Don’t Miss These UNIQUE Gift Shops in Disney World!
Theme parks are very guilty of repetitive merchandise. Mugs, sweatshirts, and magnets bearing the current year are a dime a dozen.
For people who revisit the vacation spots, this is dull. And it can be frustrating for shoppers.
If you’re stuck in an endless loop of uninspired souvenirs, I have good news for you. Disney World has many specialty gift shops.
Instead of wasting time in every shop a ride dumps you into, I’d recommend these amazing shops for amazing gifts.
Star Wars Galactic Outpost – Disney Springs
As someone married to a bona fide Star Wars nerd, I’ve spent hours in Galaxy’s Edge. My husband can’t get enough of the atmosphere and window shopping.
Aside from custom light sabers, though, he hasn’t bought much there. He’s found better merch in this Star Wars-themed Disney Springs shop.
We’ve purchased everything, including clothing, costumes, plushies, and collector pieces. This store is consistently well-stocked and never has the Hollywood Studios-level of crowds.
Granted, we’ll always peek in the Galaxy’s Edge stores, but we know that the best Star Wars gifts are in another not-so-far-away galaxy.
Chapel Hats – Disney Springs
When Downtown Disney received its Disney Springs facelift, shoppers rejoiced. Disney Springs had become a hub for Disney and non-Disney related businesses.
More “real world” stores entered, including Lily Pulitzer, Sanuk, Vera Bradley, and my personal favorite – Chapel Hats.
Whether you’re looking for a newsboy cap, flowery Kentucky Derby chapeau, or a Steampunk fashion statement – Chapel Hats is the place for you. Despite the small storefront, the shop is bursting with hats for all occasions.
I own several Chapel “Hats” and they’ve weathered many sunny vacations. I can’t walk by the store without trying on at least one.
Photo: Amazon
Marketplace Co-Op – Disney Springs
This shop may be in the “older” section of Disney Springs, but it continues to push the boundaries of new and inventive merchandise.
Connected to the clothing store, Tren-D, the Marketplace Co-op is like stepping into a mini Disney bazaar.
This store is stocked with vintage-inspired Disney clothing, pet accessories, runDisney merchandise, and a vast selection of paintings/drawings by local artisans. Three pieces of this artwork hang in my home.
(And apparently, specialty Disney Cruise Line merchandise is making an appearance.)
If something catches my eye, I don’t pass it up. Stock turns over so quickly here; I know this is my only opportunity.
Take my word for it, this shop is special.
Disney Cruise Line Merchandise – Marketplace Co-Op
Bonjour! Village Gifts – New Fantasyland (The Magic Kingdom)
This lovely shop is made for princesses, but it’s especially made for Beauty and the Beast (1990) fans. Nestled in Belle’s provincial village, you can browse here for treasures.
Originally, the shop exclusively featured Beauty and the Beast (1991) merchandise. Today, it features princess-themed items with a focus on fine art and hand-crafted collectibles.
My favorite purchases include a working Cogsworth clock and an electric Lumiere candlestick. My mom found a painting done by Paige O’Hara (the original voice of Belle), and I’m still envious of it.
If you’re looking for souvenirs destined to become heirlooms, Bonjour! Village Gifts is a must-visit.
Crystal Arts – Main Street, U.S.A. (The Magic Kingdom)
When it comes to luxury items (fine jewelry, brand-name purses, etc.), they are sold all over Disney World property.
But in my opinion, shopping for luxury items should feel… luxurious. And nothing about the chaos of the World of Disney or Emporium stores feels like a first-class experience.
When hunting for designer purses and Rebecca Hook/CRISLU jewelry, I pop into Crystal Arts on Main Street. (This shop also sells customized tiaras – yes please!)
Through the years, this store has had the best selection. The intimate size also makes it easier to get assistance or fashion advice from Cast Members.
Whether I’m celebrating a life milestone or adding to my Dooney and Burke collection, Crystal Arts never leaves me empty-handed.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe – Liberty Square (The Magic Kingdom)
Christmas lovers, rejoice! This happy holiday is celebrated all year long in this jolly shop.
Stepping into the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe feels like stepping back in time. The cinnamon and pine aromas harken back to simpler days.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom
This cozy, but well-stocked store is my go-to place for ornaments and Christmas decor. I’ve purchased personalized ornaments, knitted stockings, and other timeless collectibles.
Every year, I unpack these treasures and smile. I love being reminded of my favorite place during my favorite season.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Disney’s Magic Kingdom
I know I’ll always find Christmas cheer at this spot.
Epcot World Showcase – Various Pavilion Shops
This may be cheating, but Epcot’s World Showcase is bursting with one-of-a-kind shopping. If you’re feeling Disney souvenir fatigue, I suggest checking out shops located here:
- Germany Pavilion – Handcrafted beirsteins, glass-blown ornaments, hand-carved wooden music boxes
- Italy Pavilion – Venetian masks, Murano glass jewelry, Italian leather goods
- France Pavilion – High-end perfumes, cooking accessories, luxury cosmetics
- UK Pavilion – BBC pop culture-inspired gifts, collectible tea sets, European football jerseys
- Japan Pavilion – Authentic kimonos, anime-themed merchandise, international snacks
Norway Pavilion Collection
Truly, any of these gifts could inspire travel to these places in real life!
With these recommendations on hand, I hope finding the perfect souvenir will be less overwhelming. From all of us at MickeyBlog, we wish you happy shopping!
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