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The
Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003
(UK
customers)
Imagine searching for silken clothes among the lantern-lit marketplaces of China, darting in and out of Europe, Asia, Canada and Africa to purchase unique, one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gift items found only in these native lands. Imagine a whirlwind shopping spree around the world without need for a passport or plane ticket.
Imagine no longer -- it’s Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort.
It’s the ultimate one-stop-shopping: an international merchandise mecca where more than 65 boutiques, emporiums and outdoor merchants offer a bounty of authentic wares from more than 11 nations. Here the world comes to you with one of the largest collections of foreign goods in one location and exotic settings transport guests to marketplaces of lands both near and far.
Guests can enter a meandering maze of shops in exotic Morocco, where embroidered caftans and woven baskets line the walkways and dancers entertain all those who pass by. Just a few steps away, guests find themselves in Bijustu-kan gallery in Japan, examining the collection of arts and miniatures.
From a $1 trinket bell in China to a fine Italian wine to Moroccan furniture worth thousands of dollars, there is something for everyone in the global shopping bazaars of Epcot. If you really want to take home a gem, cultural ambassadors throughout the shops and boutiques are eager to share stories of craftsmanship and homeland history with guests.
Here are a few other shopping discoveries at Epcot:
MEXICO
Amber, that golden fossilized resin cherished by generations, shines like the sun in earrings, chokers, pendants and bracelets featured throughout the festive shops of the Mexican pavilion. La Familia Fashions features silver and beaded jewelry. Colorful piñatas and sombreros can be found at Plaza de los Amigos, where the central courtyard has volcanoes that rumble under a blue and purple sky.
Artisans at Ring Carvers, a quaint outdoor stand, offer just that -- rings carved with a name or message in minutes.
NORWAY
Whether its trolls, sweaters or for the person who has it all -- an imitation Viking helmet with long braids -- guests will set sail on a shopping adventure at the Norway pavilion. With its signature stave church and rich wooden and stone structures, guests are truly transported in this unique shopping experience. Here the shops feature pewter gifts by Hardanger Bestikk, trolls by Ny-Form and ski sweaters from Dale of Norway. Laila surrounds you in fragrance, body creams and scented votives. The Fjording features Christmas items and Helly Hansen clothing. At The Puffin’s Roost, hand-knit woolens and toys are featured.
In the courtyard, lively Norwegian folk entertainers are a big draw.
CHINA
Delicate hand-painted umbrellas in assorted colors shimmer in this exotic marketplace. Silk ties and silk lanterns lead the eyes from one adventure to the next. The aroma of fresh foods steamed to perfection fills the air and courtyard acrobats add to the mystique of this unique marketplace.
Here guests will discover collectible porcelain dolls with kimonos which seem to come to life and Chinese Exercise Balls that bring an 800-year-old tradition to the present.
Yong Feng Shangdian is a huge Asian bazaar with Yixing teapots, brocade pajamas, butterfly haricombs, furniture, rugs, slippers and cloisonné. Here you can discover a wide range of treasures, from a T-shirt with your Chinese zodiac sign to a jade statue of a Chinese sailing ship.
A nearby outdoor stand features playful marionettes and decorative umbrellas. Wind chimes, china and figurines welcome shoppers at the outdoor merchant carts.
GERMANY
It’s Octoberfest year-round, with festive shops and cheering restaurants.
Old World charm is set to music and motion at the Germany pavilion. Ticking cuckoo clocks by Anton Schneider provide cheerful tunes in the charming shop called Volkskunst and toys and dolls are music to children’s ears at Der Teddybar.
The Germany pavilion at Epcot is one of only eight outlets worldwide to carry a complete collection of Hummels. Both Goebel and Hummel items are featured at Glas und Porzellan.
Christmas is year-round at Die Weihnachts Ecke, with its traditional German Christmas items including ornamental pickles. Steins, glassware and hand-painted eggs can be found at Das Kaufhaus and for those with a palate for fine wine, Weinkeller boasts assorted German wines and accessories.
