A Charming Disney Souvenir

Whenever we venture out to the World, I always purchase souvenirs.  I cannot avoid the compulsion to buy some awesome Disney item that calls to me with that sweet seductive voice.  “Wouldn’t I look cute in your house?  Don’t you want another Dooney and Bourke purse?  You really need this new, limited edition pin, don’t you?  How about a new jacket or a scarf?”  I cannot leave WDW without giving into at least one of the temptations that Disney has created to populate the many gift shops that you will encounter on your vacation.  Now that you know my inability to avoid buying something, it will not come as a shock to you that I tend to purchase similar items on each trip.  You see; I don’t just buy items to buy them.  I really think about each item and how it will serve as a reminder of my vacation.  No matter where I am, my souvenirs are a way for me to re-live the magic in my every day life.

            One particular souvenir that holds special sentimental value for me is my Disney charm bracelet.  For the past two years, I have attempted to purchase a charm for my bracelet that will remind me of something exciting or different that we did on a particular trip.  Sometimes I purchase the sterling silver charms, and sometimes I just purchase the more inexpensive charms that can be located in the large plastic stands that often grace the center of various gift shops. Either way, a small charm is a wonderful way to remind yourself of your trip.  I wear this bracelet all of the time, and I simply have to look down and study my charms in order to take myself back to Disney World or Disneyland.

            Some of my charms represent various events that we have attended at WDW.   Last year, we completed Mouseplanet’s MouseAdventure in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  To represent this trip, I purchased a Sorcerer Mickey Hat Charm to represent the Studios.  On another trip, we were in EPCOT when Duffy the Disney Bear was introduced, so I purchased a Duffy charm.  In addition, my husband and I go to Disney World every summer for our wedding anniversary, and one year my husband surprised me with a Mickey head charm that is engraved with our names as well as the year.  Not only do I like to represent events that we celebrate, but I also like to collect various castle charms.  I have several representations of Cinderella Castle as well as Sleeping Beauty Castle from Disneyland.  When I am not in the parks, I also like to collect vintage Disney charms.  I have several charms that sport the old Mickey head logo with the globe inside of the logo.  Several of these charms include a locket in which I have placed small pictures of my husband and I enjoying our trips.

            All of the charms that I have mentioned remind me of some very happy times, and I can wear this bracelet and have a little slice of our vacations with me at all times.  This bracelet is also an excellent conversation piece.  I have chatted with many people about our trips as a result of someone spotting all of my many charms.  So, when you go on a trip to Disney World or any Disney Park, you should definitely invest in souvenirs that will help you to remember and re-live your vacation on a daily basis.  Every year, you can add to your collection and eventually have a bracelet not just of charms but of happy memories.  Until next time, have a magical day, and keep moving forward!