Tucked along the busy stretch of West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee, Florida, the Mermaid Gift Shop is one of those places that instantly makes you feel like a kid again. With over 900 customer reviews and a solid 4.1-star rating, this two-story treasure trove is a favorite stop for theme park visitors looking for souvenirs, collectibles, and everything in between.
From Disney memorabilia to Harry Potter gear, the selection here is surprisingly wide and the prices are often friendlier than what you’d find inside the parks. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or just love exploring fun shops, this whimsical Kissimmee gem is absolutely worth a visit.
The Iconic Giant Mermaid Sculpture
You will spot her the moment you walk through the door. The giant mermaid sculpture at Mermaid Gift Shop is more than just a decoration — she is a landmark.
Customers have mentioned her in reviews for years, calling her distinctive and unforgettable.
Standing tall and painted in vivid ocean-inspired colors, this mermaid sets the tone for everything inside the shop. She gives the store its personality and makes it instantly recognizable compared to the dozens of other gift shops lining the same highway.
Many visitors snap photos with her before they even start browsing. She has become a kind of mascot for the store.
If you are visiting Kissimmee with kids, they are going to absolutely love meeting this sea creature up close. She is a must-see piece of Florida roadside charm.
Two-Story Shopping Experience
Most souvenir shops in the Kissimmee area are one-floor operations, but Mermaid Gift Shop breaks the mold entirely. Shoppers get to explore two full floors packed with merchandise, connected by both stairs and an elevator for easy access.
Reviewers have called it one of the only two-story gift shops in the area, and that extra level makes a real difference. You will find different categories of items spread across both floors, giving the whole experience a fun, exploratory feel — almost like a mini adventure inside a store.
Families with strollers or anyone who needs elevator access will appreciate that the shop thought ahead with accessibility in mind. Plan to spend more time here than you would at a typical souvenir stop.
Between both floors, there is genuinely a lot to discover. Bring your curiosity and a little extra time.
Disney Merchandise at Half the Price
Here is something every Disney fan traveling on a budget needs to know: you do not have to spend theme park prices to bring home the magic. Mermaid Gift Shop stocks a wide range of Disney-themed items, and longtime customers say prices can be nearly half of what you would pay inside the parks themselves.
From Mickey Mouse t-shirts and coffee mugs to keychains and towels, the Disney selection covers all the classic favorites. One reviewer who visited eight years ago raved that the store offered Disney items at dramatically reduced prices compared to official park shops.
Of course, quality can vary, as some shoppers have noted that certain items feel more budget-friendly in construction as well as price. Still, for stocking stuffers, casual souvenirs, or gifts for a large group, this is a seriously smart shopping stop before or after your park visit.
Harry Potter Collectibles and Souvenirs
Calling all Potterheads — Mermaid Gift Shop has something for you too. One enthusiastic reviewer specifically called out the Harry Potter selection, noting it was a highlight of their visit and a pleasant surprise for a general souvenir store.
Finding Harry Potter gear outside of Universal Studios can be tricky in the Kissimmee area, which makes this shop stand out even more. Whether you are looking for wands, character mugs, or themed accessories, the store carries enough to satisfy fans of all ages without requiring a Universal park ticket.
Prices here tend to be more wallet-friendly than what you would encounter at the official Wizarding World experience. For families who want to bring home a magical memento without the full theme park splurge, this is a clever alternative worth exploring.
Even if you only browse, the selection is fun to look through.
Florida-Themed Souvenir Selection
Beyond the theme park merchandise, Mermaid Gift Shop carries a solid collection of classic Florida souvenirs that capture the sunshine state spirit. Postcards, magnets, keychains, shot glasses, and decorative items celebrating Florida fill the shelves with cheerful color.
One visitor mentioned stopping in just for postcards and walking away with fifteen of them, thanks to the huge variety available. Whether you want something featuring palm trees, alligators, oranges, or the famous Florida sunshine, there is likely something here that fits your vision of the Sunshine State.
These kinds of traditional souvenirs are perfect for mailing back home or tucking into luggage as lightweight gifts for friends and family. They are also among the most reasonably priced items in the store.
If you are the type of traveler who collects magnets from every state, Mermaid Gift Shop will not disappoint your collection one bit.
Clothing, T-Shirts, and Shoes
Shopping for wearable souvenirs is one of the most popular reasons people stop at Mermaid Gift Shop, and the clothing section delivers. T-shirts featuring Disney characters, Florida slogans, and fun vacation graphics line the racks across both floors of the store.
Several reviewers specifically praised the pricing on shirts and shoes, saying they found deals that were genuinely competitive compared to other nearby shops. One shopper even picked up a rolling suitcase for just twenty dollars, using it as a carry-on personal item on their flight home — now that is a practical souvenir find.
Swimsuits, casual footwear, and accessories round out the wearables section nicely. The quality is generally in line with the price point, which is exactly what you expect from a vacation souvenir shop.
For families needing an extra outfit or two mid-trip, this is a convenient and affordable stop.
Jewelry, Bags, and Purses
Not every souvenir has to have Mickey ears on it. Mermaid Gift Shop carries a fun selection of jewelry, bags, and purses that go beyond typical theme park fare.
