Disneyland Resort Merchandise Trends

by Lisa Stiglic, contributing writer
Advertisement

Disneyland Resort always offers something for everyone. Some guests make their Fastpass lists and spend a day hitting every possible attraction. The Disneyland Resort food fans plan their visit around churros and Dole Whips, and then there are the merchandise mavens who cash each paycheck for that trending item only available for purchase at Disneyland Resort.

With the Resort currently transitioning from maintenance mode into "almost" spring break, now is the time for some merchandise madness. Grab your Loungefly Disney-themed wallet, put on your favorite mouse ears, and let's get shopping.

Trend of Trends

By far, the hottest Disney Parks merchandise has to be the rose gold mouse ears. Since their debut late last year, these must-have headbands disappear faster than stores can keep them in stock. Fans on social media posts inquire daily on the status of the rose gold favorites. These sparkling accessories sell out so quickly that cast members sometimes don't even have time to display them but rather hold them behind cash registers in plastic bags for easier distribution.

The trending mouse ears show no sign of slowing down in popularity. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

If you'd rather bypass the frenzy, the Resort launched a great merchandise concept recently with the changeable bows for the mouse ears headbands. Guests purchase the starter bands then can buy additional bows to represent favorite characters like Cheshire Cat, Maleficent, or Cruella de Vil.

The headband starter kits can be found at several stores throughout the Resort including Elias and Co. in Disney California Adventure. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Spend the day with Ariel or Snow White when you purchase the princess-themed bows. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Disneyland Spirit

Disney, being Disney, knows a good thing when it sees it. To capitalize on the trending rose gold phenomenon, the merchandise team immediately released a rose gold spirit jersey. Walt Disney World has gone a step farther with a rose gold cupcake, but we on the west coast might have to wait to see if that jeweled confection makes its way to Anaheim.

Complete the rose gold costume with the Disneyland matching jersey. The nod to vintage Disneyland is noticeable in the font style. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

The spirit jerseys have proven to be so popular that the Mouse House has cranked out princess versions, Mickey styles, and even a Monsters, Inc. variety. The jerseys are available in child sizes as well but not all styles are available in both child and adult sizes. Guests can also purchase the spirit jerseys in various non-character themed styles including forest green and black versions.

Princess spirit jerseys have arrived at several locations throughout the Resort. Fans can choose from Ariel, Belle, and Snow White inspired styles. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Dressing Up for Springtime

Disney has also taken notice of the popularity of the Dapper Day attire and offers several mod-style dresses and separates. The Dress Shop in Downtown Disney carries the latest arrivals to complete their looks from head-to-toe for April's upcoming Dapper Days weekend on Apr. 21 and 22.

Accessories, like this Mike Wazowski purse, complete a "Monsters, Inc." Disney vintage-inspired outfit. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Loungefly wallets and backpacks complete a perfect look. These "Alice in Wonderland" accessories go perfectly with the Dormouse sweater. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

The dresses and matching accessories are also available throughout both parks in addition to The Dress Shop.

Going Solo

Star Wars is a FORCE-able trend at Disneyland Resort. Downtown Disney recently launched The Void, a hyper-reality experience entitled Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire that is fueling excitement for fans eager for Disneyland's newest land—Galaxy's Edge—to open. Meanwhile, Han Solo takes center stage in Solo: A Star Wars Story, ​the theatrical May release. Star Traders in Tomorrowland is set and ready for Han and Chewbacca fans.

The newest arrivals are throw-back styles, a nod perhaps to the 1977 release date of the original Star Wars movie—"A New Hope." Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Congratulations Graduate

As spring fever builds, high school seniors are feeling the magic as well. The ever popular Grad Nights, a tradition for Southern California high school seniors, are scheduled to begin soon so Disneyland Resort is ready for the onslaught. Besides the traditional graduation mouse ears cap, the 2018 mascots are already in stores.

Plush Mickey, Minnie, and Stitch are excited to share in the magic with visiting high schoolers. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

The plush is available throughout the Resort so be sure to pick them up for yourself or any future graduates you may know.

Year of the Dog

Pluto must have had some PAW-sitive influence on Mickey because he and his canine friends now have their own pet line called "Disney Tails." Leashes, collars, dogwear, and more are now available at the recently opened Disney Home store in Downtown Disney, and elsewhere throughout the parks.

Pluto pup is proud to share his favorite doggy delights with other pooches. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Coming Home to Disney

Besides the Disney Tails merchandise, guests can find all things home-related at the new Disney Home store including linens, dishware, and tablescape items.

Host a Peter Pan inspired night with these Neverland dishes featuring Peter, Wendy, and friends. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Obscure and hard-to-find characters might also just show-up on Disney Home merchandise.

It's a Humphrey the Bear mug sighting although Ranger J. Audubon Woodlore is nowhere to be seen... yet. Photo by Lisa Stiglic.

Shop 'Til You Stop

Change is a constant at Disneyland Resort. Attractions are updated or rethemed (the current transition of Paradise Pier to Pixar Pier); menus rotate and foodies celebrate (the current Food and Wine Festival); and merchandise tends to reflect trends (rose gold alert). So, make your shopping list and your plans to visit the Disneyland Resort before this magical merchandise disappears!