Unique Shopping at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
“Dream Big. Live Grand.” is the catch phrase for the Grand Floridian Resort, and with good reason. Luxury is the goal, and shopping is how it’s done. With five upscale stores, the Grand Floridian covers a lot of merchandise. Typical resort items such as clothing, trinkets, and toys are available in abundance, but among the standard inventory there are some unique items that are worth seeking out.
Basin White
On the second floor of the Grand Floridian towards the entrance to the monorail station, Basin White is a part of a small chain of bath and spa products found on Disney properties on both coasts. The one in the Grand Floridian, however, is a premium outlet which means that it’s inventory is made with higher quality ingredients. It also means that some of their inventory is unique and can’t be found at their other outlets.
The variety of items range from soy candles and shampoo bars to shaving cream and loofah soaps. But of particular interest are their salt scrubs, which make an excellent souvenir. For $35.00, you receive a large container of scrub with a base of shea butter or oil. The salt in the scrub exfoliates your skin while the oil or shea butter moisturizes, leaving your skin feeling like silk. If you used it just for your hands and feet, this container’s contents could stretch for a year, making it not only an uncommon find but a lasting one.
Another unique find is Basin White’s almond coconut milk bath. The size of the bottle is decent, and the “bath” has multiple uses such as a moisturizer, body wash and bubble bath. The silky soap even cleans jewelry somehow. For $20.00, this is an inexpensive, useful souvenir with the ability to pamper and a bit different than the standard Mickey t-shirt.
An added benefit at Basin White is the expertise and ability of the staff to accommodate the increasingly stringent airline restrictions. Considering that many of the products in Basin White would be confiscated when trying to fly, all staff have been specifically trained to pinpoint product that would pose a problem, and provide shipping directly to the customer’s home.
Commander Porter’s
Set up as a men’s store on the 2nd floor of the Grand Floridian, Commander Porter’s gives males a shopping experience geared towards their needs. With brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama, Bulgari, Oakley and Ray Ban, there is a decent variety of upscale clothing, caps, ties, and watches. But for a slightly different gift, cigars such as Ashton, Arturo Fuente, and Romeo y Julieta can be bought in this location for anywhere between $8.95 and $20.00. Once purchased, guests are provided with a cutter so that they can cut their cigar at the counter, or they have the option of purchasing their own high-end cutter for $2.95. It makes for a Disney souvenir that is a bit out of the ordinary.
Summer Lace
The last unique shopping option at the Grand Floridian is a women’s boutique located on the ground floor and towards the back of the lobby. Most of the items found here are pricey clothing and accessories sporting brand names such as Lily Pulitzer, Polo, Christine Alexander, Guerlain, Dooney and Burke and Burberry. But there are some items that are more affordable such as merchandise with the Grand Floridian logo and hair accessories.
The ultimate unique find that cannot be obtained anywhere else on Disney property is the Chamilia bracelets and charms that are for sale here. The bracelets are about $30.00 and come in leather, gold, or sterling silver. The charms range from $17.00 – $40.00 and come in a variety of designs. Many of them are Disney icons such as Mickey gloves, Cinderella coaches or Disney characters. The charms truly make for a purchase that is distinctly Disney and slightly different.
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Love tips on good places to find unique items at Disney. We’ve always got someone to bring a piece of Disney back for and not everyone loves the Mickey t-shirts. Thanks so much for all of your research
Great article! I love Commander Porter’s, especially when I’m looking for a good Disney necktie. There’s usually one or two for sale there that aren’t yet available at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney.
I appreciate the feedback, James. I would not have picked up on that little tidbit myself.
Thanks for highlighting one of my favorite places to shop! I feel the shops at the Grand Floridian have quite a few unique items you won’t find elsewhere at Walt Disney World. I’ve got my eye on those unique Mickey canvas Crocs, and I’ve already purchased some of the unique Grand Floridian items they sell at Summer Lace. In a time when it feels like the stores at Disney all sell the same stuff, it’s nice to see a shopping destination with some variety. Keep up the shopping series!
Elisabeth,
Thanks so much for the supportive comment. I couldn’t agree more with what you say. In my shopping research so far, Grand Floridian was among the top resorts that offered particularly unique items.
There does seem to be a significant move towards homogenization of Disney merchandise in the various shopping locations which is a shame. I will do my best to uncover the the unusual shopping treasures that are still out and about though.
P.S. I have my eye on those Mickey canvas Crocs as well. They are super cute!
Sometimes I like to eat the soy candles and shampoo bars.
This article is so informative I think I want to go out and buy everything mentioned, and a TouringPlans subscription. 6 of them to be exact.
Hey Tom!
While I didn’t sample the soy candles and shampoo bars as edible treats, I can vouch for their “yummy” scents. 😉
I love Basin. They have excellent soy candles you make. They are scented little beads. Add layers of these beads into glass jars and pick fragrances from floral to citrus and more! I think it was 3 for $25.
I did see their wide selection of choices in the Make Your Own Soy Candle section. It did look like a rather fun activity as well a unique take-away from shopping. Thank you for bringing it to the forefront.
I LOVE Basin White! I make sure I stop there every trip and stock up on soaps, etc.
Basin White had–by far–the friendliest staff. The guy that I spent the most time talking to was really well versed in knowledge of their inventory. You could tell he was enthusiastic about their products, and he said that the owners of the store regularly supplied their employees with free products so that they could know what they were selling and why they were selling it.