If you’re looking for a really cool and unique experience to have during your EPCOT day, a visit to Akoya Pearls might be just the thing. The small shop is located inside Mitsukoshi – the huge store in the Japan pavilion in World Showcase. This experience has been closed for nearly three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and cast members are nothing shy of thrilled to be back.

When you walk into Akoya Pearls, the tank of live oysters is the first thing you’ll see. In real life, not every oyster has a pearl inside; in fact, it’s nearly one in about ten thousand.

The unique history of pearl diving has close connections with the Ama, the free-diving “sea women” of Japan. Thought to be descendants of ancient seafarers, the Ama have free-dived for seafood, seaweed, and pearls for more than 3,000 years!

At this location, every oyster contains a pearl. Most pearls are the typical whiteish color, but I’ve heard of guests getting a pink one in rare instances. You can purchase a pearl ticket currently for $18.78 (plus tax).

The cast members make the experience exciting by making music with special instruments.

Once you’ve selected your oyster, a cast member will work on opening it and getting the pearl out. They have a whole setup for cleaning the pearl, and you’ll be able to watch the entire process.

While getting a pearl by itself isn’t terribly pricey, there are jewelry options available for an additional price. The jewelry is specially crafted to hold your pearl, and some of the options have a little touch of Disney.

I am a big fan of the Cinderella Carriage pendant!

There is a pick-a-pearl kiosk located at Disney Springs as well, but it isn’t the same experience that you can have in the Japan pavilion at EPCOT.

Have you ever participated in this fun activity?

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