In addition to the parks, resorts, and water parks to explore at the Walt Disney World Resort, you can also find a shopping and entertainment district known as Downtown Disney!  Here you can find dining, entertainment, and lots and lots of shopping! Plus the admission to this part of Walt Disney World is totally free!  Our favorite part of Downtown Disney is its primary shopping area known as The Marketplace. There are many shops to explore, including the world's largest Disney Store!

We always take time during our vacations to Walt Disney World to visit Downtown Disney and browse our favorite stores; and today, we are featuring a few of our favorites that may besome of your favorites too!

The Days of Christmas store at the Marketplace is located right by the entrance and is usually our first stop! This large shop is full of nothing but Disney Christmas ornaments and decorations 365 days a year. Even if you are visiting in the middle of the summer, the Christmas spirit is alive and well just inside the doors. Be sure to pay attention to the decor and artwork on the walls; and you also may find Christmas cartoons being played on a nearby television.

Many Disney guests like to purchase an annual ornament as a souvenir to remember their trip by; and at the Days of Christmas, you will find a variety of choices. Personalization is also available.

Once Upon A Toy is every kid's top destination at Downtown Disney! This is a huge toy store full of Disney toys ranging from lightsabers and Mr. Potato Heads to Star Wars action figures and Disney princess dolls. Tip: If your child has their own souvenir budget, encourage them to keep a little back for a visit to this store.

In addition to the merchandise, this store's decor is a big hit with kids too. As you can see, the front of the store looks as if it was made out of Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys; and large statues of Toy Story characters guard the entrance. Also, coming out of the top of the store is the Genie! The store's interior is a lot of fun too!

One of our new favorite stores is Trend-D! This boutique contains lots of stylish, Disney inspired clothing items, bags, jewelry, and other accessories. The store's decor and its products make it an ideal stop for teens and women who have both a flair for style and Disney! It's also a great stop for those looking for unique Disney products that you probably won't find anywhere else, you may find a few Disney Dooney and Bourke bags here too.

If you like to shop, or you are looking for a souvenir or gift for someone back home, be sure to drop by Trend-D!

Other Stores:
Some of our other favorite Downtown Disney stores include Team Mickey's, a store offering Disney inspired sports products and ESPN merchandise! The World of Disney, the world's largest Disney Store should definitely be seen as well. You could seriously get lost inside!
 
Also, don't miss a store and play area that's all about Legos! The Lego creations outside, inspired by scenes from popular Disney films, offer great photo-ops; and there is plenty to see, enjoy, and purchase for any Lego fan. This is also a great stop to pacify the little princes in your family who have been dragged from store to store all day!

Finally, we always enjoy stopping by the Art of Disney store located across from the Days of Christmas. There are several Art of Disney stores on Disney property; but this particular one is a favorite of ours. It's fun to browse through the gallery, look at the collectibles for sale, or pick up a poster or postcard. You may also be visiting at the same time as a Disney artist who is there for a meet and greet! It's a great opportunity to get an autographed piece of artwork!


Now it's your turn! Leave a comment below telling us and other readers about your favorite Downtown Disney stores that we shouldn't miss!