There’s no doubt that you’ll be tempted to buy souvenirs when you visit Walt Disney World. There are souvenir shops on every corner, specialized merchandise geared toward your favorite characters and rides, unique snacks, and more. And, that can be a good thing! It’s fun to bring home a little (or big) memento from your vacation!

That said, Disney World isn’t known for being cheap…and the merchandise certainly isn’t. But the truth is, some Disney World souvenirs are absolutely worth the splurge, while others are a waste of money. In this guide, we’re breaking down the best things to buy at Disney World, what to purchase before you arrive, and what to skip entirely. We’ll also cover how much to budget for shopping and the best places to find what you’re looking for. Let’s get to it!

How Much to Budget for Disney World Shopping

Before diving into what to buy, let’s talk numbers. Disney World shopping costs can spiral quickly if you’re not prepared.

General budget guidelines:

• Light shopper: $50–$100 per person for a few small souvenirs
• Moderate shopper: $150–$300 per person for a mix of apparel, snacks, and keepsakes
• Splurge shopper: $400+ per person if you’re eyeing pricey apparel, custom experiences, or artwork

For families with kids, I recommend planning for at least $20–$50 per child per day for small treats, little tokens, and one medium-sized souvenir. Kids have a harder time walking past glowing toys and stuffed animals without wanting something. The smartest approach is to decide on your “must-buy” items before you arrive and set that money aside first. Everything else becomes a bonus rather than an impulse buy.

Best Things to Buy at Disney World

So, what’s worth the splurge at Disney World? I’ve been going to Disney World for over 30 years, and these are the things that I would buy again.

Park-Exclusive Merchandise

There are a lot of souvenirs that can only be purchased in the Disney World theme parks, making them true collector’s pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Look for park-specific apparel that actually says Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, or Animal Kingdom on it, seasonal party merchandise from events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, limited edition pins, park-specific coffee mugs, and EPCOT festival gear. You won’t be able to buy these once you’re home, and they can be great ways to remember certain parts of your trip!

Pro tips:

• Buy it when you see it. Not all stores carry the same inventory, and if you wait, you might miss your chance.
• Merchandise with specific park names can only be found in their respective parks. This means that you won’t find any Magic Kingdom merch at Disney Springs, for example.
• Large flagship stores (like the Emporium at Magic Kingdom or Creations Shop at EPCOT) carry standard park merchandise.
• Smaller shops carry land-specific or ride-specific souvenirs. For example, head to Hundred Acre Goods in Magic Kingdom for Winnie the Pooh items or Memento Mori in Magic Kingdom for Haunted Mansion gear.

Personalized Items

Personalization turns a souvenir into a one-of-a-kind keepsake, and the process itself can be part of the experience! Popular options include embroidered Mickey Ears with your name on the back, personalized ornaments, name-engraved items, custom caricatures drawn by Disney artists, and phone cases at D-Tech in Disney Springs. You can even get a haircut at Main Street Barber Shop, where they’ll sprinkle pixie dust in your hair afterward.

Pro tips:

• Research personalization options before your trip. Some take time to complete, and you may need to return later to pick up your item.
• Check operating hours in advance. Some locations have limited availability.
• Most personalization stations are park-specific, so if you see one you want and aren’t coming back to the park you’re in later in your trip, buy it right away.

Spirit Jerseys

Spirit Jerseys are comfortable, stylish, and actually get worn long after your trip ends, making them one of the best value souvenirs at Disney World. Many designs are park-exclusive or seasonal, they’re high-quality, and they feature unique characters and designs you won’t find elsewhere. Some Disney fans even consider them collectible, and new releases can create a lot of excitement.

Pro tips:

• If you don’t see your size, ask a Cast Member. They often have additional inventory in the back or can check nearby stores.
• Size up. Spirit Jerseys are designed for an oversized fit, and going up a size makes them even more comfortable. (Speaking from experience as someone with too many in the closet.)

Experiences That Come With Souvenirs

Some of the best things to buy at Disney World aren’t just products but experiences that happen to come with a take-home keepsake! For example, Savi’s Workshop inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an experience where you build your own custom lightsaber in an immersive ceremony for $249, while Droid Depot lets you construct your own R2 unit or BB droid for $119. Other things that are often worth the splurge include Disney’s Capture Your Moment photo package, which gives you a professional photo session with a Disney photographer, and painting experiences at select Disney World Resort hotels, where you create your own Disney craft to take home.

Pro tip:

• Many of these experiences can be booked 60 days in advance on Disney’s website or in the My Disney Experience app. If you can book ahead, do it! Popular experiences like Savi’s Workshop at Disney’s Hollywood Studios sell out quickly.
• Schedule Savi’s Workshop for later in the evening. Walking through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at night with your lightsaber glowing is unforgettable.

