Autograph books

[BuzzAndWoodyBoy]

My sons are almost 4 and almost 5 and we are going to Disney in 2 days . I haven't bought them anything to get character autographs because I didn't think they would be interested but like any small kids they like to do what everyone else is doing . So my question is, do all children get autographs? Are my sons going to feel a little left out and start in with the "everyone else" stuff that I desparately want to avoid? My DH says they will be happy with the pictures and hugs. I have never been with a small kid and never really paid that much attention when I went as a teen so I just want to know if getting an autograph is an integral part of the whole character thing. Thanks a lot...

 

[bwv4me]

At that age, I would say it is an integral part. We only started last January, but once my DD discovered it (age 4), it has become part of the WDW experience. Our last trip (August), she filled up 3 books. We did the photo/auto combo books. Photo on one side with the autograph on the other. It is actually fun! I would get at least one book each. They have gold ones now for the celebration.

 

[henrylovespooh]

My son is 4 now and when we last went in the Spring he was 3. He has no interest in autographs and unless he asks me, I'm not going to push it. Instead, I make him photo books of pictures with him and the characters, and I found autograph-like stickers at our local craft and hobby shop to put with the pictures.

 

[daisyduck123]

When we went in 2004 my DD10 & DS6 stood in every line to get their pictures taken with the characters & also got them at Chef Mickey's. DD10 was also obsessed with the autographs, while DS6 was not. He just got in the pictures...but he did want Buzz's autograph & since he didn't have a book, Buzz just signed the tag on the end of DS6's pin lanyard.

Well, this year, we did it all again but this time DS (now 7) insisted on an autograph book too like his sister had. He'd been looking at his sister's throughout the year & wanted one too.

There are sooo many kids there with autograph books, almost every kid in line has one, I would suggest getting them (available in any hotel gift shop).

 

[kiddoc]

I agree that the autograph books are an integral part of the "experience" for MOST young children. We have been at least once a year for the last four years with DD6 and she has a book from each trip. She loves to look at it and "remember when". DD3 has picked it up on the last 2 trips and has a blast.

About the new celebration books...Does anyone know if these will be available for the entire celebration? We are going in January and I would love to have a new "version" for the girls. Also, does the gold edition come in a photo/autograph combo?

 

[tink22]

I would imagine they would be out through the entire celebration. Even if they aren't I am sure they will be here in Jan. They also have princess 'happiest...'' books too that are really pretty. Both kinds are photo/autograph. The gold ones also come with a gold gel pen to write with but some of the characters aren't always fond of it as it gets gold all over their hands.

 

[aprild]

Where can i get the Photo/autograph books at?

 

[samsmom05]

We were there last week. Most of the gift shops, including hotel shops, had them. If they did not have a particular style the CM's new where you could find it. My DD filled her first one so we needed a second. We were at the castle and went to the princess shop to buy a new one. DD wanted the Celebration one just like her first. The princess shop was out of those but sent us across the street to Sir Mickey's and there they were. DD ended up filling both books without really working at it.

 

[experiment626mom]

You can also make autograph books out of card stock paper. It cheaper to do and then you'll have them if the boys decide they would like to do this.

 

[marcyinPA]

My boys are both into the autographs (well, maybe not the 10 year old so much this time around, we'll see). When we bought my youngest's book last trip (he was 5, it was last May), they were only about $5. I think that's a VERY INEXPENSIVE souvie that will last them forever! He really loves looking at it, and is excited to get more!

I figure if you're standing in line for a photo anyway, you may as well get an autograph too!

 

[stschaefer]

Depending on the kids. DD3 was afraid of characters up to 3 months prior to our WDW trip. We took her to Six Flags and gave her the idea of autographs and pictures - and she loved it. Some kids get autographs, some don't. DD loves looking at her autograph book with picture of her and character on one side and autograph on other. We got ours at gift store of All-Star Music when we checked in. Was like $6 or $7 with 60 pages and Disney themed. When she saw the characters she would be asking for the book and sharpie and stand in-line for pictures. What she remembers is characters don't talk but princesses do. Great memories of first trip!!!

 

[bwv4me]

I agree that the autograph books are an integral part of the "experience" for MOST young children. We have been at least once a year for the last four years with DD6 and she has a book from each trip. She loves to look at it and "remember when". DD3 has picked it up on the last 2 trips and has a blast.

About the new celebration books...Does anyone know if these will be available for the entire celebration? We are going in January and I would love to have a new "version" for the girls. Also, does the gold edition come in a photo/autograph combo?

I think they should be around for a while. They are not as common as the others, though, and are not found in every shop. At MGM, we had to hunt around a bit, but found them in that really big shop (I don't know the name - it is the main souvenir shop there). I also wouldn't recommend using the gold pen. We did for one of her books, but it doesn't write all of the time, and part of the characters' names are missing because of the pen. The gold also doesn't show up too well. But I do love the gold books and they are "special".

 

[lpizzuro123]

I would highly recommend the special autograph book. It is gold in color, comes with a pen and has a place for a picture opposite the autograph. Looking at my stepsons books that we have a home from when we first started going with him in 1997, I think having a pictues with the character right next to the authgraph would be much more special. I also like having the "official book". Something I am sure you will treasure for many years to come.
Linda

 

[CharmedLife]

OOOH, I'm excited to hear there are special books for the current celebration! Last year we got my daughter the princess photo/autograph book and she looks at it all the time. I think that without the pictures, she'd probably never look at it again after we got home (she doesn't read yet). The ability to add the pictures definitely makes it more special.

OP - I think that having the autograph book means that your child will actually spend more time with the characters - time for a picture and to sign the book. If anything, even bringing along a cheap, small, spiral bound notebook for them to sign would be fine and ensure your kids spend more time with them. Be sure to also bring along a fat pen - easier for characters wearing gloves, etc. to hold on to.

 

[magicaldisney]

It seems to me that if you're going to wait in line to take a picture with a character you might as well have them sign an autograph book at the same time!