Disney World Gift Shops You Need to Check Out

in Disney, Merchandise, Theme Parks

Interior shot of Windtraders_unique shopping feature image

Credit: D23

It goes without saying that a vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to come away with some pretty remarkable gift finds.

Perhaps you’re seeking some extra special Disney birthday gifts or looking for unique gifts for a teacher, spouse, child, or someone else in your life. Sure, you can always shop Disney deals through the official Disney online store, or even find related merchandise at venues outside of Disney World, in the greater Tampa, Florida, area. But the fact remains, shopping directly on Disney property, in Disney World gift shops, is still optimal for most folks.

There are just so many fabulous gift shop locations worth checking out at Disney World and in nearby Disney Springs, and it can get a little overwhelming trying to keep track of them all. So, to help you out, we at Inside the Magic have compiled this concise, yet informative list of select Disney World stores we feel you absolutely must check out.

Related: Novelty Merchandise You Didn’t Know You Could Buy at Disney Stores

Main Street Emporium

This massive store spans nearly the entire left side of Main Street, U.S.A., of Magic Kingdom Park. And it remains the primary collective go-to for just about anything and everything you may be seeking, including both general Disney merch and Magic Kingdom-themed specifics. From apparel, toys, accessories, houseware, and more, this really is a shop for everyone.

Exterior shot of The Emporium at Magic Kingdom Park
Credit: Disney

Discovery Trading Company

Here’s another Disney shop you’ve got to check out, this one found at Discovery Island in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Surprisingly, though, it’s often overlooked compared to places like the aforementioned Emporium, despite being just as well-versed, if not more so. For instance, this store not only carries just about every type of souvenir you can think of related to the Animal Kingdom, but it also boasts a wealth of other unique finds and Disney-specific items. They’ve even been known to stock “exclusives” from Disney’s other theme parks, and then some!

Interior look at Discovery Trading in Animal Kingdom Park
Credit: Disney

Related: You Probably Never Knew You Could Buy These at Disney World

Windtraders

Another unique gift shop to check out at the Animal Kingdom, this Avatar-inspired venue is rightfully based within the Pandora—The World of Avatar section of the Park. Just taking in the overall thematic elements and décor comprising the store setup is reason enough to stop in and explore a bit. But don’t be fooled into thinking this place carries only Pandora/Avatar-themed products. While there are plenty of those as well, any kind of shopper seeking any kind of Disney traditional souvenir will certainly not be disappointed by the wares housed within.

Exterior shot of Windtraders
Credit: Disney

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

Here’s an absolute must-do for Disney Star Wars fans in particular. As one of the best-kept secret shop spots onsite of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s undoubtedly an experience for the books. The shop features a vast collection of novelty Star Wars-themed merchandise of all kinds, including lightsabers, replica props, original artwork, and more. And if that’s not enough, you get to interact directly with the shop’s collector, Dok-Ondar, himself—presented with marvelous animatronic technology. Perusing the whole setup may be even more arguably fun, given all the hidden Easter eggs and other subtly hindered references to the Star Wars franchise.

Up close view of Dok-Ondar
Credit: D23

Related: Disappointing News Regarding Disney’s Fifth Park: Star Wars Force World

Plaza de los Amigos

There are unquestionably many stellar stores and shops making up the World Showcase in EPCOT. But this one, which can be found inside that iconic pyramid that spans most of the Mexico Pavilion, boasts a genuinely remarkable setup. That’s because it’s done in the likeness of a vast open-air Mexican marketplace. Furthermore, its massive setup includes a series of different vendors, artisans, crafters, and more, making for so many well-versed possibilities on what you can buy in the way of authentic specialties. It’s like multiple small shops all in one!

Interior view of Plaza de los Amigos
Credit: Disney

Mitsukoshi Department Store

Aside from some name-brand chain stores in Disney Springs, most Disney locations don’t showcase department stores directly onsite. The exception is the Mitsukoshi Department Store in the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT. The store represents a direct, integral part of Japan’s history, spanning more than 300 years. So, Disney has recreated a version here for Guests to enjoy. And to say it’s a success is an understatement! It’s arguably one of the most favored shopping spots in all of Disney World, with so many original and clever goods straight from Japan. There are also several notable in-store callouts, including the pick-a-pearl experience, where you can choose an oyster to have a pearl taken from and then custom-crafted into jewelry for purchase.

Interior view of Mitsukoshi
Credit: Mitsukoshi

World of Disney

It would be challenging to try to tackle all the Disney Springs superlative shopping experiences because there are just so many. But we can’t conclude a Disney shops list without throwing a Disney Store derivative in the mix. And World of Disney at Disney Springs remains the ultimate source for everything imaginable (and unimaginable) Disney. Of course, you have all the usual wares, plush toys, clothing, accessories, merch, etc. But the store is so much more than that, too—an alternate attraction, so to speak. And we mean that literally…you just have to be in the store to know what we’re talking about. Just don’t be too shocked if anything springs to life suddenly!

Exterior view of World of Disney in Disney Springs
Credit: Disney

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We really could go on and on listing even more gift shop recommendations for you, but this is an excellent guide to start with. Do you have any alternate Disney gift shop recommendations for us? Let us know in the comments.

in Disney, Merchandise, Theme Parks

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