A Look At The Arribas Brothers As They Celebrates 50 Years At Walt Disney World

The Arribas Brothers shops at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs are a must visit for so many guests to Walt Disney World, and for our family, we have so many memories of visiting to purchase extra special gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and more.

We have glass slippers, glass blown castles and characters, diamonte tiaras and more, all treasured keepsakes from a truly unique location in Walt Disney World.

The Arribas Brothers have been a magical part of Walt Disney World since the resort opened back in 1971.

The Arribas Brothers story began in the early 1960's where immersed in the rich culture of their Spanish home town of La Coruña, Spain, brothers Tomas and Alfonso Arribas mastered the 100-year old family business in the ancient techniques of Glass Blowing and Cutting.

Representing Spain in the World’s Fair in 1964, the brothers met a certain Walt Disney and impressed him with their finely handcrafted works of art.

Walt invited the Arribas Brothers to open their first shop at Disneyland, and in 1967 the Arribas Brothers began creating magic in a tiny shop inside the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.

These humble beginnings molded and shaped into 19 Disney park locations around the world.

Pictured here is Alfonso Arribas co-founder of Arribas Brothers, who passed in late 2018.

Today, Miguel Arribas, the cousin of the original Arribas Brothers, Tomas and Alfonso, is actually one of the longest-serving team members at the Walt Disney World Arribas Brothers locations.

Every day you can still catch Miguel showing off his glassblowing skills in the Arribas Bros shop on Main Street U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom or their location at Disney Springs.

Miguel Arribas has devoted more than 50 years of his life to creating Disney-themed collectibles as a glass artist at Arribas Brothers stores across Walt Disney World Resort since opening year in 1971.

Fascinated by the craftsmanship of his cousins, he developed his passion for glassblowing at the young age of 14 and it continues to fuel him every day.

Check out the video below to see his glassblowing skills in action as he creates the extraordinary pieces we see at Arribas Brothers shops each day.

Arribas says: “The best part of working at Walt Disney World is the guests. Our guests come from all over the world, but it’s always a special moment when they see my nametag and see I’m from Montevideo, Uruguay. It makes me feel proud,”

Shown here is the largest glass-blown castle in the world! Made by Miguel Arribas, it took 500+ hours and over 30,000 glass loops. The Arribas fantasy castle is currently at The Shanghai Museum of Glass in China.

Any visit to Walt Disney is not complete without a visit one of the Arribas Brothers shops to watch the artisans at work.

At Walt Disney World, you can find Arribas Brothers shops in Disney Springs, on Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom Park and at the Germany and Mexico Pavilions at EPCOT.

The Arribas Brothers also create the popular Princess fans that can be personalized right in the store!

They can add whatever name you’d like, not only are they pretty, they’re a great way to deal with the Orlando summer heat

Oh and did you know its The Arribas Brothers who own the Silhouette Carts in the Magic Kingdom an d Disney Springs?

They offer all types of designs. Some are related to Disney characters, and some traditional, they even do pets. Bring a photo with you if you have something specific in mind, and their artisans will recreate it for you while you wait.

The Arribas Brothers also own the Parasol Cart located in Liberty Square next to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in the Magic Kingdom.

Artisans will create your own personalised parasol complete with Disney Characters and your name.

If you’ve never been into the Arribas Bros shop then make it a must-do during your next visit.

You’ll find an eclectic array of themed collectibles many of them made from incredible glass artists.