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Are you planning a Disney trip? Well, don’t forget the two must-have fashion items for your Disney trip: a Disney shirt and Mickey ears! But today we’re talking turkey—uh, I mean mouse. Ears, that is.
Mickey Mouse ears and Minnie headbands have been fan favorites for generations and are the most popular souvenir at Disney Parks.
And it’s no wonder why. With so many designs in styles ranging from Ewok ears to the new Chuuby Bird, no fan is left out. Not to mention Disney’s many celebrations. The styles change with the seasons, and it’s always exciting to check out the latest holiday Disney ears.
So let’s dive into the world of Mickey ears—the history, money saving tips, top designs, and most important, where to buy them—so you are ready for your next Disney trip!
Mickey Ears: A Brief History
Mickey Mouse ears are the iconic Disney fashion accessory with its roots in cartoons and television.
Created by Roy Williams, an artist at The Walt Disney Studios, the hat was inspired by a gag seen in the 1929 Mickey Mouse cartoon The Karnival Kid where Mickey tips his ears like a hat to greet Minnie.
The hats made their public debut on the television series Mickey Mouse Club in 1955 and quickly became a coveted accessory.
Over the years, the design of the Mickey Mouse ear hats has remained largely unchanged, but a variety of modern styles and designs have emerged, featuring new characters, Disney attractions, and celebratory themes.
➜ Check out our post on the history of Mickey Mouse ears, with more details and infographics.
Disney Mickey Ears: Money Saving Tips
Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks? With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to secure the perfect ears for your Disney adventure—without breaking the bank.
Look for Discounts
Keep an eye out for discounts on Disney ears, especially during special events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Disney’s own promotions. Stay vigilant and you can snag your dream pair of Mickey or Minnie ears at a fraction of the cost!
Shop Outside the Parks
While it’s tempting to buy your Disney ears directly from the parks, it can get pricey, fast. There are plenty of alternatives that won’t leave you penniless and heartbroken because you zapped your corn dog and churro budget!
Check out Etsy and Amazon, where you’ll find a wide range of Mickey ears at any pricepoint.
DIY Mickey Ears
Like Figment sings, “One little spark!”
If you’re feeling creative, try making your own Mickey or Minnie ears. There’s an abundance of tutorials and inspiration available to guide you through the process.
Not only is this a budget-friendly option, but it gives you a good excuse to sing “Imagination!” when someone, inevitably, asks “Where did you get those?”
Annual Passholder Discounts
If you’re an Annual Passholder, make sure to take advantage of your discounts! Discounts vary between Disneyland and Disney World, but can be as much as 20% off. Check your benefit details and save big on those ears!
Disney Visa Card Discounts
If you’re a Disney Visa Card member, you can get 10% off select merchandise when you use your card. No brainer!
Buying Mickey Ears Before Your Trip
Shopping for Mickey ears before your vacation is a great way to save money and stick to your budget. As we mentioned earlier, sites like Etsy and Amazon offer a wide selection of budget-friendly options. Remember to check out the reviews before making your purchase!
Official Disney Ears at shopDisney
For surefire quality and authenticity, you can’t go wrong with the officially official ears on shopDisney.com. While prices can be more expensive compared to other shops, you can find deals during sales—so keep your eyes peeled.
Custom Disney Ears on Etsy
If you’re looking for something truly unique, custom ears and headbands are the way to go. There’s no end to the number of Etsy shops specializing in custom Disney ears, so search for your most-wished for ears because it just might exist!
Best Mickey Ears and Headbands
Let’s get into the best Disney ears featuring your favorite characters from Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel franchises.
Stitch Disney Ears
For Lilo & Stitch fans, these are a winning pair of Stitch Mickey Ears. With the right amount of sparkle and detailing, you’ll embody Stitch’s playful charm. The headband is designed with a non-slip material, making these ears perfect for those rope-drop-til-close park days.
Darth Vader Mickey Ears
If you want to show your allegiance to the dark side, this pair of Darth Vader ears are hard to ignore. Plus, black goes with everything. So not only will you strike fear into the hearts of all who look upon you, but you’ll look good doing it too!
Unique Mickey Ears
This is for the Disney fan looking for a set of unique Mickey ears. It’s giving When You When You Wish Upon a Star. It’s conjuring Blue Fairy. It’s making dreams come true. Definitely an iconic Mickey ear moment!
Pink Minnie Ears
These bubblegum pink Minnie ears manage to bring just the right amount of sweetness, though they also come in rose gold and lavender. With the crown on top, you’ll be feeling like a true Disney Princess.
Scarlet Witch Mickey Ears
Get ready to rule the world with Scarlet Witch Mickey ears. Inspired by the powerful sorceress herself, these ears feature her signature red headpiece. While these ears are a must-have for Wanda Maximoff enthusiasts, you’re gonna need to BYO Chaos Magic.
Moana Disney Ears
Get into the aloha spirit with these Moana Mickey ears. The vibrant flowers beautifully capture the island style. Also great? They’re perfect for a visit to a tropical hideaway!
Rapunzel Disney Ears
These Rapunzel Disney ears are made from resin! The resin features Rapunzel’s signature sun symbol and a floral motif. The ears are topped with a gold bow and the headband comes wrapped in purple satin—though you can change the colors to those of your choosing. These Tangled Mickey ears are so unique you’re sure to turn heads!
Daisy Duck Mickey Ears
If you’re looking for colorful and cute, these Daisy Mickey ears will do the trick! The flowers have the cartoonish charm of those seen in Pluto and the Gopher. The enamel “pin” on the bow also makes these ears well suited for the Pin Traders out there.
