Which resort gift shops are worth a side trip?

[jasper]

I have only been to WL which had a very nice gift shop, and will be at POR in April. Which resort gift shops are worth a side trip to look around?

 

[steveanddonna]

AKL has a great and unique gift shop in keeping with the African theme - lots of baskets, soapstone carvings, African drums and other percussion instruments, some textiles, handpainted candles...all this and Mickey stuff too!

 

[newcomer52]

I agree that AKL is certainly worth the trip. I also suggest WL giftshop. I think these two are the best.

 

[Bracho]

I agree with steveanddonna, plus the resort itself is worth the trip no matter what. I would also say the Wilderness Lodge Mercantile... it has a northwestern theme.

 

[ducklite]

I'll agree as well, AKL and WL gift shops are great and worth the trip. I've also had good luck finding unusual pins at the Polynesian.

Anne

 

[Harambe]

AKL and the Poly are my favorites. Didn't particularly enjoy shopping at the GF, shops were a little too hoity-toity. At the Poly, there are a few shops, all lovely, and the AKL has the one big shop.

 

[kdibattista]

Another vote for AKL... I could spend hours in there (and have)

 

[CheshireVal]

I think AKL has the best gift shop, with Contemporary running a close second. I also enjoy shopping at the Poly, WL, and the Trading Post at Fort Wilderness.

 

[disneyag]

The Contemporary is neat because they have several gift shops.

 

[Dizz42]

Yes, definitely make the trip to AKL for their gift shop. It's wonderful! Here's a thought plan on going to Boma's for breakfast then you can hit the gift shop. Boma's has THEE BEST breakfast anywhere on property (IMHO).

 

[DeterminedOne]

IMHO ... AKL gift shop is not worth a side trip all by itself. If you tour the hotel in addition to the gift shop that would be more worth your time. When we stayed at AKL I misled myself because the gift shop has the word MARKETPLACE in it. I thought it would be huge, but it took all of about 15 minutes to look around. That's why I say go with the intention of touring the hotel and let the gift shop be a side item. I liked WL gift shop better for some reason.

 

[carbur]

I vote for Poly and the Comtempery(sorry that I did not spell that right).

 

[sotoalf]

I'll also vote for the Contemporary. It has several gift shops, and the largest cigar/liquor selection in WDW hotels - if you're intverested in that sort of thing. The Polynesian is close behind.

I think these two older hotels offer so many shops because they were built when hotels were RESORTS and thus offered as many amenities as you could get under one roof. Disney and the hotel industry in general has lost sight of this in recent years.