If Disney is good at one thing, it’s the art of selling. They can sell anything! Rides that exit into gift shops, exclusive items, limited edition souvenirs! They really understand how to create a NEED for everything they sell. And we have no problem with it at all.
It’s easy to fall into the never-ending pit of souvenirs at Disneyland and Disney World. Each park has dozens of shops with unique items and then Downtown Disney (Disneyland) and Disney Springs (Disney World) have even more shops offering specialty Disney merchandise. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed by the number of choices you have during your day at the parks. Let’s simplify this mountain of souvenirs by focusing on the top ones available.
This post is all about the top souvenirs sold at Disneyland and Disney World
Disney is always announcing the release of some new collection so look on their shopdisney.com website, the disneyparksblog.com site, and also a fan favorite and not Disney owned, DisneyFoodBlog.com for new items and trending merchandise.
If you’re going to visit Disneyland for one day then it’s easy to purchase gifts, souvenirs and treats as you go throughout your day BUT if you’re there for multiple days (like at Disney World) you may be tempted to wait until the end of your trip.
I will say that each theme park sells different merchandise and just because you see something in the World of Disney Shop on your first day or even in the morning, it doesn’t guarantee that it will be there that night or the next day. Merchandise at Disneyland and Disney World go fast, like super fast.
This is also due to Disney resellers. This very specific group of people buys up entire collections of new merchandise at the parks and resells them for double the price online. It’s become a HUGE problem for avid Disney goers and also first-time guests because there’s no merchandise left for anyone at the parks to enjoy.
Disney has tried to stop this by placing limits on merchandise BUT they get around this by bringing in friends and family members to purchase the items for them. Also, the limit is for a specific size. So resellers can buy one of each size in every color before they are limited at that specific store.
But this post isn’t about the reseller issues throughout the parks, lets get down to YOU buying merchandise at Disneyland for yourself, friends and family.
One of the biggest questions when planning a Disney vacation is how much will it cost? and once you’re there, how much more money will I need for food, experiences, and souvenirs? Luckily there is a ton of information out there to help you budget for your Disneyland vacation.
Tip 1: Research
Before any trip to Disneyland (California) or Disney World (Florida), you want to do your research. This may seem silly since it’s a theme park but being prepared is always a good thing. Most full-service restaurants need reservations and reservations open up 60 days prior to arrival. That means everyone who is going to the parks that day has been preparing for that ONE meal for at least 2 months.
This isn’t meant to scare you but this is the level of detail necessary for a smooth vacation at the Disney Parks. So it’s always best to research new collections being released for souvenirs, top restaurants, the best places to rest during the day and so much more.
Since this post is geared toward souvenirs and budgeting, it will be focused on research and details for that only.
Tip 2: Save for One Thing at a Time and Purchase Ahead
Saving and budgeting are a lot easier when you break them up into smaller pieces. The first things I would start to budget for are the ones you have to secure early on in your planning. Here is the order of how I would save.
- Hotel
- Hotel reservations do not guarantee entrance into the parks for that time, you need to reserve those days at each park separately.
- Flight
- Tickets
- Once you purchase your ticket(s) you are required to make a reservation for the exact day and exact park you will be visiting.
- Upgrades/Tours
- Dining
- Souvenirs
- Pre-Arrival Goodies (new clothes, bags, travel items, etc.)
The price for the first few items will vary greatly depending on how far you’re flying, what seats you purchase, what tier hotel you are staying at, and for how long your stay is. The rest of them are pretty straightforward.
Tours and Upgrades have a set price. You can look these up in advance and set aside the money for them ahead of time. For everything you are saving for, add a bit more than you will need just in case some unexpected costs arise.
You can check prices for dining locations throughout the park on the Disneyland or Disney World websites. They have the full menu available so you know if everyone in your family will enjoy it before you sit down and commit to an expensive meal.
The pre-arrival items are up to you and not mandatory, so that is very much easy to control.
Tip 3: Purchase Disney Items Outside of the Parks
Shop before you arrive. It sounds crazy but buying those smaller items ahead of time helps in the long run. You can always find Disney-themed goodies at your local Target, Walmart, H&M, and even Costco! But did you know the locations closest to the Disney parks carry even more Disney merchandise!?
We love visiting the Target and Walmart locations near Disneyland and Disney World because they have a lot of overflow or outdated merch. You can find Disney ponchos, water bottles, and clothes for a lot cheaper. Purchasing these items ahead of time can save you a decent amount of money for your trip.
It’s also been recommended to buy fun Disney coloring books and small games to surprise your kids while on your trip. Your children only see Disney, so they will have no idea if it’s from the Dollar Tree, Target, or Disneyland. Your vacation doesn’t have to be fancy and filled with endless expensive items. Keep it fun and simple.
Now to the Souvenirs!
To help with planning your budget we’ve included a round-up of the most popular souvenirs at Disneyland and Disney World to help you budget for your trip. There are a TON more options available but these really are the ones people wait hours for in lines, sell out online and collect like crazy. If you see one of these that you love, buy it when you see it – don’t wait!
Popcorn Buckets ($18 – $29)
Disney popcorn buckets are a top-tier souvenir. Over the years they have become a HUGE collector’s item. I’m sure you’ve seen the popcorn buckets whose lines have gone viral, most recently the Figment popcorn bucket at EPCOT at Disney World. Lines for this popcorn bucket reached 6-hours on the first weekend it was available.
