Skip to main content

Unique Souvenir Ideas: "Pick-a-Pearl"

Lets talk souvenirs.  When you think Disney souvenirs, you probably picture mouse ears, t-shirts, and antenna toppers.  While these are quintessential mementos all guests should have, I also like to find something unique to help remind me of my vacation memories.  One of my favorite things to do is "Pick a Pearl."

At Walt Disney World, there are three locations to experience this- Downtown Disney, Beach Club, and inside the Japan Pavilion at Epcot.  My favorite is the Japan location, which can be found inside the Mitsukoshi store.  You'll know where to go if you follow the banging drum and cheers.

The first thing you do is pay for an oyster - about $17.  You will be given a number that will be called when it is your turn.  I've found that going early in the day when it first opens is easiest- it can get pretty busy later in the day.

While you wait, scour the tanks for the oyster you'd like to pick.  I've been told to find an ugly, hairy oyster, as they hold the large and pretty pearls.  I'm not sure if this is true, but I've loved the pearls I've received, and have been told that my colors are rare.  Many pearls will be white or cream, but there are also a variety of colors hidden in the oysters- such as pink, gray, blue, gold, and black.  Most oysters have a single pearl, but some have two, or twins.  The excitement is that you have no idea what your oyster will hold!

When it is your turn, show the cast member which oyster you have selected, and she will make a grand presentation of fishing out and opening it to reveal your pearl, counting down in Japanese.  Then it is rubbed in salt and measured- pearls normally range from 6-9mm.  If yours is large or rare, they announce it to the crowd and bang the drum.  The entire process is fun and celebratory, and all the cast members are full of energy.

Next, you can choose a setting for your pearl. There are a variety of options- rings, earrings, and necklaces- at a wide range of prices.  I've seen options as low as $20.  You can choose and pay for your setting, and pick it up within a few hours.  If you would rather bring it to a jeweler at home, you may do that as well.  The pearl comes with a cardboard box, or you can purchase one more secure for traveling for a few dollars.

This is one of my favorite souvenirs to bring home from Walt Disney World.  Since pearl jewelry is a little more subtle than Mickey ears, it is something I can wear everyday and be reminded of my favorite vacation memories.  Give it a try on your next trip!

Carissa



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Ways To Get Psyched For Your Disney Trip!

Hey-Howdy-Hey, Disney Guys and Gals!      Is anyone familiar with Barney Stinson's "Get Psyched" Mix? Anyone? How I Met your Mother Fans? Ok, great! So you totally get where I'm going with this! If you have no idea what I am talking about, you can watch a clip  HERE!  Basically, the theory is that no matter what's going on in your life, you can get yourself psyched up and ready for something awesome to happen, all by listening to the right piece of music. Playing off of that theory, I feel that one of the very best things about a Disney trip is actually  preparing  for it, or getting psyched! You can have a whole bunch of crappy stuff happening in your life at the time, but if you have a Disney trip on the horizon... even if it's 564 days away, you have something to look forward to and enjoy preparing yourself for. In fact, many Disney fans, (myself included), pretty much get from one day to the next by preparing for upcoming trips. You may even book a ne
Post a Comment
Read more

Mythos Restaurant at Universal's Islands of Adventure

Located on The Lost Continent of Universal's Islands of Adventure, Mythos is an award-winning, full-service restaurant that offers an otherworldly experience. If you've ever been to Universal's Islands of Adventure, you've undoubtedly walked by this restaurant with its towering rock formations, waterfalls and ancient figures carved into the side of the building. The restaurant has been calling to me for years and I was finally able to give it a try. When you enter the restaurant, it feels like you've entered a cavernous grotto from another world. There are oceanic and mythical touches throughout the indoor dining room and there's also outdoor seating with great views of the park. View from our table The menu features a mix of Mediterranean, Asian and American cuisine including Spanakopita Dip, Pad Thai and a Bacon Cheeseburger. There's also a kids menu for little ones and a dessert menu featuring Chocolate Banana Gooey Cake.  On our first visit to Mythos, we
Post a Comment
Read more

Universal's Volcano Bay Private Cabana Review

On a recent training in Universal Orlando Resort, agents Maci, Ashley, Aubrey and Yaritza and I rented a private cabana for the day at Universal's Volcano Bay. There are multiple locations around the park along with the option to have an upper or lower level, all of which reflect in various pricing. Agent Ashley received an email the day before informing her of where to check-in the next morning. While we were personally escorted to the cabana shortly after check in, the line at the check in location is the same as those getting towels, meaning it was not short. As expressed by an additional guest checking into a different cabana, we would have greatly appreciated a separate line, since this caused our group about a half hour wait. We're all adults and made great use of our time getting some fun pictures before the park was filled with guests, but this is important to be aware of if you are traveling with children.  We had an upper level Cabana which came with a splendid view!
Post a Comment
Read more