by Fancy Free Diva
Deep in the heart of the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot’s Japan pavilion, they wait, caressed by the salt water in the tank, carefully guarding their treasure. Each oyster holds a cultured pearl, and for approximately $17, that pearl can be yours.
The torii gate in Epcot’s Japan pailion
The Pick-a-Pearl station in the Mistukoshi Department Store is not the only place on Disney property where these treasures of the deep can be found, but it does offer the most exciting ceremony for discovering these pearls, complete with drums, hand claps, and ceremonial bows.
Fancy Free Daughter bows to the cast member who will help us find our pearls
Diva Tip: You can also find pick-a-pearl stands at Disney Springs, Blizzard Beach, and the Beach Club Resort.
I had seen a number of people choose their pearls and had overheard the exuberance of the pearl counter cast members while I shopped, but I had resisted the temptation until I caught sight of the Cinderella’s coach pearl cage. Once I saw that setting, I knew I had to have it, but looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known before I decided to go in search of hidden treasure (see my tip about the boxes later in the article!).
Depending upon what time of year and what time of day you visit, there may be a substantial wait. The Pick-a-Pearl counter is often busy, and you may have to take a number and wait your turn. Fortunately, the Mistukoshi Department Store offers a wide variety of merchandise to keep you occupied and entertained while you wait for your number to be called. On the day we chose to participate, we went to the counter to pay for our pearls, which you do ahead of time, and then we were given our number. Our number was 3, and our wait was approximately half an hour.
Once it was our turn, we were called to the counter with great ceremony. Fancy Free Daughter, who was 4 at the time, chose two oysters from the tank – one for her and one for her baby brother.
Fancy Free Daughter points out which oysters she wants
The cast member who was helping us that day was very enthusiastic about her job, and she cheerfully engaged my daughter, who was very excited about being part of this process.
She was so excited!
Diva Tip: Choose the oyster with the ugliest shell. Remember the lesson from Beauty and the Beast: “beauty is found within.” Or, as the merchant at the beginning of Aladdin puts it, “it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts.” This is true not only of beautiful enchantresses and magic lamps, but also of oysters. The most hideous looking ones often hold the most beautiful treasures.
Once my daughter had selected the oysters, she was asked to participate in a ceremonial bow before the oyster was sacrificed in order to yield its treasure.
The oysters are carefully placed on a tray before they are pried open to reveal their treasure
Each time an oyster is opened, guests are asked to help count down three-two-one in Japanese before the big reveal. Fancy Free Daughter loved this part.
Opening the oyster in search of treasure
Once the oyster shell is cracked open, there is much ooh-ing and aah-ing about the beauty and size of the pearl. Of the four pearls my sister and I purchased that day, none was smaller than 6.5mm in size, and they ranged in color from white to yellow to pale pink. The cast member helping us said that there are sometimes gray or black pearls, too, but that those tend to be more rare.
The big reveal
Once the pearls have been liberated from the shell, they are polished up and placed in small plastic bags. You can take the pearls with you at this point, or you can choose to visit the jewelry counter to see the various settings that are available.
Fancy Free Daughter takes a closer look at the treasure
Jewelers at the Mistukoshi Department Store can set your pearls as earrings, rings, pendants, or there are pearl cages that you can choose from, too. This last option is the one I went with, because I loved the design of the Cinderella coach pearl cage. It was also the perfect size to hold the two pearls my daughter had chosen.
Instructions for caring for your pearl
You also have the option of choosing from sterling silver, yellow gold, or white gold, depending on your preference and price range. Not every setting is available in all of those options, though. Fortunately, I prefer sterling silver, and the Cinderella coach was available in silver.
Because of the myriad options available, the settings vary widely in price from very affordable to pretty expensive. When I purchased my Cinderella coach setting, it listed at $69, not including the chain, which I purchased for an additional $15.95.
Diva Tip: If you’re planning to purchase a pearl cage, you may be able to wear your jewelry immediately following your purchase. If your setting requires glue of any sort, you may have to wait before wearing it. If you have to wait or if you’re purchasing a gift, please note that your setting does not automatically come in a box. Boxes are sold separately for a few dollars each. If you’re reading this article ahead of time, you could choose to pack a small jewelry size box in your park bag to bring with you and save yourself a few dollars.
By the end of my purchase, which included two pearls, the Cinderella coach pearl cage, and a sterling silver chain, I spent approximately $130. In exchange, I have some amazing memories and a beautiful piece of jewelry that gets compliments every time I wear it.
Isn’t it gorgeous?!
This was such a fun experience for my family to participate in. The cast members at Mitsukoshi make it memorable through their ebullience and the drumming, clapping, and cheering. Picking a pearl means becoming part of a show here at Mistukoshi. In fact, you’ll notice that the pick-a-pearl counter attracts a crowd of spectators. Even if you’re not picking a pearl for yourself or someone special, it can still be fun to watch.
The drumming definitely adds to the entertainment
If you’re looking for a special souvenir or a lovely gift for that Disney fan in your life and another Mickey t-shirt just won’t cut it, then I definitely recommend picking a pearl at the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Epcot’s Japan pavilion.
Be sure to contact Patricia with All for Dreams Travel to help plan your Walt Disney World vacation for you, and make sure to include a stop to visit the friendly cast members at the pick-a-pearl counter in Epcot’s Japan. You won’t be disappointed!
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Do you know by any chance if you can go back and get it mounted? For example let’s say I got a pearl there one day & wanted to come back a different day and get it mounted??
Hi Sarah, sorry for the delayed response. According to Fancy Free Diva, she said, “Yes, you can. You can even bring your own from a previous trip, as far as I know”. I hope that helps! Best of luck! ~Character Diva
I was just the last weekend and ask them this same question…as long as you bring your pearl back in the ziplock bag it came in they will mount it for you.
Thanks for giving details of the price of the pearl cage. Most other sites only say they are expensive and it’s cheapet buying elsewhere before the trip so good to have an idea of the full price (as over in the U.K. so with import duty / shipping it’s swings and roundabouts whether to wait till I get there or buy one in advance for both myself and daughter)
We were just there last week and had a great time. My son bought two tickets for my daughter-in-law and me. We both got 7.5 mm white pearls and had them put in cages as pendants. The pearls were $18, the cages were $20, and the chains were $20. So, for about $60 each, we have beautiful pearl pendants! I thought that was very reasonable, and it was so much fun. Will definitely do it again!
This is amazing thank you for letting me know about this. My family would love to do this.
This is one of our favorite activities at Epcot. We got two pearls in one shell once and the place erupted!