Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration is in full swing and while we can look forward to the future holds for the Resort, it is important to remember the past. And what better way is there to dig into the wells of nostalgia than with the retro merchandise from Disney’s Vault Collection? Some of the items seen here were released several days before October 1, 2021, which is the official start of the celebration. But we have been updating this article as additional merchandise is released.
The Vault Collection is one of the collections of merchandise created for the anniversary celebration. The merchandise for this one is a design either inspired by or is a replica of goods sold at Walt Disney World’s opening. The Main Street Cinema in Magic Kingdom and the Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs seem to be the headquarters for this collection.
Other collections include:
- The Celebration Collection with merchandise featuring Mickey and the gang dressed up in fancy get-ups for the special occasion, along with other colorful items.
- The Disney Castle Collection utilizes Magic Kingdom’s Cinderella Castle as its central motif.
- As the name suggests, the merchandise in the EARidescent Collection shimmers and shines.
- The Luxe Logo Collection offers the most upscale merchandise created for the 50th anniversary.
- The Anniversary Collection was created specifically for the first day of the 50th celebration, October 1, 2021. All of its items are dated and were intended to be sold on that day only.
Can’t Visit Walt Disney World for the 50th Anniversary?
If you are unable to make it over to Walt Disney World but still want the opportunity to purchase some lovely merchandise, all hope is not lost. Some items of these items will be available for purchase on shopDisney. Currently, select merchandise from the Celebration and Vault Collections is listed. Items from the EARidescent and Castle Collection will arrive at a later, currently unannounced, date. There is no word on the Luxe Logo Collection, however.
Apparel
It doesn’t get more old-school than a varsity jacket. This one has a Disney “D” patch on the left sleeve and festive appliqué art on the back.
Raglan sleeves and distressed art make up this shirt themed to Walt Disney World’s Preview Center.
This grey sweatshirt is emblazoned with Walt Disney World’s “D” and a banner teasing the Resort’s opening in 1971.
This ringer tee has faded art of Mickey Mouse with Cinderella Castle in the background.
Here is another ringer shirt, this time featuring “it’s a small world” concept art from the brilliant mind of Disney Imagineer, Mary Blair.
And if Mr. Toad drives you wild (and you like the color yellow), you should check out this shirt with art featuring Toad himself.
Accessories
Loungefly will definitely catch collectors’ attention with this 3-Way Mini Backpack. Why 3-Way? Well, because the front of it can also be detached and used as a fanny pack or handbag (if you remove the belt portion). The main compartment includes a pair of mouse ears with a debossed Mickey face on the fabric but both parts have art of Mickey with the Walt Disney World logo printed on it.
This crossbody bag from Loungefly perfectly emulates the look of the retro lunchbox also found in this collection (seen further down). Mickey and pals are printed on the front side with the Country Bears Jamboree partying away on the back. It comes with an adjustable strap that can be attached to the handle of the “lunchbox” but is also easily removable for the look you see here.
Some of you may still have a Walt Disney World Ear Hat from 1971 but for those who don’t (or if you want a backup), there is this little beauty.
Where there is an Ear Hat, an Ear Headband can’t be far behind. This Minnie Mouse Ear Headband is as vintage-looking as it gets.
This faded denim baseball cap has an appliqué of Mickey and the state of Florida.
This visor with a plush Mickey face is one of the odder pieces of merchandise from the Vault Collection and is sure to turn heads.
Tulip hats are not something you see in everyday fashion— and certainly not ones with Disney characters marching across it. That changes now as it available for purchase at Walt Disney World.
These two MagicBands offer retro character art as well as a special corresponding charm for the band.
Home Goods and Decor
This little trinket dish is modeled after an ashtray previously sold at the Resort.
This hefty mug features art that was used to advertise Walt Disney World’s preview center.
If you’ve been looking to add a trivet decorated with Walt Disney World concept art, your time has come. You could also use it as a decorative tile in the kitchen.
Here are some more home goods and kitchenware made for the collection.
This 12-month calendar features concept art for Walt Disney World’s attractions along with logos and other promotional images.
Toys
These Mickey and Minnie Mouse plushes (sold separately) replicate the characters’ look at the Resort’s opening day. And if you prefer to display the toy rather than cuddle with it, they both come packaged in individual decorative boxes.
Trading Pins
Any pin traders in the house? Disney has you covered with a themed jumbo pin as well as limited edition and open edition pins.
Other Memorabilia
This folded paper map is a nostalgia junkie’s dream come true.
I have heard questions about the return of the famous Mickey Mouse backscratchers. Well, here they are in all their scratchy glory.
I know I am not the only one who had this style of lunchbox growing up. Just like the Loungefly crossbody bag, this metal lunchbox is decorated with art of The Country Bears Jamboree on one side and Mickey and friends on the other.
A variety of smaller Vault Collection items are also available. From patches to button packs, to stickers and keychain packs, there is plenty here for those with a smaller budget or suitcase for souvenirs.
And More…
While not necessarily part of Walt Disney World’s Vault Collection, Starbucks has also crafted several retro-inspired items. Using art taken from all four Parks, they made collages that were then used on ceramic tumblers, ornaments, and even a set of trading pins.
Other 50th Merchandise Collections
Items from the Celebration and Castle Collections are detailed here:
UPDATED: First Look at Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Merchandise!
And you can read all about that extra-special Anniversary Collection here:
Walt Disney World’s Anniversary Merchandise Collection Kicks Off 50th Celebration
Disney Theme Park Ticket & Travel Deals
It’s time to give the family something to look forward to. Our travel partners at Get Away Today are here to help you plan a future theme park vacation. There are all sorts of new theme park tickets and travel deals, including 25% off select rooms at Walt Disney World & Disneyland, ticket deals to Disney and Universal theme parks, and special vacation package deals: More details and to get a quote (HERE)
Let’s Hear from You
Do you like the look of the Vault Collection? Any specific pieces calling out to you? What WDW rides and characters are you nostalgic about? Let us know in the comments below!
10/2/21 Update: Links to other merchandise collections added.
9/30/21 Update: More items added as well as noting Main Street Cinema as a location where the collection is sold.
Original article posted on 9/28/21.