Souvenir Buying... What Are Your Automatic Must-Purchases / Plans?

[LadyDiznee123]

Usually a sweatshirt or hoodie and hats for the kids and husband. I tend to steer clear of anything with the year on it.

Hey Overexcited... just checked out your visit dates. 07, 10, 13, 15. Are kidding me!? You're a friggin regular! In fact I personally believe that that particular length of time keeps the magic fresh. I don't get those who go a million times a year. It would wear me out. Get that dated stuff and display proudly! lol.

 

[mickey1968]

It's nice that those mugs come with the dining plan. I lucked into the free dining plan and I don't drink beverages except water. But you can bet I will get waters worth from that mug and it will be a great souvenir to carry home.

I use a refill mug for my commuter mug every day. I have to have my coke in the morning. No coffee for me!

 

[Tonyz]

I love getting pins. Anything "Disney World" specific I get. Any ride I love I get a pin for. Always gotta get one for the resort and for the year (although the 2015 ones are ugly as sin). I have a few rare ones like Gaston's Tavern, Trader Sam's, Mickey's Philharmagic, Epcot's 30th Anniversary, The Adventurers Club, and New Fantasyland.

I like to get a little special something from my favorite attractions or places. I've got a mini replica of the Splash Mountain poster that you see when you walk into the Magic Kingdom. I've got the new Memento Mori portrait and a statue of the Hitchhiking Ghosts for the Haunted Mansion. A little Viking on a boat to honor the Maelstrom. A mini "Magic Lamp" from Morocco. A yeti snow globe for Expedition Everest. A nice Monorail mug. A "Mine! Mine! Mine! photo holder from The Seas. A Spaceship Earth and Tree of Life mug. A Tiki cup and a ceramic Dole Whip for Adventureland. A mini Lumiere and a Gaston's Tavern stein for New Fantasyland.

I could never find anything with "Main Street, USA" on it, but when we were waiting for Wishes this month we were wandering around the railroad station and found Main Street pressed pennies! Best 51 cents I ever spent!

I fell head-over-heels in love with Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I got a bunch of stuff from their gift shop. A tribal statue handmade in Kenya. A mini wooden giraffe. An African tribal drum. An AKL magnet.

Oh, and you know what else is a nice little souvenir... those Disney Conservation Hero pins that you get when you donate to their conservation fund. I've got one from The Seas and one from AKL. Cost a buck each.

Plus all the free stuff you can get from the resorts. I kept my AKL Wildlife Spotting Guide and took a Wines of Africa pamphlet (plus a bunch of other little things over the years!).

 

[mickey1968]

Usually a sweatshirt or hoodie and hats for the kids and husband. I tend to steer clear of anything with the year on it.

I steer clear of dated items for clothing too. I know I wouldn't wear it after that year was over. Ornaments are different story though.

 

[mickey1968]

A city close to me had an outlet store it was pretty cool since it was park merch and not just the stuff you can find at the Disney Store. The last time I went I got the Merida animator's doll for half price. Sadly it closed and Toys R Us moved in.....I miss it.

I have to limit myself, I usually get one pin, a plush, I do the coin flatener machine where ever i go so I always do that. Then its just whatever catches my eye. Not a souvenir but I always get a Mickey Ice Cream bar at least once when I'm there no matter what.

We have a Disney Store outlet here in OKC. They have a very small section of Parks merchandise, but I have started buying my t-shirts there before my trips. I can usually get two for about $20-25. Much cheaper than the parks.

 

[mickey1968]

I love those towel ideas too. Maybe in the future I can start that.

These towels are giving me ideas. I may look for a fun one to use for a bath towel at home and then pick up some coordinating solid color hand towels and wash clothes at Walmart to make a set.

 

[mickey1968]

I've been dying to go to those two Disney outlets but haven't had a chance since I learned about it (most of my trips are only 2 days at Disney).

I don't have any automatic purchases, but my favorite has been the character sketch artwork (I love things you can display at home to remind you of Disney every day!). I also like some of the low key clothing and accessories (like scarves), and Christmas ornaments.

Lately I've found there are less items I find really appealing in the gift shops, and believe me, I come wanting to buy stuff! I've found a lot of the items to feel pretty generic overall.

Since I started getting a rental car on my last few trips I have been able to visit the Outlet Malls. They are both very nice, but the only two stores I have gone inside are the Vera Bradley store and the Disney Character stores! Both have great bargains. TouringPlans does a monthly review of the merchandise available at the Disney stores on their blog: http://blog.touringplans.com/2015/08/31/mmm_082015/. They act like the one closest to Disney is a horribly crowded, but I have never witnessed the crowds but I do tend to go in the evening usually after doing AK during the day.

 

[iheartglaciers]

Since I started getting a rental car on my last few trips I have been able to visit the Outlet Malls. They are both very nice, but the only two stores I have gone inside are the Vera Bradley store and the Disney Character stores! Both have great bargains. TouringPlans does a monthly review of the merchandise available at the Disney stores on their blog: http://blog.touringplans.com/2015/08/31/mmm_082015/. They act like the one closest to Disney is a horribly crowded, but I have never witnessed the crowds but I do tend to go in the evening usually after doing AK during the day.

