I’m sure many of you have collected a variety of Disney ornaments over the years, just as we have. A few years ago, it seemed like our Christmas tree was predominantly Disney and not leaving much room for anything else. With three kids and an abundance of special homemade ornaments from elementary and preschool, it was time for a change. The decision was made to purchase a smaller additional tree dedicated entirely to Disney. In short, we love it! We chose a spot in the house where we spend a great deal of time. Each one of us finds ourselves stopping by and lingering often for a true trip down memory lane.
Favorite Characters
These are among our most beloved types of ornaments on the tree. Characters from across the decades with their distinctive expressions bring the tree to life with pizzaz and vitality. Although our tree is full of a variety of characters, here are several that have held special places in our hearts over the many years.
Goofy has always been a fan favorite since each of our kids was a youngster. His infectious smile, general silliness and distinctive laugh are always captivating. We don’t remember exactly how long ago this ornament was purchased, but Goofy wearing a wreath and his jovial expression tugged at our hearts and was a must.
All of the Winnie-the-Pooh characters have always been favorites as well. Books, television shows and movies showcasing Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and the entire gang were always popular at our house. This ornament came in a box of 25, just like an Advent calendar countdown to Christmas Day. Number 12 features Tigger excitedly delivering a present to Pooh Bear.
Many years ago, we couldn’t pass up this particular one of Rabbit. Who could resist him using frying pans as snow shoes? Rabbit can sometimes seem a bit irritable and stubborn, so seeing him cheery and upbeat made this ornament a must-have. I guess when no one is taking carrots from his treasured garden, Rabbit tends to be a happier guy.
We were thrilled to visit Cars Land in Disneyland the summer it opened in 2012. We don’t get to Disneyland very often, but when we do, Cars Land is where we love to spend a lot of our time. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree was my son’s first attempt at a thrill ride, so it holds special memories for us. To this day, standing in line for the ride and hearing Mater sing all of his silly songs still makes us laugh. This ornament caught our attention as Mater and his fuzzy ear flap hat seem to be the perfect winter match.
Favorite Resorts
It is hard to believe this ornament is almost 20 years old! We purchased this one at the Wildness Lodge gift shop during our first and only stay there in February of 2004. So many fond memories are associated with this stay – the beautiful grand lobby, our youngest riding a stick pony around Whispering Canyon Cafe, and much more. We certainly hope to stay at the Lodge again one day and will be sure to purchase an additional ornament as a new keepsake.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our most beloved places in all of Disney World. We’ve only had the opportunity to stay there twice, but certainly wanted to mark our first stay back in the mid-2000s with the purchase of an ornament. We also bought this gorgeous hand-carved African animal in the resort gift shop on the same trip. Even when not staying overnight at the Lodge, a visit to view the animals and eat at Boma – Flavors of Africa or Sanaa is almost always a part of every trip to Disney World.
Favorite Rides
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride has been providing thrills to Disney guests since 1994. My husband and I remember as kids watching old repeats of the original Rod Serling television show, so the theming for this ride has always appealed to us. Once our kids got older and more into adventurous dark rides, they loved the nostalgia factor and unique ride experience as well. We all took notice of this particular ornament from the Tower Hotel Gift Shop based on its exceptional attention to detail.
Special Disney Celebrations
We enjoy purchasing ornaments to commemorate special events we are able to attend at Disney World. This one from 2019 caught our eye for the 50th celebration, with all four parks cleverly represented on the two ears. Mickey and Minnie on top provide an extra bonus. We are still looking through family photos to find just the right one to insert in the frame.
When our oldest children were very young, we attended our first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney World. This ornament brings to mind so many firsts from that trip – being at Disney World during the holiday season, staying up late for a parade, etc. Now, each holiday season, we enjoy looking back on those Christmas party photos (in 35mm format!) and reminiscing about the fun times we had all decked out in our matching Santa hats.
Special Family Occasions
This ornament from 1992 is the oldest one on our Disney tree. The painted wood has a few knicks and scrapes after years of being packed up and moved from house to house a few times. We take extra care with it now and wrap it up tightly each year to keep it in the best condition possible since it is irreplaceable.
We will end this photo journey with one of my absolute favorites. This ornament dates back to 2010, when our young daughters were in their first local community theater production. The show happened to be Disney’s Beauty and the Beast musical that particular year. We wanted to mark this special occasion with a keepsake to commemorate their roles as ensemble cast members. This proved to be the perfect ornament, complete with plenty of room on the bottom for a hand-written personal message.
Now it is your turn! Share with us pictures of your special Disney ornaments and/or Disney Christmas trees. We can’t wait to see them.
Finding fun and informative ways to provide Disney goers a unique perspective on the information they seek about the parks, resorts, food, history and so much more. Been bringing kids to Disney from toddlers to teens, so plenty of parent tips will be given.
Happiest with a pineapple Dole Whip float in my hand and an Orange Bird hat on my head.
