Look, we love Disney souvenirs as much as anyone, but it’s fair to say there are some stinkers.
We’re consistently putting together lists of our all-time favorite souvenirs, scouting out what will inevitably be our new favorite Disney gifts, and looking ahead to what Disney is going to offer. With that said, we’re fully aware that not all Disney souvenirs are created equal. We have several former Disney World Cast Members on the DFB and they’re chiming in on some park souvenirs they’ve found to be useless over the years!
We polled the former Cast Members on the team and they had some serious thoughts about which Disney World souvenirs are slacking. Without further ado, let’s jump right in and see what they had to say!
Any Bubble or Light-Up Wand
This first one is going to break some hearts but it has to be said…bubble and light-up wands aren’t ideal gifts.
One of our team members commented on the wands’ fragility, stating, “I was stationed at a cart sometimes and sold these. So many would break and the poor families would have to come back to see me the same day.”
The other issue with these wands is that they tend to be one-use items. Your kids will get a kick out of them at the Disney Parks, but then they usually collect dust at home.
Lots of folks at the parks also find them to be kind of annoying. They do as advertised and blow bubbles everywhere, and not everyone wading through them is going to love that. Some even play loud music and sounds, so they can be distracting.
Souvenir Straws and Mugs
So here’s the thing: straws and mugs are definitely useful. With that said, Disney World straws and mugs aren’t always the smartest purchase.
One of our former Cast Members on staff said of these souvenirs, “You tell yourself you’ll use them and you definitely won’t.” Ultimately, many of these purchases never get used again.
Unless you plan on making these pickups a priority in your collections, you should pass or look for cheaper options online.
Balloons
Balloons are aesthetically pleasing and part of the Disney World experience, but are they really great souvenirs?
Buying a balloon at Disney World comes with a few risks. They can fly away or deflate (you can bring the deflated balloon and your receipt back for a replacement within a few days of purchase) making them a temperamental gift, especially for kids. Don’t get it twisted, our former Cast Member friends here at DFB have seen their fair share of adults having mishaps with balloons as well.
Another problem with balloons is that once you bring them home and they deflate, you can’t just bring them back to Disney World for a new one. When they’re done, they’re done, essentially making them a temporary souvenir. In a resort the size of San Francisco that features all kinds of souvenirs that will last forever, why get a super temporary one?
Balloons can also cause other guests problems. If you’ve never been smacked by a Disney balloon, consider yourself lucky!
All in all, if we mentioned one of your favorite souvenirs, all the power to you! We’re stoked that you were able to find enjoyment from these souvenirs and think you should keep getting them if you so desire — it’s your vacation after all! Let us know whether or not you agree with these picks in the comments below and continue to follow us right here at the Disney Food Blog for all the latest from Disney World!
10 Souvenirs That Are Highly Rated by Disney’s Harshest Critics
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What are some of your least favorite Disney World souvenirs? Let us know in the comments!
100% disagree with the bubble wand! My daughter got hers at 2, it lasted well over a year and we used it tons at the park that day and many days it went with us in the backyard! We got another one (after it died) and one for our son and they love them!! When they’re little and can’t get the coordination to blow bubbles, it’s great for them to have control. And the music & lights add so much fun. Great for downtime in the park![🤗](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/1f917.svg)
My girlfriends first purchase (outside of a cherro) was a Micky head with clear balloon. We went to Disneyland in September it was with us the whole day then it went home by car to AZ, it didn’t show a sign of deflating for 2 months, the ears were first that was about 2 months, it slowly deflated for another 5 months. Before it could not hold itself up.
Aw, one of my favorite things about the really littles in the parks is the tiny spark of magic for everyone from the stream of bubbles that can pop up anywhere. I think of it as the upside to the bruised ankles, crying (and beyond crying), and sticky hands and sometimes faces that rub up against you in lines, stores, and restaurants. I hate that a family might ‘waste’ their money on something that would break easily, but I hope not too many people are scared into not getting bubble wands.