorable. It somehow fits so well with the theme of this resort. They even make bath bombs with special Disney themes, like "Wishes".
These are my favorite shopping spots at Walt Disney World. What are yours? Leave a comment and let us know.