ITALY
Beneath the columns of the Doge’s Palace setting and near the canals and bridges of a setting that could only be Venice and historic St. Mark’s Square, guests will discover treasures past and present. Elegant Christian handbags, Italian sterling silver and gold jewelry and evening wraps are just some of the items featured in the romantic setting of the Italy pavilion marketplace. Unique finds include Carnivale Masks, a special part of the Carnivale experience in Italy since 1496. Each mask is a festive piece of art that can be worn or used as a decorative home accent.
Luscious Italian chocolates and candies abound at Delizie Italiane. Adding to the mix of flavors is La Cucina Italiana, offering gourmet foods, pastries, wines and cookware.
Sculpture D’Arte features finely crafted figurines and decorative items that set the stage for beauty and elegance.
AMERICAN ADVENTURE
True-blue shoppers will take notice of this Colonial setting as the “Stars and Stripes” take center stage in this American shopping adventure. Featured are porcelain eagles in flight, embroidered eagle sweatshirts and pullovers. For those wanting to carry their patriotism everywhere, shops feature leather hip packs, wallets and mini-backpacks with appliqued USA flag.
At Heritage Manor Gifts, guests will discover handcrafted goods, Americana items, clothing and books on U.S. history.
JAPAN
The tranquil rock gardens, pools filled with koi fish and the sounds of falling water set shoppers at ease in the houses of Japan. From carved pieces of ivory and delicate tea serving sets to the latest toys and animated figures, the shops of Japan offer gifts that soothe the soul and excite the mind.
The charming shop of Mikimoto features shimmering pearl jewelry. The line features an artful interpretation of various characters inside hand-etched Venetian glass and framed by 18k gold.
MOROCCO
The king of Morocco sent his own artisans to this Epcot setting to create carvings and tiles found only in his nation. These treasures create the exotic tones and textures of a marketplace like no other.
Guests will explore an authentic maze of shops filled with magical offerings. Traditions of the past intertwine with the present in wares such as the red Fez and men’s gondura. Guests can take home handcrafted leather pieces, bamboo flutes, double drums and finger cymbals. Elegant carpets in a tapestry of colors transport guests to another world.
FRANCE
Guests sensing true shopping pleasures will enjoy the sweet smells of timeless fragrances at the boutiques of the France pavilion. As artisans paint the lovely courtyards and champagne corks pop at nearby cafes, those searching for that “something special” will soon discover their heart’s desire.
La Signature, sponsored by Guerlain, features one-of-a-kind perfumes, make-up and personal accessories. The France pavilion is one of only two locations in the world to feature signature Guerlain. Designer fragrances can be found at nearby Plume et Palette.
Guests can bring a bit of Southern France to their kitchen table with dinnerware, tabletops and decorative items from L’ Esprit de la Provence or savor the flavor of B&G wines from Les Vins de France, sponsored by Barton & Guestier.
What would a trip to France be without fine art? Guests can take in the ambiance of Art Fest where portrait artists create works of art in an outdoor setting. At Galerie des Halles, serious art lovers will welcome Parisian Impressionist souvenirs, books, historical items and original artwork.
For those who simply want their own replica of the Eiffel Tower, Souvenirs de France has it all.
UNITED KINGDOM
Whether it’s tea for two or two for tea, the United Kingdom pavilion features the finest Royal Doulton and Herman Dodge bone china teapots, cups and accessories. With a setting of English gardens fit for a queen, the smell of fish and chips in the air and even a few of those fine red telephone booths dotting the landscape, guests are transported to the streets of the royal kingdom.
Guests can swing into action with men’s and women’s sportswear collection by Wimbledon. English lavender is the featured fragrance by Taylor of London.
At The Crown & Crest, theme chess sets are a collector’s dream with characters from tales of Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood or Alice in Wonderland. The shop also features pub coasters and police whistles for those with an eye for novelties.
CANADA
Gets are invited to get back to their Roots, the premier shopping brand of the nation. From Roots logo sweaters, hats and fragrance by the famed merchandise line to the Northwest Mercantile boasting real maple syrup, guests will enjoy a shopping adventure that is oh so Canada.
La Boutique des Provinces features ceramics, dolls and other assorted gift items. Trading Post showcases gifts representing Canada’s frontier days.
From the boutiques of France to the colorful marketplace of Mexico charmed by hanging baskets and piñatas, the countries of Epcot World Showcase are a treasure trove for shoppers around the world.
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