One reviewer enthusiastically listed these items among the store’s highlights, noting the variety was genuinely impressive.
You will find everything from sparkly statement necklaces to casual everyday totes, making this section appealing to shoppers who want something stylish rather than strictly souvenir-focused. The price range varies, and some reviewers noted that certain bags felt a bit pricey compared to other stores.
However, others found pieces they loved at prices they were happy with.
It is the kind of section where patience and browsing pay off. Take your time flipping through the racks and checking the smaller display stands.
You might find a unique piece that becomes your favorite vacation keepsake — without a single cartoon character in sight.
Electronics and Headphones
Surprisingly, Mermaid Gift Shop also stocks electronics — including headphones and other small tech accessories. For a souvenir shop, that is a broader product range than most visitors expect when they first walk in the door.
A word of caution though: at least one reviewer flagged that some electronics, particularly headphones, appeared to be sourced from budget retailers and were being sold at a significant markup. Comparing prices before purchasing anything in this category is a smart move, especially if you can quickly check online for reference.
That said, if you forgot your earbuds at home and need a quick replacement to survive a long car ride or flight, this shop could save the day in a pinch. Convenience has a price on vacation, and sometimes paying a little more locally beats hunting for a big-box store miles away from your hotel.
Just shop with your eyes open.
Candles and Home Decor Items
Candles might not be the first thing you think of when shopping for vacation souvenirs, but Mermaid Gift Shop carries them — and they make surprisingly thoughtful gifts. Scented candles with tropical, ocean, or floral themes bring a little piece of Florida home with you long after the tan fades.
Home decor items like small figurines, decorative signs, and themed knick-knacks are also scattered throughout the store. These pieces tend to appeal to shoppers who want something that looks good on a shelf rather than just sitting in a drawer.
One reviewer mentioned the lighthouse sculpture as a distinctive item that made the shop feel different from other area gift stores. Decorative finds like that are what set Mermaid Gift Shop apart from the cookie-cutter souvenir stops nearby.
If you love hunting for unique home accents while traveling, budget a few extra minutes to browse this section thoroughly.
Toys and Kids’ Gifts
Traveling with little ones means you will inevitably hear the words ‘Can I get something?’ about forty times per day. Mermaid Gift Shop has a decent toy section that gives kids plenty to get excited about without completely wrecking your vacation budget.
Reviewers noted that toys are among the more reasonably priced items in the store, making this a good spot to let kids pick out a small treat. Disney character figures, plush toys, and themed play items make up a good chunk of the selection, keeping it relevant to the theme park experience surrounding Kissimmee.
One shopper did share a cautionary tale about a blind box purchase that turned out to be disappointing in quality, so it is worth inspecting items carefully before buying. Overall though, the toy section offers enough variety and value to keep young shoppers happy and parents relatively comfortable with what they are spending.
Convenient Location and Long Hours
Location matters when you are on vacation and short on time. Mermaid Gift Shop sits right on West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway — the main road connecting many of Kissimmee’s most popular hotels and attractions to Walt Disney World.
You practically drive past it no matter where you are headed.
Even better, the store is open from 8 AM to 11 PM every single day of the week. That means you can pop in before your morning park visit or swing by after a late dinner without worrying about catching it during limited hours.
Very few gift shops in the area offer that kind of schedule flexibility.
Whether you are making a last-minute souvenir run the night before you fly home or browsing early in the morning while the rest of your group sleeps in, the Mermaid Gift Shop is almost always there and ready for you.
Friendly Staff and Customer Service
A gift shop is only as good as the experience it creates, and at Mermaid Gift Shop, staff interactions have been a talking point in many customer reviews — both positive and constructive. Multiple visitors praised the friendly, welcoming atmosphere and called out specific employees by name for going above and beyond.
One reviewer shared a heartwarming story about spending twenty minutes chatting with a staff member named Robin, saying the conversation alone made the visit memorable. That kind of genuine human connection is rare in a busy tourist-area shop.
Not every customer experience has been perfect, and a handful of reviewers mentioned feeling frustrated with how certain concerns were handled. The store owner has actively responded to negative feedback online and made improvements, including addressing the lack of customer restrooms — a sign that management is paying attention.
Overall, most visitors leave feeling welcomed and happy with their stop.
Great Prices Compared to Nearby Shops
One of the most consistent compliments Mermaid Gift Shop receives is about its pricing. Compared to the other souvenir stores lining the same stretch of highway, many shoppers say this one offers noticeably better deals on a solid range of products.
One savvy traveler tested several nearby shops before declaring Mermaid Gift Shop the winner, noting that the receipts from competing stores even looked identical — suggesting the merchandise came from similar suppliers. Why pay more for the exact same thing a few doors down?
Of course, not everything in the store is a bargain, and a few items carry tourist-area markups that are hard to justify. The smart move is to compare prices on big-ticket items before committing.
But for t-shirts, small toys, postcards, and classic Florida keepsakes, Mermaid Gift Shop consistently delivers value that keeps customers coming back trip after trip.
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