I know the words cheap and Disney do not go together usually but if you search hard enough there is such a thing as a cheap souvenir. I am always on a strict budget no matter what I do, so I have found ways to get the most from my money. Here are a few Ideas that I think you will appreciate.
- My number one cheap souvenir is Pressed Pennies. They are often overlooked but adorable and a great way to keep a magical memory. You can find pressed penny machines all over the parks, in the stores, and in the resorts. They are the cheapest souvenir you will ever find at Disney World and probably one of the cutest. My daughter collects them and she is already filling up her second book. You can find the books to keep them in usually either on top of the pressed penny machine or somewhere nearby. I believe they are around $7.00 to $10.00. Each machine usually has 3 designs to pick from and now most of the machines are computerized so you just pick your design and hit a button and there it is. I remember when all the machines were the crank style machines where you had to put in the elbow grease to press your own penny. Each pressed penny will cost 50 cents, there are some that cost a dollar but those are usually the pressed quarters. I think these are a cute idea for small children because they are very affordable and they can control what they get and what design they get most children will love that.
Chip’s Tips: Some of the more expensive resorts have the higher priced machines.
- Resort Soap and Shampoo. I know many people consider these free souvenirs but I don’t only because I am paying for the room and those things are included in the price. I do love the soap that the resorts give, it usually smells really good and is high quality. I always try to keep it and not use it but sometimes they are just calling my name and I want to be reminded of the resort so I just have to use a bar. I like the new shampoo bottles because the top is Mickey ears and when I first saw that I thought it was the cutest thing ever, I love mini versions of everything.
Chip’s Tips: One of the first things I do when I get to my room is call Mousekeeping and ask for extra soap and shampoo. They usually bring me a small bag full. I also leave a note everyday and ask the Mousekeeper to leave extra. Last time I got lucky and we had a really nice Mousekeeper who left us a ton of everything. I hear that a nice tips helps also but that has never worked for me.
- Pens, Pencils, and Paper. In the rooms they leave pens, sometimes pencils and a small note pad. I know this is a given because most people help themselves to that anyway, but I just thought I would send out a friendly reminder.
- Antenna Toppers. This is another overlooked cheap souvenir. In most stores you will find antenna toppers. I have seen princess crowns, Cinderella’s glass Slipper, Mickey and Minnie Ears etc. Most of them are around $5.00. They are also a good way to spot your car in a crowded parking lot.
- Recyclable tote bags. These are great because they can be used over and over. Every time I go grocery shopping I use my bags and I am reminded of someplace I would rather be instead of grocery shopping.
- Shot glasses. You can find these in almost any store. I have a small collection of these from various vacations. I like to get these for other people who I may have promised something to because they are cheap but festive. You can also get one from each country in Epcot.
- Kidcot stations at Epcot. There are Kidcot stations all over Epcot where kids can color and make some arts and crafts that they can take with them for FREE
Chip’s Tips: Don’t forget if you are staying at a Disney resort you can have you purchases sent to your resort so you don’t have to break your back carrying around all of your souvenirs. They will deliver it to your resort gift shop and not your room. Your purchases will be at your resort usually after 1:00 pm the next day.
- Some other random stuff I have kept as a souvenir, When we got Pizza delivery they gave us to many plates so I kept them for a souvenir. I have been known to also keep a Styrofoam coffee cup, unused of course. Mickey Mail, I always keep my Mickey Mail and cut out the cute designs for my scrapbook. I have also heard people keep the luggage tags they get in their Mickey Mail. Last but not least key chains are always a popular souvenir.
Chip’s Tips: Don’t forget you Disney Rewards Visa Card to get a discount when shopping at the Disney Parks!
Are there any unconventional souvenirs that you have taken home? Share with us in the comment box below.
Sunshine is a Disney fanatic. You will find her counting the days until she goes back to Disney. while annoying her daughter with all things Disney.
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- Cheapest Souvenir in Disney: A Pressed Penny (chipandco.com)
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Those are all very good suggestions. They also give the Driver License on the race cars at Tomorrowland. Thanks for sharing.
I have never seen those but now I will look for them. Thanks for sharing!!
I buy a bank every time I go. I think my count is now 31 banks. Most of them are filled with pennyis but there are a couple filled with silver. It is harder and harder to find one that I do not have. Just love them. They started out costing $4. now they are $12 and $15 unless I get lucky and find one on sale or clearance. I do get the other things but I love the banks.
The hard plastic straws that twist in a Mickey-head design are less than 60 cents each. Found them near the cash register of the food court at our resort. We bought enough for the children at my son’s daycare as a present to take back to them.
Yes, thanks for adding that. They are hard to find. Every time I got one it was just by seeing them randomly, but if I planned to find them then I couldn’t.
Thank you for adding that, I was supposed to put it in the article and for some reason I totally forgot.
Animal kingdom kids club cards and magic kingdom sorcerers cards and refillable resort mugs and free drivers permits for the jungle cruise & the tomorrow land speedway… Just to name a few of our favorites!!! Plus autographs and disney bucks and fast pass stubs and your ticket to the kingdom and your map…. The list is endless!!!
They are not easy to find, but there are little pins that are 5 for $5 at some gift shops. There are also little metal good luck charms (for lack of a better description) that I just recently found, that are 6 for $10. Both of these are usually located by the cash registers.
You can also take the drawing class at the Animation building in Hollywood Studios – it is free and you can keep the picture that you draw as a souvenir (free as well)!