Disney Guests Divided Over Hot New Merchandise—Is It Really Worth It?
Disneyland Resort has been buzzing with excitement as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. The milestone event has drawn visitors from around the world, eager to experience the festivities, entertainment, and, of course, the special merchandise created just for the occasion. With the anniversary celebration stretching through the summer of 2026, there’s plenty to see, do, and collect.
But while many guests have embraced the new offerings with enthusiasm, others have expressed mixed feelings about the value of some of the hottest items.
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Merchandise has always been a big part of Disneyland celebrations. From limited-edition pins to exclusive apparel, collectors and casual guests alike look forward to commemorative souvenirs that capture the magic of their visit. This year, the spotlight is on the Key to Disneyland — a unique collectible that offers an interactive experience alongside its souvenir status.
The Key to Disneyland isn’t just a piece of merchandise; it’s a journey. For $59.99 per key, guests receive a collectible key that unlocks nine different stations throughout Disneyland Park. Each unlocked station awards a commemorative pin themed around the 70th anniversary. Collect all nine pins, and guests receive a special final pin commemorating the milestone.
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The concept blends the joy of collecting with a scavenger hunt, encouraging exploration of the park in a new and engaging way.
While the idea is creative and has been popular among many guests, the price and structure of the Key to Disneyland experience have sparked considerable debate online. Since guests need to purchase one key per pin, completing the full set involves buying nine keys — nearly $540 in total, not including tax or discounts. This steep price tag has left some visitors wondering if the experience truly offers good value.
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The conversation has been particularly active on Reddit, where guests and Disney enthusiasts have shared their honest opinions. One user, burritolist, summed up some common frustrations:
These keys would have made great Bubble Wands!!!
I also wish Disneyland would have a buy back program of these keys so that they recycle them and reuse them somehow. I feel bad trying to collect all the pins especially since I have nothing to do with more than 3 keys.
Disney, please make these bubble wands lol🫧
The suggestion of repurposing the keys into bubble wands highlights the desire for more playful or functional aspects in merchandise, beyond just collectibles. It’s a reminder that guests want meaningful keepsakes that add to their experience rather than feeling like a costly obligation.
Another Reddit user, TheKoolDood1234, echoed these sentiments, weighing the pros and cons before deciding to purchase:
The concept is very cool, and both my parents are fine with getting it. However, I have heard some negative things about it in this sub, so I’d like to know what you guys think.
Would you recommend getting the 70th anniversary key?
byu/TheKoolDood1234 inDisneyland
The mixed feelings show the divide among fans — some appreciate the novelty and interactivity, while others are skeptical about whether the cost matches the experience. That very skepticism sparked a lively discussion in the comments section.
One guest advised fellow collectors to consider purchasing individual pins instead, noting:
Up to you, but personally, I can buy multiple pins at nearly the exact same price that I know what not only I’ll get, but also much cooler designs than just a Castle and then the D logo. $60 for essentially a blind box is also quite frankly stupid in my opinion (and I speak as an avid pin collector).
The comparison to blind boxes is telling. Guests often express frustration when paying a premium price without knowing exactly what they will receive. The Key to Disneyland’s model, while interactive, essentially operates on this concept — you buy a key hoping to get the full set of pins, with the financial commitment required up front.
Despite the debate, others have found the experience fun and worthwhile. One visitor shared their positive experience:
It was our first time to the park, we grabbed one and had a blast (made it last throughout a whole day). It’s pretty self explanatory as to what it is and what it does, just gotta decide if it’s worth the disposable income for you. It allowed my wife and me to explore the park for the first time in a fun way, and being the Disney fanatics we are, 100% worth it for our first trip. She used the key, I got the pin at the end, and we’re gonna find somewhere in our home to display the key.
This comment reminds us that value is subjective. For some, the key is not just a product, but a catalyst for creating lasting memories and discovering new parts of the park.
Beyond the Key to Disneyland, the 70th anniversary collection features a wide range of merchandise to suit every taste and budget. From apparel and accessories to drinkware and collectibles, there’s something for everyone. Guests are encouraged to explore and find the pieces that resonate most with their own experience.
So, what do you think? Is the Key to Disneyland worth the price, or would you rather pick individual pins or other souvenirs? Have you tried the key experience yet, and what was your take? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