Ooh thanks for letting me know about the TouringPlans reports! I'll live vicariously through them for now... it would be so dangerous if I could visit these outlets on a regular basis!

 

[k5thbeatle]

I must have a Disney Pin magnet somewhere inside as pins seem to stick to me whenever I walk within fifty feet of any for sale?

 

[biondagirl]

Coffee mug
Antennae toppers
picture frame
Christmas ornament

This year my must have list was Alex & Annie bracelets and an iPhone cover.

 

[Vivianne]

I have never heard of the pandora princess ring, I had to look it up. It is very pretty, I will have to check it out

I was intrigued plus its a subtle ring. The price I found is $45, doesn't seem too bad. I bought a Minne Mouse (the french one blowing a kiss on the dial) watch at the airport people complement me on that one. DH keeps on telling me he'll get me what I want...well here's his chance. Lol

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

I don't go in with many must-buys. We try to pick up a pin or two that will remind us of the trip. Other than that, I look for unique items that I will use in every day life. I am kind of regretting not buying a set of the Haunted Mansion plates last time - that might become a future must-have. One of my favorite purchases is a Mickey Mouse paper mouse pad. You can take notes on it then remove the page when you are done. I liked it so much that I gave some as a gifts and picked up a Harry Potter version in Universal.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

Coffee mug
Antennae toppers
picture frame
Christmas ornament

This year my must have list was Alex & Annie bracelets and an iPhone cover.

I think the dated picture frame (the first one I am buying this year) is going to become an annual must have for me. There is a dated frame that isn't that costly (around 20 dollars) and if I can spend 25 on Tee and can certainly afford a lovely 20ish frame. I think a wall full of them will provide even better memories than a dated tee.

 

[StormyCA]

Shotglass/toothpick holder with year of visit
Fridge magnet with year of visit
Tshirt with year of visit
Pins, Pins, Pins (one with year of visit)

I'll do one 'splurge' souvenir if it's in the budget. So far those have been Disney purses (Dooney & Lesportsac), a Disney Vera backpack, and a Mickey ears necklace from the Dreams collection. I can't do that every trip but it's fun when I can!

 

[fla4fun]

My "must buys" change every trip. That new Disney Shop app makes it easier though. I can browse through and see what is on offer and get an idea of what I might want to check out in person. My must buy for my trip earlier this month was the little plush Orange Bird (love the Orange Bird!) and some costume accessories for my Halloween costume that shall remain nameless, in case anyone I know is reading this (my costume is a surprise). I really like the shopping app - especially when it tells you which shops carry the item you want. No more running from shop to shop or having one shop call around to see who has something in stock. I don't have a particular item that I buy every trip unless you count that I usually buy a Mickey balloon early in the trip and enjoy it in the room while I'm there. But since those are temporary, I'm not sure if they count!

I do occasionally buy the dated jackets, but only if there is something special I like about it other than the date. For example, I bought the 2009 white hoodie because I liked the pink and green Mickey pattern lining of the hood (which I always get lots of compliments on). I also have a 100 Years of Magic leather jacket that was a gift that I still wear. But I wouldn't buy something dated just because it was dated.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

I love getting pins. Anything "Disney World" specific I get. Any ride I love I get a pin for. Always gotta get one for the resort and for the year (although the 2015 ones are ugly as sin). I have a few rare ones like Gaston's Tavern, Trader Sam's, Mickey's Philharmagic, Epcot's 30th Anniversary, The Adventurers Club, and New Fantasyland.

I like to get a little special something from my favorite attractions or places. I've got a mini replica of the Splash Mountain poster that you see when you walk into the Magic Kingdom. I've got the new Memento Mori portrait and a statue of the Hitchhiking Ghosts for the Haunted Mansion. A little Viking on a boat to honor the Maelstrom. A mini "Magic Lamp" from Morocco. A yeti snow globe for Expedition Everest. A nice Monorail mug. A "Mine! Mine! Mine! photo holder from The Seas. A Spaceship Earth and Tree of Life mug. A Tiki cup and a ceramic Dole Whip for Adventureland. A mini Lumiere and a Gaston's Tavern stein for New Fantasyland.

I could never find anything with "Main Street, USA" on it, but when we were waiting for Wishes this month we were wandering around the railroad station and found Main Street pressed pennies! Best 51 cents I ever spent!

I fell head-over-heels in love with Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I got a bunch of stuff from their gift shop. A tribal statue handmade in Kenya. A mini wooden giraffe. An African tribal drum. An AKL magnet.

Oh, and you know what else is a nice little souvenir... those Disney Conservation Hero pins that you get when you donate to their conservation fund. I've got one from The Seas and one from AKL. Cost a buck each.

Plus all the free stuff you can get from the resorts. I kept my AKL Wildlife Spotting Guide and took a Wines of Africa pamphlet (plus a bunch of other little things over the years!).

