4 Unique Souvenir Experiences at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is not only jam-packed with amazing experiences but a seemingly countless number of souvenir opportunities as well. At their best, the souvenirs become entire experiences of their own, helping you not only fully immerse in the magic, but take some of it home with you. 

Here are four of the most incredible souvenirs you can find in the parks. 

Bina’s Creature Stall

If you are anything like me, you probably long ago accepted the fact that one day you will die while attempting to pet something that you shouldn’t. This means that, like me, Bina’s Creature Stall, located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is more or less the perfect place for you to visit. 

Walt Disney World’s official page describes the shop as follows, “At this exotic shop, you’re free to explore as you peek into cages and crates filled with hard-to-find species from distant worlds. Bina, the stall’s proprietor, scours star systems to keep this storefront stocked with unique companions for her customers.”

To be clear, you can’t buy toy versions of creatures here. You are purchasing the real thing (at least within the world of Galaxy’s Edge, where EVERYTHING is always in character). There are a wide variety of animals available for purchase, including Kowakian monkey-lizards, porgs, puffer pigs, worrts, banthas, Loth cats, and more. Prices for the animals vary but are roughly between $20-$70.

While you are there, you can stop to admire the sleeping loth cat who rests in the middle of the store. Careful, though. Try to pet him and he just might wake up and take your finger.

ACE Avatar Maker

Located inside the Windtraders store in Pandora – The World of Avatar, the ACE Avatar Maker allows Guests to learn precisely what they would look like as a Na’vi/Human hybrid. And how do they accomplish that? By creating a custom-made Avatar action figure based on your facial features! Walt Disney World’s official description of the experience states, “At ACE Avatar Maker, the natural feel of Windtraders gives way as guests step into a futuristic transformation booth. Guests are greeted by an Alpha Centauri Expedition Scan Technician who uses a state-of-the-art, facial capture scanner to enter data into the Hybrid Digitizing System.” As in the traditional creation of an Avatar, the technician will also “take some DNA” that helps “create” your specific figure. 

Once your face has been scanned into the system, you can choose between a variety of different body types which come in both “youth” and “adult” sizes. Once you’ve selected your body type, you can choose your figure’s eye color, hairstyle, and facial striping, all while learning about Na’Vi from your technician in the process. You are then given an “Ace Identification Card” and are able to pick up your figure approximately 30 minutes later. 

The figure itself costs around $79.99, and Guests can buy additional accessories to go with it. In addition, you’ll receive your figure in packaging that is designed to resemble the “amnio tank” seen in the queue of the Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. 

TRON Identity Program 

After you’ve tested your mettle by riding TRON Lightcycle / Run, you may find that you want to spend a little more time in The Grid. Maybe even find a way to become a permanent part of it. If that’s the case, just head over to the Tomorrowland Launch Depot to take part in the TRON Identity Program.

Conceptually similar to the ACE Avatar Maker, the TRON Identity Program allows you to create a Program (or action figure) with your face AND voice. Your face will be “scanned,” before you are given the opportunity to select your team color, helmet, and body configuration (with options like Enforcer, Combatant, Heavy Sentry, and Scout). Once all of that is completed, you’ll make your way to Command Input, where you will record six different lines of dialogue. You’ll have a variety of lines to choose from, so you can pick your favorites. The entire selection and dialogue portion of the process takes about 20 minutes. 

When you are finished, you have about an hour to wait before your figure is complete. The figure comes with special packaging, a box that resembles a retro arcade cabinet so pretty you might be tempted to leave the figure inside. The cost is $89.99, with additional accessories available for purchase at the Launch Depot. 

Savi’s Workshop

For our final stop, we’re venturing back into the world of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. That’s where you can visit Savi’s Workshop. That is…if you’re one of the lucky few who can find it. The shop is “hidden” from the prying eyes of the First Order, so you can’t just stroll inside. After all, Savi’s deals in lighsabers. That could get them in some serious trouble. 

Reservations are required, and each session inside the workshop accommodates 14 people at a time. You’ll meet with a Gatherer outside the shop. As the Walt Disney World page states, “Under their guidance, you can construct your very own lightsaber and bring it to life through the power of kyber crystals. Builders beware—you must protect the shop’s secrecy to avoid being discovered by the First Order!”

You can choose between four hilt themes for your lightsaber, with your options being:

• Peace and Justince
• Power and Control
• Elemental Nature
• Protection and Defense

You then go through the process of selecting a kyber crystal for your weapon. You can choose between red, blue, green, or violet. When that is complete, you will assemble the hilt, and then a 31” blade will be added. To accomplish this, the hilts are entered into a special chamber. All of the constructed lightsabers then light up all at once, for an incredible reveal.

More than a simple shopping experience, there’s a sense of ritual about the whole process, making it something truly memorable for any Star Wars fan. Sabers cost $249.99, and the process can take as long as 30-40 minutes.