Top 9 Places to Shop for Jewelry at Walt Disney World

One of my favorite souvenirs to purchase at Walt Disney World is a piece of jewelry to commemorate something special that happened on that particular vacation. In the past I’ve gotten a Snow White charm for the costume I wore at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, a snowflake ring for the icy castle lights, a floral ring for the Flower & Garden Festival, a bracelet for the tour I took at Magic Kingdom. None of these pieces are fine jewelry so they all fall within my definition of “affordable” (but nice) souvenirs. And they are things that I use, wear and see in my everyday life to take me back to those fun times on vacation. Luckily, the jewelry shopping at Walt Disney World is pretty good and with the expansions at Disney Springs there are even more options to find that perfect piece.

9. The Bead Outpost at World Showcase

Although I will touch more on World Showcase later, I wanted to single out this very unique kiosk of a shop located between China and Germany in the Outpost area. Here you will find beaded jewelry (necklaces, bracelets, earrings, anklets, and more) that are made from recycled Walt Disney World maps. The skilled Ugandan craftswomen who make the beads carefully select certain areas of the maps to come up with color schemes for the beads. The result is a beautiful piece of jewelry that is eco friendly, and a true piece of Disney. And the best part is that by purchasing an item here you are supporting and empowering a Ugandan woman.

8. Wyland Galleries, Boardwalk Resort

This shop is tucked away a little bit on the “green” of the Boardwalk resort. You have to step off the actual Boardwalk and up to the resort to locate it. Inside you will not only find beautiful works of art to purchase but also some very unique pieces of jewelry. The staff in this shop is very helpful and work hard to find just the right piece for what you have in mind. You won’t see much (if any) Disney themed jewelry here, but sometimes a more subtle reminder of your time at Walt Disney World is in order.

7. Arribas Brothers

There are several locations of the Arribas Brothers shops in Walt Disney World with the Disney Springs location being the most extensive. Like Wyland Galleries, Arribas Brothers carries a variety of merchandise including jewelry. You can find necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets—even tiaras and suglasses. Many of the pieces are adorned with Swarovski crystals and give you just the right amount of bling. Here you will find plenty of reminders in the jewelry that Disney is the house of the Mouse.

6. World Showcase

The World Showcase has always been one of my favorite places to shop for jewelry because nearly every country has a beautiful selection of items that are specific to the cultural traditions of that nation. In the UK I love the jewelry pieces that are based on celtic knots. In Mexico there are some beautiful silver pieces that bear the style of Mexico (I really love those with turquoise accents). China has some very pretty (and affordable) gem stone pieces. In Italy you’ll find murano glass styled into necklace pendants and earrings. Germany has a nice selection of crystal pieces. And in Japan (in addtion to #5) you will find some very nice high end pearl jewelry . . . along with other less pricey Japanese accessories. And Morocco has a whole bazaar filled with unique pieces with an exotic flair. I have long been a fan of the sterling silver pieces in Norway as well. I encourage you to take some time and browse through the shops in each country. You will find not only unqiue jewelry items that highlight that countries design tradtions, but other items as well that will make for fun souvenirs to take home.

5. Pick A Pearl

The pick a pearl jewelry shopping experience is interactive in many ways. The most popular (and most entertaining) place to pick a pearl is in the Mitsukoshi Department Store in World Showcase’s Japan Pavilion, but there is also a quieter location along the walkway at the Yacht & Beach Club Resort. Your experience begins by purchasing a chance to pick a pearl. You will select an oyster from the tank and the Japanese Cast Member will open it for you with much fanfare and flair. You never know what you are going to get . . . different sizes, different colors, sometimes even twins. You can end your experience here and take your pearl home in a bag. Several sellers on sites like etsy & eBay sell “cages” for your pearl that you can insert it in yourself. Or you can choose to have the pearl mounted into a setting there (usually done the same day) for an extra fee depending on the setting you choose. I’ve gotten a few things from this shop over the years including very simple ring and pendant settings that I really enjoy wearing. The pick a pearl experience is particular fun for little ones and many people have it on their must-do list for their Epcot days. Keep this in mind and know that the wait can get a little long to pick your pearl.

4. Na Hoku

Na Hoku is a Hawaiian Jewelry store dating back to 1924 that has a new shop in Disney Springs. They have fine jewelry along with a more affordable sterling silver line, so if you are looking to invest in a beautiful piece of unique, fine jewelry this is a great place to look. Or, if you are like me, and are looking for something to fit more of a budget but still make an impact you also have some options here. The staff is wonderful and they will explain to you the symbolism behind each line, many of which are obviously Hawaiian themes like the plumeria flowers, palm trees, Koa Wood pieces, and of course sea life, while some are more subtle. On my recent trip we stayed at the Polynesian Village Resort so I chose a sterling silver and enamel plumeria flower ring to commemorate this trip. I think about the relaxing grounds of the Polynesian every time I wear it.

3. Pandora

Pandora jewelry has partnered with Disney to offer many styles of Disney themed jewelry from the bracelet charms to rings and earrings. Due to this partnership you can find some Pandora pieces throughout the parks and resorts, but there are a couple of dedicated Pandora shops where you can find a larger selection of items (both Disney and non-Disney). The newest location is in Disney Springs. Here you can find all of the princess and mouse themed charms, along with the regular Pandora pieces like the stacked rings that I love. I find myself drawn to the non-Disney pieces as much as the Disney ones. The blue snowflake ring I purchased to remind me of the shimmering icy castle for the holidays and our visit to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, along with the floral ring from our Epcot Flower & Garden Festival trip were both part of Pandora’s non-Disney line. Whether you are looking for Disney specific or a general piece Pandora is sure to have something to suit your taste.

2. Alex & Ani

I was so excited when it was announced that a dedicated Alex & Ani shop was coming to Disney Springs. I love their bracelets and the symbolism behind the images on them. Alex & Ani’s line of jewelry extends way beyond just bracelets though, they have some adorable rings, charms and more. The Disney Springs store is really large and stocks all of the Disney inspired bracelets (which I love and make a perfect jewelry souvenir for your trip), along with their everyday designs. If you are looking for a particular style or design this may be the one stop shop you need rather than hunting through the resort and park shops selection.

1. Uptown Jewelers

Uptown Jewelers, located in the heart of Magic Kingdom’s Main Street USA, is my number one pick for a jewelry shopping experience . . .and I bet many of you agree. Part of the charm is the turn of the century atmosphere inside the shop along with the fact that you are in the Magic Kingdom and you can step outside the doors of the shop and see Cinderella’s Castle. The selection of jewelry in the shop is also impressive carrying several of the lines of “finer” Disney themed jewelry and other accessories. You can find some of the costume/souvenir pieces here as well, but you may find more of these items across the street in the Emporium. The piece de resistance, in my opinion, is the full selection Pandora department. While not as extensive as the Disney Springs shop, you can find tons of Disney charms and other pieces here, as well as the non-Disney stackable rings, earrings, and charms. And, as my friend says, it is just more special if you buy it at the Magic Kingdom.

Whether you are celebrating a milestone like a birthday, anniversary or engagement, or you just want something to commemorate a special vacation, a piece of jewelry can be the perfect souvenir as an everyday reminder. These are a few of my favorite places to find the perfect piece at Walt Disney World—where are yours?