Hey Disney friends! At any given time, I am in some state of Disney planning mode. Either I’m furiously working through the minor details of an immediate trip, or I’m already somewhere in the back of my mind figuring out how I’m going to make my next return happen. Dining inspiration, Disney Bounds, resort ideas, new snacks to try, and, of course, all the things I want to bring home with me are constantly rattling around in my head. I am one of those people who simply never seems to switch off the planning process, and you know what? I think that is part of the fun. But one of my favorite ways to keep that Disney feeling going once I’m home is with a seasonal rotation of Disney decorations and homewares I have collected along the way. So, here are a few things I absolutely refuse to leave the Disney Parks without, because each one fuels the inspiration for my next trip and sparks memories in between.
Ornaments
My Christmas tree is filled with ornaments from our travels all over the world, and every single one that takes its place on that tree becomes part of our family’s memory book. As we decorate each year, we aren’t just putting up Christmas decorations. We are reliving the places we’ve been, the experiences we’ve shared, and those little moments that might otherwise get tucked away in the backs of our minds. Because of that, an ornament from just about everywhere I visit has become non-negotiable, even when we are returning somewhere we’ve visited before. There is always room for one more memory on the tree.
Ears
Another of my Disney collections, and one that has taken up a very special place in my home office, is my beloved Minnie Mouse ears. I have them displayed on the wall, and I only need to glance over at them to suddenly find myself thinking about airfare, resort rooms, and what I’m going to do on my next Disney trip. So naturally, I always bring home a new pair. Now, I realize that might sound excessive, but when you take a different pair for each day of your trip, coming home with one additional pair really isn’t that unreasonable, is it? I’m choosing to believe the answer is no.
Family Photos
No matter how busy a Disney trip becomes, I promise you, I practice what I preach. One morning will always be dedicated to getting up early and capturing those family photos that I know we will treasure forever. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, and it doesn’t have to take up the whole day. Sometimes it’s simply about making the effort to stop, get everyone together, and capture exactly who we were at that particular moment in our lives. The best one might eventually become a custom puzzle as a Christmas gift, or perhaps it will take pride of place on our wall of fame, but capturing everyone at each stage of life is something I’ve grown to hold incredibly close to my heart.
Homewares
Now this one is a little more dangerous because it could be absolutely anything that catches my eye! A beautiful new collection with a special frame, a seasonal apron, a serving piece, a mug or just about anything that brings a little Disney into the practical things I use around the house. I love those everyday reminders of how lucky we are to have had so many priceless experiences together. And I’ll be real with you, I have come home with more tumblers and espresso cups than I should probably admit. But every single one is loved, used and, most importantly, reminds me of somewhere I’ve been or something I’ve experienced.
And I think that’s really why these things have become such an important part of my Disney trips. I’m not bringing them home simply because they have a Disney logo on them. I’m bringing home little pieces of the experience that help me remember the people I was with, the places we went and the moments that made the trip special. They become part of our everyday lives until, eventually, we’re planning the next adventure and finding new things to bring home all over again. So, now I want to know what your non-negotiable Disney collectibles are. Please tell me I’m not the only one who has a shopping list that somehow grows longer with every visit!
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