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Our Favorite Shopping Experiences At Disney World Resort Hotels

Animal Kingdom Lodge Lobby

6. Wild wonders at Animal Kingdom Lodge

Zawadi Marketplace is one of two shops you’ll find on location at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort. The other shop is Johari Treasures, with Johari meaning “gem” in Swahili. And while you may discover a unique treasure or two here, this store is more of a general merchandise grab and go goods stop, similar to many others at various Disney Resorts. But there’s something uniquely defining about Zawadi Marketplace that places it head and shoulders above the rest.

For starters, it’s much larger than many other resort shops. But that just means there’s more room to display the equally unique defining gifts and goods you’ll uncover here, which range in a host of traditional imported African wares from many cultures across the continent. Of course, you’ll also find Disney traditional merchandise and resort-specific gifts and souvenirs. But the authentic one-of-a-kind African attributes really do make this one of the most distinguished shopping opportunities to have amongst all other Walt Disney World Resort gift shops. From artwork to weaved baskets, clothing, toys, and more, a visit to Zawadi Marketplace is kin to an all-in-one cultural souvenir tour of Africa. 

Boardwalk

5. You’ll never be bored at the BoardWalk

The many marvelous shops and stops along Disney’s BoardWalk can be considered extensions of the defining Disney BoardWalk Inn and Villas Resort that the entire promenade was established around. And while resort accommodations and nightlife, shopping, dining, and endless entertainment are separate excursions altogether, they are still interconnected in the overall resort experience for guests opting to stay onsite here (as well as for visiting guests from other resorts). While Dundy’s Sundries is the primary resort-specific general store/gift shop you’ll find featured at the many other resorts, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind retailers to check out while out and about the BoardWalk in general.

--Disney’s Character Carnival: You’re in for a carnival of diversified fashions and accessories at this well-equipped specialty shop. From adult fashions to must-have golfing apparel perfect for an intended stop at the nearby Fantasia Gardens & Miniature Golf, and even home goods and other products, it’s all right here, under one roof. And if the name wasn’t a big enough takeaway, you’ll find plenty of Disney character specific items here as well, from clothing to plush, and other favorites for all ages and interests.

--Thimbles and Threads: Go beyond the limits in apparel and typical accessory items with this store, proudly vending in trendy beach side and pool fashions along with all your favorite Disney styles. You’ll find something for all ages—women, children, even babies, as well as resort-specific items. Aside from clothing, other great wares here include Disney character plush, toys, snacks, and all the usual gift shop knickknacks and souvenirs—some of which feature exclusives to the Disney World BoardWalk district.

--Wyland Galleries: While the nightlife cultural scene is alive and well at Disney’s BoardWalk promenade, the experience waiting for you at Wyland Galleries is more aligned to culture of sophistication. That’s because a host of internationally recognized artists from around the world are showcased here. Touring the grand galleries has been a visitor mainstay since the BoardWalk Inn hotel first opened in 1986, and numbers are at an all-time high, with the many diverse awe-inspiring works housed here. And yes, if you have the means, you may in fact purchase some of the works you see!

--Screen Door General Store: This store goes beyond the usual gift shop goods to include a vast inventory of products ranging in everything from themed souvenirs and Disney merchandise to even food wares. This is the ultimate one-stop shop to check out. You’ll even find a delightful snack counter right inside where you can indulge in delicious treats, including baked goods, slushies, and more. And with a grocery section included, you’re all set with picking up any and all essentials you could possibly want—just like those true nostalgic general stores of long ago.




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