I LOVE World Showcase at EPCOT! The food is delicious, the pop-up entertainment is outstanding, and the theming throughout the pavilions is so beautifully done. It’s one of my favorite places to slow down during our Disney World vacations, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy those wonderful Disney vibes. And the icing on the cake? The shopping!
World Showcase is full of shops that I think are some of the best in all of Walt Disney World. Plush characters, sweatshirts, and Mickey Mouse ears are some of our favorite souvenirs to bring home – and I’ll admit, I can never resist adding another Disney mug to my cabinets at home! But sometimes it’s nice to find something a little more unique. The shops inside each World Showcase pavilion are filled with keepsakes you won’t find anywhere else in Disney World. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, looking for a thoughtful gift, or just love finding something new, here are some of the neatest souvenirs I think are worth seeking out.
Mexico Pavilion: Friendship Bracelets and Custom Rings
The Mexico Pavilion is always bursting with life, and the indoor marketplace is no exception! It is vibrant and colorful, and definitely the kind of place where I could happily wander for a while.
One of my favorite finds here is their handwoven friendship bracelets. Each one comes packaged with The Legend of the Friendship Bracelet, which makes them feel extra meaningful. At just $9.99, they’re sweet, thoughtful, and budget-friendly – perfect for gifting to friends and family, and easy to sneak a few into your suitcase for yourself, too!
If you’re looking for something a little more elevated, make your way to the Ring Carvers kiosk to have a custom piece of jewelry made just for you. You’ll choose your ring style and a word, name, or initials that you’d like carved into the band. The craftmanship is so detailed, and it’s fascinating to watch the carvers bring your design to life. Prices vary, with sterling silver rings ranging from $59 to $100, and 14k solid gold options from $299 to $799. It’s a more upscale keepsake, but one that feels personal and timeless – and certainly a souvenir you’ll treasure for years to come!
China Pavilion: Umbrellas
Florida weather loves to keep you guessing – bright sunshine one minute, followed by an epic downpour the next. While ponchos are lightweight and practical, they’re not exactly the most magical souvenir. And let’s be honest…once you’re home, how often do you really wear a poncho?
Instead, make your way over to Good Fortune Gifts in the China Pavilion and you’ll find something so much nicer – and actually useful, too! The shop is filled with stylish umbrellas that will keep you dry during those surprise rain showers in the parks, and they’re the kind of keepsake you can continue to use long after your Disney trip is over. Practical, pretty, and unique? Now that’s my kind of Disney souvenir!
Italy Pavilion: Venetian Masks
Italy is always one of my favorite stops in World Showcase – and not just for the food (although, the pizza and gelato alone are worth the visit!). The entire area is so quaint and charming, with stunning architecture that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into Venice. You’ll even spot replicas of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile. Add in the lively street performers, and it’s all too easy to imagine yourself wandering through the real streets of Italy!
And when it comes to shopping, the pavilion absolutely shines. You’ll find everything from Italian wines and home décor, to leather goods, beautiful jewelry, and even an impressive selection of Italian perfumes and colognes. But one of the most unique souvenirs is waiting for you inside Il Bel Cristallo: Venetian masks. These gorgeous, hand-crafted masks are true works of art and are available for purchase. And here’s the best part – you can actually design one yourself!
The experience starts by choosing your mask style (papier-mâché or resin), and then it’s time to get creative. Acrylic paints and brushes are provided, with prices starting around $30 (costs vary by size and material). Once you’ve finished painting, your mask takes about 30 minutes to dry – which is the perfect excuse to grab a gelato and enjoy the view while you wait!
Japan Pavilion: Akoya Pearls
Inside the Japan pavilion is one of the most incredible shops in all of World Showcase – Mitsukoshi Department Store. This shop is filled with just about every Japanese item you can imagine, like Japanese snacks and candy, Super Nintendo and Hello Kitty plush dolls, anime merchandise, tea sets, and elegant kimonos. When my kids were younger, this was always a must-stop for all things Pokémon.
But the real showstopper here? Definitely the pick-a-pearl experience at Akoya Pearls! When you first step inside Mitsukoshi, you might hear the words “Ichi, Ni, San!” (One, Two, Three!) followed by cheers – that’s the start of this exciting experience! For around $20, you’ll choose an oyster from a tank, and a Cast Member will entertain both you and the crowd as they open it to reveal your pearl. The surprise is half the fun, because you never know if you’ll get a small pearl, a large one, a rare color, or even twin pearls.
Once your pearl is revealed, you can choose to have it set into jewelry right there in the shop or take it home as is. Either way, it’s such a special keepsake – and every time you look at it, you’ll remember the fun of this moment at EPCOT!
United Kingdom Pavilion: Family Crests
The United Kingdom pavilion is one of those places that just feels so inviting! The cobblestone walkways are tucked far enough away from the rest of World Showcase to feel truly transported, replicas of England’s iconic red phone booths make for the cutest photo ops, and you can even meet some of the sweetest Disney characters from British books and movies – like Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, and Mary Poppins!
I also love popping into the adorable shops here. They’re filled with everything from shortbread and teas to Beatles gear and Rose & Crown merchandise, and you’ll even find plush versions of the Queen Mum’s corgi dogs – how could anyone resist those?
If you’re searching for a souvenir with a truly personal touch, make sure to pay a visit to The Crown & Crest. Located right in the middle of the shops, this Historical Research Center is a fantastic hidden gem! A Cast Member will look up your family name and show you the coat of arms connected to your history. If you’d like, you can then purchase a decorative display of it in a variety of styles and price ranges. It’s such a meaningful keepsake, especially if you’re shopping for someone who loves history or has a special connection to their heritage!
On your next visit to EPCOT’s World Showcase, be sure to set aside some time to explore the shops – you never know what treasures you’ll discover! From sweet keepsakes like friendship bracelets and umbrellas to one-of-a-kind experiences like painting a Venetian mask or choosing a pearl in Japan, each pavilion offers something extra special that goes far beyond the typical Walt Disney World souvenir.
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