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5. Hair wraps and face painting

Hair wraps

Souvenirs can also come in the form of experiences, and as our wacky hats prove, we all love getting into character mode ourselves when visiting Mickey Mouse and friends. Enter the hair braiders and face painters… or not. Hair wraps mingle embroidery floss into small tight braids, or cover divided portions of hair in tightly weaved rows. They’re gorgeous accessories, and they feel so very “Florida”, but have you ever tried to remove them when you’re sick of trying to style your hair around them, or when a hot, sweaty day at the parks demands a hair washing? It can be done, but it is not a fun process - especially when the hair you’re tending to is attached to a small child.

Face painting

Likewise, face painting booths will put a brilliant smile on a young child’s face (and even some of us bigger children) - until you realize the lack of brilliance in a layer of paint covering your face in an excessively hot environment. Inevitably, most younger guests will find this to be a smeary, messy, miserable circumstance of money well-wasted. If prettying up is on your to-do list, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a much more sound option, and one that is much more worth the money.

6. Light-up/ glowing toys

Light chaser toys

As the sun goes down, the nighttime merchandise carts roll out. The vendors are decked out in their wares, enticing awestruck kids, teens, and even adults, with demonstrations of toys and adornments that blink, glow, and twinkle. Whether it’s a necklace or a spinning character toy, these fun little do-dads are certain to enhance your experience during the evening parade or fireworks show. But, then there’s the aftermath.

Naturally, these items decrease in appeal when their lights go out, and sometimes this happens much sooner than you’d expect - especially when you consider the price you paid for the item. Multiple times, I’ve purchased glowing items for my children who simply required them, it seemed. Each time, their lights were extinguished by morning (and fresh batteries were no help). While the spinning Buzz Lightyear still spun, he just wasn’t the same in his darkened state! Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing these blinking delights for your entranced little ones - a few hours of that incessant blinking, and the whole family may be nearing group seizures. They’re also a bit alarming in the rear view mirror from the back seat of the car if you’ll be driving anywhere when you leave the parks. Just think about the glow of blinking lights from behind you on the drive home. Is there anyone who doesn’t panic at the thought of that?

7. Water misting fans and bubble blowers

Water misters and bubble blowers

I am no fan of the heat and humidity, and I gleefully welcome the possibility of relief from the elements at the parks, but I absolutely loathe the ever-popular water misting fans. These overpriced plastic duds are a nightmare on so many levels. As the owner of one, you seem to be running for water refills far too often to make them worth having, and the cooling potential of the provided “mist” is not even worth the effort. Keep in mind, what’s heating you up in Orlando is more the humidity than the heat itself. Coating yourself in a thin layer of moisture is only adding to the negative effect of the humidity. If left in the hands of younger guests, these misters also tend to become a nuisance to other guests who receive unwanted, shared showers.

The same holds true for the bubble blowers that outdoor merchandise vendors readily demonstrate around every turn. Everyone loves chasing bubbles, but not everyone wants to spend a day coated in a film of sticky bubble solution! For the sanity of everyone, just avoid anything that can be used against unwitting fellow guests.

8. Balloons

Balloons on Main Street

The famous Mickey-shaped balloons have undergone many evolutions over the years, but they’re always a favorite - especially on Magic Kingdom’s Main Street USA. They’re one of the first things you’ll see upon entering the park, and they are bunched together in a brilliantly inviting, vibrant rainbow of “wow” to fixated little eyes who can’t imagine going through the day without one. But, before you make that purchase, consider this - aside from the fact that they are ridiculously pricey for a temporary-use item, they are one of the most cumbersome souvenirs to be saddled with during your park visit. Obviously, this is also not an item that logically lends itself to the package pick-up option, either.

The high-flying balloon may be a handy tool to locate a scampering child in a crowd, but if the balloon comes loose, the tears will flow. This is also a terribly inconvenient item to accommodate during ride stops, and annoying to fellow guests during shows and performances, when bouncing balloons may hinder the view of others.

When it comes to souvenir purchases, the options are endless at Walt Disney World. Chances are, if you can dream it, they can sell it. Obviously, every souvenir has the potential for appeal. It is Disney, after all. Just make your purchases wisely. Strive for longevity, practicality, and affordability in your souvenir selections. Above all, consider every possible angle for misuse, intrusion, burden, and hassle. If it can become a source of argument or inconvenience, expect that it will.

 
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