A trip to Disney World means lots of gift shops, and more gift shops means that you’re more likely to buy a souvenir. The question is, what souvenirs do you avoid?
The Emporium!
We asked DFB readers what Disney trend they don’t understand at all over on Facebook, and we have to say… the responses were shocking. With over 900 responses to sort through, we found that there was one souvenir in particular that most people are not fans of… and now we have to talk about why.
When you’re at Walt Disney World, you look forward to all of the experiences you’re going to have. One universal experience that we feel does not get talked about enough is gift shop exits. You get off a ride, and the exit of the ride sends everyone right into a gift shop. Not every ride has this, but some of the classics like Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin sure do.
Plaza Del Sol Caribe Bazaar
I’m sure at this point you’re asking why we bring this up. Well, gift shop exits increase the chances of someone purchasing Disney merchandise. There is so much merch throughout Walt Disney World, and a lot of people have mixed opinions on it. However, there is one piece of merch in particular that seems to have a general consensus, and that is Spirit Jerseys.
Tons of characters!
In our Facebook post asking readers what they don’t understand about Disney, the most common answer was Spirit Jerseys. A lot of fans dislike these long sleeve shirts, and for seemingly good reasons.
100 Years of Wonder Spirit Jersey
To begin, they are EXPENSIVE. Each Spirit Jersey can range in price, but they are all pretty expensive. With prices that can be as high as $99.99, it is clear to see why people don’t like these souvenirs. In a response to our post, we think Diana sums it up pretty well by saying they are “$100 weirdly proportioned sweatshirts”.
Holiday Pet Spirit Jersey
Aside from cost, a lot of people think they just don’t look good — whether it is the designs on them or the fit of them when they’re wearing them. A lot of responses included the fact that they felt like the spirit jerseys just look weird on them. On top of that, the design of each spirit jersey can be… a lot. From the wording going from one arm to the other, the busy-ness of some patterns, to the 80s puff paint style on some of them, we can totally see why these items are not popular with everyone.
Spirit Jerseys for runDisney
Disney just KEEPS making them, though. It seems like there is a new Spirit Jersey out for every occasion. Recently, they released a holiday collection of Spirit Jerseys. This collection has a few different designs that range in price from $79.99 to $99.99. But Disney doesn’t just make merch that won’t sell for fun, so despite many of our readers not liking them, it’s obvious that Spirit Jerseys sell well at Disney World!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Spirit Jersey
We didn’t only get responses about spirit jerseys, though. We do have a few honorable mentions that didn’t get quite as much attention, but should (probably) be acknowledged. A lot of people commented and said they don’t understand sippers and popcorn buckets. People mentioned that they are bulky and don’t have much use outside of Disney, which we get (but we’ll still keep buying them).
Popcorn buckets
A final honorable mention is the Loungefly mini backpacks. We love Loungefly here at DFB, so this kind of hit us where it hurts, but they do have valid reasons. Anthony commented “I love the designs, but they look too small to take with you to the parks. And the price!”. We see you Anthony, and those reasons make a lot of sense. However, we will continue to stuff our Loungeflys to the brim because they are just TOO CUTE.
Loungefly backpacks
Disney merch is not a one-size-fits-all situation. People have things they LOVE, and others have things that they hate, and that is okay! Whatever you prefer is perfect for you. Don’t forget to check back in with us at DFB for more merch updates for the holidays!
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I have several spirit jerseys and they are my favorite souvenirs because I feel like I get the most use out of them vs loungeflys, pins, etc. I enjoy oversized sweaters anyways and love all the designs.
Agree with Jessica. I have several spirit jerseys and enjoy all of them. I usually get at least one every time I’m at WDW.
Yeah, the lounge fly bags are sooooo cute, but so tiny!
I have to disagree about the spirit jersey and the loungefly mini backpack! These are two of my favorites and I have several of each. I hope they never stop selling them!
If you see merch that you like, and can afford it, buy it! I don’t see a problem.~~~However, I DO see a problem that only us genuine Disney people can help fix: The slow erasure of the Disney brand. Kids no longer know who Pluto is (Mickey’s dog) or asking their parents in the parking lots/structures who is Snow White..or any other ‘old’ character is. We need to get out the videos and remind them what Lady and The Tramp and others are. I think Disney could cash in big if they’d re-release some of the old movies to the public! $$$$$ at their fingertips. No hassles, just the strength to rake in the money. (Smiles!)
I expected to see Bubble wands on this list. It’s not the wands themselves that bother me, it’s the parents that allow their children to annoy everyone around them with a constant stream of bubbles. I wish Disney didn’t sell them.
Most people do hate these items. They are the most collectible (aside from the dog vest).
I though this was going to at least say “Bubble Wands” because those are a tool of the devil.
As a past Disney Store cast member, the spirit jerseys are awful and awfully expensive. I love the dippers and popcorn corn buckets but it’s true bulky, hard to carry unless you have a stroller and not much use when you leave the parks. The hard one for me is the Loungefly Bags, I want one but there are too small and have no outside pouches big enough for a water bottle.😕. They need to be a little with two functioning outside pouches. Then I would drop the $$$.
I agree with Barb. Disney seems to be casting aside the original tv and movie characters so many of us grew up loving and are the reason wdw exists. Without them, there would be no wdw! There’s no reason to throw the baby out with the bath water! Conversely, there are many of us who have no idea who the new non-disney creations are suddenly bring featured at wdw (or wonder what they’re doing there, like them or not) just bc Disney bought or partnered with those creators. Baby Boomers are still alive and kickin’! No reason wdw can’t embrace all characters and all ages. Roots, history and tradition are important. It’s what binds the generations. It’s what Walt would’ve done!
I don’t own any spirit jerseys or loungefly. Too expensive and impractical outside of wdw. But I love the designs so…if you love and can afford….go for it!