A Walt Disney World vacation can be expensive, and once you arrive, you’ll find souvenirs everywhere you look, including the theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. As someone who loves to shop, I know it’s important to spend your money on things you’ll have use for later – either on your next trip or at home in your everyday life.
Souvenirs are great for a variety of reasons. They can be used on your vacation, as a great gift, as part of a collection that you’ll continue to grow, or as a reminder of a fantastic vacation. Among the amazing gift shops and fun products, here are the best Disney World souvenirs that stand the test of time and are worth your money.
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Best Disney World Souvenirs Worth Your Money
Shopping for the Best Disney World Souvenirs
My kids always tease me because when we are on vacation, I tell them to wait to shop until the end. But I feel that you shouldn’t buy the first thing you see when you have limited vacation funds. Luckily, many stores carry the same merchandise, so you can choose later.
Some exclusions apply, however. Resort-specific merchandise will only be available at that resort hotel. In addition, there are some specialty shops—like those at the end of an attraction, at Disney Springs, at a country in EPCOT’s World Showcase, or at a specific theme park.
While I love shopping at all the stores, I have a few favorites. These include the Magic Kingdom Emporium, the EPCOT Creations Shop, and the Disney Springs World of Disney Store.
If you are flying through Orlando International Airport, you also have one last chance to purchase your Disney World souvenir at the Magic of Disney stores before security. Again, the selection won’t include everything you’ll see in the parks, so if you have one specific thing in mind, buy it when you see it.
Some Disney Parks merchandise can now be purchased online at the Disney Store. If you get home and regret not purchasing something, this is an excellent option. You can also choose to buy it before you leave so you have it available for your trip (great for autograph books, apparel, bags, and ears).
Here are some of the best Walt Disney World souvenirs to purchase.
Mickey Mouse Ears
These ubiquitous ears are some of the most popular Disney World souvenirs. Over the years, there have been many versions, from glittery rose gold to Star Wars-themed ears. Some Mickey ears are on a fabric base, while others are on a headband.
If you and your kids will wear them, I recommend buying at least one pair. When my kids were little, they each had a personalized set of ears, and they loved them.
You can always pack your ears for each Disney vacation or can choose to purchase a new pair each trip. Either way, they are a fun souvenir of your trip. You’ll find them at shops throughout the theme parks.
Disney Cups, Dishes, and Mugs
I love functional souvenirs that you can use once you get home. Not only are they useful, but they are an ongoing reminder of your favorite place.
You’ll find shops offering dishes, cups, coffee mugs, and more with Disney characters and icons throughout the parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. The in-park Starbucks also offers limited-edition mugs for each park. These are fantastic souvenirs; you’ll probably be tempted to collect them all.
If you are planning to take home glass, you may want to pack some bubble wrap for your suitcase. These items are often well-packaged, but I always prefer to have a little extra padding.
Dolls/Stuffed Animals
Are you visiting with kids? Dolls and stuffed animals of their favorite characters can be great Disney souvenirs. When my kids were younger, they loved stuffed animals and had a collection from the Disney World Resort.
These are the types of products where it may make sense to wait a bit before buying, especially without an endless vacation souvenir budget. Otherwise, your kids may change their favorite character before the end of the trip.
If you purchase the trip, ensure this beloved new souvenir isn’t left behind. These can sometimes be a little too big for an already stuffed suitcase, so your child may want to carry it on a plane.
Disney Pins
Disney pins are such a fun souvenir, and there are so many great ones to choose from. Whether you want to participate in Disney pin trading or just buy pins to keep for yourself, it’s a great thing to collect.
You can find various cast members and pin trading stations with pin trading. The cast members who are available to trade typically have a lanyard or a card with pins. You can learn more on this official page.
I have always loved buying pins but have never traded them. Instead, I collected pins from the Disney resort hotels I stayed in. It keeps me focused on just one type of pin, and developing a collection is fun.
If you are thinking of pin collecting with your family, you may want to decide in advance how you want to engage in this hobby. It’s a great, affordable hobby that can be fun to shop for.
Disney Clothing
Over the years, we’ve bought lots of Disney Park-branded clothing out of want and necessity. We’ve needed sweatshirts and dry clothes and wanted Princess dresses, spirit jerseys, t-shirts, coats, and more.
It’s very easy to get carried away with all the cute clothes, but again, I try to focus on buying one or two things. I especially love limited-edition clothing for events like the International Food and Wine Festival and Flower and Garden Festival.
To avoid being forced into this particular souvenir, check the weather forecast before you leave and pack the clothes you’ll need to wear. Then, you can buy what you’d like rather than what you need.
Disney Jewelry
Another souvenir you’ll love for years is the gorgeous jewelry offered at Walt Disney World. There are expensive designer pieces and more affordable costume jewelry options.
My favorite Disney jewelry designer is Rebecca Hook. Her beautiful designs don’t scream “Disney” but are modern, stylish, and not too expensive. You can also find some of her jewelry on the Disney Store.
Autograph Books
My kids always loved getting character autographs. We bought Disney autograph books on our first family trip to Walt Disney World and brought them back yearly. They could also be purchased in advance before the trip.
If traveling with more than one kid, I highly recommend purchasing one autograph book per child. My kids did not want to share an autograph book.
Christmas Ornaments
If you celebrate Christmas and put up a Christmas tree, you may consider collecting Christmas ornaments from Walt Disney World. While many of the shops at Walt Disney World offer Christmas ornaments year-round, there is also a specialty Christmas shop at the Magic Kingdom.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe is located in Liberty Square at the Magic Kingdom. It offers ornaments and other Christmas decor year-round.
Star Wars Products
Are there any Star Wars fans in your family? Walt Disney World offers some premium, unique souvenirs that are perfect for any fan of the Star Wars franchise.
You can design your lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop in Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll be able to select from various components but do need a reservation for this shopping and design experience.
You can also design your remote control droid at the Droid Depot at Star Wars Galaxy Edge. Again, you’ll need reservations to do this, so plan if this is something that you know you’ll want to do.
Pressed Pennies
Pressed pennies are popular souvenirs at many tourist attractions, including Walt Disney World. They are available at many locations throughout the theme parks, resorts, water parks, Disney Springs, and miniature golf courses. They are collectible and just cost $1 to press, making them one of the least expensive souvenirs to collect.
While in the past, it was recommended that you collect nice, shiny pennies or shine them yourself before you leave on vacation, these newer machines provide a penny and take a card for payment.
The Walt Disney World website has a map with all the different pressed penny machines. It can be helpful to review this so you can decide which ones you want. They also sell pressed penny books in the gift shops (or buy one in advance on Amazon) where you can store and protect them.
Handbags/Totes
I love handbags, and I can’t help myself when I get to Walt Disney World. Their collaborations with popular handbag designers like Kate Spade, Dooney and Bourke, and Vera Bradley are adorable. Many of these bags are limited edition, so you’ll want to buy them when you see them.
Funko Pops and Other Collectibles
A Disney collectible may be a good option if you want something to decorate your kids’ room, an office, or another room in your house. We love Funko Pops, a collectible product featuring all sorts of pop culture icons.
At Walt Disney World, there are limited-edition Funko Pops based on popular characters, rides, and other company elements. These vary in size but are great souvenirs and collectibles for Disney fans.
You’ll also find other collectibles in the parks, including artwork, figurines, refillable popcorn buckets, and more. For unique international souvenirs, check out the different shops in the World Showcase countries in EPCOT.
What is your favorite Disney World souvenir?
