Howdy, Lara. I'm always happy to lasso an answer for a fellow Texan, so thanks for boot-scooting over to planDisney today!
I absolutely love the pick-a-pearl experience at Akoya Pearls in the Japan Pavilion at
EPCOT and am so glad you asked about it. It’s been a tradition to do this once on every trip we take to Walt Disney World Resort, so I was ecstatic when it returned. The first pearl I picked after it opened back up was a set of twins (two pearls), so they are extra special to me. Pro tip: It’s not science, but I’ve heard that the prettiest pearls come from the overlooked oysters.
There isn’t a way to reserve a specific time slot to take part in this one-of-a-kind experience, as it is a first-come, first-served scenario. When you arrive at Akoya Pearls and purchase a ticket to pick-a-pearl, you’ll receive a number, which tells you when your turn will be. You’ll want to stay close by so you can hop up there when your number is called. Afterward, you can have your pearl set in a piece of jewelry in the Mitsukoshi Department Store (there’s a jewelry counter right next to Akoya Pearls). Of course, you can simply take home your pearl in the bag they put it in, but know you have options.
Lara, please stop by planDisney again and let us rustle up another answer for you if you think of anything else. Have a truly magical trip!
Happy trails to you,
Alyssa