These Are the Gift Shops You Can’t Miss in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Did you know Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers some of the best shopping experiences anywhere at Walt Disney World?

From handmade authentic artwork from Asia and Africa to one-of-a-kind Disney souvenirs, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has it all, and some of our best purchases from this Disney Park have come from some unexpected places.

If you’re a shopper who is heading to Walt Disney, these are the Animal Kingdom shopping destinations you won’t want to miss.

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Island Mercantile and Riverside Depot

Much like the Emporium in the Magic Kingdom, both Island Mercantile and Riverside Depot together make up your one-stop shop for all things Disney while visiting Animal Kingdom. If you are shopping for toys, plush, apparel, accessories, and housewares, especially with an Animal Kingdom-inspired twist, these shops need to go on your list.

The two locations are also hidden gems for Guests searching for those hard-to-find items that are available in each Disney Park (think new Minnie Mouse ear headbands, spirit jerseys, or Dooney and Bourke bags, for instance.) Many of these items are still available on Discovery Island after they’ve sold out in the other Parks since most Guests do not think to start their shopping here.

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The Dino Institute Shop

This gift shop, located by the exit of the DINOSAUR attraction is one of the most underrated ride gift shops at Walt Disney World. In addition to all of your standard Dinosaur-themed merchandise, this shop has a number of pieces specific to the attraction.

If you loved seeing the Carnotaurus so much you want to take one home with you, you can find this exciting Walt Disney World ride character on T-shirts and as toys. There are even remote control versions of the Time Rover ride vehicles.

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Mombasa Marketplace & Ziwani Traders

Harambe Village in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the most intricately themed areas of any Walt Disney World theme park, and the gift shops are no different. Both of these locations offer Guests authentic African apparel, accessories, toys, home decor, and even musical instruments, with many of the items handmade by talented artisans either in Africa or right onsite at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The shops are also the best destination at Walt Disney World to find souvenirs inspired by Disney’s The Lion King (1994) and in our experience, they have been home to some of the best Animal Kingdom T-shirts and hats for both kids and adults.

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Serka Zong Bazaar

Another underrated ride gift shop can be found in Asia at the exit of Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. Whether or not you intend to go for a ride on the rollercoaster, this shop is a must-visit for its Yeti-inspired merchandise as well as beautiful accessories imported from the countries represented in the Asia area of the Park.

Windtraders

Pandora: The World of Avatar is home to one of the most unique shopping experiences at Walt Disney World. In addition to merchandise inspired by both the Avatar (2009) film and the attraction, Avatar: Flight of Passage, Guests can adopt their very own Banshee!

These interactive Banshees are part of the Rookery located inside the shop, and the process of picking one to take home is very similar to choosing a pet. It is much more of an experience than other shops in the Park, and Guests looking for a unique souvenir or diehard fans of the Avatar film and rides should be sure to stop by.

Be sure to check hours for shops around Walt Disney World during your trip in the My Disney Experience app, and remember to prepare your wallet before you go. Happy shopping!