Hiya, Melanie! Welcome to planDisney!
Oh boy! I'm so excited to hear that you're headed to
The Most Magical Place on Earth this May! There's surely magic waiting for you around every corner with
The Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Celebration in full swing. Be sure to check out the
Beacons of Magic in each of the parks and sink your teeth into some
celebratory sweets!
I know you're looking forward to the Pick-a-Pearl experience in the Mitsukoshi store in the Japan pavilion at
EPCOT. I remember visiting this store with my husband and picking out a pearl on our trip a few years ago and it's still a treasured souvenir and memory of ours! I know this isn't the news you were hoping for, but at the time of this writing, the pearl experience at this location is temporarily paused. But Hakuna Matata! No worries! Did you know that you can have a similar experience at
Disney Springs? It's true! All you need to do is head over to the
Pearl Factory Kiosk in the Marketplace of Disney Springs. You'll be able to select an oyster, discover your pearl, and have it placed in a unique setting! Also, Disney Springs is a really incredible location to spend the rest of your day after this pearl experience. I'd recommend dining at either
Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' or placing a
mobile order at
D-Luxe Burger using the
My Disney Experience app. And you must get in line at
Gideon's Bakehouse to grab some of their infamous cookies and cold brew coffee!
Prior to your trip, make sure you've made your
Theme Park Reservations using the Disney Park Pass system! And take a little time exploring everything that the My Disney Experience app has to offer. You'll be able to check wait times for rides, view park maps, and even purchase the
Disney Genie+ service in addition to mobile ordering food!
Melanie, I'm sending you all the faith, trust, and pixie dust that this experience will be open by the time you arrive this May! If you have any other questions, please visit us again. After all - you've got a friend in me!
See ya real soon!
Michelle