DisneyTips.com Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
So you want to bring home a souvenir from Walt Disney World to remind you of your trip or as a gift for a friend or relative back home. Maybe you want to add Disney artwork or kitchen accessories to your Disney-themed home. Or perhaps you want to get a headstart on Christmas shopping. Maybe you didn’t anticipate a change in weather and need to purchase a sweatshirt or hat. Whatever the reason, there are countless shops in all four Disney parks and in Disney Springs for every occasion and desire. Shopping in Walt Disney World is designed to be effortless and fun. For many people, myself included, shopping is always an important part of the amazing Disney experience for many reasons.
[google_ad]
7. Using Magic Bands
With the introduction of Magic Bands, there’s no need to hunt around in my bag for cash or credit cards. I can quickly and easily tap my Magic Band to the cashier’s console, enter a private PIN number, and be on my way. My purchase are charged back to my Disney resort hotel room using credit card privileges I set up when I checked in.
6. Sending packages back to your resort
I hate walking around the parks all day with gift shop purchases shoved in my bag or hanging off of my wrist. Many times when I see something I’d like to purchase, I’d rather buy it right away instead of waiting until the end of the day when I might be too tired to go back to the original store. Because Walt Disney World has nicely thought of this dilemma, I can take advantage of the option to send my packages back to my Walt Disney World resort. All I have to do is inform the Cast Member of this when I’m paying for my purchases. Be aware that this option isn’t available the day you are checking out or the day before. Packages are typically delivered the following afternoon to your Disney resort gift shop, and you need to bring your receipt with you when picking up your purchase. Keep in mind that perishable items, such as food or plants, cannot be sent back to your resort.
5. Sending packages to the front of the park
What should you do if you are leaving Walt Disney World in 48 hours or less? There’s still no need to lug around purchases; you can request that your package be sent to the front of the park. They will be waiting for you for pick up when you are ready to exit the park.
4. Personalization
Even though there are so many unique souvenirs and gifts for sale in the gift shops that can’t be found anywhere else, Walt Disney World offers the option to customize certain gifts. Both the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in the Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Days of Christmas offer personalization of Christmas ornaments.One of the most famous of all Disney souvenirs, a set of Mickey ears, can be embroidered on the back with your name.This service is available at only a few locations, including The Chapeau Hat Shop, right next to the Confectionary on Main Street, and also in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
[google_ad_btf]
3. Discounts
Shopping is even better when you get a discount. Annual Passholders receive a discount on purchases at shops owned and operated by Walt Disney World. Chase Disney Visa cardholders receive a 10% discount when they spend a minimum of $50.00 on merchandise at the World of Disney and a small list of other stores. Disney Vacation Club members receive a 10% discount as well at stores owned and operated by Walt Disney World.
2. Notice The Elaborate Theming
Each shop is designed to blend into the theming of the area it is located in. Look closely inside, as the shops are full of creative details. At Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom, the shop reflects three colonial families. The first section is a German immigrant’s shop, the next area belongs to a woodcarver, and the last section is owned by a musician. In the Animal Kingdom, the Disney Outfitters shop is decorated with animals that travel in herds, like rhinos and elephants. Big Top Souvenirs, located in the Storybook Circus section of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom, is a large gift shop themed exactly like a circus tent.
1. Purchasing merchandise at home
If you ran out of time (and luggage space) and didn’t have a chance to get a specific souvenir or gift, Walt Disney World makes it simple to still make a purchase once you’re back home. The Disney Merchandise Department has an email and phone number for guests to use when tracking down a particular item. It’s helpful to have as much information as possible, including the store you saw the item, the SKU number of the price tag, and a good description. Another option is the Disney Store website, which carries a select amount of park merchandise online. The most recent choice for at-home shopping is the “Shop Parks” app on your cell phone. You can use this nifty tool to search for thousands of Walt Disney Word items and save them into the shopping bag for purchasing online. The app also lets you see a map of all locations that carry that specific item.
