Video: Disney World Pick-a-Pearl Review

Find out what the fuss is all about in Epcot with the Video: Disney World Pick-a-Pearl Review!

Pick-a-Pearl: Walt Disney World

Have you tried the Pick-a-Pearl experience at Walt Disney World? If you said “no”, isn’t it time you did? With several locations in Walt Disney World, what are you waiting for?

Walt Disney World has four locations where you can choose to Pick-a-Pearl: inside the large Mitsukoshi store at the Japan Pavilion at Epcot, at a kiosk at Disney Springs near the Pin Traders Outpost, at a kiosk at Typhoon Lagoon, and at a kiosk on the pathway just outside the Stormalong Bay pool area at the Yacht & Beach Club resorts.

What to Expect

However, the most popular experience can be found in the Japan Pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot.   When you walk in to the Mitsukoshi store’s main entrance, you will see the pick a pearl section to your left.  It will be hard to miss though, because the cast members that work in this area really put on a show and there is typically a large crowd gathered to enjoy the spectacle.   This particular location is so well loved because the cast members tend to be very animated, fun and enthusiastic.  The process usually begins with the cast member encouraging you to pick your pearl,  then he or she will teach you some type of fun saying in Japanese to help them open the oyster.  Next, they measure the pearl in amazement and then bang on the drum to celebrate the beautiful jewel you have found.  The process is a lot of fun and we always see someone taking part in this unique activity.   Afterwards, you can choose to have your pearl encased in a piece of jewelry.  Many options are available in stores, but there are also some very nice options online that are considerably cheaper (more on that later).

The Downtown Disney, Beach Club, and Typhoon Lagoon locations are run by The Pearl Factory, which has several locations in Hawaii and Las Vegas, as well as at theme parks in California (including at Downtown Disneyland) and at several locations at Universal Studios Florida. Other operators exist as well. While the general Pick-A-Pearl concept is the same at all the locations, they are operated by different entities, so some details may vary.

Each pearl chosen is unique, but most are measured at around 6-7 mm, however you will occasionally find much larger pearls. Many of the pearls will be the standard white, but you might get lucky and find one of the various color variants, which include black, gold, and pink. You might even pick a very rare oyster that contains TWO pearls; twins!

Prices may vary by location, but the basic choosing of the pearl costs about $16.00. Having the pearl set does increase the cost considerably. Keep in mind there are lots of ways you can set your pearl and each is a different price. No matter how you have your pearl set, it will definitely be a keepsake that you can keep as memorabilia for years to come.

Don’t forget you can bring your own setting from home to save a little money.  This awesome Sterling Silver Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage Pendant is perfect to purchase ahead of time so that you can avoid the higher cost of the settings sold in the store. Disney souvenirs can be a bit expensive and pre-purchasing souvenirs is a great money saving strategy.

Have you ever participated at one of the Pick-a-Pearl locations? What kind of pearl and setting did you get? Tell us about your experience! We would love to hear! Join the Disney Express Lane Facebook Group to discuss this and many other Disney related topics.

photo credit: Blue and red battle it out (Torii Gate, Japan, EPCOT) via photopin (license)

Video credit: Brandi Perryman

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