Akoya Pearls-Epcot -Walt Disney World

I am always looking for new things to experience when visiting Walt Disney World, and during my most recent trip to Epcot we were plagued with the infamous Florida rain. Luckily, we were over in the Japan Pavilion and slipped into the incredible shop there, Mitsukoshi. Now, I could get lost in this store and have spent hours (and hundreds of dollars) in here, but this time, I spotted something that recently re-opened, Akoya Pearl.

Akoya Pearl is an experience that allows the guest to choose a live oyster from a tank, and then see the oyster opened to reveal a precious pearl inside! Read on to find out about my experience and to find out what kind of pearl I got!

How To Get There & Book The Experience

Screenshot taken from the My Disney Experience App.

Once you make your way to the Japan Pavilion and into the Mitsukoshi store, the Akoya Pearl experience is on the back wall about halfway through the store. You can’t miss it and will be lured towards it by the cheering of observers and the pounding of the celebratory drums.

The experience is first come first serve and to participate, all you have to do is buy a ticket. At $18.78 ($20 with tax) it is one of the least expensive souvenirs/experiences at Disney.

I waited in line for my ticket and the cashier politely informed me that the wait time was about 20-25 minutes. After I paid, I was given my receipt and my laminated number card. The cashier told me to listen for my number to be called and that when my number was called, it would be my turn to select an oyster!

I quickly got a sense of what number we were currently on and decided I had some time to roam the store. I made my purchase and then wandered back to stare at the tanks and decide which oyster I would choose.

There were two different tanks to choose from and the cast members are super patient while you look and make your choice.

When my number was called, I ended up choosing from the tank to the right because I felt like the one to the left was getting way more action so the one to the right needed my attention. I chose the hairiest nastiest one. I don’t know why, I just felt like the ugliest one on the outside would produce something beautiful inside. That’s just my strategy.

The cast member then took me through the routine. We bowed to each other (because we were in Japan and that is what you do), and then she taught me the 3,2,1 countdown in Japanese so we could do it together as she opened my oyster. The setup was super tidy and they were extremely organized in between each person. They even had a camera hanging down over the set up and a big screen behind them so that you could watch them opening up peoples oysters while you were waiting.

With the anticipation thick in the air and me fumbling through my Japanese countdown, the cast member cracked open my oyster and quickly located my Pearl.

To my absolute glee she rummaged around in the flesh of the oyster and produced a beautiful, shiny, silver Pearl!! She said that the color was rare and that there is only a 5-10% chance of getting that color!! She rinsed it off and dried it and presented it to me for inspection.

After sharing the details with me, she gently set it down and we did a celebration song together as she played the drums and I danced along with joy!

She then cleaned the Pearl with salt and rinsed it and dried it one final time before bagging it up for me to take home.

The counter right next to the second tank was filled with jewelry settings that are specially made to contain your Pearl. They also sold chains for the jewelry, and if you wanted a less expensive option, you could get a little display jar with some sand. You did not have to purchase anything, but it was a nice touch to have available for your new treasure.

Here is the setting that I chose for my Pearl.

They also sent me home with a little paper explaining care instructions.

Matt took a video of my experience, so feel free to check it out.

Have you ever done this experience before? What kind of Pearl did you get? What other unique experiences have you done at Walt Disney World? Share in the comments.