The Weird Disney Souvenir Trend that Just Won't Die

Over the years, Disney has offered a litany of souvenirs at their theme parks. Some, like Official Disney Pins, spirit jerseys, and popcorn buckets, have become integral parts of the Disney collecting community, while others have been swept into the dustbin of Disney history. Remember Pal Mickey, the talking plush Mickey Mouse that provided fun facts, tips, and even jokes about Disney World? Or the ill-conceived Animal Poop Candy from Zuri’s Sweets Shop? We’re still not sure who greenlit that idea.

©Disney

Currently, there’s one Disney souvenir trend that we do not really understand: The prevalence of keys. Originally, you could only buy them at the Disney Stores outside of the parks or online, but we have now started to see this souvenir sold inside the parks as well, and we’re not sure just how long they’re going to stick around.

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Disney Stores, outside of the park, would choose someone each day to use a key to open the store. The lucky person who was selected to help open the store would then be given a free Disney Key.

Do you collect keys?

The Disney Store then introduced collectible Disney Keys that were initially given out with a purchase. These keys celebrated anniversaries and upcoming movie releases. Now, these keys can be purchased individually. Collecting these keys can be compared to collecting Disney pins or pressed pennies, except they are less popular and originally could only be purchased at the DisneyStore.com or at the physical Disney Stores outside of Disney World. But for recent collections we have spotted them being sold inside the parks.

©Disney

Some collectors use these keys as ornaments, as some keys actually do come with a ribbon already attached to them.

©Disney | ‘Toy Story 4’ Collectible Keys

It seems that the market for these keys has been much more saturated and less rare, with everything from characters like Stitch…

… to cinematic anniversaries receiving the treatment.

©Disney

However, now the trend is expanding beyond the keys themselves. Currently, Disney’s online shop has an Arribas Key Necklace on sale.

This piece features a key-shaped pendant with Mickey icon head, a floral high quality crystal stones arrangement, a silvertone link chain, and a lobster claw clasp.

SHOP HERE

The shop is also offering a 70th Anniversary Disneyland Key Ornament.

This sculpted metal key ornament features a bas relief of Sleeping Beauty Castle cameo, a raised filigree, Disneyland 70 and ‘D70 logos, a silvertone finish, a lobster claw clasp, and velvet ribbon for hanging.

SHOP HERE

It is interesting to think that these keys started as symbolic souvenirs for those lucky enough to open the doors to the Disney Store every day, and they have now become a trend – including on Different kinds of merchandise – that we just don’t understand.

Do you collect the Disney Keys? Let us know in the comments and tell us about your collection, and stay tuned to AllEars for more on Disney merchandise trends.