Unique Food Items & Snacks

Unlike the other things on the list, you get to actually EAT this one! The Disney World food and snack game is pretty legit, and many treats are both Instagram-worthy and genuinely delicious. The must-try list includes Mickey-shaped treats like rice crispy treats, ice cream bars, and waffles, along with the famous Cheeseburger and Pizza Spring Rolls at Magic Kingdom. Dole Whip remains the classic choice, though it now comes in multiple flavors beyond the original pineapple. Additionally, World Showcase at EPCOT offers authentic (and tasty) snacks from each country, and the seasonal festival food booths serve limited-time eats that are seriously delicious.

Pro tip:

• Don’t skip the snack booths and food carts around the parks! They sometimes have the best food and shortest lines.
• Some food locations don’t appear in the My Disney Experience app, so keep your eyes open while walking through the parks.
• Unlike popcorn and pretzels (which are available everywhere), specialty snacks (like the famous Cheeseburger Spring Rolls) are usually sold at one specific location. If you want to try something, get it when you see it.

Artist-Signed or Limited Edition Artwork

Disney art makes for unique home decor, and signed pieces can be collectibles that hold their value for years to come. While you won’t find artwork in every Disney World store, the best places to seek out something special for home include the EPCOT Festival of the Arts (which runs from January through February each year) and at Art of Disney locations in both EPCOT and Disney Springs. Sure, they can be expensive (like, REALLY, expensive), but these are one-of-a-kind pieces that you can display at home to remember your trip for years to come.

Pro tip:

• During EPCOT festivals and occasionally at Disney Springs, artists are often physically present and signing in front of you.
• Large pieces can typically be shipped directly to your home for a fee, so you don’t have to worry about fitting a canvas in your suitcase.

Disney World Souvenirs to Skip

Save your money on these five things and buy them before your trip instead (if you really want them, anyway). These can all be found cheaper when you buy them at home!

Generic Souvenirs

Disney marks up basic souvenirs significantly, and unless you find something that’s limited edition or park-specific, you can usually find similar options for a fraction of the cost outside of Disney World. For example, at Disney, keychains run around $15, magnets cost $20, and toys range from $10 to well over $100. Generic Mickey keychains, basic character magnets, and standard bubble wands are all available at Amazon, Five Below, Target, and Walmart for much less. Save your park budget for items you can’t get anywhere else.

Water Bottles and Drinks

Bottled water inside the parks costs $4–$6 each, and the Florida heat means you’ll drink more water than usual. When you combine that with salty snacks and miles of walking, a family of four could easily spend over $100 per day on drinks if they’re not careful.

The smarter play is to bring your own refillable water bottles since water refill stations are located throughout every park, resort hotel, and even Disney Springs. You can also order grocery delivery to your resort or stop at a store on the way to pick up bottled water to store in your hotel room. A 24-pack of water for $7 from Publix beats $4+ per bottle inside the parks. And, if you’re really in a pinch, don’t forget that you can ask for free ice water at any quick service restaurant!

Ponchos and Rain Gear

Afternoon rain showers are almost guaranteed in Orlando, especially during the summer months. The good news is that storms usually pass within 30 minutes, so it won’t interrupt your park day very much. The bad news is that ponchos inside the parks cost around $15 each, which feels steep for something you’ll use for half an hour.

I recommend purchasing a poncho from your local dollar store or Walmart before your trip, or packing lightweight rain jackets from home. These items are compact enough to fit in a backpack, under a stroller, or even in a pocket, and only cost $1-$5. If you have little ones, be sure to grab a stroller rain cover from Amazon ahead of time as well.

Disney Apparel You Can Get Cheaper Online

Many items sold in the parks are also available online at the Disney Store. And, you can often get them cheaper online thanks to discounts and free shipping promotions that run frequently. So, you could buy that same shirt with Mickey’s face plastered on the front for way less if you do some pre-trip shopping!

Before you buy something relatively generic in the parks, check the Disney Store, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and Five Below. Additionally, discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx regularly carry Disney items at reduced prices.

Sunscreen and Toiletries

When it comes to sunscreen and basic toiletries, you’ll be spending way more for these necessities if you don’t pack them and wait to buy them at Disney World. In fact, that travel-size sunscreen at the resort gift shop often costs three times what you’d pay elsewhere! So, be sure to buy the essentials at home and pack them in your suitcase! If you happen to get to Disney World and find that you forgot something, stop at a nearby CVS, Walgreens, or Target on your way to the resort, or have them delivered to your resort through Amazon or a grocery delivery service. Trust me, your wallet will thank you.

Other Disney World Souvenirs To Consider Buying

MagicBands

MagicBands offer a convenient way to consolidate your room key, park ticket, and payment method into one wearable device, and they come in tons of fun designs that double as souvenirs. Plus, the upgraded MagicBand+ adds interactive features throughout the parks, like bounty hunting in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and special lights during nighttime fireworks shows. That said, they’re entirely optional, and you don’t need one to have a successful Disney trip. Your phone or a physical Key To The World Card works just as well for everything, and MagicBands can be easy to lose, especially for kids.

The verdict: Worth it if you value convenience or want a wearable souvenir, but skip them if you’re on a tight budget since the basic functionality is free through your phone or Key To The World Card.

