Best Places to Shop at Walt Disney World

Ah shopping. What is a vacation without a little spin in the gift shop, a peruse through the boutiques or a lengthy stroll through the outlets? Vacations are often about relaxing and to some there is nothing more relaxing or rewarding than an afternoon shopping spree. So why should a trip to Walt Disney World be any different?

Disney World is filled with interesting shops and quirky stores, but if you're looking for Mickey Mouse and friends, you can easily find what you're looking for. Assembled here are a few of the best places to hit up for all the can't miss Disney World Merchandise.

World of Disney. Hands down, the best place to shop at Disney World is the World of Disney store located in the heart of Downtown Disney. Virtually everything Disney can be found here in the countless offshoot rooms and this store holds the title of World's Largest Disney Store with merchandise to prove it. If you've seen something in the resort stores or park shops, chances are you will find it here. Exceptions will be merchandise that is specific to the resort or park.

Searching through the different rooms, you will find many rooms containing everything Disney:

- Disney clothing for the whole family with separate rooms for Ladies, Men, Children and Infants. From sweatshirts to pants to jackets and more, if it says Disney or has a Disney character, you'll find it here.

- Plush Disney characters and soft toys in all shapes and sizes. Want to being home a Mickey Mouse to fit in your pocket? It's here. You prefer one larger than your two year old? Also here!

- Home merchandise for every room in the house. Ice cube trays, dishes, potholders, vases, frames, clocks, coffee mugs, water bottles and more. From inexpensive additions to your home to high end merchandise, it's located here!

- Jewelry and pins. There is a large room dedicated to jewelry for toddlers on up to diamonds for Mom. Kiosks full of watches, rings, ankle bracelets and earrings vie for attention with the cases spotlighting gold and silver jewelry festooned with pearls, diamonds, birthstones and more. Higher end watches are also located here for your selection. This room also features a wall full of Disney pins and tables where you can meet with other traders.

- Paper and office products. You can pick out post its, pens, paper, coloring books, magnets, scrapbooks and more in this area.

- Snacks, candy and more can also be found in the World of Disney. Bring home chocolate covered pretzel Mickeys, hot chocolate, shortbread cookies or bouquets of princess lollipops for delicious memories of your vacation!

Reasons to hold off and do all your shopping at the World of Disney? Annual Passholders and Disney Visa cardholders receive discounts on most merchandise. And if you choose to purchase your items and ship them all home, most destinations will not have sales tax added so in the end you have the convenience of not packing your items to go home, and saving money in the end. Many times the shipping cost is less than the tax would be. Save World of Disney for a destination towards the end of your trip to pick up all your memories!

Emporium. Walking down Main Street towards the castle at the Magic Kingdom, you will find the entire left side of the street filled with shops. Themed with sports, princesses and more, the Emporium includes many different rooms that are all linked together. Much of the merchandise you find here is also sold at the World of Disney, but checking out special products that are specific to the Magic Kingdom and its rides and attractions are a big draw here. The shops are the least busy in the mornings when guests are clamoring for the rides, so if you can set aside some time you will find the shops easily to navigate and filled with treasures! Remember that if you're staying on property, you can have your purchases sent back to your resort.

Mouse Gears. Epcot's answer to the World of Disney and the Emporium is Mouse Gears. Located close to Spaceship Earth, the icon for the park, Mouse Gears is a huge air conditioned respite where you can find another large source of Disney merchandise. Set up again in rooms that interlock to best organize the merchandise, Mouse Gears is a great place to pick up forgotten souvenirs and Epcot specific items. If Downtown Disney is not on your list of destinations, Mouse Gears will offer much of what you can find at World of Disney.

Disney Days of Christmas. This is one stop shopping for all things Disney and Christmas. Hand decorated ornaments, Christmas villages, stockings, frames, ornament sets, holiday plates and more can be found in this deliciously scented store in Downtown Disney. Other seasonal merchandise is often displayed, so look for your Halloween centerpieces and décor as well. Everything is holiday oriented and is a magical place to shop for the seasons!

Disney World has so many places to shop, guests can spend hours just perusing the different Disney items. If you prefer to do all your shopping in one central place, the World of Disney, Emporium, Mouse Gears and Disney Day's of Christmas are the places to go!