Disney World 50th Anniversary Merchandise Photos & Collection Info
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary souvenirs are coming! We have a preview, with photos and details about new merchandise collections launching as part of the World’s Most Magical Celebration, the 18-month event that kicks off on October 1, 2021. (See our Guide to Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary for more info!)
Before we get started, I need to eat some crow. Earlier this spring, I expressed mild concerns that the anniversary aesthetic would revolve around the EARidescent color trend. At the time, I said anniversaries are inherently nostalgic, which is at odds with trendiness: “It’s hard to imagine there being significant overlap between the guests who care about anniversaries and color trends. It’s possible to embrace nostalgia and fads simultaneously—Disneyland does exactly this expertly, but they don’t combine the two contrary concepts.”
That continued: “Ultimately, I’m still overwhelmingly excited and optimistic about Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary. I still think we’re likely getting announcements about limited engagement entertainment and more of substance. I’m even hopeful that we’ll get great retro-inspired merchandise a la Walt Disney World’s 40th Anniversary.” Well, since then the company has announced the Disney Enchantment nighttime spectacular for Magic Kingdom, plus other entertainment. Today, Walt Disney World is announcing several new lines of merchandise, including the Vault Collection of retro-themed designs. Check and CHECK!
Debuting throughout October and November 2021, Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary collections offer something for everyone, from fun and creative celebration-themed items to an entire line of products inspired by Cinderella Castle. There are also throwback and retro-themed pieces and even a shimmering collection of fashion and accessories inspired by the EARidescent decor that will be a hallmark of the celebration.
Here’s an overview of each merchandise collection…
Limited-Time Merchandise — Starting August 12, 2021
A special pre-celebration line of products will be available beginning August 12, 2021.
This must-have collection features limited-time items, perfect for guests who visit Walt Disney World before the official 50th Anniversary festivities begin.
Celebration Collection — Early October 2021
The Celebration Collection will include a wide-ranging assortment of commemorative merchandise for the whole family.
Perfect for mixing and matching, the collection will feature accessories by Dooney and Bourke, festive headwear, coordinating mommy-and-me ensembles, fashionable t-shirts, and collectible 50th Anniversary character plush.
Disney Castle Collection — Early October 2021
Drawing inspiration from the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Park, the Disney Castle Collection will feature everything from collectibles to castle-inspired attire.
This includes ornaments, charms, a light-up, 50th anniversary-edition Minnie Mouse ear headband, and much more. Items in the collection are inspired by the castle’s royal, EARidescent makeover created just for the celebration.
Vault Collection Coming — Early October 2021
Disney fans and those who love all things vintage will be eager to unlock the Vault Collection, paying tribute to 50 years of Walt Disney World magic with an assortment of retro-themed designs right out of the Walt Disney Archives.
The collection includes classic opening day favorites such as the original Walt Disney World Mickey Mouse ear hat design, throwback T-shirt styles and nostalgic accessories. Additional Vault Collection items will be released throughout the 18-month long celebration.
EARidescent Collection — Late Oct. 2021
In line with celebratory EARidescent décor coming to Walt Disney World during the 50th anniversary celebration, the EARidescent Collection will feature a shimmering array of themed fashions and accessories.
The latest color collection, which will debut in late October, is themed to match the EARidescent celebration and features everything from a mini-backpack by Loungefly and a Spirit Jersey to a set of sparkling Minnie ears.
Luxe Logo Collection — November 2021
On the horizon is the the Luxe Logo Collection that will make its debut in November. As the name implies, this collection will offer a range of upscale pieces for the Disney collector. Details will be revealed closer to its release date in November.
All collections will be available at all four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs. Certain items will also be available at select Disney Resort hotels and on shopDisney.com.
Additionally, there will be one-of-a-kind retail displays that will highlight Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in the merchandise shopping experience.
The displays will pop up at select merchandise locations across Walt Disney World, including World of Disney at Disney Springs. The rendering pictured above was envisioned by merchandise Cast Members Eric Rachaphoumy and Paul Seus.
