Disney Merchandise

What You Should Buy on Your Trip!

I can definitely say that am someone who owns a lot of Disney World merchandise from my past 8 trips to the parks. I own T-shirts, Trading-Pins, Minnie Mouse Ears, coffee cups, plushes, blankets, artwork, and I feel like so much more. Needless to say Disney World is not lacking in merchandise categories and there is honestly something for everyone. Today with the help of some information from The Disney Food Blog and the Disney Tourist Blog I will showcase these items and some opinions on if they are really worth purchasing.

Inside of the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A in the Magic Kingdom 

First Up: Is the hype about Minnie Mouse Ears Necessary 

As seen in this picture I am wearing Minnie Mouse ears. Essentially a headband with two circles and a bow mimicking Minnie Mouses iconic looks. These ears can be found in so many different colors, patterns, and also ones inspired by characters, rides, and animals. I personally own 7 pairs which honestly isn’t a lot as I have been to Disney World 8 times in my life and I have only purchased two pairs in the past 4 years. I would say that the ears are a little pricey at $27.99 a pair.

They are really cute to wear around in the parks and take some nice photos as well. However if you are not a frequent goer to the parks you are most likely going to wear these a few time during your trip and then they will be put away until your next trip. They are not a Disney item that can be worn all the time and so I believe that buying one pair is worth it but to maybe skip owning the multiple pairs and opt for something that is a little more practical. It’s really hard to find someone not in support of buying these cute ears as blogs such as The Disney Food Blog are always posting new ears and why people should go buy them such as this post:

And please don’t get me wrong, I love Minnie ears and some of the ones Disney World has been releasing such as the Rose Gold ones I am wearing in the picture are so cute however I would rather spend my money on something else such as pins! My final opinion would be yes it is worth getting a pair that you really love is worth the money, but just make sure you are looking at what other merchandise there is to purchase as well. 

Second: Disney Trading Pins, are they worth it?

I am obsessed with Disney trading pins, though I do much more collecting than I do trading. As The Disney Tourist Blog states on their site pins are “Merchandise that doubles as in-park entertainment and a way to interact with Cast Members..”. This is a great description of Disney Trading Pins. Here are some of mine that I got on my last trip:

With the purchasing of these pins you are able to trade them with cast members around the parks for other pins. It’s a really great experience with the cast members and you could find yourself a cast member with some really unique and rare pins. Personally to trade your pins I would recommend just as The Disney Tourist Blog does for you to “…purchase pins before their trips to save money, and then trade for designs they really want (or that are meaningful to them) with Cast Members during the trip, and maybe buying 1-2 really special pins during the trip.”

This allows for you to buy a bag of older pins off of EBAY or something that don’t really have a lot of meaning to you and trade them for ones that do. My pin collection is close to 60 pins and I don’t think I will ever trade them because they mean so much to me. They are smaller more affordable Disney merchandise items, costing between $7.99 upwards to $12.99, and they are great reminders of your Disney World Trip.  I would say this is a worth it item to purchase on your trip. 

Third: Disney Artwork, yes yes yes!

Disney artwork is a category that I’m sure a lot of people don’t really think of but it exists and there are a lot of really cool unique items in this category. There is even a festival at EPCOT that called Festival of the Arts which highlights artists Disney Work from abound the world. On my last trip to Disney World in January I had been thinking about purchasing a piece of artwork. I wasn’t really sure what this would be as there are sculptures, Disney prints, paintings, and drawings to choose from. I set my heart upon this:

This is a print drawn by Larry Dotson, a man who has painted many works that can be seen throughout the Walt Disney theme parks. He happened to be doing a signing of his work in EPCOT in the Norway Pavilion the day I was visiting. Not only was this such a unique experience that I got to have the man who painted this sign it for me but he put “Magical Memories, Caitlyn”. This was so special and I will remember it always. Disney artwork is something that is such a special type of Disney merchandise that I recommend everyone having. 

Conclusion

All in all there are many types and categories of merchandise that can be purchased at Disney World and it all comes down to what really interests you and what you will love having as a memory from your trip. Most of the items I have purchased have been worth it for me as I am someone who loves Disney a lot more then the average person. Make sure to check out both The Disney Food Blog for new and exciting items being released into the parks as well as The Disney Tourist Blog for some more tips and tricks on what to buy in the parks. 

Hope you have a magical day!

-Caitlyn