Disney Parks Essentials – Our Favourite Small Shops*

Getting ready for any Disney holiday is stressful, be you visiting for a couple of days or a couple of weeks. It’s not cheap and you want to have the most magical time possible and part of that magic is in the preperation.

As a parent, for me the prep is in the outfit planning and the little things that will really make Little Miss feel like she’s in the Disney bubble and I’ve found if you shop small rather than shopping while at a Disney Parks it doesn’t need to cost the earth. Over the last two years I’ve come across so many different shops through places like Etsy, Twitter and Instagram that produce fantastic Disney inspired theme park essentials that improve any Disney trip. I love supporting small businesses, you know that the person behind it has put their heart and soul into each creation and a lot of these shops are their income. I’d rather see my money go somewhere that I know it’ll make a difference rather than a large cooperation (and lets face it, Disney gets a lot of my money each year anyway haha).

In the spirit of this, here are my favourite stores for buying your Disney Parks essentials, please consider them before splashing out on similar items in the parks;

Luby & Lola
I only just discovered Luby & Lola ears before our trip in October and I’m so glad I did. Lola creates the most beautiful ears that are the perfect shape but best of all, so comfortable to wear for both adults & children. My issue with Disney bought ones is that they pinch. I also find them ridiculously gawdy. I wanted Peter Pan ones & an Aurora pair that are one blue ear, one pink ear and she whipped these both us in a heartbeat. She doesn’t just do the glittery ones, but she also works wonders with flowers, crowns and bows as the centre. I definitely feel like I need a new pair pair for Disneyland Paris next month. But the best part? The price. I don’t think you’ll find better priced handmade ears in this style anywhere.

My Fantasy Bands
I dedicated a whole post to My Fantasy Bands a year past October because I’m that impressed with them, but since that post has gone live I’ve ordered twice more and they’ve extended their range to now include My Fantasy Band Gear. However lets go back to the quirky decals that have made them famous. Magic Bands are something that are currently unique to the Walt Disney World resort in Florida. They’re a band that you can use for everything, your room key, your park pass, to pay for things and your Fast Passes so while on holiday you wear them pretty much all the time. If you stay on site you get a Magic Band free however these are plain colours which is where MFBs come in. For $6 with free shipping (even to the UK) you can have a fancy decal to decorate your Magic Band and really make it stand out.

Closet Geek
Finally, how could I not include my bestie Bee’s baby? She’s done so well this year and I’m crazy proud of her. If you have kids and you want them to have unique, stand out of the crowd but also keep cool, Disney inspired costumes, you have to look up Closet Geek. People ask how our trips get so magical and one of the reasons is because Little Miss stands out (that and she’s a little darling who never gets shy and is always up for a chat). Plus I’m awkward and like her to have dresses no one else has such as Wendy Darling, Ariel’s town dress, Briar Rose, Snow White’s rags. Not just because they’re different but because they’re so much cooler and less likely to irritate than store bought ones. That, and they’re a good price, they wash well and she takes custom orders. She also makes amazing ears, that again are super comfortable, bows, pencil cases, bunting, pillowcases and I know she has some fab ideas up her sleeve so stay tuned in 2017!

In the new year I’m hoping to promote small stores selling Disney inspired makes weekly on Cocktails in Teacups, so look out for that and let me know if you’d like a feature!