Pressed Pennies

At 51 cents per penny, pressed pennies are one of the most affordable souvenirs at Disney World. They’re nostalgic, fun to collect, and give kids autonomy to choose their own souvenirs. Dozens of designs are scattered across the parks in kiosks, and hunting for machines can become part of the fun. The downside is that these collections tend to add up in cost over multiple trips, and most end up forgotten in a drawer after your vacation ends.

The verdict: Great for kids and dedicated collectors, but adults can probably skip unless it’s a personal tradition.

Balloons and Light-Up Toys

Kids love the magic of a Mickey balloon or glowing Buzz Lightyear wand, and some toys are park-specific, which makes them hard to resist! These souvenirs create memorable moments, especially for younger children experiencing Disney for the first time. However, balloons can be a huge hassle on Disney transportation and at airports, and most light-up toys can be found cheaper online.

The verdict: Skip the balloons unless you drove your own car. For toys, only buy if they’re park-exclusive or ride-specific and can’t be found elsewhere.

Best Places to Shop at Disney World

Knowing where to shop saves time and helps you find exactly what you’re looking for. Here are the top places in each park and Disney Springs to find your Disney World souvenirs!

Best Stores in Each Park

Magic Kingdom:

• Emporium – The massive Main Street shop has the widest selection of park merchandise
• Memento Mori – Haunted Mansion souvenirs and the spooky spirit photography experience
• Big Top Souvenirs – Great for toys and Fantasyland items

EPCOT:

• Creations Shop – The main hub for EPCOT and general Disney merchandise
• World Showcase country pavilions – Each country has authentic merchandise from that region
• Art of Disney – Prints, collectibles, and original artwork

Hollywood Studios:

• Keystone Clothiers – Apparel and accessories
• Tatooine Traders – Star Wars merchandise
• Galaxy’s Edge shops – Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities for high-end Star Wars collectibles

Animal Kingdom:

• Island Mercantile – Main merchandise location
• Windtraders – Avatar and Pandora merchandise
• Mombasa Marketplace – African-inspired items and apparel

Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers the largest shopping selection outside the parks, and no park ticket is required. Here are just a few of the top stores to visit:

• World of Disney – The biggest Disney store on property with a massive selection
• The LEGO Store – Build-your-own minifigures and exclusive sets
• Marketplace Co-Op – Trendy Disney merchandise and special collections
• Art of Disney – Similar selection to the EPCOT location

Resort Gift Shops

Every Disney resort has at least one gift shop with park merchandise. Selection varies by resort, but you can often find items here without fighting park crowds.

Smart Shopping Tips

Time Your Shopping Right

The worst time to do your shopping is at the end of the night when the stores near park exits get packed as guests leave. Instead, shop mid-morning or early afternoon when crowds are lower, duck into stores during peak ride times when others are waiting in line, or use the afternoon rest break to browse if you’re heading back to your resort.

Use Package Delivery

If you don’t want to worry about carrying your Disney World souvenirs around or don’t think something you bought will fit into your suitcase, Disney offers package delivery services. Just ask the Cast Member at the checkout for further details!

Watch for Sales and Discounts

Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members receive merchandise discounts throughout the year (usually 10–20% off). Plus, the Disney Store runs frequent online sales that sometimes beat park prices. And, if you have a car, consider checking out Disney Outlet stores in the Orlando area for discounted park merchandise and end-of-season clearance sales.

Set a Souvenir Budget for Kids

To avoid overspending and make saying “no” to souvenirs easier, give each of your children a set souvenir budget (either cash or a prepaid card), and let them decide how to spend it. This teaches budgeting, prevents them from constantly asking for more throughout the trip, and gives them ownership over their choices. When the money is gone, it’s gone, and that lesson is part of the experience.

Budget-Saving Strategies

To avoid a state of shock when opening your credit card statement (we’ve all been there), set some budget guidelines for your Disney souvenir shopping. Before your arrival, narrow down one or two “must buys”. Have enough money set aside for your important purchases, and everything else is a bonus!

Pro Tip: Kids’ meals are cheap and a good portion size. Consider ordering these from quick service restaurants if you don’t have a large appetite. Kids’ apparel is also more affordable than adult sizes, with a wide variety being exactly the same. If kids’ sizes work for you, take advantage!

Final Thoughts

Shopping at Disney World is part of the experience, but the receipt doesn’t have to come with regret. Focus your budget on items that are truly special, like park exclusives, personalized keepsakes, and experiences you can’t get anywhere else. Skip the overpriced basics that you can grab at Target for a quarter of the price.

The best Disney World souvenirs are the ones that bring back memories every time you see them. Whether that’s a spirit jersey, a custom lightsaber, or a simple park-exclusive mug, shop with intention and splurge on what matters to you.

And, don’t forget to double-check your packing list, bring along some sunscreen and toiletries, and enjoy your trip to the most magical place on earth!

Comments

What’s your go-to Disney World souvenir? Share your shopping guilty pleasure in the comments below!