Growing up, the last day of our trip was dedicated to shopping. This was when we would raid Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs) and get everything we were eyeballing at the parks. Eventually, we couldn’t wait, so we would shop in the parks but send it to our resort; that was such a great perk. With time I started to narrow down which stores were my favorite and the ones with the best merchandise. After researching and opening my wallet many times, I have come up with a list of the top 5 places to shop at Disney World.
Creations Shop is very new to the mix, but this space used to be home to MouseGear, a store I loved dearly. I used to get lost in this store and eventually filled my hands with the merchandise. Even though I miss the old shop, Creations has grown on me. The location is filled with EPCOT-specific items and always has the latest trendy releases. It can get hectic in there, especially closer to park close, but if you wander through during the middle of the day, it should be smooth sailing.
#4 Disney Style
Disney Style is located in Disney Springs. Here guests can find trendy clothing and accessories that don’t necessarily scream Disney. For the most part, merchandising at this location is more subtle, and if you have been on the hunt for a new release item, it’s most likely here. Every time I go to Disney Springs, I stop at this store just in case I find something that I need.
#3 Fulton’s General Store
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside has one of the most incredible hotel stores, Fulton’s General Store. The location is massive but also highly themed. While shopping, guests can find their favorite Disney characters throughout the store. The resort-specific merchandise is pretty great and reflects the property perfectly. One of the best parts of this store is that most of the time, you can find unique items you find in most places.
@wdwinfo The BEST resort store at Walt Disney World #disney #wdw #disneyshopping #disneyresort ♬ GOOD TIME – Niko Moon
I know the Emporium is a must-do for many and a must-avoid for some. I fall in the middle of the two, but it’s also such a classic. If you visit Magic Kingdom, you have to at least step foot into the store. Yes, it can be hectic in there, sometimes more than wild, to be honest. But it’s magical nonetheless. I do prefer going to Uptown Jewelers across the street because they always have the newest Loungefly, limited edition MagicBands, and of course, jewelry. The reason it’s number two on my list is that the nostalgia it provides is immense, and let’s be honest, the store is enormous, so there’s a lot of merchandise to search through.
#1 Discovery Trading Company
Discovery Trading Company is my go-to store. Whenever I can’t find something at Magic Kingdom or EPCOT, I know this shop will have the item I’m looking for. Guests can find this location near the Tree of Life, and it has many entrances, even one by DinoLand U.S.A.; that’s how large the store is. I have seen Magic Kingdom-specific merchandise here, along with other unique pieces.
One of my favorite sections is the home decor section because they have so much to offer, not just mugs. They have pillows, throws, dining sets, art, and more. Discovery Trading Company is also a great shortcut when exiting the park and wanting to avoid crowds. Each time I visit Animal Kingdom, I spend at least 35 minutes walking around the store, browsing all the new merchandise. It’s hard not to buy everything, but I’m working on self-control.
Now that we have gone through my list, I want to know yours. Which stores at Disney World do you think are the best?
Hi, I'm Erica, and I write about all things Disney. Before working for The DIS, I was a theme park performer at SeaWorld, but I also performed at Disney. I have such an immense love for theme parks to the point I studied them in college.