Making magical Easter baskets at Walt Disney World

Celebrating Easter at Walt Disney World certainly can put a little hop in your step. But for those with children expecting a delivery from the Easter Bunny on April 5, the logistics may seem difficult at best. Rest assured – the Easter Bunny can find kids anywhere, especially when parents and cast members can offer a little assistance.

Guests have three options for purchasing baskets at the resort.

The first is pre-assembled baskets that are available in most hotel gift shops and lobbies during the week before Easter. These baskets typically are built around a theme. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney Princesses and Frozen (of course!) are popular. Steven Miller, Merchandise Communications Manager at Walt Disney World, told me that that the best selection will be available on the Thursday before Easter.

The second choice is for Walt Disney World guests to customize the baskets that are sold in the hotels. Cast members will start with a white basket, green grass, shrink wrap and the choice of a bow — pink, yellow, blue, purple — for $7 plus tax. The rest of the price of the basket is determined by the toys and treats chosen for the recipient. Popular items include plush Disney characters, Easter-themed crispy rice treats, coloring books, autograph books and assorted toys.

So what are some of the more creative baskets cast members have seen over the years? A water-themed basket that featured goggles, beach toys and a swimsuit for the pool-loving child and a basket with a Disney Dooney & Bourke bag as its centerpiece for one lucky wife.

The average total basket price is about $50, though that obviously was not for the basket with the Dooney bag. There is no charge for labor.

Hotel gift shops will store the baskets until Easter morning if guests don’t want to try to keep them hidden in their rooms.

The third option is the Custom Gift Builder service from Disney Floral & Gifts. This online service gives each customer the ability to select a container and all of the contents to tailor-make a gift.

Guests who like the look of traditional Easter baskets can choose a white basket with a handle and a personalized liner with the child’s name. For those who prefer a container they can reuse, there are tote bags, backpack coolers, cinch sacks and Mickey Mouse-shaped trays. Prices for the containers range from about $17 to $60.

There are more than 100 items that guests can add to their containers, and they are offered at a range of prices. The traditional chocolate bunnies, Peeps marshmallow chicks and various flavors of jelly beans are among the offerings.

Not sure what to put in an Easter basket to make it look irresistible? You can choose from one of the pre-arranged baskets for boys and girls and personalize it by adding the child’s name. Prices range from about $70 to $97.

Baskets can be ordered on the Disney Floral & Gifts website or by calling 407-939-4438, and they will be delivered to your hotel room.

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