Hidden Treasures: Magic Beads and Bead Outpost at WDW

Character souvenirs abound aplenty in any Disney theme park, but if you’re looking for something unique, interesting, beautiful, and fun go to the MagicBead Artisans stand in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or the Bead Outpost in Epcot and see what jewelry they have in store. Everything from bracelets to necklaces to earrings can be found at both of these locations, but that’s not what makes them so special. It’s the backstory behind the beads that make these such a hidden treasure and one you’re sure to feel good about.

A wide variety of jewelry can be found at either location - Disney's Hollywood Studios or Epcot at The Outpost — A wide variety of jewelry can be found at either location – Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Epcot at The Outpost

Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios and The Outpost in Epcot
Type: Handcrafted beaded jewelry from recycled paper
Cost: $7 – $20 depending on type
Craig’s Favorite: The fact that not only are these environmentally-conscious but the proceeds also go back to helping others

A little bit about the artists and the beads

Each bead is handcrafted from recycled paper found in the Disney theme parks. Those guide maps that quickly become outdated? They are the foundation of what becomes these beautiful beads. Every piece of jewelry is made out of 100% recycled Disney paper. But that’s not even what captured my attention the most. Beyond the environmental conservation aspect of these wearable souvenirs is that they are all done by hand in Africa by artisans who spend the time to construct each individual and unique bead. Better yet, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these pieces of jewelry go back to the men and women who create them. On top of that, they are water-resistant! Now, I wouldn’t go dunking them in the sink or go swimming with them, but that’s pretty neat.

The MagicBead Artisans handcraft each individual bead out of 100% recycled Disney paper

These souvenirs can be found in two locations at Walt Disney World – Disney’s Hollywood Studios near the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and at the Bead Outpost in-between the China and Germany pavilions at Epcot. Why they aren’t found in the Africa section of Animal Kingdom is unknown. Ranging in price from $7 for earrings to $20 for necklaces, these are also affordable souvenirs you can bring back for friends and family. It’s amazing to see the variety of colors and styles available from products you’d likely throw away. The ingenuity of it and the fact that the proceeds go back to the people who made them make this an extraordinary find. Make sure to go and visit them to see for yourself how amazing these pieces of jewelry are!