Once again, resellers are to blame for the frenzy and panic. Guests and passholders who simply want one for their home collection have to basically fight to get their hands on one because resellers will buy them up in the first day.
Another reason why I say if you see something you like, buy it right away. But only if you love it! If you’re 50/50 about it then you should keep browsing and find something you love.
Pins $7 – $20
Pins have been a guest favorite for years and years. I would say they are one of the original souvenirs and collectors items available at the parks.
You can even trade pins with Cast members or other park guests. They have designated areas to set up and share your pins. Some collectors have hundreds of pins.
You can find them at most of the gift stores located in and around the park, like in Downtown Disney (California) or Disney Springs (Florida).
You can even purchase pins ahead of time online on shopdisney.com.
Sippers ($12 – $29)
Sippers are classified as their own special cup aside from Mugs. These Disney sippers are typically found at Popcorn stands or quick-service restaurants.
Just like the popcorn buckets, they are a huge collector’s item and lines for these cuties can go for hours too. They sell a ton of seasonal ones, so if you go for a holiday I would definitely snag one if you love it.
Mugs, Cups, and Tumblers ($14 – $34)
You will find mugs and tumblers all throughout the parks. Each park usually has its own collection and then in the World of Disney Store (located in Disney Springs and Downtown Disney), you can find a ton of character-themed mugs, cups, tumblers, and more!
The Starbucks locations at Disneyland and Disney World Resorts also sell their own Disneyland mugs and tumblers. These are also highly sought after. If you see a Starbucks Disney-themed cup you like, grab it fast!
Some of the more popular ones are also sold in the World of Disney stores. Just ask a Cast Member to point you in the right direction if you’re looking for something specific.
Spirit Jerseys ($75 – $85+)
Disney has really gone wild with their Spirit Jerseys and who can blame them. Each new collection is better than the last. And the Holiday ones go in seconds!
I have learned to hold myself back from purchasing every single Spirit Jersey that I see but it’s tough. Disney offers Spirit Jerseys for every season and also trending movies and shows and even lands at the parks.
You can now find popcorn-themed Spirit Jerseys, Star Wars themed, Fantasyland, Main Street Electrical Parade themed and so much more.
If you love comfortable attire, then Spirit Jerseys are definitely for you.
Balloons ($14 – $18)
I have never personally purchased a Disney balloon but it’s always been a dream of mine. I’m just sad they don’t last forever. But these cuties are definitely durable and can last up to a week before they start to drop. The Disney balloons are gorgeous and change seasonally.
If you aren’t able to purchase one, it’s always fun to take a cute picture with the big bouquet of balloons. I’ve seen guests ask for photos with the balloons and some cast members will allow you to hold them. It’s not always a sure thing but if you ask nicely then maybe it can happen. We also like to stand near them and get them in the photo. Disney balloons make beautiful props and backdrops.
Bubble Wand ($26.99)
Bubble wands are fun and magical and they really light up the night. These wands are great for staying late to watch the parade and fireworks and the bubbles are super cute in photos.
Disney sells bubble wands in almost every store and they offer a wide variety too. You can find some with classic Disney characters or some out-of-this-world characters like Stitch and Buzz Lightyear.
They make great collector items and you can use them all year round and refill them with homemade bubble solution or one from your local store.
Mickey and Minnie Ears ( $19 – $100)
The ULTIMATE souvenir – the coveted Mickey ears. The insane boom in the sale of these ears over the past 10 years has been insane. From special collectors’ ears to handmade small shop ears, these things are more popular than ever.
Some of these ears, handmade or not, can range from $75-$100. There’s even a special edition pair that costs $1000.
Now, you don’t have to invest $1k in a single pair of ears or even $75, Disney sells most ears for $35 but you can find some for cheaper. Amazon has a lot of great options and AliExpress too but that may take a few weeks to arrive.
Either way, have fun with them and customize them to what you like. Ears are a great way to share your love for Disney and your favorite characters.
Loungefly Bags ($35-$85)
Try meeting a Disney fan that doesn’t know and love Loungefly. I know there are HUGE collectors out there and some of the bag series sell out fast BUT they offer so many great designs throughout the year, you can definitely find one that you love.
Each park tends to have its own special bag and more designs come out around the bigger holidays like Christmas and Halloween. Loungefly makes bags for every Disney movie and character and beyond. They have partnered with a ton of amazing brands and created a loyal community.
You can find Loungefly bags at the Parks, online on their website, the shopdisney site, Hot Topic, Box Lunch and a number of licensed merchandise gift shops.
Other fun souvenirs that we personally get on trips:
- Beach towels
- Disney Socks
- Homewares
- Dog apparel and toys
- Crewneck sweatshirts
- Packaged desserts: popcorn, English toffee, caramel apples
It’s very easy to get caught up in the hype of souvenirs and having one of everything and having the latest spirit jersey or ears or being the first to have the new popcorn bucket or loungefly bag. But your trip shouldn’t be aimed at stuff, it should be about the trip and having a good time. Of course buy all the things or buy only a few but photos and memories last way longer. The disney community moves fast and people, bloggers, influencers will make it feel like you NEED everything or else your trip wont be perfect.
I purchased a ton of things for my first Disney world trip and some I completely could have done without. Don’t feel the pressure to buy everything other people have or dine at every restaurant suggested to you. Just have fun!
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