Getting Your Disney World Fix While Shopping the Mall of America

For many travelers, a trip to Walt Disney World is a once or twice in a lifetime vacation. But then there are those who find themselves drawn back time and time again to visit the mouse. Vacations to Disney World become a family tradition and the source of many repeated family memories. So what to do if you live up north and Disney is more than a full 24 hour drive away? If the twin cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota are more within your reach? Find an in between Disney vacation shopping and dining fix in Bloomington, Minnesota at the Mall of America!

The Mall of America, or the "MOA" as it is affectionately known is located right next to the twin cities. Even better, it is positioned within shuttle distance of the MSP airport. The four stories of shops and restaurants encircle a Nickelodeon sponsored theme park and help draw shoppers from far and wide for lengthy stays. It is a grand destination for anyone, but for a Disney World enthusiast, it can be that desperately needed fix.

The Disney Store. Yes, the Disney Store is the obvious place to start for that urge to purchase Mickey Mouse sweatshirts, princess costumes, Buzz Lightyear toys and more. The merchandise in the stores is different than at the parks, but the characters are the same and the similarities are numerous. For those planning a vacation in the near future, there are plenty of clothes, fans, books and even park tickets available for purchase. Start your shopping trip at The Disney Store, and enjoy the same feeling of carrying around a large plastic shopping bag decorated in your favorite characters, just like the parks!

The Nickelodeon Universe. Sure, it's not Disney. And it's inside. But for the thrill ride junkies and those missing the festive atmosphere of a park, this is the place for you! Take a break from shopping to hit the SpongeBob SquarePants Rock Bottom Plunge or the Avatar Airbender. Play some games, enjoy some cotton candy and snacks and immerse yourself into the theme park experience, rain or shine. Pick up some park merchandise to scratch that shopping itch.

The Lego Store. Downtown Disney is the home of the large Lego store where fans can enjoy the huge Lego creations, fill buckets full of the Lego bricks of their choice, browse the Lego sets, and experiment with building and racing their own Lego creations. The Lego store at the Mall of America is no different. Shoppers can fill their bags with all the amazing Lego toys and accessories while they gaze on the enormous Lego creations that seem to grow into the sky.

Rainforest Café. This "wild place to shop and eat" can be found at Downtown Disney and the Animal Kingdom Park. Stop in twhile at the Mall of America to enjoy the wild atmosphere and great food for a taste of Disney. The adjacent gift shop also offers the same merchandise as the restaurants in the parks and guest can have the same shopping and eating experience.

Wolfgang Puck Express. Another repeat restaurant from Downtown Disney, this first floor favorite has a nearly identical menu to the Disney version and can satisfy any cravings for the Chinois Chicken Salad or Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla last enjoyed in the Florida sunshine.

Basin. Down on the first floor of the Mall, a few stores down from the Rainforest Cafe is Basin. A familiar favorite from Downtown Disney, this bath and body store will bring back memories with the fragrances wafting from the bath bombs, bath salts, soaps, and more. Fall in love with a particular one on your last vacation? Pick up a few more here and let the scent bring your vacation back!

There is so much to do at the Mall of America that guests could spend weeks there and not hit everything. So once you've gotten your Disney fix, make sure to spend some time just enjoying what the Mall has to offer. Go to www.mallofamerica.com to see what you've been missing!