The holiday season is the most magical time of year to visit a Disney park. From the festive decorations to the joyful atmosphere, everything feels more special. Of course, no trip to a Disney park is complete without some shopping! There are so many unique and festive items you can only find during the holidays. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift, holiday shopping at a Disney park has something for everyone. Here are some of my top secrets for making the most of your Disney holiday shopping experience:
Shop Early
As soon as the holiday merchandise debuts, usually in early November, start your shopping. Many of the most popular items sell out very quickly. Don’t wait until your trip and risk missing out on something you really wanted. As soon as you see that perfect ornament or festive Spirit Jersey appear online, grab it!
Know Where to Find Exclusives
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: This special hard ticket event at Magic Kingdom has exclusive holiday merchandise you can only buy if you have a party ticket. The ornament and souvenir mug designs change every year and always sell out.
- Disneyland’s Holiday Tour: Take this guided tour of Disneyland to get early access to buy the exclusive holiday merchandise collection before the general public. The tour also includes reserved viewing for some holiday entertainment.
- Holiday Kitchens at Epcot: The holiday festival at Epcot has special holiday merchandise inspired by the international holiday kitchens located around World Showcase. These mini pop-up shops always have unique items you’ll want to check out.
Shop the Resorts
The Disney resort hotels get very festive during the holidays too! Shop their gift shops to find special holiday merchandise themed to that specific resort. Some items feature resort-exclusive designs, like decorative holiday pillows and ornaments.
Look for Personalization
Many holiday shop items can be personalized with names, monograms, dates, and more to create a one-of-a-kind memento. Ornaments are the most popular personalized item, but you can also find personalized stockings, photo albums, accessories, and more.
Use Mobile Checkout
The holiday shopping season draws big crowds to the Disney parks. Using mobile checkout on the Shop Disney Parks app allows you to skip the lines and pay from your phone. You can even have your purchases delivered to your resort so you don’t have to carry them around.
Stack Discounts
Use any discounts you have to maximize your savings on holiday merchandise:
- Disney Visa card discounts
- Disney Vacation Club member discounts
- Annual passholder discounts
- Disney Rewards Redemption Card discounts
Stack multiple discounts together for even more savings!
Price Match Guarantee
If you find a holiday item cheaper at a Disney store outside the parks, Disney will match that price. Just show the advertised lower price and proof of availability. This applies to identical holiday merchandise items only.
Don’t Forget Small Shops
While the main park shops have great holiday selections, don’t overlook the smaller, specialized shops. Spots like Tren-D at Disney Springs and Mouse Gear at Epcot often have unique holiday finds you won’t see elsewhere.
Shop Early Mornings
Get to the shops first thing when parks open in the morning to have the best selection and a chance at limited items before they sell out. Cast members also restock overnight, so popular picks missing the day before may be back in stock in the morning.
Research Items Online First
Before your trip, browse holiday merchandise on ShopDisney.com to scout out items you may want. This allows you to plan what shops to prioritize and make a shopping list. Some items sell out online quickly, too, so you can order must-haves early. Holiday shopping at a Disney park is about more than just buying stuff. It’s a chance to create magical memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime. Save even more this year by checking out our discount Disney tickets! Use these tips and secrets to make the most of your Disney holiday shopping experience!
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