I Go to Disney World Every Day, but This ULTRA-RARE Experience Will Never Leave My Mind

If you know me, you know I absolutely love Disney history.

Breedlove Here!

I pride myself on knowing all about the Walt Disney Company’s history, Walt and Roy Disney, and, of course, the historical nods you can still find around the parks and resorts to this day. Being a reporter for AllEars means I’m in the parks almost every single day, so I’ve been fortunate to experience lots of magical moments, but THIS experience I had with the Arribas Brothers was something I’ll never forget!

I had the chance to speak with some incredible Magic Kingdom Cast Members who had a wealth of knowledge about a longstanding Disney partnership. Their story was fascinating, and it truly gave me a whole new appreciation for Disney World souvenirs.

The story begins in the 60s, when Walt Disney first discovered the Arribas Brothers, Tomas and Alfonso Arribas, at the 1964–1965 New York World’s Fair. the duo represented Spain in the Spanish Pavilion. At the time, they were already renowned master engravers, celebrated for their intricate designs on imported glassware. What set their work apart was not only their craftsmanship but also their ability to source exquisite glass from across Europe — particularly from countries such as Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary, which were behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. Trade restrictions made it nearly impossible for goods from these regions to be imported directly into the United States. However, the Arribas Brothers, based in Spain, were able to bring these stunning pieces into their home country and then export them to Disneyland. This unique access gave their shop an unparalleled selection of rare and beautiful glassware unavailable anywhere else in the U.S., let alone in a theme park.

Crystal Arts (where Arribas Brothers are located in Magic Kingdom)

Their shop’s exclusivity quickly caught the attention of high-end buyers from luxury department stores. It’s said that some of these buyers visited Disneyland out of curiosity and were stunned — and even jealous — of the merchandise available in the Arribas Brothers’ store. The combination of their exceptional artistry and access to rare materials left a lasting impression on all who visited.

Mickey Hat made by Arribas Brothers

Walt Disney was similarly captivated by the Arribas Brothers’ work when he saw their booth at the World’s Fair. During a recent visit to Crystal Arts on Main Street, we had the opportunity to chat with Miguel Arribas, a cousin of Tomas and Alfonso who still works at the shop to this day. Miguel reflected on that pivotal moment, explaining, “He saw Tomas and Alfonso Arribas and they were working doing the engraving, and he asked them, you know, would you mind coming to LA for an interview so you can have a shop in Disneyland. That’s how it started.” This interaction between Walt Disney and the Arribas Brothers marked the beginning of their enduring partnership. In 1967, the Arribas Brothers opened their first shop inside Sleeping Beauty Castle, where they engraved imported glassware for park guests. The boutique became a destination for collectors and enthusiasts, offering a rare opportunity to own personalized, beautifully crafted pieces. Their success later expanded to Cristal d’Orleans in New Orleans Square in 1966, where they introduced their artistry to even more Disneyland visitors.

Crystal Arts

In 1969, a young engraver named Scot joined the team at Cristal d’Orleans. Under the guidance of the Arribas Brothers, Scot refined his skills and became a master engraver. His dedication to detail and precision quickly earned him a valued place on the team. In January 1972, just months after Walt Disney World opened, Scot relocated to Orlando to help establish the new Crystal Arts shop on Main Street, U.S.A., in Magic Kingdom. His talent and precision helped solidify the Arribas Brothers’ reputation in Florida. Although Scot is now retired from engraving, he can still be found at Crystal Arts two days a week. During our visit, he graciously agreed to come out of retirement to engrave a coffee mug for us, explaining that this mug is one of the most quintessential and classic pieces the Arribas Brothers still sell.

Scot himself!

Scot shared that the smaller-sized coffee mug, ubiquitous in the 1960s, was once the standard size for coffee in America. At that time, these mugs often featured various Disney characters printed on the front. Today, the classic small mug comes exclusively with Cinderella Castle printed in gold on the front, while engraving is done on the back. Larger mugs, more popular due to increased coffee consumption, now feature a variety of Disney characters printed on the front, with engraving also done on the back. Scot worked quickly, with the precision of a surgeon, to engrave our mug. He selected a classic font to complement our chosen words: “AllEars.”

Incredible!

Over time, the Arribas Brothers expanded their artistic offerings, introducing a wider variety of glass and crystal products to their stores. Today, visitors to Crystal Arts on Main Street can witness master glassblowers creating intricate, one-of-a-kind pieces right before their eyes. Miguel Arribas, who has spent more than 50 years working in the family business, is one of the standout artisans. Using a meticulous layering and texturing technique, Miguel melts glass rods under a flame to build detailed designs with shimmering textures and delicate patterns. The store is filled with stunning examples of his work, showcasing an evolution of the Arribas Brothers’ artistry. Alongside these new techniques, the shop also honors its roots with an engraving station, paying tribute to the craft that started it all.

Be sure to visit Crystal Arts on your next visit!

Want to see our video with even MORE hidden gems you can find around Magic Kingdom? Check out our video below!

Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news, tips, and tricks!

7 Must-Have Souvenirs From Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom

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What would you want engraved on a cup? Tell us in the comments!

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