Disney puts gift shops at the exits to nearly all of their attractions, giving you endless opportunities to buy their stuff.
Today, I have tips for souvenir shopping to help you know when to buy and what to get.
I also have a quick tip on using Magical Express on a schedule that works for you.
[powerpress]
These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.
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Souvenir tips
- Budgets can vary a lot but I suggest $100 as a minimum for a week-long trip. Playing Tinker Bell or purchasing an in-room celebration can help reduce kids asking for lots of souvenirs during trips.
- Buy things when you see them because you might not see them again
- On-site guests can send items back to their resort to avoid carrying. Off-site guests can send items to the front of the park.
- Focus on exclusive items that can only be found at Disney World such as Star Wars merchandise (in the exit area of Star Tours in Hollywood Studios or Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney), Mr. Potato Head parts, CDs or Vera Bradley bags
- Cheap/free suggestions include pressed coins and the character drawings at Animation Academy at Hollywood Studios (Update: Animation Academy is no longer open at Hollywood Studios as of July 12, 2015)
- Souvenirs to help you remember the trip include personalized ornaments (available at the Christmas stores in Magic Kingdom or Downtown Disney), silhouettes (available in the France section of Epcot, a couple of locations in Magic Kingdom and in Downtown Disney), merchandise that has the year on it (such as a picture frame)
- Other favorite items include Epcot passports, Mickey ears, and pick-a-pearl in the Japan section of Epcot
Quick tip of the day
If you want to take Magical Express at a different time than when your flight is arriving or departing, use a different flight number when making your reservation.
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Do you have any questions or additional suggestions for souvenir shopping? Feel free to share in the comments.
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Michelle
Saturday 22nd of August 2020
Excellent tips, after all, who doesn't want to have wonderful memories of a trip to Disney, right?
Summer
Sunday 6th of September 2015
Hey! Love your site and your podcasts, but as I was listening I noticed there wasn't a link mentioned or more information on the Disney Florist part of the podcast. You had said you got the Mickey's Grand Welcome, I'm not sure if I just accidentally didn't hear it but could you post a link to more info on the Disney Florist stuff? Thank you!
Heather Thomas
Monday 7th of September 2015
Hi, Summer! Its there, just hidden a little. You can find the link in the first tip in the show notes up above under "in-room celebrations".
Hannah
Wednesday 22nd of July 2015
It's so sad that Animation Acadamy is no longer open I was really looking forward to it on my next trip.
Alaine Goodacre
Saturday 27th of December 2014
Hi there! Loved the podcast! We buy a Christmas ornament each year and love it. I liked how you mentioned to buy what you like when you see it because it is sometimes tricky to find it again. I also love the option of returning things if I, or my kids have a change of heart or find something else... If staying on site you can return almost anything at the shop in your resort, with your receipt and unopened, of course.
Daniel P
Friday 2nd of January 2015
We are visiting DW @ end Jan... Alaine commented "… If staying on site you can return almost anything at the shop in your resort" Can anyone else verify this?
Noelle Wilds
Friday 21st of November 2014
Wish I would have got the silhouettes :(