One of the best things about going to Disney, in my opinion, is all the memories that can be made. This is why having something to take home with you is a necessity. Now, what you buy is going to depend on what is important to you. I would separate souvenirs into three major categories: budget-friendly, moderately expensive but practical, and sentimental. There are, of course, more luxurious items that can be purchased, which I will cover in a separate article.
For many guests, deciding how much money to put towards souvenirs can be a daunting task, and for some, it may not be a large portion of their spending plan. If this is the case, consider choosing affordable souvenirs like adorable keychains or pretty postcards, which can be found at various shops and are a good option for around ten dollars. Another wonderful low-cost keepsake is pressed pennies. You can find coin press machines located at all four theme parks, and they even make a book to keep all the ones you have collected in. If you want to get creative, you can grab a park map from the front of each park, they are free and you can put together a scrapbook that includes them.
Now, if you have a little more money to dedicate to your souvenir allowance, then I would recommend getting a few Disney trading pins or maybe even a lanyard. These provide a great way to interact with cast members as well as other guests if you are bold enough. A different way to go is apparel, or, in my husband’s case, a themed baseball cap. Above all else, though, I feel one of the best purchases is definitely a pair of ears, and the great news is that they come in a variety of styles and characters, so there is something for everyone.
My favorite category, though, is the sentimental purchases that can be made, which range in price. Let’s start with a choice that is fantastic and free; they are called celebration buttons. They have them for all sorts of occasions, such as just married, happy birthday, and first-time visit, and even if you aren’t celebrating a specific occasion, you can simply get one that says, "I’m celebrating." To me, being at Disney World is reason enough to celebrate! These pins can be found at most park entrances and can be pinned on your shirt or a bag you might be carrying.
The second option is not very expensive, but it depends on how you would like to spend your time in the parks, and that is an autograph book. Most shops carry them, and if you are not a big rides person, you can spend the day running around, meeting characters, and getting their autographs. It is a great keepsake, and if you want, you can tear out your favorite autograph and frame it, as I did.
Finally, and I cannot recommend this one enough, when booking your trip, Disney offers a program called Memory Maker. With this service, you can go up to any Photopass Photographer, give them your card, and they will take your picture. All of these photos will then be uploaded to your account. What I really like about this souvenir is that it includes what are called magic shots. This is when the photographers ask the guests to make specific poses, and animations are digitally inserted afterwards, such as the guests holding out their hands as a small Tinkerbell is placed in them. While this is the most expensive of the three, it is cheaper than buying pictures individually.
Overall, the Disney experience is one that is meant to be enjoyed and remembered. Your souvenir doesn’t have to be big or expensive; it just needs to reflect how you felt about your trip and what mattered most to you. So, make sure when you spend your money, it is something that you will want to hold on to forever.
Sincerely, Your Disney Buddy!
P.S. All pictures are of personal souvenirs from previous trips!