Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, underwent a huge expansion in 2016. While not a theme park, it is arguably now a destination worthy of at least a half day (or longer!) visit. On my last trip to Disney World, we went to Disney Springs twice. I revisited two of my favorite shops, and added a new favorite to my list.
Uniqlo
Inside the Uniqlo store at Disney Springs
Japanese fashion retailer UNIQLO operates more than 1800 stores worldwide, but only a handful are located in the United States. I have never been to any of their other stores, but if the one in Disney Springs is any indication, they are well worth a trip. The Orlando location manages to sell trendy yet affordable clothing, most with a Japanese edge to it that my tweenagers love. They also have a handful of traditional Japanese items. But to my mind the best thing that they carry is unusual and inexpensive casual Disney clothing, including Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar items. Most t-shirts are under $20, and they often have sales or specials for under $10. The best thing is these aren’t like the items you’ll see elsewhere on property.
Basin
The Uniqlo Store in Disney Springs carries some Japanese items and displays traditional clothing.
This shop has actually been at Disney Springs for a few years, dating back to pre-expansion days. Billing itself as a “fresh, fragrant, and fun way to pamper yourself,” Basin is only found in two locations, Disney Springs and the Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas. (A higher-end sister shop, Basin White, is in the Grand Floridian.)
All Basin items are cruelty and chemical free, and formulated specially for their customers. What I love about this place (aside from the heavenly smell) is that they offer one-of-a-kind, Disney-themed (and non-Disney) items that you can’t find anywhere else. They make the perfect gift; we often combine several items to create a luxurious spa basket.
Favorite items here include the soaps, which are sold by weight (generally $1.70 per ounce). They change out seasonally, so there is always something new. Lest you think that bath items are all feminine, they also carry pirate, gator, and sports-themed soaps, too.
Seasonal soaps make a fantastic gift, especially if they have Mickey heads on them!
Bath bombs are also a coveted item in our household; they are $4.99 each, or 3 for $12. The bombs that emit Mickey heads when dissolved make a great gift. Basin also sells bath salts, shampoo, conditioner, body scrubs, body butters, shave cream, and many other fresh facial products. If you see something you like that’s Disney-themed, make sure you snag it – they don’t ship these products (although their website does ship their other bath and body items).
Diva Tip: Basin offers annual pass, Disney Vacation Club, and military discounts.
The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane
Located in the trendy Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs, the Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane is a pop up-type shop that returned late this summer with a stunning collection of mid-century inspired dresses and accessories based on park attractions and characters.
When I was there in August, the selection included Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, Tower of Terror, Minnie Mouse, Orange Bird, and It’s a Small World dresses and accessories, among others.
Basin carries a wide variety of bath and beauty products for the whole family.
These are not gaudy, in-your-face type items, rather they are subtle and tasteful. These would be perfect for Dapper Day or Disneybounding. The prices for the dresses range in the $100-$160 range, and the sizes run from XS to 3X.
If you see something you like at this store, it’s best to grab it – while a few of the accessories (like some of the Dooney Bourke or Vera Bradley purses) might be found elsewhere, the majority of items are only found here. And while I have seen a couple of the dresses on the Disney Parks app, they usually either say that they are sold out or “in-store purchase only.”
Diva Tip: A passholder discount applies to select regularly-priced merchandise.
Inside the dress shop at Cherry Tree Lane
These are my current favorite shops at Disney Springs…what are yours?
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**Featured image courtesy of Devo CabDisney
