Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

Image: Dakota Gardner

While the Boardwalk is great, Disney saves its best merchandise for the Magic Kingdom Resort Area. And yes, the monorail resorts do tend to stand out the most among that set. But, if what you’re after is awesome resort-specific gifts for you and your loved ones Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground might just be the best spot on all of Walt Disney World property.

Fort Wilderness is definitely spread out, but the best spot to check out is Settlement Trading Post near the Magic Kingdom boat launch. In addition to carrying all sorts of provisions one might need while spending a few nights in the great outdoors, this shop also includes a ton of awesome souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.

From cool shirts and pullovers featuring classing Americana styles, to an awesome enamel-style camping mug that looks like a vintage piece from the 1950s. The aesthetics are all warm and nostalgic, seeming like something you might find at a thrift store in a Chicago suburb. And, because of that, each item feels like a one-of-a-kind special piece.

Fort Wilderness is one of Disney’s most underrated experiences, and the best way to commemorate it is with an awesome souvenir — especially if it looks truly unique.

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Image: frankfranc, Flickr (license)

There are a great many things that make Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort a favorite for returning Disney super fans. The theme is about as relaxing as Disney gets, the dining options are truly extraordinary (including the delicious Kona coffee), and the beachside view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks is a perk that’s impossible to top.

But, resort-specific merchandise is definitely on the list of things that make the Polynesian special. 

Which other resorts can boast a line of themed Hawaiian shirts? How many other hotels offer awesome coconut and tiki themed mugs and table settings? Where else can you find a replica statue of the tiki figure at the center of the hotel’s iconic lobby? 

But, that’s not all: the Polynesian also has a trump card that most other resorts can’t even come close to matching — Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. This intricately themed bar offers incredibly designed custom glasses for many of its drinks. And, if you pay just a bit more, you can bring the glass home with you.

What’s better than bringing a generic refillable mug home? Bringing a beautiful themed glass from one of Disney’s best bars.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Image: Dakota Gardner

Personally, when I think about Walt Disney World and its hotels, it is the Contemporary Resort that is the first image that pops into my head. The instantly-recognizable A-frame structure is etched into my head — and the heads of millions of Disney fans around the world. 

As such, it’s no surprise this resort sells a great deal of merchandise that capitalizes on its world-renowned aesthetic. The modern logo featuring the A-Frame structure and monorail can be found on all sorts of goods, from mugs to shirts to tote bags.

But, what elevates the Contemporary beyond its other hotel brethren is the special line of merch themed to the Mary Blair murals that adorn its massive interior structure on the Grand Canyon Concourse. Blair was one of Disney’s most magnificent artistic contributors, most famously designing the beautiful and simple artistic style of It’s a Small World. Few Disney artists have such a clear style, and seeing her’s used in mugs and T-shirts is enough to make any item feel really special.

Even still, there’s one item on every child’s Disney wish list that — while it isn’t clothing — counts as resort-specific merchandise for the Contemporary. That is, the scale replica of the resort that is compatible with the famed monorail playset. There is no better Walt Disney World souvenir, and so it single-handedly puts the Contemporary on this list.

We’ve long hoped for Disney to increase its commitment to unique and bespoke resort souvenirs, and it seems like the company has been moving in the right direction. With the added pressure of Etsy and homemade Disney goods, it seems like that trend will continue for the foreseeable future — and we’ll be the lucky beneficiaries.