I will be starting my Pressed Penny collection this trip. Can't wait. I agree. Best 51 cents you can spend and and some those penny's will be limited dies. after 2015 - you won't be able to find another 2015 Pressed penny. And other dies as well. I like that.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

I love getting pins. Anything "Disney World" specific I get. Any ride I love I get a pin for. Always gotta get one for the resort and for the year (although the 2015 ones are ugly as sin). I have a few rare ones like Gaston's Tavern, Trader Sam's, Mickey's Philharmagic, Epcot's 30th Anniversary, The Adventurers Club, and New Fantasyland.

I like to get a little special something from my favorite attractions or places. I've got a mini replica of the Splash Mountain poster that you see when you walk into the Magic Kingdom. I've got the new Memento Mori portrait and a statue of the Hitchhiking Ghosts for the Haunted Mansion. A little Viking on a boat to honor the Maelstrom. A mini "Magic Lamp" from Morocco. A yeti snow globe for Expedition Everest. A nice Monorail mug. A "Mine! Mine! Mine! photo holder from The Seas. A Spaceship Earth and Tree of Life mug. A Tiki cup and a ceramic Dole Whip for Adventureland. A mini Lumiere and a Gaston's Tavern stein for New Fantasyland.

I could never find anything with "Main Street, USA" on it, but when we were waiting for Wishes this month we were wandering around the railroad station and found Main Street pressed pennies! Best 51 cents I ever spent!

I fell head-over-heels in love with Animal Kingdom Lodge, so I got a bunch of stuff from their gift shop. A tribal statue handmade in Kenya. A mini wooden giraffe. An African tribal drum. An AKL magnet.

Oh, and you know what else is a nice little souvenir... those Disney Conservation Hero pins that you get when you donate to their conservation fund. I've got one from The Seas and one from AKL. Cost a buck each.

Plus all the free stuff you can get from the resorts. I kept my AKL Wildlife Spotting Guide and took a Wines of Africa pamphlet (plus a bunch of other little things over the years!).

Speaking of free Stuff. Disney just emailed me my yellow luggage tags yesterday with a booklet and the back of the booklet had a voucher for DISNEY QUEST (which will soon close). I was stupid giddy. I've always wanted to go there, but every time I went to Disney, ex-hubby and I never really wanted to dish out the admission money for it. Now at least I get to go before they shut it down! (*_*) Loving Disney and their freebies!

 

[SpacePod]

I have a couple must-buys for this upcoming trip:

• The Starbucks mugs. Not really into Starbucks, but these mugs are too cute to pass up!
• A Pandora charm. I received a Pandora bracelet last Christmas from my parents and I'm using it as my travel log- every trip is a new charm!
• The Nautilus vessel from Trader Sam's. We have a Steampunk themed bar in our basement that is just begging for this cup!
• Something from the Halloween party and/or Haunted Mansion. I'm hoping that the poison apple stein or the HM magic band is still there!
• My first pair of adult-sized mickey ears. Here's to finally going back!!

For those who buy magnets- Are there any that come in a set of 4+ that are not Disney characters? I thought it'd be a nice gesture to bring back as a souvenir for my coworkers. Most people suggest bringing back snacks, but with allergies it's not the best idea for this bunch.

 

[LadyDiznee123]

I have a couple must-buys for this upcoming trip:

• The Starbucks mugs. Not really into Starbucks, but these mugs are too cute to pass up!
• A Pandora charm. I received a Pandora bracelet last Christmas from my parents and I'm using it as my travel log- every trip is a new charm!
• The Nautilus vessel from Trader Sam's. We have a Steampunk themed bar in our basement that is just begging for this cup!
• Something from the Halloween party and/or Haunted Mansion. I'm hoping that the poison apple stein or the HM magic band is still there!
• My first pair of adult-sized mickey ears. Here's to finally going back!!

For those who buy magnets- Are there any that come in a set of 4+ that are not Disney characters? I thought it'd be a nice gesture to bring back as a souvenir for my coworkers. Most people suggest bringing back snacks, but with allergies it's not the best idea for this bunch.

I have never seen magnets in a case of four or more, that doesn't mean they don't exist. Someone else may know better.

There are always the Pressed Pennies for 51 cents each, unless you think that's too cheap or something they would throw in a drawer and eventually lose/throw away. I tape my Pennies to the refrigerator, but you can have small magnet glued to your pennies to make them magnets as well. I'm sure you can find them at an arts and craft store (the magnets). Looks like Walmart has them (link below).

https://www.google.com/webhp?source...UTF-8#q=purchase magnets arts and craft store

Welcome to the adult size ears. How old are you??

Anyway, have fun!

 

[LadyDiznee123]

Coffee mug
Antennae toppers
picture frame
Christmas ornament

This year my must have list was Alex & Annie bracelets and an iPhone cover.

Love my coffee mugs (and I dont drink coffee)... surprised they are not on more lists.