Here are a ton of other photos of the merchandise coming for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, followed by more of my commentary:
The items towards the bottom of this lineup are mostly from the Vault Collection, which is what really appeals to me.
Honestly, I like a lot of the stuff from the other collections, too. Some of it would normally be over the top for my tastes, but it’s really fun and celebratory. (The Crocs, in particular, are pretty cool. I absolutely love Crocs but think they’re inherently hideous, so a loud design doesn’t bother me in the least!)
Honestly, I’m just impressed Walt Disney World is managing to release multiple lines of new merchandise for the 50th Anniversary.
We’ve been consistently and repeatedly emphasizing how labor shortages are hindering Walt Disney World’s efforts to scale up its reopening efforts. Well, supply chain issues are very much a thing, too. Manufacturing has not scaled back up, inventory in factories is limited, and cargo ships not being allowed to unload at the ports. You’ve probably heard about some or all of this on the nightly news.
Walt Disney World has been a victim of this, and new merchandise releases have slowed to a trickle in the last several months. (So if you’re wondering why the releases are staggered into late October and November 2021, that’s almost certainly why.)
It’s a challenge just to keep shelves stocked, and Walt Disney World is currently experiencing this. Rather than unloading unpopular items at the Disney Character Warehouses, the company is retaining those items so the Emporium and other stores don’t look like Target’s toilet paper aisle, circa March 2020.
It wouldn’t surprise us if the 50th Anniversary merchandise has premium pricing, which would be easy to attribute to opportunism in Disney knowing fans will be eager to purchase souvenirs no matter the cost. That probably plays a role, but it’s also highly likely that this merchandise is costing Disney more to stock–and that inventory is more limited due to the aforementioned supply chain woes.
Accordingly, Disney might be okay with this merchandise selling slightly slower. It would be a “bad look” if things sell out the first week of October and cannot be restocked for months. That’s all speculative, but certainly not unprecedented–it’s happening with retail and products all over the place right now.
Ultimately, I’m just really excited to see sneak peeks of so many items in this Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary merchandise preview. I am very heartened by Disney having multiple lines with something that will appeal to pretty much everyone. I’m also optimistic this just scratches the surface of what will be released during the next 20 months, especially as supply chains start to normalize and more can be released.
A lot of this doesn’t appeal to me at all, but that’s absolutely fine. At best, only 10% of Walt Disney World merchandise ever does! “Different strokes for different folks.” What’s exciting about this is the variety, and the concerted effort to cater to a wide variety of fans, age groups, and tastes. I have nothing against color trends—while they’re not for me, I recognize that they are valuable in broadening Walt Disney World’s appeal with younger demographics. I’m just very glad the World’s Most Magical Celebration merchandise is not only those color trends. Kudos to Walt Disney World and the design team–can’t wait to see what else they come up with in the months and year-plus to come!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
What do you think of the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary merchandise collections? Do you have a favorite line of products? A standout souvenir? Optimistic that even more great items are on the horizon once supply chains normalize next year? Do you agree or disagree with my assessment? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
My wife and I spent a week debating whether to get the above ashtray. (Whatever it is now, that’s what it used to be in the 1980s.) Also, I really hope people at WDW Oct 1-2 were able to buy the maps that are used in all the displays; they are beautiful.
We visited Disney World in 1971. We have the original map we got that day as well as some of the tickets for the attractions we didn’t have time to enjoy. We have been to DW numerous times since but are excited to bring our Grand daughter during the 50 th Anniversary Celebration. Silly question but are the map and tickets useable now
Will there be more pins the one u show looks very simple and cheap. We are coming to Disneyworld on Oct 12 th hope merchandise is available.
They need to add a retro line to represent some the styling from 1971. I’m sick and tired of hearing abou supply chain issues. Screw China and make it in the USA. We can’t get video game consoles or PC GPS and now we are adding Disney merchandise to that list? BS all the way.
