You don’t want to leave Walt Disney World without souvenirs.  You’ll always have your magical memories and for me, the best souvenirs is the hundreds of photos I bring home on my memory card.  But how do you decide, amongst a myriad of souvenir choices, what to bring home with you?  This decision is particularly difficult when you have children along.  Of course, they want everything, right?

Every time we make a trip to The World, we come home with something.  However, we try to base our decisions on a souvenir that will last, more of a memento from that trip.  Some of my favorites include:

1.  Etched glasses from Arribas.  You can find Arribas Brothers at Downtown Disney.  It’s a shop full of glass, so keep that in mind if you have littles shopping with you!  Each member of our family has his or her own etched glass mug from this shop.  Our name is on the front, and a favorite character on the other side.  They also do glass blowing and glass cutting demonstrations during the day.  They have many collectibles of crystal and glass that can be personalized.

2.  Christmas ornaments from Disney’s Days of Christmas.  Two trips ago, we purchased Christmas ornaments at Downtown Disney.  Each of our children chose an ornament with either a Mickey or a Minnie on it, and my husband and I got one as well.  If you’re a return traveler, perhaps you can add to your Christmas decor with an ornament or other collectible from Disney’s Days of Christmas.

3.  Picture frames.  I take a TON of pictures at the parks. I make sure that at each park , we get our family picture in front of the icon of the park.  You know, Cinderella’s Castle, Spaceship Earth, The Tree of Life, and the Sorcerer’s Hat.  When we return home, I have a 5×7 of my favorite picture made and it goes in my Disney frame.  On our upcoming trip, another frame (or two) is on  my “souvenir list”.

4.  Disney jewelry.  At the World of Disney, you can find beads for Pandora charm bracelets.  I have a Cinderella coach and this year I’m hoping for a Minnie/Mickey head.

5.  Mickey ears and autograph books or pin lanyards.  Of course, the kids want something fun.  So, monogrammed Mickey ears and autograph books have become some of our kids’ favorite mementos.  Also, older kinds may enjoy pin trading.  I know our nine year olds are already talking about the pins they’re willing to trade and ones they hope to get this summer.  Why not add a new medal to their lanyard?  Pin trading can be a fun, ongoing souvenir.

Of course, clothing, stuffed Disney friends, and a Pirates of the Caribbean sword are super fun.  You’ll come home with a few “frivolous” souvenirs that eventually don’t last.  I want to look back at our souvenirs, knowing that they were chosen for the fun memories they’ll conjure up in the future.

What is your favorite souvenir at Disney?  Do you have any long lasting souvenirs from trips?

Magically Yours,

Carrie

Carrie (71 Posts)

Carrie is a mom, wife, and avid Disney fan. She shares her Disney love here on Chip and Co, and on her own blog-My Favorite Finds. She's always planning her family's next Disney vacation, and loves to share her recipes, crafts, and organizing tips on her blog. Walt Disney World is her "happy place", and she enjoys helping others have a magical vacation!