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Disney Guests Demand Changes to Problematic Mickey Ears

A hand holds up a blue headband with mouse ears. The ears feature images of menorahs with lit candles and decorative patterns. The headband has a blue bow in the center. The background shows an outdoor setting with blurry tree and light orbs.
Credit: Disney

Of all the iconic pieces of Disney merchandise, one item stands above the rest: Mickey and Minnie Ears.

A Mickey and Minnie headband is the ultimate Disney Park accessory. These adorable headbands are loved by Disney fans due to their style and the variety of options that are offered.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of different kinds of Mickey’s ears exist. The product is so popular that Disney has even had to fight off fake Disney ear manufacturers.

While Mickey and Minnie ears are a hit for most fans, some people actually find the ears to be offensive. It has gotten to the point that fans are banding together to demand Disney change how they make these ears.

A person holding up a headband, adorned with two large cookie-shaped embellishments resembling Mickey Mouse's head, against a blurred background. The person is wearing a light green long-sleeve shirt, and only their hands and the headband are in focus.

Credit: Disney

Related: Guest Issues a Public Service Announcement for Fellow Guests Wearing Disney Ears

Fans Demand Disney Change Mickey/Minnie Ears

Disney is dealing with some major criticism from fans. In the past, specific ear designs have stirred up some controversy within the Disney community.

For example, the platinum pair of ears that was described as having fans “dripping with excitement” did not go over well with the general public. Disney has generally been very successful with their styles, but some fans are questioning the design of the ears themself.

Currently, Mickey’s ears are geared toward men, and Minnie’s ears are geared toward women.

There is no main difference in the ears other than the designs and if they have a boy on them. Guests are always able to purchase any ear they would like, but some of Disney’s fans are calling for the company to end gendered ears altogether.

Many of Disney’s ears make fans feel they are given less variety of designs with the Mickey ears. Fans also sometimes do not like the aesthetic of the bow on the Minnie ears.

A smiling family of three enjoys a sunny day outdoors. The father, in a colorful shirt, holds a toy duck. The mother, wearing a red sweater, adjusts her daughter's Mickey Mouse ears. The daughter, wearing a blue hoodie, laughs joyfully.

Credit: Disney

Related: New Disney100 Swarovski Ears Spark Frenzy Among Park Merchandise Fans

A solution has been proposed: detachable bows to make all ears gender-neutral and available for everyone.

A post was made in the Walt Disney World Reddit community, saying:

“All Minnie ears should have detachable bows so they can double as Mickey ears and be socially accessible to everyone. And you could even mix and match bows with other compatible headbands!!”

A woman dressed in a bright blue, Disney-themed outfit and wearing mouse ears stands cheerfully on the left. On the right, there's an image of the iconic "it's a small world" attraction, featuring its elaborate, colorful facade with various figures and decorations.

Credit: Disney

199 comments fill the feed. Many fans in the comments agree that this would be a welcomed change.

It will be interesting to see if the Walt Disney Company listens to fans on this subject and makes the proposed changes.

Do you think Disney should make some adjustments to their Mickey and Minnie ears? Let us know in the comments. 

About Eva Miller

Eva was born and raised in the beautiful state of Oregon but has since relocated and lives in New York City. Since she was young, Eva has loved to perform in musicals, especially Disney ones! Through performing, Disney’s music became the soundtrack of her childhood. Today, Eva loves to write about all the exciting happenings for the Walt Disney Company. In her free time, Eva loves to travel, spend time in nature, and go to Broadway shows. Her favorite Disney movie is 'Lilo and Stitch,' and her favorite Park is Disney's Animal Kingdom.

3 comments

  1. Get a life people Mickey is a boy and Minnie is a girl. Let it go.

  2. Detachable bows fall off. Why don’t the complainers just cut the bows off if they don’t like them.

  3. If you don’t like the ears with the bow, then just don’t buy them.