When you're in search of a unique souvenir during your vacation at Walt Disney World, one of the best places to look is in Epcot's World Showcase. You will find an abundance of authentic trinkets in each of the pavilions.
Let's start with a couple fun souvenirs for the younger travelers in your group.
One of the most fun and interactive souvenirs at Epcot is the World Showcase Passport. You can find these at the Port of Entry and Disney Traders shops located at Showcase Plaza just as you enter the World Showcase area. When you take the kids to visit the Kidcot Fun Stops the cast members will stamp the child's passport with that country's stamp.
Another Kidcot-related souvenir is the free cardboard figures that you can pick up at any Kidcot Stop in the World Showcase. The kids can decorate the figures at each stop and the cast members will stamp the handles with their country's passport stamp. In a couple of the countries " usually Morocco, China, and Japan " the cast members might also write your child's name in their native alphabet. A very cool "extra" from the Kidcot Fun Stops!
If we begin our shopping adventure in Mexico, you'll find a bustling marketplace inside the pavilion's pyramid. The Plazze De Los Amigos is home to kiosks selling sombreros, pinatas, spices, salsa, tequila, jewelry, and more. La Princessa De Cristal is presented by the Arribas Brothers and is located next to the entrance to the Gran Feista Tour attraction. You'll find a variety of crystal figurines here.
You can't miss Norway's main shopping location because once you exit Maelstrom you have to walk through the shop in order to get back out into the pavilion. The Puffin's Roost is home to authentic Norwegian gifts including sweaters, Viking helmets, trolls, toys, and Laila perfume. (You'll catch the scent of the Laila perfume as you walk into The Puffin's Roost).
One of our family's favorite things to do in each pavilion is try on hats, and when in Norway you have to try on the Viking hats. The Puffin's Roost is also home to an oversized troll which is a perfect spot for a photo with the whole family. Next door to The Puffin's Roost is the character meet-and-greet spot for Anna and Elsa from Frozen. Expect a very long wait to meet them.
In China be sure to visit the House of Good Fortune, where you'll find Chinese lanterns, hats, wine, jewelry, silk robes, tea sets, porcelain items, Buddah statues, and more. Outside the pavilion on the lagoon side you'll find a kiosk where you can purchase personalized parasols.
The Germany Pavilion is one of the best places to shop in World Showcase. You'll find authentic German beer steins in the Stein Haus, clocks and other timepieces in Volkskunst, personalized glassware at Kunstarbeit In Kristall, toys and teddy bears at Der Teddybar, wine at Weinkeller, apparel and other items at Das Kaufhaus, and of course delicious caramel goodies at Karamell-Kuche.
But perhaps the best shop in Germany is Die Weihnachts Ecke where you'll find a beautiful assortment of Christmas ornaments, including the 'world famous' pickle ornament.
In Italy shoppers will find Italian wines, olive oil, chocolate, espresso, and other goodies at Enoteca Castella. At Le Bottega Italiana you'll find hand-crafted Venetian masks, and at Il Bel Cristallo guests will find sports-themed apparel and accessories in addition to purses, scarves, jewelry, and more.
As you make your way through World Showcase, don't pass up the American Adventure Pavilion. You'll find an array of red, white, and blue All-American gifts in Heritage Manor Gifts, including hats, flags, and history books.
In Japan you'll be drawn into the Mitsukoshi Department Store. This retail wonderland is the place to find a traditional Japanese gift. The store features Japanese footwear, kimonos, anime items, Hello Kitty, and snack foods. There's also a "pick a pearl" tank where guests can choose an oyster and you get to purchase the pearl (it costs about $20).
Another wonderful pavilion for shopping is Morocco where you'll find yourself surrounded by incredible merchandise at The Brass Bazaar, Casablanca Carpets, and Marketplace in the Medina. If you can't wait to try on a fez, stop by Tangier Traders where you'll also find leather goods, traditional Moroccan clothes, and more.
France is home to the Plume et Palette where you'll find the Givenchy Shop which is the only shop in the world that carries the complete line of Givenchy cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. At La Signature you'll find Guerlain cosmetics, and if you're searching for French wines stop by Les Vins de France. Just outside the Les Halles bakery you'll find Souvenirs de France, home T-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more.
As your trip around the World Showcase takes you to the United Kingdom Pavilion be sure to stop in The Toy Soldier where you'll find Winnie the Pooh and friends, in addition to toy swords, books, and merchandise inspired by British rock bands. At the Tea Caddy you can find English teas, teapots, and more. Other shops include The Crown & Crest, the Sportsman's Shoppe, and The Queen's Table.
And in Canada you'll find everything from NHL T-shirts to stuffed toys including moose and otters, to other Canadian-themed merchandise at the Northwest Merchantile.
The World Showcase is a wonderland of shopping and you're sure to find that perfect souvenir to remember your travels. And if you're looking for a great place to shop in Future World, be sure to stop by Mouse Gear.
What is your favorite souvenir from World Showcase? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Kristen K. wrote on Mon, 03/10/2014 - 12:26:
Italy is my favorite country to shop in, with France a close second.
Jackie wrote on Mon, 03/10/2014 - 18:16:
Just an FYI I learned on a recent visit: a cast member told me that the majority of merchandise in the American pavilion is made in the U.S.A!
Lisa C. wrote on Mon, 03/10/2014 - 20:41:
My favorites are the beautiful, colorful Oaxacan wood carvings in the Mexico pavilion. I collect giraffes, and I have bought two so far.
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