Guests often ask how much they need to budget for souvenirs during their Walt Disney World Vacation especially when traveling with children. While the answer to that question will be different for each family depending on what you can afford, a little planning and smart shopping can help even the youngest Disney guests make good choices. No matter what your souvenir budget is, give each of your children a Disney gift card with a set spending amount on it with two rules: don’t purchase the very first thing you see and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Let your children choose whether they spend it all at once or spread it out throughout your vacation and if they buy one larger item or several small items.
10. Apparel and Accessories
Disney offers a wide variety of apparel and accessories that can continue to enjoy once you’ve returned home. T-shirts, sweatshirts, jewelry, hats, and more are available at most retail locations. When purchasing apparel, think carefully about dated merchandise so you can wear it longer or hand it down to younger siblings unless it’s from a special event such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Don’t forget that Disney Resorts offer a variety of apparel specific to each resort as well.
9. Books
Yes, books. Disney offers a wide variety of interactive, fun, and educational books throughout it’s retail locations. How about a book on finding Hidden Mickey’s that your family can enjoy while standing in line or walking through the theme parks and resorts or a book that teaches your child to draw their favorite Disney characters?
8. Tech Gear
Disney has an amazing selection of cases and accessories for smartphones, laptops, & tablets which can be used long after your vacation is over. D-Tech on Demand at the Star Wars Launch Bay in Magic Kingdom and at The Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs allow guests to create their own Disney-themed cases.
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7. Backpacks and Keychains
Need a new backpack? Why not get a Disney backpack or book bag to take back to school? Disney has a huge variety of keychains which are fun accessories to hang on your backpack, to secure your house key, or for your teenage driver.
6. Costumes and Accessories
Costumes and accessories provide hours of dress up fun and creative play for little pirates and princesses. You can even include a visit to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or Pirate’s League for an interactive experience.
5. Toys
Not just any toys, but toys you can only find at Walt Disney World retail locations or toys that are part of an experience. For instance, Disney Racers are Disney-themed die-cast cars that are only available at Disney Destination retail locations. Build a droid or a lightsaber as you exit Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at Mouse Gear in Epcot or build a dinosaur at T-Rex Cafe. A great exception is a visit to The Lego Store at Disney Springs to buy Legos. Shopping for Legos here is truly an experience.
4. Stuffed Animals
Who can resist the wall of Mickey’s at The Emporium? You’ll remember the Pluto they carried everywhere or the Mickey they slept with every night for years to come! They’re only little once.
3. Pin
Pins are fun for trading, but they’re also fun reminders of special events, resorts, or favorite characters than can be displayed on pin boards or bulletin boards for years to come.
2. Ears
Ear hats and Minnie headbands are hotter and more collectible than ever! They’re fun to wear during your vacation, pack for your next vacation, and to display at home. The Harmony Barbershop on Main Street USA in Magic Kingdom even includes a set of “My First Haircut” ears in their First Haircut package.
1. Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are souvenirs that last for decades and is something you can add to for years. This is the one dated souvenir that is a wise purchase. If you find an ornament you like that isn’t dated, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Days of Christmas at Disney Springs will date and personalize any Disney ornament for you.
About the Author: Myra Hughes – Team Leader, Personal Vacation Advisor with Magical Vacation Planner. For vacation quotes and free planning assistance visit: http://www.itams.com/TAS/form/RKAAS
Myra is a personal vacation advisor and team leader at Magical Vacation Planner. See more about Myra in her bio below!
Start planning your magical vacation by contacting Myra at myra@magicalvacationplanner.com. You can also visit her website at: https://magicalvacationplanner.com/staff/myra-hughes/ or find her on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MVPMyra.