It’s hard to imagine anyone could ever visit Disney World and not come home with at least one souvenir. Souvenirs can be anything from a free theme park map to that lavish $250,000 Swarovski crystal replica of Cinderella Castle (you’ll find it in Magic Kingdom’s Crystal Arts). If you’re struggling to find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip, I want to tell you about an option you may not have considered.
A Souvenir That Is Far From Ordinary
Are you an aspiring plant parent who wants to expand your indoor jungle? Maybe you want a distinctive souvenir or a special gift for someone back home. Might I suggest: plants!
Whether or not you already have a plant collection at home (it’s hard to stop at just one!), a plant from your Disney World vacation is a unique souvenir that will be treasured for years to come. Let’s face it. Most of us only have so much cabinet space for new mugs and limited closet space for new t-shirts. Plants, however, can brighten up any area of your home.
Where to Find Plants at Disney World Resorts
Remember when I told you about some of my favorite Disney World gift shops? Well, unsurprisingly, two of the gift shops that made that list also sell plants! Is that part of why they’re among my favorites? Maybe. Let’s start with a little resort hopping to search for new plants!
Boutiki at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a Disney Deluxe Resort that’s just a monorail ride away from Magic Kingdom. The resort’s main gift shop, Boutiki, is located right in the middle of Great Ceremonial House. This gift shop offers a wide variety of general Disney merchandise, resort-specific merchandise, and even specialty food items (the POG-flavored shortbread is calling my name!).
Boutiki has a small but permanent shelf stocked with plants that come in a variety of pot designs. One of the more unique pot styles is reminiscent of the Moai statues from Easter Island. Cast Members have mentioned that style in particular is very popular. When shipments arrive, they tend to sell out quickly. If you see it and like it, you may want to grab it (because it might not be there when you go back later).
Available plants include palms, bamboo, coffee, and “assorted foliage”. Each one includes a basic plant information tag with care instructions. A few years ago when I purchased mine, the Cast Member was able to put it in a small box to protect it on my journey home.
Zawadi Marketplace at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Although Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is a little off the beaten path, you can easily get there via Disney bus from any theme park. I highly recommend visiting this gorgeous, highly-themed resort for its shopping, dining, animals, and cultural experiences. We’ve got a video with a full Animal Kingdom Lodge tour on our Youtube channel if you’d like to learn more.
Animal Kingdom Lodge’s main gift shop, Zawadi Marketplace, is also home to a selection of plants. In fact, there is a large display comprised of several tables! Pot designs include numerous animals (elephants, lions, monkeys, hippos, and more) as well as other designs. The plants include the same types of palms, bamboo, coffee, and other “assorted foliage” combinations available at Boutiki.
Where to Find Plants at Disney World Theme Parks
Disney Resorts Collection Hotels aren’t the only place you can find plants, however. Come along with me on a park hopping journey to discover even more places you can find some greenery!
Windtraders Shop at Pandora – The World of Avatar
On a recent solo trip to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, I was delighted to discover some truly exciting plants at Windtraders Shop. In case you are unfamiliar, Windtraders is the gift shop at the exit of the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. As Disney describes it, here you’ll find “exotic merchandise and souvenirs celebrating the flora, fauna, and culture of Pandora”.
As I wound my way through the shop, I happened to notice some live plants. The containers look like scientific beakers. There appeared to be several different plant varieties available, but the most exciting was the Venus Fly Traps! I’ve never seen one in real life before, so even just browsing felt truly special. My plant game isn’t quite on that level yet, but maybe someday I’ll bring one home with me. How about you?
Near Living with the Land
Now, let’s hop over to EPCOT for our final set of plants. If you’re a plant or gardening enthusiast, you must head over to The Land Pavilion for a ride on Living with the Land. This attraction takes you on a relaxing boat ride to learn about the history and future of farming. You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the greenhouses where Disney World horticulturalists are utilizing creative growing techniques to advance the future of farming. I definitely include it among my favorite Disney World boat rides!
After you’ve enjoyed your ride, you can actually purchase your own Disney plant to take home. While not always available, there is sometimes a selection of plants for purchase near the ride’s exit. The selection varies, so if you see the display during your next visit, definitely check it out!
Behind The Seeds Tour – A “Must Do” For Plant Enthusiasts
One final suggestion I have for every plant enthusiast is to book the Behind The Seeds Tour. Behind the Seeds places a heavy emphasis on continuing the story you heard while riding Living with the Land. You’ll get an up close look at techniques being used in the greenhouses, have an opportunity to ask questions, and even get a tasty sample of freshly grown cucumber (everything tastes better when it’s Mickey-shaped!). The tour lasts around an hour, and cameras are welcome.
Planning Your Visit
I’m not saying everyone should plan a visit to Disney World just to buy plants, but I’m also not going to judge you if you do! If you’d like some assistance in planning your next magical plant-buying excursion (also known as a Disney vacation), click the button below to request a free Disney vacation quote. Marcus with Purely Luxe Vacations is ready to share his trip-planning expertise with you!
I love collecting things: plants, Minnie ears, Disney mugs, Disney Pins, pressed pennies, you name it! There are no shortage of options when it comes to memorable souvenirs from Disney World. Choose your favorites, and share your discoveries with the MouseHouseNews.net team. Bookmark the blog, and check us out on the MouseHouseNewsNet YouTube Channel for more magical fun. We’ll see you real soon!
