Souvenirs/Disney items before we arrive

[bsmcneil]

So, I'll preface this with the caveat that it may end up being a moot point. (grrrrr )

I'm currently planning to go to WDW in September for a few days and then I'm planning to return with my two boys in Jan/Feb '22. What, if anything, would you think might be helpful to go ahead and get on my first trip (whether in the parks/resorts - and knowing that inventory changes, also considering Character Warehouse)? For instance, I thought I might go ahead and buy the Epcot Passport as something for them to receive as either part of Christmas or just as trip prep/excitement building. I sort of would like to go ahead and get them ears and get them personalized (for the same reason - and then we wouldn't need to spend that time AT Disney World when we go).

Are there things that you think would be helpful to look for/plan to get? When we go, they'll have the chance to pick out a souvenir themselves - but I thought this might be a good chance to do some prep work.

 

[BlakeT]

My wife tried to 3D print Mickey ears at the local library- was a great idea but came out different sizes and would take a lot of finishing work if you had the time/energy/effort for it!

 

[tinkerjo]

How old are they? My boys really enjoyed pin trading after about age 10. (Before that they were more into characters) you could buy them some pins and a lanyard, maybe a special magic band? If younger, I would say an autograph Book but not sure they will be doing autographs. My kids never asked for a lot BUT They ALL asked for those silly light up night toys that are so overpriced when they were little so I learned to prepare ahead and buy them at Wal Mart or the dollar store. Kids were just as happy, and I didn’t have to pay $20 for a $5 toy

 

[looking4themouse2]

Ears are such a personal thing for me, it’s something we do traditionally as soon as we get there. I’ve started a mural in my DD8’s bedroom with them lol. In the past I’ve done autograph books and oversized pens, but with that being up in the air right now it’s not really practical. I have also done travel activities like themed coloring books games and backpacks to heighten excitement. My DD was also into counting down the days so I got her a Disney calendar with stickers so we could do that.

 

[DodgerGirl]

Some good souvenirs you might get for your kids are Disney plushies but if you don't want to spend money on the large plushies you could get each kid a shoulder plush and not only are they great for your kids to wear around the parks they'll also make adorable cuddle buddies at bedtime. You might also want to buy some Disney storybooks to let your kids get to know each character from a movie and these books come with a cd of the story for kids to listen to in the car. Autograph books are useful too but since characters aren't possibly signing autographs at this time you can always buy Disney plush characters place them around your room and have the kids collect autographs from the plushies and it will be cute
Hope this advice helps you Neil,
Dodger