When Shanghai Disneyland opened a few weeks ago, crowds raved about the Chinese park. The futuristic Pirates of the Caribbean ride! That massive castle! The too-cute Toy Story -themed hotel! Naturally, we wanted to know more — but about the question no one was asking: What Disney merchandise was for sale here that we couldn’t buy anywhere else?
After taking a stroll through every single store at the park, well, we walked away seriously impressed. (Merch on high, people.) There weren’t just Minnie ears and Mickey hats, there were princess earrings that aren’t too dainty, keychains that aren’t too cliché, and even some unexpectedly chic home decor. It was hard not scooping it all up — if only we had a Mary Poppins bag! — but we did the very best we could.
Here’s a first look at the very, very impressive souvenirs for sale across Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
Fairy Tale Book Chocolate Boxes, ¥ 99 / $15
Not only do these lil’ treasure chests look like old-school Disney books, they’re the perfect way to de-clutter your dressers without looking like a Container Store display. You’re not just paying for the repurposed jewelry box, either, because it’s actually filled with chocolate. Who needs Marie Kondo when you can eat your way to organization?
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Shanghai Disneyland Backpack, ¥ 399/$61
While most Disney handbags are Dooney & Bourke or bust, this leathery one sold exclusively at Shanghai Disneyland for the grand opening is the trendiest option we’ve ever spotted. It’s essentially the MCM equivalent of park-going purses, with the added bonus that you don’t have to worry about scuffing up your designer backpack when you shove it between your legs on the Dumbo ride. Style, ease, and Goofy’s smiling face? Win-win- win.
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Toy Story Duo Bobblehead, ¥ 69/$10
If there is a better desk tchotchke out there, Shanghai Disneyland doesn't sell it. Not only is this the cutest homage to Woody and Buzz Lightyear’s 20-year relationship, but seeing their little cartoon heads bo-oing back and forth is simply unbeatable where the Disney merch game is concerned. Forget BFF heart necklaces; these are the souvenir jam for your squad (if you can transport them home in one piece).
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Character Earrings, ¥ 99/$15
As someone who spends, ahem, a lot of time browsing Disney stores, it’s really tough to get your princess vibe on while still dressing like your normal fashion-obsessed self. These dainty ceramic earrings do just that. They're a subdued nod to your royal lady (or mouse!) of choice, but they dangle and swing a little bit, too, since they fancy. Seriously — they’re only sold at the swanky Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, which only adds to the glamour.
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Snow White Book Clutch, ¥ 360/$56
A book purse? At Disneyland? Believe it. The clutch is a nod to Walt Disney’s 1937 classic, which also marked the first time his work appeared in China. It may not be a hand-stitched Olympia LeTan masterpiece, but it’s surely as close as you’ll get within Disney parks. If those fairy-tale chocolate boxes didn’t get you, this one definitely will.
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Toy Story Hairbrush, ¥ 85/$13
There’s a certain level of hell one must endure to get ready after boxing class when there’s only one shower and zero body wash. (Oh, ClassPass!) But ratty towels aside, how dope will you look at fitness studios when you’re brushing through your damp locks with some help from the Little Green Men or Lotso?! It may be a far cry from your tricked-out home bathroom setup, but at least it’ll bring a big dose of joy to your transient workout routine.
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
The Little Mermaid Poster, ¥ 569/$87
I wasn’t aware my Disney fandom could reach the level of wall art without a friendly intervention, but these limited-edition posters for sale at the Shanghai Park were simply gorgeous. The bright colors and vintage fonts are such a cool homage to the movies of yesteryear without being too overtly cartoony. I can’t help but think how good this would look on the wall of a midcentury modern-style living room, which is a mega bummer, because posters are basically impossible to travel with. (Note to future self: pack a tube!)
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Mickey Food Keychain, ¥ 55/$8
And here I thought the only way to appease to my Mickey waffle obsession was through my appetite! You’ll want to hook these on every purse, clip them onto backpacks, and possibly hide them when you’re feeling hungry. They’ve sold some Mickey food goodies stateside before, but never a keychain and never this realistic. Hey, if Fendi can make a thing out of furry pompons with big bug eyes, I’m determined to make tiny Mickey ice cream bars just as chic.
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Character Socks, ¥ 55/$8
Like most everything at Shanghai Disneyland, these are just straight-up cute. The reimagining of characters like Donald Duck and Daisy is done in a way that’s so much more stylish than regular Minnie polka-dot print ones. Even cooler is that one of each design makes a pair, encouraging you to mix, match, and eventually push laundry day way, way off into the future.
Photographed by Carlye Wisel.
Princess Heel Keychain, ¥ 95/$14
Princess accessories? Generally lame. Fashion keychains? Generally fly. These princess stilettos are directly in the middle of the Venn diagram between Disney obsession and true runway prowess. The intricate design is seriously Met Gala-worthy, and for a few of the princess-specific designs, super reminiscent of McQueen. At $14 a pop, they’re wildly overpriced — not unlike those Alaïa heels you’ve had your eye on. This might be the next best thing.
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