Have you ever been curious about the history behind Disney’s Mickey Ears? We’re sharing their history and evolution of the years.
When walking down Main Street, U.S.A., you will most likely notice a sea of mouse ears bobbing along in the crowd. This is a common sight as Disney’s ear hats and headbands are some of the most popular park souvenirs. Perhaps you even own one or two of these iconic pieces yourself! With some fans considering these hats to be an absolute staple to wear during a park visit, it makes one wonder about the origin and evolution of this popular souvenir. Let’s take a step back in time to find out!
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It Was All Started By a Mouse
Photo Courtesy of D23
In the 1929 animated short, The Karnival Kid, Mickey Mouse tips his ears to Minnie Mouse, removing his ears completely off his head as if he is wearing them like a hat. Disney staff artist Roy Williams used this scene as inspiration to develop the mouse ear hats for cast members to wear on the television show The Mickey Mouse Club in 1955. That same year, Disneyland opened, and ear hats were made available for park visitors to purchase and wear. These original ears remain a popular classic, and they can still be purchased for parkgoers to wear.
Mickey Mouse Ears Through the Years
Photo Courtesy of Disney
The design of ear hats has definitely changed throughout the decades. For Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, the original ears were redesigned, and a line of golden ears was released. These ears were so successful it led developers to create even more variations of ear hats!Â
Many different ear hats and Mickey and Minnie Ear headbands are now available. There are now ears styled after characters, movies, attractions, and even snack-inspired ears! There are also designs for other IPs under the Disney umbrella, like Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel. Additionally, there are ears to celebrate all sorts of different occasions, like birthdays and weddings, or Disney milestones.
Disney creates many of their own ears but has partnered with other companies to bring special limited-edition ears to market. Collaborations have been done with companies like Loungefly and Her Universe and fashion designers like Vera Wang and Coach! Even Disney fans themselves have found ways to create their own ears, coming up with their own unique designs to wear and even sell.
Mickey Mouse Ears Today
Just as guests did back when Disneyland first opened, Disney fans today still proudly wear their ears to the parks. They will also sport their ears when attending different Disney events, such as D23 and Disney on Ice, and when they celebrate special events in their lives, like during a graduation or using ears to announce a pregnancy!
Ear hats are no longer just a keepsake that one can purchase to remember a recent trip (though many still do), but they are now also being seen as key Disney fashion accessories. Having more than just one set of ears is not unheard of amongst Disney fans, as some have huge collections, owning different pairs in various colors and styles, ready to compliment any park outfit.Â
Disney Parks do not allow adults to dress up in costume, so ears have always been a way for all ages to celebrate their love for Disney. With the vast variety of ears that exist today, wearing ears is an opportunity to express yourself. Your chosen ears can be designed after a character you love, a movie that changed your life, or the perfect ears to complete your park ensemble. There’s no denying that ears are now statement pieces that can make you stand out, so choosing the right ears is extra special!
Looking to purchase your own pair of ears? Options can be found on shopDisney, at the parks, and through some collaborator websites as well.Â
