The cost of visiting a Disney Park can add up quickly. Most families have limited budgets for something as expensive as a Disney vacation, so it is important to make a budget. Something that often sneaks under the radar when budgeting for a Disney park vacation are souvenirs. In my opinion souvenirs are crucial in bringing the Disney memories home with you, but how many of them end up in the back of your closet? Sometimes Disney park souvenirs tow a fine line between cherished keepsakes and forgotten junk. Disney park veterans will tell you many of their favorite items are showcased proudly in their homes while other souvenirs are quickly forgotten about.
Here is my guide on 3 souvenirs I recommend you buy, and 3 souvenirs I suggest you don’t.
Worth the Money
1) Mickey Mouse Ears
Mickey Ears are the most iconic Disney park memento. The Mickey Ears are a relic from the years of the Mickey Mouse Club television show, but have taken on a life of their own as a Disney Park classic. For Disney fanatics displaying your Ears on your cubicle, or hanging your Ears at home can be a fun way to show your fandom. If the traditional black Mickey Ears aren’t for you then you can always choose from the dozens of other Mickey Ear styles. Whether you choose the traditional Mickey themed Ears or any of the other choices this is a souvenir that will be used and reused for trips in the future.
2) At least one printed ride photo
Hear me out if you’ve never bought a ride photo. Choosing one ride photo that includes as many of your family members as possible is a great way to watch your family grow. Documenting these memories of your Disney vacation will make your trip timeless. Seeing your family grow on Splash or Space Mountain is a unique opportunity to not only to create a great souvenir, but it also can also create a timeless family tradition.
(Photo credit: www.pinterest.com)
3) Disney Rain Poncho
This suggestion is obviously more crucial to those who are planning a trip to Walt Disney World. Unlike California, Florida will literally rain on your 3 o’clock parade. So be prepared. I suggest buying the Walt Disney World rain poncho because they are good quality. Yes, there are pricier than the local dollar store’s but they don’t feel like you have a garbage bag over your head. More than likely you will use and reuse these rain coats over the span of your vacation, and that’s why I say it’s worth your money.
Not Worth the Money
1) Balloons
Sorry to be the fun police, but Disney balloons aren’t worth the money. Here are 3 main reasons why. First reason is that balloons are not permitted on the rides. So unless you have a stroller to tie it to, or have a member of your party willing to not ride the attraction just to hold the balloon then you cannot keep it. Secondly, balloons fly away causing young children to become upset. Third, they are expensive. Don’t get me wrong these are good quality balloons, but at ten dollars a pop I suggest holding onto that money and putting it towards a Disney souvenir that won’t fly away. It’s hard to knock something that gives so much joy, but because that joy can literally fly away I have a hard time saying that balloons at the parks are worth the money.
(Photo Credit: www.pinterest.com)
2) Night Time Light Up Toys and Glow Sticks
Seen at night in the Disney parks, these toys light up in fun neon colors. I have to admit these neon lights make the atmosphere look more entertaining, but you are going to have no other purpose for these toys once the night is over. Once you come home from your trip they are going to under up under the bed or hidden deep within the closet. Also these toys are also not as enjoyable during the day.
3) Disney Candy
Not sure if Disney candy is considered a souvenir, but for the purposes of this article we will agree it is. I love candy, but a lot of the park candy you can get anywhere. Eating candy that I could buy at a gas station does not give me the Disney experience I want. I suggest saving the money on the candy to buy that additional Dole Whip or Mickey Bar. Saving you money for those extra sweet treats that are Disney Park exclusives will be so much more memorable.
What Disney Park souvenirs are a must have for you and your family? What do you and your family avoid? I think it’s important for everyone to share these experience and hopefully this article can give first time park goers a good idea of what souvenirs are worth the money when budgeting their first Disney vacation.
