Shopping

Whether you're looking for mouse ears and souvenirs or the latest and greatest in designer labels, you'll find it in Orlando. Walt Disney World itself is home to an almost endless array of shops spread throughout its parks, resorts, and Downtown Disney. The House of Mouse, however, is not the only game in town. If you venture beyond its boundaries you'll discover first-rate shopping malls, outlet centers, and charming boutiques. There are two distinctively different options for shopping in Orlando: local malls, which are home to an excellent and varied selection of retailers; and outlet shopping centers.

But before you break out your credit cards, do remember to keep your shopping wits about you. The malls and their upscale stores, at times, can charge extremely outrageous prices that you'll easily better at home. And the outlets, which once offered tremendous bargains, now at times discount only marginally. The key to getting the best possible deals is to know what is and isn't a bargain.

And now, a note on souvenir shopping. If, after exercising your credit cards elsewhere, you've still got energy (and money) to burn, the parks and entertainment districts at Walt Disney World feature some of the most distinctive souvenir shopping you'll find anywhere. Sure, many of the stores are filled with trinkets and T-shirts, but some offer more unique merchandise that you won't be able to find anywhere else -- Orlando or otherwise.

The Magic Kingdom

Main Street -- Shopping at Disney has almost become a pastime in and of itself, and the largest collection of shops in the Kingdom is located right along Main Street U.S.A. If you find you've forgotten something or just need a present for the neighbor who's taking care of your plants, you'll likely be able to find it here. The Emporium, in Town Square, has the park's largest selection of Disneyana, with everything from T-shirts and toys to picture frames and cookie jars. Stop by and pick up some of the more unique sweets and treats at the Main Street Confectionary or some shiny baubles at Uptown Jewelers. Many of the street's stores are interconnected, pretty much allowing you to shop from one end of Main Street to the other without ever having to walk outside.

Adventureland -- Located at the Pirates of the Caribbean exit, the Pirates Bazaar is filled with everything a child needs to play pirate, from hats to hooks and everything in between. There are also muskets, toy swords, and loads of other pirate booty, as well as a small selection of island wear and costume jewels.

Frontierland -- Mosey into the Frontier Trading Post for the latest and greatest in cowboy wear. The Prairie Outpost and Supply is your best bet for sweets and treats.

Liberty Square -- The Heritage House is filled with replicas of famous documents, including the Declaration of Independence; miniature models of the Statue of Liberty; and everything Americana, from souvenir spoons and campaign buttons to flags and red-white-and-blue T-shirts. Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, filled with decorations and Disney ornaments galore, celebrates Christmas every day of the year.

Fantasyland -- Fantasy Faire is filled with plenty of items for your little prince or princess to play with, including costumes, swords, and much more. Little girls adore Tinker Bell's Treasures, its wares comprising Peter Pan merchandise, costumes (Tinker Bell, Snow White, Cinderella, Pocahontas, and others), and collector dolls. Pooh's Thotful Shop is filled with T-shirts and toys featuring those cuddly characters from the Hundred-Acre Wood for kids and adults alike.

Mickey's Toontown Fair -- The Toontown Hall of Fame Tent has continuous meetings with Disney characters, as well as a large assortment of Disney souvenirs.

Tomorrowland -- Mickey's Star Traders is a large shop filled from top to bottom with Disneyana; it's probably the best place to shop in Magic Kingdom after Main Street.

Epcot

Future World -- Most of Epcot's more unique shopping lies just ahead in World Showcase, but there are a few places in this part of the park that offer special souvenirs. You can browse through cels and other collectibles at the Art of Disney in Innoventions West (how about an $8,800, 5-ft. wooden Mickey watch?), purchase almost anything imaginable at MouseGear (one of the best and most comprehensive shops in all of WDW) in Innoventions East, and find gardening and other gifts in The Land.

World Showcase -- Sure, you want to be educated about the cultures of the world, but for most, the two big attractions at the World Showcase are eating and shopping. This list gives you an idea of additional items available for purchase.

If you'd like to check out the amazing scope of Disney merchandise at home, everything from furniture to bath toys, you can order a catalog by calling tel. 800/237-5751 or surfing the Web to www.disneystore.com.(Just be aware that the selection is different from what you'll find at the parks).

Tennis fans may be interested in the Wimbledon shirts, shorts, and skirts available in the United Kingdom. There's also a nice assortment of rose-patterned tea accessories, Shetland sweaters, tartans, pub accessories, and loads of other stuff from the U.K.

Disney-MGM Studios

With more than 20 shops we can't list them all, but some of MGM's more unique offerings include:

The Animation Courtyard Shops carry collectible cels, costumes from Disney classic films, and pins.

Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind sells autographed photos of the stars, original movie posters, and star-touched items such as canceled checks signed by Judy Garland and others.

Celebrity 5 & 10, modeled after a 1940s Woolworth's, has movie-related merchandise: Gone With the Wind memorabilia, MGM Studios T-shirts, movie posters, Elvis mugs, and more.

The major park attractions also have their own shops selling Indiana Jones adventure clothing, Little Mermaid stuffed characters, Star Wars souvenirs, and so on.

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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				Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando 2008 Author: Laura Lea Miller Pub Date: September 04, 2007 Price: $16.99				Related Titles: Beyond Disney: The Unofficial Guide to Universal SeaWorld & the Best of Central Florida, 5th Edition Frommer's Florida 2008 Frommer's Florida 2009

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