I worked at Disney World. Here are the only 9 souvenirs that are worth your money.

16.09.2023 - 14:07 / insider.com

I loved participating in the Disney College Program — where students and recent grads can work at the theme parks for a semester — so much that I did it twice. 

During my time as a Disney World employee, I regularly watched hoards of weary-eyed parents search for the perfect souvenirs for their children in notoriously busy stores like Disney Springs' World of Disney (where I worked) and Magic Kingdom's Emporium. 

Shopping at Disney World can be downright chaotic. Plus, by the time people go hunting for memorabilia, they're usually exhausted from a long day at the parks and can barely think straight.

To save guests a little stress, I put together a list of souvenirs that I think are actually worth it. 

Charm bracelets are an adorable way to commemorate your Disney vacation.

The Disney x Pandora collection has charms inspired by fan-favorite characters and movies as well as holidays. It makes it easy to add a new charm every time you visit.

Pin trading is a beloved pastime for guests and park employees alike — I always relished the moments when a guest would ask to check out my lanyard and offer up a trade. 

You can find standalone pins and starter sets at stores across Disney property, and trading with others in the parks can often land you retro or even limited-edition pins. 

As far as Disney souvenirs go, photo frames are definitely on the more affordable end. They're a fun, on-brand way to preserve your family photo on the bookshelf back at home.

Since they're typically pretty flat, frames are also super easy to pack. 

If you're in the market for a new handbag or backpack, check out the Dooney & Bourke and Loungefly displays at the Emporium or World of Disney.

Both brands offer high-quality bags with a wide range of stylish designs showcasing different characters and attractions. 

Pro tip: No two Dooney & Bourke bags are the same because of how the prints are cut — I've watched guests spend half an hour inspecting each one to find their favorite.

Old-fashioned silhouette portraits are one of the most popular Disney souvenir ideas, and for good reason. For $10 a face and $13 for the frame, you can take home a beautiful work of art that only takes a few minutes to pose for. 

There are silhouette carts on Main Street USA and Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, the France Pavilion in Epcot, and near Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers in Disney Springs. 

Coffee mugs are usually budget-friendly souvenirs that you can use every day for your morning cup of joe, making them a worthwhile purchase.

Just be sure to choose a unique one you truly love — you can find cheaper, basic Disney-themed mugs at stores like Walmart and Target. 

A few of my favorites at the parks include the iconic Chip Mug from "Beauty and the