Walt Disney World hosts a unique population of visitors daily. Disney knows this, and has managed to put together a collection of merchandise that offers something for every type of guest.
While the majority of souvenir hunters will inevitably end up with one of hundreds of versions of Mouse Ears, t-shirts, stuffed animals, or princess dresses there are far more unique items that will not only become a treasured keepsake from your one-of-a-kind vacation, but might actually have some practical use when you return home. Your friends and family will have to credit your creativity when you return from your vacation with these eight original must-haves that everyone else doesn’t have.
1. Disney board games
Board games aren’t necessarily a novelty. Chances are, you have Monopoly, Clue, and other multi-generational favorites in a closet of your home already, but it’s also safe to assume that you didn’t pack them up for your Disney vacation. Come to think of it, can you even readily recall the last time you declared a family game night? It seems like Disney is spreading their pixie dust to new traditional classics every day, and although these games aren’t completely unique to the theme parks, this is one place where you can find them all.
Monopoly, Clue, Jenga, and Life are just a few of the family favorites that have blended the Disney brand into their theming. Prices range depending on the game, but they’re comparable to the prices you’d find online and in the big box stores. Board games may not seem to be the most traditional of souvenirs, but what you’re really aiming for here is a priceless, spontaneous memory. At the end of a long day at the parks, you might not always be rushing to the bed. Why not wind down with a family game night in your hotel? With this purchase, you have something to take home, as well as something that enhanced your visit. Find the best selection at World of Disney (Downtown Disney).
2. Journals and picture frames
In this time of digital cameras and social media, we have limitless ways to document every meaningful moment of our lives, including our vacations. Believe it or not, there are still plenty of traditionalists resorting to more “old-fashioned” means of chronicling their most significant events. Don’t discount the value of keeping some of your magical moments a little more personal with picture frames and journals.
A variety of styles of journals and frames are available – from simple to ornate. Frames can be themed around a specific attraction – perfect for the photo that proves you conquered The Tower of Terror, perhaps? They can also be collage-style, to display a collection of your finest Disney experiences. After all, photo displays shouldn’t be limited to Facebook walls!
Decorative journals are wonderful keepsakes, for any age. Younger guests and teens can end each day with a recap of their personal highlights. It’s never a bad idea to encourage writing! Adults will appreciate the option for real-time documentation, without the temptations of more public oversharing online. You can find journals and frames in just about every gift shop on property.
3. Blankets and tote bags
Many gift shops around the Walt Disney World Resort offer a special “if-then” buy related to throw blankets and tote bags. If you spend a pre-determined amount in the shop, then you have the option to purchase a specified blanket or tote at a discounted price. While this “purchase with purchase” method might not always be the most appealing sales technique, it’s not a bad opportunity for those already spending the minimum amount to qualify.
Blankets and bags are two practical souvenirs, and they will come in handy during your stay, and well beyond. These items are also among the best-made, most durable products available at the parks. The blankets and bags available through the sale, change seasonally, and are only available to purchase though the discount offer (which is typically a small savings from the average prices of comparable items). Of course, there are a vast array of blankets and bags available to buy “no strings attached” as well, and they’re still worthy grabs!
4. Mickey Mitts
Everyone has Mickey ears. This may be the capstone souvenir of a Disney vacation, and with good reason – they’re simply an adorable classic. Why not go against the grain just a bit and opt for Mickey Mitts instead?
These clever little accessories still allow you to Mouse-ify yourself, and they become a bit more irresistible every time a Cast Member gives a little wave with one. The mitts will obviously have to come off from time to time – meals are a good example of where they could be viewed as impractical, but on the flip side, they won’t fly off on a roller coaster! Even if you feel compelled to don ears, you can consider the mitts another step toward completing the look. Mitts representing other characters are also available, like the Stitch Mitts shown above.
5. Wind spinners
Most standard souvenirs are available in any gift shop on property. You’ll rarely have to search for a tee-shirt or stuffed animal, for example, unless you’re seeking something specific. Occasionally, you have to work just a bit to get to that perfect find. Wind spinners are a prime example of an item worth going out of your way for.
But, what is a wind spinner? Think of what would result in combining a kaleidoscope with a pinwheel. That is a wind spinner! Add a Mickey Mouse head, Cinderella Castle, or any other recognizable icon or character, and you have a bonafide Disney keepsake. Occasionally, you can find wind spinners at special events, such as Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival. The appropriately named company behind these masterpieces, Eyecatchers, also maintains a merchandise cart at Downtown Disney (near Fulton’s Crab House). These mesmerizing, artistic mementos certainly make for envious conversation pieces!
6. Parasols
Gift shops are hard to avoid at a theme park. On the flip side, outdoor merchandise carts can be easy to overlook. Often these carts provide items that aren’t readily available in the indoor shops. At Magic Kingdom (Liberty Square) and Epcot, you can find an especially unique cart item that offers complete customization – personalized parasols.
More for decorative purposes than practical ones, the parasols are hand-painted as you wait, according to your specifications. Options include beautiful script lettering, hearts, flowers, characters and many other decorative accents. There are a of variety colors to choose from, as well as two sizes. Prices vary based on size and level of detail. Epcot’s parasol carts have appeared in both the China and France pavilions, which allows for the added option of personalization in a foreign language.
7. Crystal sculptures
For an exquisite keepsake, consider crystal sculptures and figurines. This may be one of the most widely varied product lines available at Disney. From tiny animals to dramatically sparkling recreations of Cinderella Castle, there are luxurious trinkets for every price range. You can find crystal products on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom, at the Arribas Bros. shop at Downtown Disney, and in the Mexico, Germany, and Italy pavilions at Epcot. Each shop presents an array of similar core products, as well as higher-end, extravagant pieces unique to each location.
Items include displayables, and wearables – with Swarovski Crystal jewelry and tiaras that are truly tantalizing treasures. What lady wouldn’t swoon over the ultimate princess accessory?
8. Build-your-own souvenirs
No one can deny the popularity and appeal of personalized or customized souvenirs, but you have to appreciate Disney’s knack for taking things one step further. The category of “souvenir experiences” is rapidly growing as more items present themselves in build-your-own fashion. Among some of the more popular items you can create by your own design are Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head figures and Star Wars favorites such as light sabers and droid action figures.
Once Upon A Toy at Downtown Disney offers all three of these items in one convenient location. The Potato Head station features numerous accessories to prep your spuds as the perfect Disney tourists. Choose your pieces for one complete figurine, or load up a case with extra interchangeables. Ambitious young potato decorators can pass plenty of time just exploring their options here.
Aside from Once Upon A Toy, light sabers and droids can be created at Tatooine Traders at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Mickey’s Star Traders at Magic Kingdom. Much like the Potato Head assembly area, choose your colors and styles to create the perfect weapon or sidekick for your galactic mission – representative of either your Dark Side or Jedi alliance, of course! Posted instructions detail the nine-step light saber building process, complete with sound and light effects.
Droid action figures aren’t limited to R2D2 blue, either! Experiment with colors, forms, and even costume accessories. After all, a droid from Disney should certainly have a pair of Mickey Mouse ears!
There’s never a shortage of souvenir selections to commemorate your Walt Disney World vacation. In fact, the slew of shops and merchandise can often be considered overwhelming! All too often, guests flock to the items they see most frequently, or those they personally associate with a standard park visit. Be the one who brings home the items your friends overlooked, or took notice of after their spending cap was put in place. Make your Disney visit special, and uniquely memorable for years to come.
