Hi there Disney Savers, it’s the Princess from Dads Guide to WDW. I love going to WDW but hate to spend every free dollar on souvenirs. When we were kids, my parents gave my brother and I $5 Disney Dollars a day to spend. My brother loved to spend them on Turkey Legs and I spent mine in the shops at the end of many attractions.
Those shops at the end of attractions do have big ticket items, especially T-shirts and other attraction specific gear. One of favorite items to collect was attraction specific pencils. I had a whole collection of them. These were a great, cheap souvenirs priced at about $1 each, a kid can really make the most of their budget. They might cost a little more today but are still a great value.
So many souvenirs to choose from! Photo by WDW Shutterbug.
One free souvenir is the Celebration Pin – a few varieties are available! My husband and I went to WDW on our honeymoon. When we checked in someone mentioned we just got married so the cast member provided us with great “Just Married” buttons. They were FREE! These also came with great perks, when Cast Members saw us standing in line they usually tried to get us to the front of the line, or at restaurants sent us free dessert. They also have buttons for birthdays, general celebrations (you can write in what you’re celebrating) and for first time visitors!
Now that my brother and I are grown mom and dad go on trips without us. How rude??!! I mean really??? But one thing they always bring back to us is a new car antenna topper. I get the pink princess crown and my brother usually gets something sports themed. These are great because they make my car stand out in a busy parking lot. You can usually get them pretty cheap in any WDW store.
Car antenna toppers are cute and cheap souvenirs! Photo by Judd Helms.
My mom’s refrigerator is covered in magnets. I mean covered. She even has a section dedicated to WDW trips. Each of these magnets can be a great souvenir. They remind you of each trip. Starting at around $5 they are easy to tote home and do not take much room at all in your suitcase.
My husband likes to complain that I have more key chains than keys on the ring. WDW has many character and attraction specific key chains. They even have resort specific key chains. I love the one at the Polynesian Resort, always reminds me of going to the ocean. These are reasonably priced and a constant reminder of your trip.
Everywhere you look there are more shops. Photo by Laurie Sapp.
Pressed pennies and quarters are a great souvenir for kids of all ages. Not only are they cheap but also they are fun to make. Just put your money in the machine, spin the handle, and presto a new souvenir to take home! I remember begging mom and dad at every machine; they had to say no every once in awhile. You can even make them into a bracelet at home – see the April issue of WDW Magazine for instructions!
You do not have to spend a fortune or lug home huge souvenirs to make your trip magical. Just spend time making memories and having fun. I hope these cheap and fun souvenirs ideas help with your next trip to the Most Magical Place on Earth.
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