6 things I bought at Disney that I use every damn day
Disney knows how to take your money, and you’ll hand it over with a smile and barely a twitch at the corner of your eye. Because it’s Disney and where else will you ever find merchandise this dedicated to your fandoms or favourite characters?
That said, there are a lot of things that many of us have bought that then sit on a shelf, or in a cupboard, and then fail to receive much more attention than the odd (satisfied) glance. “I bought that at Tokyo DisneySea” you might say to a visiting friend.
There is nothing wrong with these kinds of purchases. It’s nostalgic, it still makes you feel good to own it and look at it and touch it, but it’s a different kind of buying compared to the things you snap up and use all the time.
So here are a few items that I bought at Disney, or from an official Disney store, that I use all the damn time.
1. Toy Story aliens headband. I got this at Tokyo DisneySea because I really don’t have the right head shape for traditional Mickey or Minnie ears. They either fall off or do not sit right on my egghead. So the answer is stretchy headbands. Now, this guy I wear a lot when I’m lounging and want to keep my hair out of my face, or food, or both.
2. Winne the Pooh headband. Now this one was actually made to hold back your hair while you wash your face, or whatever. I use it in the bath when I don’t want my hair to get wet. It’s made out of a towelling material and it’s *chefs kiss* perfect. Purchased from Tokyo DisneySea
3. Toy Story Pizza Planet tote bag. Another one from Tokyo, but from the Disney Store in Shibuya. This is the store where you go to buy your park admission tickets ahead of time too. This tote has been my stalwart work bag for two years now and it still keeps going! I could have taken a photo of it but uh, since I work with animals it has many miscellaneous and interesting stains. But it looks like this new… (tiny photo, apologies)
4. Winnie the Pooh phone pouch. From the same shop in Shibuya, Tokyo, I needed something I could keep my phone in, and still press the buttons in a pinch. I don’t use this as often as I should, but I genuinely forget to pick it up on my way out. As someone with a big phone, this has been a lifesaver when I didn’t want to have to lug around a bigger bag.
5. 2018 Halloween season trinket box. This came with our special set at Tokyo DisneySea and I now use it to hold all my stray hairbands. If it’s spooky AND Disney my money is leaving my wallet faster than I can realise what’s happening…
6. Chip n Dale popcorn bucket. I wish I could say that I use this all the time. It’s on display and has been since I got back from Tokyo, with the promise that I would find a proper use for it. But I still haven’t figured out how best to utilise it. Still, I’m putting it on this list because it’s cool, and I love it.
Special mention to the Disney foods towel I had turned into wall art when I got home:
The megalith that is Disney churns out merchandise on a staggering scale, and you have to wonder what happens to all the product that doesn’t sell, especially the seasonal limited sets.
From my perspective, I’m trying to make better decisions regarding my purchases in the big parks and franchises of the world. Even if reeling myself back in can be a struggle once the “OH MY GOD I NEED EVERYTHING” emotions have set in.
What have you purchased at Disney? Is there anything that you wish you had bought, in hindsight?
Written by Sarah