Disney Valentines Ears
There are so many ways to celebrate your love Disney style. You can attend a Sweetheart’s Nite party, wear matching Disney couple shirts, but cutest of all? These Disney Valentines ears. The retro Mickey and Minnie style is so adorable against the silver heart-patterned ears. If you want to complete the look, check out the coordinating Loungefly Mickey and Minnie backpack.
Loki Mickey Ears
You’re kind of into superheroes, right? Then today is your Loki—uh, I mean lucky day! Inspired by the God of Mischief, these ears are adorned with Loki’s gold horns. One thing’s for sure: with these ears, you’ll undoubtedly be the most stylish trickster in any realm!
Maleficent Disney Ears
These Maleficent Disney ears have that certain understated-but-fantastic quality that you’d expect from a Disney Villain. They’re sparkly without being blinding, giving you the dark allure of the Mistress of Evil. The bow brings in her signature green, tying the whole look together nicely.
Tiana Mickey Ears
These are stunning Tiana Mickey Ears with a water lily incorporated into the mandala Mickey ear design. The satin covered headband provides a comfortable fit. Best of all, you can customize your look: choose between your choice of sequin bows, no bow at all, or Tiana’s Princess and the Frog tiara.
Minnie Mouse Ears
You’ll look like you burst out of a Mickey cartoon in these dimensional Minnie Mouse ears. The design is inspired by balloons, and the effect is so cool you can’t stop looking!
Up Disney Ears
These Up Disney ears will skyrocket your style quotient higher than Carl Fredricksen’s floating house! This design features the Up house attached to the balloons as it floats against the blue sequin sky. And the Grape Soda pin in the center of the bow is the cherry on top. These are for those who are in relentless pursuit of adventure!
Nightmare Before Christmas Mickey Ears
These Nightmare Before Christmas Mickey ears feature a black and white stripe bow topped with the Pumpkin King himself: Jack Skellington. The perfect mix of Disney magic and Halloween Town fright!
Ariel Disney Ears
Ariel Disney ears come in so many styles, but we can’t resist the seashell ear design that these offer. The chunky iridescent sequin bow is a fun surprise, too. These Little Mermaid ears are sure to make waves!
Star Wars Mickey Ears
These Star Wars Mickey ears like having your own droid companion on your Disney trip. One ear is our favorite astromech droid, R2-D2. The other ear is BB-8, perfectly embodying his orange and white spherical design. Whether you’re navigating the streets of Batuu or flying the Millennium Falcon, these are the droids you’re looking for.
Baymax Disney Munchlings Ears
Inspired by the delicious world of Disney Munchlings (with a Big Hero 6 twist), these ears are… kind of making us hungry! This sweet design features two plush Baymax s’mores with the signature bow in the middle. Get ready to satisfy your cravings for both style and snacks!
EPCOT Mickey Ears
These EPCOT Mickey ears are made of 3D printed plastic and resemble the EPCOT ball: Spaceship Earth. The pastel rainbow sequin bow brings color to the monochromatic, futuristic vibe of the ears. These certainly capture the spirit of innovation that EPCOT is known for!
Groot Mickey Ears
Inspired by the lovable tree-like superhero from Guardians of the Galaxy, these Groot Mickey ears are the perfect blend of all the wonder of Disney with the cosmic adventure of Marvel. The ears, shaped from twigs, come with the option to add lights. Peeking from behind the flower crown is wide-eyed Baby Groot! These are sure to bring in the compliments.
Disney Halloween Ears
Get your spook on with these Disney Halloween ears! The spider web ear design and pumpkin adorned bow make these the perfect accessory for Oogie Boogie Bash or Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
Haunted Mansion Ears
These Haunted Mansion ears are a great take on a look inspired by the Cast Members’ costumes. The theming is top notch. These not only have style, but function too. The headband includes a no-dig comb so they’ll stay securely in place, making you one happy haunt!
Cinderella Ears
Cinderella ears are a classic choice, and these in particular are no exception. The crown adornment of ties in so nicely with the baby blue Mickey ears.
Spiderman Disney Ears
Who knew web slinging could look this good? This pair of Spiderman Mickey ears are made of red velvet fabric, bringing major style to Spidey’s look! The ears are topped with a blue sequin bow, adding the right amount of sparkle to this cool design.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Disney Ears
Relive Jules Verne’s sci-fi adventure with these unique 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Mickey ears. The ears resemble portholes on the Nautilus, with one acting as a bubble window that can open and close. The simulated leather material shows off the story of the squid attack. As part of the Disney100 Decades 1950s Collection, this headband is a true collector’s item.
Disney Christmas Ears
These ears take all the coziness of a cable knit sweater and turns it into the perfect Disney Christmas ears. The ears are embellished with plaid Mickey heads, with the overall look topped with a red corduroy bow. Next stop: Ghirardelli for a cup of hot chocolate.
Final Thoughts
With their place in Disney history, it’s no surprise that Mickey ears remain one of the most popular souvenirs among guests. They just have that special ability to make any Disney trip more magical!
Whether you shop before your trip or purchase your ears at the parks, there are so many ways to show your Disney style without breaking the bank.
And with so many designs, from The Little Mermaid ears to custom fan-inspired creations, there’s a style out there for everyone. Before you know it, you’ll have a collection of different ears for every occasion!
Now that you’ve got the scoop on finding the perfect pair of ears for your Disney adventure, it’s time to pair them with a great Disney shirt. Check out our post on Disney couple shirts, for the cutest shirts to wear with your partner at Disneyland or Disney World.
