When you think of souvenirs, what comes to mind? T-shirts? Hats?
Key chains, knickknacks, and tchotchkes? Well. Whether you adore them or abhor
them, souvenirs are a must, especially for friends and family back at home. But
what to buy? Before you shell out cash for a generic mouse-eared doodad, have a
look at our list of the top 5 must-have souvenirs from Walt Disney World.
Pick a
Pearl – Epcot
If you’re seeking a royal souvenir for your princess, try Pick a
Pearl at the Japan pavilion in Epcot. For around $15, you can choose a live
oyster from the tank. The employees cut open the oyster before your eyes and
reveal your pearl inside; there may even be two! Colors range from cream or
gray, to blue or pink. You can also choose whether to have your pearl in a
take-home baggie, or have it placed in one of the shop’s ready-made jewelry
settings. This is the perfect souvenir for those looking to take home a unique
memory of their time at Disney World.
Once Upon
a Toy – Downtown Disney
If someone you know loves Toy Story, a world of fun awaits at
Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney. For just over $20, children can fill a
container with as many Mr. Potato Head accessories – eyes, ears, arms, and more
– as they can cram in. Many of the accessories are exclusive to Disney World
and can’t be purchased anywhere else. The Potato Head parts are inside of giant
plastic kiosks. Kids will have a ball going through the options and stocking up
on their favorites. Whether this souvenir is for someone with you or someone
waiting back at home, this is a gift that will surely delight the recipient.
Our recommendation: save a little cash by buying Mr. Potato Head somewhere
else. The Potato Head dolls sold at Disney can be a little more expensive than
those at your local store, so hold off until you get home.
Design a
Tee – Downtown Disney
Almost all of the souvenirs at Disney World are customizable,
but for the best in personalized items, try Design a Tee in Downtown Disney.
Step up to one of the t-shirt shaped designing stations and choose from over
400 Disney characters. You can even add words and phrases of your own for that
extra special touch. If Design a Tee happens to be busy, simply tell them to
deliver the shirt to your hotel. If you’d rather wait for your souvenir, watch
as the t-shirt you’ve selected flies up through a pneumatic tube and travels
through a maze of transparent tunnels above. When the shirt finally lands
backstage, your design is implemented on the fabric. The service is fast and
easy, and the work is high-quality. Even better? The shirts come with unique
cloth gift bags. That saves you the hassle of getting the shirt wrapped if it’s
a gift for someone at home.
Kiosk in
the China pavilion – Epcot
Just outside the Yong Feng Shangdian Department Store in Epcot’s
China pavilion, you’ll notice souvenir kiosks selling beautiful parasols. With
bright colors and lovely paintings of lotus flowers and cherry blossoms, these
paper parasols are another example of a unique Disney souvenir. When you buy
the parasol, the vendor will write your name in Chinese on the umbrella. This
parasol is perfect for that special someone who loves decorating or has
eclectic tastes. Don’t forget to buy one for yourself, too: it’s a great way to
protect yourself from the hot sun while you’re walking around the park.
Animation
Academy – Hollywood Studios
The Animation Academy has a great way for the entire family to
have a blast while snagging a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Every 30 minutes, the
academy offers classes on drawing Disney characters. Because you don’t know
which character you’ll be drawing until class starts, there’s a nice element of
surprise. The teacher will show you how to use simple lines and shapes to draw
the character, and the techniques are easy enough to make a novice seem like an
expert. When your design is finished, your teacher will go over your lines with
a colored pencil to perfect the piece. Your drawing will be the perfect
heart-felt gift for someone back home.
For more Disney souvenirs that go beyond mouse-eared hats and
Magic Kingdom key chains, simply keep your eyes open while you’re at the park.
There are souvenirs on every corner, and with a little creativity and a good
eye, you’ll find the best in no time.
This article was written
by Todd, who blogs about Disney Sweepstakes at his blog SweepstakesFanatics.com Todd's
favorite Disney park is Epcot, he loves to eat at the restaurant at the Italian
pavilion and the Teppan Edo restaurant at the Japanese pavilion.
