Entering the gift shops at a Disney theme park can be an exciting, over-the-top experience for a first-time visitor. There are so many cool things that you didn’t know you needed until you see them! Few people can shop without a budget, so we must choose things that will be the most meaningful to us, and that certainly varies from person to person. I enjoy seeing what other people select as their treasures, so I thought you might like to hear what we brought back on our first trip to Disneyland. We were, of course, tempted by all the beautiful 60th anniversary merchandise!
Our first purchase — on Main Street, U.S.A., no less — was a Diamond Celebration autograph book and pen set for each child. We had reservations for several character meals during our vacation, so we knew they would be put to good use, and the 60th anniversary design made them all the more special. While we were in The Emporium, we also picked up two of the Disneyland pressed penny sleeves and a free guide to locating the pennies, including some designed just for the D60 celebration.
Next, both of my children decided they wanted to spend their own money on a souvenir mouse-ear hat. My son really wanted a Diamond Celebration mouse-ear hat, but, unfortunately, that design was sold out. Instead, he decided to get a Made With Magic mouse-ear hat that lights up and syncs with the colors and the beat of nearby night-time shows. It also has a 60th anniversary patch, so it was a good compromise. My daughter chose a Minnie Mouse ear headband with sequined ears and a bejeweled blue bow, also part of the Diamond Celebration collection.
Of course, we couldn’t leave a Disney theme park without T-shirts! Each person in our family chose a T-shirt, and my children decided to get an extra item of clothing. The kids and I each selected a different Disneyland Diamond celebration T-shirt. My husband picked out a Disneyland Oswald shirt, while my almost-13-year-old son chose a different Oswald shirt and my almost 11-year-old daughter got an Ariel hoodie.
Although both kids collect trading pins, my son was more interested in adding to his collection with pins commemorating our vacation. He selected pins to represent his favorite attractions in each park and the Diamond Celebration.
My son also wanted to finish his collection of Starbucks “You Are Here” mugs from Disney Parks, so he spent his money on one from Disneyland and one from Disney California Adventure. And then he discovered a special Diamond Celebration mug from Starbucks and more of his spending money was committed to the cause.
My daughter, on the other hand, had her heart set on the Diamond Celebration Build A Bear plush at the Downtown Disney store. She saw the special edition stuffed animal displayed in the window early in our vacation and never forgot about it. We persuaded her to peruse the selection of other souvenirs at the resort before she committed such a large chunk of her money to this particular item. She agreed and ultimately decided that this was a valuable souvenir for her. The bear itself has D60 diamond pattern lining on the ears and feet, as well as a soft blue nose. My daughter purchased a D60 T-shirt and mouse-ear hat for the bear.
We all hated to leave Cars Land, so it was no surprise that some of us looked for souvenirs to remind us of this magical area. My daughter settled on a Mater drawstring backpack and Cars-themed keychain, while I purchased a light-up keychain replica of the neon Cozy Cone Motel sign.
I couldn’t resist adding a few of the D60 charms to my Pandora bracelet. Unlike at Walt Disney World, the special edition charms did not seem to be in short supply. My daughter spent the last of the money she had saved on an Alex and Ani Disneyland60 bracelet.
Finally, we were pixie-dusted with the opportunity to have dinner at the members-only Club 33 inside Disneyland Park, and the club has it own merchandise that only can be purchased there. For this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we each splurged on souvenirs. My husband chose a baseball cap and a mug; I was excited to find a handbag and a baseball cap; and we picked out the Club 33 mouse-ear hats for the kids.
Probably the best — and most important souvenir — for our family was the collection of professional photos we purchased with the PhotoPass+ package. For one price, we received unlimited photos taken during our vacation. (You can read more about PhotoPass+ here.)
Do you have a favorite souvenir from your trip to Disneyland? Tell us in the comments!
What store did you get the starbucks Disney mug and the autograph book and penny presser book?
KRISTIN: Starbucks mugs are sold at Starbucks location in each park. The autograph and pressed penny book are sold throughout the parks and are easy to find.
How much did the build a bear disney 60th cost?
KRISTIN: The Build-A-Bear plush was $30 and the 60th anniversary shirt-and-hat set was $20. My daughter already had the jeans.
Sounds like a great trip! My family goes to WDW every year. We finally got to Disneyland last summer. Love it there too! How did you get into Club 33?
KRISTIN: Thanks, Tina. We were invited by Club 33 members.
Great assortment – my family typically goes for the same souvenirs. My only addition would an ornament for my Christmas tree.
KRISTIN: Ack! I forgot the ornament! Time to call the mail order line. Thanks for the reminder, Debbie.