The Best Disney and Universal Experiences Worth Window Shopping

You don't need to build a lightsaber or tackle the Kitchen Sink to enjoy these experiences. Some of the best moments at Disney and Universal are completely free to watch.

Window shopping in Disney and Universal is such a fun topic. From food to experiences, you can spend a lot of money on things that you could avoid through time and thoughtful planning. This isn’t your typical “walking past a store” window shopping…we’re talking about something that should be experienced that you can enjoy on the sidelines before putting your credit card on the table.

Savi’s Workshop

Looking to finally build your dream lightsaber? If you actually have a “dream” lightsaber…build it at Savi’s Workshop!

If not, this is the best experience to be the “plus one” at Disney World. The show elements along with the amazing storytelling by the cast members will take you into a world that you’ve never seen in a theme park. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is all about the details, but there are things that are “pay to play” and Savi’s Workshop and the Droid Factory are the key ones.

Best $199 that you should convince your friend to spend!

Kitchen Sink

Beaches and Cream is an awesome dining experience at Disney’s Beach Club resort. From burgers to classic diner foods, there’s one thing on the menu that you may be tempted to jump into…the Kitchen Sink!

Scoops of Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Cookies and Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chips smothered in every topping they have. Also available Chocolate Lovers or Neapolitan.

The experience is great IF it’s on your bucket list and you’ve got enough friends to split the $35 cost! If not, just do what we do and grab a reservation for a late night snack and watch everyone around you walk out with a tummy ache.


Article Continues Below

Ollivanders in Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley

Heading over to Universal Orlando, the Makers Of Fine Wands Since 382 BC have one of the coolest Harry Potter experiences on property. Anyone can buy a wand (seriously, they have them at the Orlando International Airport!), but when’s the last time that you had the chance to see the ceremony performed where the wand chooses the wizard?

Ollivanders really shows off the storytelling of the wands, and will allow for a young guest to have a wand chosen specifically for them (ps it’s not free…they still have to buy it). Why is it a great window shopping experience? Well unless you’re a kid, you won’t have to buy a wand to participate in the show.


Stores with a Show

We have an article about the best stores with a show element, so definitely check that out. It talks about the retail locations that have something fun inside, like the pick-a-pearl in Mitsukoshi Store in Japan and the Glass Blowing in Arribas Brothers at Disney Springs.


I hope this was helpful in giving you ideas about your next day at Disney & Universal! If there are things that you’d like me to add to the list, please reach out @stepstomagic on Instagram and let me know why it belongs in the category!

1 Shares

Recent articles

The Best Disney Board Games for Theme Park Fans

Disney fan? These 10 board games belong on your shelf. Real picks from a real collection, plus honourable mentions and why Disney puzzles deserve their own tradition.

The Best Emporium Secrets Smart Magic Kingdom Shoppers Never Notice

The Emporium holds 14 details most guests walk past every visit. Chandelier timelines, hidden Imagineer portraits, and real Orlando bricks await.

The Starbucks Mug Collection I Wish I Started Sooner

I walked past Disney World Starbucks mugs for years without buying a single one. Now I have a shelf full of them and the Facebook Marketplace algorithm will not let me forget what I missed.

Arribas Brothers Locations Ranked From Good to Unforgettable

Arribas Brothers has 28 locations across four countries. Here's every one ranked so you know exactly which ones are worth your time.

10 Things We Wish Disney Would Stock at the Resort Gift Shop

From quiet luxury Disney apparel to resort-specific home goods and candles that smell like the actual lobby — here's what we'd love to see stocked at Disney resort gift shops.
Dustin Fuhshttp://www.stepstomagic.com
I’m Dustin Fuhs, a theme park fanatic that has created this platform to showcase my passion, tools and opinions to create a fun and interactive experience for everyone who visits. My goal is to help you and your family have the most magical experience at Walt Disney World. In reading my articles and ideas, I hope that you can find some fantastic ways to bring your dreams into reality!