I worked at Disney World. Here are the only 9 souvenirs that are worth your money.
- I did the Disney College Program twice at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
- I became very familiar with the souvenir options, but not everything is worth the money.
I loved participating in the Disney College Program — where students and recent grads can work at the theme parks for a semester — so much that I did it twice.
During my time as a Disney World employee, I regularly watched countless weary-eyed parents search for the perfect souvenirs for their children in notoriously busy stores like Disney Springs' World of Disney (where I worked) and Magic Kingdom's Emporium.
Shopping at Disney World can be downright chaotic. Plus, by the time people go hunting for memorabilia, they're usually exhausted from a long day at the parks and can barely think straight.
To save guests a little stress, I put together a list of souvenirs that I think are actually worth it.
Pandora charms are the gift that keeps on giving
Charm bracelets are an adorable way to commemorate your Disney vacation.
The Disney x Pandora collection has charms inspired by fan-favorite characters and movies as well as holidays. It makes it easy to add a new charm every time you visit.
Disney pins are affordable and fun to trade
Pin trading is a beloved pastime for guests and park employees alike — I always relished the moments when a guest would ask to check out my lanyard and offer up a trade.
You can find standalone pins and starter sets at stores across Disney property, and trading with others in the parks can often land you retro or even limited-edition pins.
Photo frames are a fun way to remember the trip
As far as Disney souvenirs go, photo frames are definitely on the more affordable end. They're a fun, on-brand way to preserve your family photo on the bookshelf back at home.
Since they're typically pretty flat, frames are also super easy to pack.
I think the popular bags are worth it for serious Disney lovers
If you're in the market for a new handbag or backpack, check out the Dooney & Bourke and Loungefly displays at the Emporium or World of Disney.
Both brands offer high-quality bags with a wide range of stylish designs showcasing different characters and attractions.
Pro tip: No two Dooney & Bourke bags are the same because of how the prints are cut — I've watched guests spend half an hour inspecting each one to find their favorite.
Silhouette portraits are popular gifts for loved ones
Old-fashioned silhouette portraits are one of the most popular Disney souvenir ideas, and for good reason. For $10 a face and $13 for the frame, you can take home a beautiful work of art that only takes a few minutes to pose for.
There are silhouette carts on Main Street USA and Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, the France Pavilion in Epcot, and near Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers in Disney Springs.
Coffee mugs can be used every day
Coffee mugs are usually budget-friendly souvenirs that you can use every day for your morning cup of joe, making them a worthwhile purchase.
Just be sure to choose a unique one you truly love — you can find cheaper, basic Disney-themed mugs at stores like Walmart and Target.
A few of my favorites at the parks include the iconic Chip Mug from "Beauty and the Beast" and the José Mug from Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room.
Christmas ornaments never go out of style
Ye Old Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom's Liberty Square and Disney's Days of Christmas in Disney Springs (which are open year-round) have massive collections of ornaments for every style and budget.
I think these are great because they can be used around the holidays every year. You can even pay extra to get a personalized ornament if you want.
Autograph books can store endless memories
If you're visiting with young children and plan on meeting characters in the parks, an autograph book is a great way to hold on to the memory of each interaction.
I actually still have mine from my first trip to Disney World when I was 10, and I love flipping through the pages.
Some of the best souvenirs double as experiences
From spending $1 a pop on a collectible pressed penny you crank out yourself to $250 for a custom lightsaber you build in Savi's Workshop at Hollywood Studios, Disney offers tons of souvenir experiences at different price points. The immersive aspect is half the fun.
It's easy to buy basic Disney merch outside of the parks, so an item that has an experience tied to it is definitely worth the cost.