Disney has a TON of merchandise available at all times, both in the parks and online.
Some of this merchandise is limited time or there’s only a select amount available, and we totally understand how tempting it all can be. We find ourselves buying tons of Disney merchandise all the time, but there is some merch that our readers just can’t wrap their heads around why people would buy.
We took to Facebook to ask our readers if there are any souvenirs they find controversial, and we got a lot of responses.
Balloons
One of the biggest responses from our readers was that they can’t understand why people keep buying Disney balloons!
Don’t get us wrong, we love to look at these gorgeous balloons, but we do think our readers have a point. Many of them pointed out that it’s strange that Disney has kept balloons around when they’re trying to be more environmentally friendly because balloons pack a seriously negative impact on the environment. They don’t biodegrade, they’re very harmful to wildlife — so much so that you can’t even take them into Animal Kingdom!
Popcorn Buckets
Yes, we know this one will be controversial, but many of our readers don’t see the point in popcorn buckets.
Our readers say that these don’t hold lots of popcorn, they cost a ton, and while they’re cute, they just take up a lot of space in your home, and on your person as you’re walking around the park. Especially if you’re going on lots of rides, it’s just one more item you need to take off or keep safe.
Bubble Wands
You probably had a feeling this would be on here — yes, many people don’t understand the hype behind bubble wands.
Yes, we know that Disney adults are typically buying them for their children, but even then, many parents in our comments mentioned how they constantly apologize for their children getting the bubbles in people’s eyes and mouths. Plus, the batteries usually run out within hours, the bubbles are super sticky if they leak, and one fall to the ground means that’s way too much money down the drain.
See Disney’s Bubble Wands here!
Ponchos From The Park
We say it so much, but we’ll say it again — don’t buy your ponchos in the parks!
Some of our readers pointed out that, yes, ponchos in the parks are so wildly expensive, but not only that, some of our readers feel the ponchos aren’t made as well as they used to be. We highly recommend buying some ponchos before you go on vacation, and we’ve got some recommendations for you as well to make it easier.
Snag some ponchos before your next trip here
Disney Starbucks Cups
A controversial one to end on, but lots of readers don’t understand the hype behind the Disney Starbucks Cups.
As you can see above, most of these cups look very similar, they’re just different colors. Many of them also aren’t insulated, and their price is out of this world, yet they’re one of the most popular souvenirs.
Are you a fan of these Disney Starbucks tumblers? Check them out online
Need some recommendations for amazing souvenirs? We’ve got a post dedicated to all the stores in EPCOT and the best souvenirs in each one, and we post about all the exciting, unique ones we see, so stay tuned to AllEars!
These are the most IMPRACTICAL Disney souvenirs we’ve ever seen, and we had to share them with you.
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Do you agree with these? What would you add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!
I have a Zero popcorn bucket from many years ago, it is so cool and I have him on my kitchen counter where he stores my batteries. T-shirts are now a bit of a no no now, I have too many stored away that will never see the light of day. I go for pins instead for a souvenier of parties, events etc and I have corkboards and those cheap canvases all jazzed up to put them on display. As the years have gone on I am more picky about what souveniers I buy.
I think you missed the point here. These are Disney souvenirs and they appeal to the buyer or recipient. Yes, they’re not long lasting for the most part, but that’s the magic of going again to enjoy both classic and new gifts.
Although… the souvenir popcorn boxes are great. You complain they don’t hold much popcorn, but they are keepsakes not just containers. We usually get the holders empty and they put our popcorn in a nice bag or cardboard container for our use.
we have 3 of these items
ponchos – from like 20 years ago yellow with mickey on the back – we still use them! but agree the newer ones seem like one and done
bubble wand ( acutually niece has it) they are still using it long after trip
popcorn bucket – not sure how old – its the alien from toy story – I still bring plus we use at home – yes clunky to pack but for us it is an icon (plus my popcorn is $2.25) I save $5 bucks each trip!
I got a bubble wand for my cat… 😂
I fully support this, Hayley! <3
Now I know what to bring my little boy, Loki, back from my next trip. He got a Hulk toy last time.
So the balloons are decent identifiers to locate a family member more easily. My wife is super short and doesn’t stick to the plan in the parks… so this would be a decent option should I felt it need
Starbucks anything is for people who don’t like coffee. They don’t understand what just plain black coffee is. So holders aren’t stupid the “coffee” is.
Most souvenirs don’t make sense except to those who years later will look at one and smile a secret smile.
As an adult who has yet to experience Walt Disney World…..I am looking forward to the day I can use MY MONEY to buy whatever items I want…..especially the popcorn buckets, Minnie ears, cups, and even balloons. No offense to the person who wrote this article, but EVERYONE is entitled to BUY what they want when they go places whether you like it or not. There is no law stating they can only buy the things you approve of.
Hi Heidi! We absolutely encourage you to buy everything that makes you happy! The article was a hot take that we compiled from the many comments we have received from readers when we asked them which Disney souvenirs should be skipped. I collect popcorn buckets and have about 50 pairs of Minnie ears. We meant no harm here.
Ears? When and where else can you rock those!? The bubble wand will make you the coolest ever with kids.
At least the cups are useful.