I agree with the velvet…They still make that stuff? However, I like the sequence and glitter. I will say that they need dial it down a bit. I might buy some glitter/sequence ears that have been designed with some class. However, they all look like they have been dunked in a vat of the stuff. Even for someone who likes it, its too much. And maybe no bow…
Although I understand the supply issue, I am Very disappointed more will not be released on the first as we are flying out the 3rd. Hoping they make things available on shopDisney for the items being released later.
I seriously hope that they enforce purchase limits on all the 50th Anniversary merch. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing items such as Passholder Minnie Ears on EBay and through Personal Shoppers at ridiculous markups.
@Tom, the supply shortages are crazy right now. People freaking out over all teh dinosaur merch being gone from a single shop at AK and speculating they’re going to raze Dinosaur, nutso stuff! Then CMs who work there confirm that no, they’re simply out of a lot of things. This is one reason why I believe they delayed returning fireworks, simple lack of supply. My contacts in the pro pyro industry have been struggling to get supplies for the fewer big displays this year. While I’m sure Disney buys out the entire production for several factories to keep up with nightly shows, many factories are still closed or gone forever. In 1992 they spent about $275k every night on fireworks. At 2 parks. Now that’s well over a million a night. Same with lumber. Many sawmills closed for good in these USA, and trade negotiations with Canada for lumber have been slow, adding to the lumber spikes and shortages.
I personally couldn’t care less about spirit jerseys or popular fads but I see a lot of teen girls wearing them all over the parks. Don’t dis the velvet track suit or whatever that is supposed to be. Pimps like WDW too! But seriously, I’m looking forward to finding something I’ll want, AP-specific or not.
As someone going there in late September (Delta permitting), I’m really happy that there’ll be some pre-anniversary stuff!
Predictions of any special merch only available on the 1st? We have park reservations for MK on the 1st and fly out the 2nd. The “early October” has me anxious we’ll miss a lot of this, even though the entire reason for our trip is to be there on the actual anniversary.
Agreed Tom. I’m completely drawn to The Vault Collection! If it’s one thing that Disney Merchandising seems to know best, is that nostalgia sells.
I will be much, much happier when sequins are a thing of the past. It’s going to date this era terribly (along with that velvet track suit, what??), and it’s made it difficult for me to find any Minnie ears that I want to buy. I literally own zero sets of ears, which feels strange with as often as I’ve been to Disney in the past year. That said, I do like how they’re embracing their color schemes…if enough people buy into it, the crowds at Magic Kingdom will be very coordinated with the decor!
I am definitely not the target audience for mouse ears, but I also hate sequins. Not just on ears–in general.
Hi! Love this blog!
Do you have info os possible testings/previews of the new fireworks shows coming? Thanks!
Any testing will be after hours, and I have no clue when it might happen next. Disney usually sends notices out to nearby “neighbors” as a heads up, but we haven’t heard anything lately.
I think where the stock issues might arise is on restocks. Some of this will predictably sell out in seconds (Loungeflys, ears, and spirit jerseys) if released on shopDisney, and by mid-morning once word gets out where this stuff is showing up in person. Out-shopping Disney millennials and eBay Pirates should probably be an Olympic sport at this point, so I just hope there’s a continued rollout of everything throughout the 18-month celebration and not just revolving from one collection into the next.
Ha, I was updating the post right as you made your comment. These paragraphs were added:
“It wouldn’t surprise us if the 50th Anniversary merchandise has premium pricing, which would be easy to attribute to opportunism in Disney knowing fans will be eager to purchase souvenirs no matter the cost. That probably plays a role, but it’s also highly likely that this merchandise is costing Disney more to stock–and that inventory is more limited due to the aforementioned supply chain woes.
Accordingly, Disney might be okay with this merchandise selling slightly slower. It would be a “bad look” if things sell out the first week of October and cannot be restocked for months. That’s all speculative, but certainly not unprecedented–it’s happening with retail and products all over the place right now.”
Great minds and all that. 😉