by Barb Hopkins

Created on: April 04, 2011   Last Updated: April 08, 2011

Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center, located in central Florida is a sprawling theme park with two sections, Future World and the World Showcase. Epcot, an acronym for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, combines attractions, interactive exhibits, rides and cultural experiences into one 300-acre park. In addition, there are more than twenty unique shopping venues.

Future World is home to the amazing store, The Art of Disney. In this upscale shop, visitors can view and purchase Disney art in the form of animation cels, prints, collectibles and figurines.

For a large selection of Epcot and general Disney merchandise, Mouse Gear located in the Innoventions Plaza behind Spaceship Earth, is the place to go. Mouse Gear is the largest apparel and souvenir store in Epcot. The store is the best place to find Disney clothing for the entire family as well as toys and Disney trading pins.

Major Future World rides like Mission: SPACE and Test Track have souvenir shops within their attraction space. These are ideal locations to find unique gifts and souvenirs exclusive to attraction. Selections include trading pins, apparel, toys and collectibles.

At the International Gateway, the entrance between Future World and the World Showcase is the store World Traveler. World Traveler offers a selection of Epcot and Disney merchandise similar to Mouse Gear but on a smaller scale. It is conveniently located for park visitors wanting to find that last souvenir as they leave the World Showcase.

The World Showcase features 11 countries. Within the various international pavilions, there are attractions, rides, restaurants and shops. Each country offers wares and souvenirs unique to its native land. For elaborate steins and huggable teddy bears, visit the Germany pavilion. At the Italian pavilion, indulge in rich chocolates and fine wines. The Puffin’s Roost in Norway has a great selection of Norwegian troll collectibles and hand-knit wool items like sweaters, scarves and hats.

In the China pavilion, the large shop features a stunning display of oriental jade flower sculptures. Each delicately crafted petal and leaf creates a beautiful floral display. These sculptures range in size from four-inch desktop pieces to three-foot floor standing creations. Other items in the store include cloisonné jewelry, trinket boxes, silks and a variety of children’s toys.

For English teas, biscuits and candies like the Cadbury Curly Wurly, visit the Tea Caddy and the Crown & Crest in the United Kingdom pavilion. The large shop at the Japan pavilion has the best selection of Japanese anime collectibles in Walt Disney World. There are figurines, toys and games as well as an area bursting with ornamental chopsticks and delectable packaged snacks.

When shopping in Epcot or any of the Disney parks, guests staying at a Disney resort can take advantage of the package delivery service. Items purchased in any of the park stores can be packed and sent directly to the guest’s resort room. This service is free. In addition, there is a free package pick-up service where purchases can be sent to the front of the park to be waiting for the guest to retrieve as they leave. This eliminates having to carry around packages all day.

Epcot is the best Disney park to find the largest selection of international treasures. From silk kimonos to Moroccan baskets to an English Premier League football (soccer) jerseys, the shops in the World Showcase as well as those in Future World, offer variety, style and quality.

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