9 Unique and Fun Disney Autograph Book Alternatives When Meeting Characters
While autograph books are popular, here are some fun Disney autograph book alternatives that make great souvenirs from your Walt Disney World family vacation.
You might say that Disney is in our blood.
Could that be an exaggeration? Possibly.
Ask my friends. Ha!
Some of my favorite childhood memories are of visiting Walt Disney World with my family. Seeing Cinderella’s Castle for the first time. Hiding behind my parents as I met the infamous Characters for the first time. Crying when it was time to go.
Visits to Walt Disney World are magical.
While the magical memories are always going to remain, it’s also nice to have a tangible keepsake to keep those memories alive.
If Character Meet and Greets are part of the itinerary of your Walt Disney World vacation, you may be looking for something other than the traditional autograph book that the Parks have to offer.
Luckily there are several fun options that you can use to commemorate your visit and meet all your favorite Disney Characters. Affiliate links have been used in this post.
Disney Character Autograph Collection Ideas at Walt Disney World
Here are some great ideas to collect Disney Character Autographs that go beyond traditional autograph books. Which is your favorite?
1. Autograph T-Shirts
You can grab any plain tee shirt (affiliate link) and a sharpie marker to take or wear but you can easily add a little more Disney style to it. This DIY Mickey Autograph shirt tutorial will show you how.
We may earn a commission if you click a link in this post.
Don’t forget to take along a couple of Sharpie permanent markers for your autographs! The retractable ones work best and reduce the lid fumble that tends to happen. IYKYK
2. Disney Junior Encyclopedia of Animated Characters
This is by far one of our favorite Disney autograph book alternatives. But don’t get it confused with “Disney Junior”, because it’s so much more!
There is enough space on the character pages to include an autograph from your favorite characters. While this does add a bit of weight to your bag, it’s a really fun option for gathering autographs.
Even at home, we go through it, reading the stories and seeing who we still need to get autographs from. The Disney Junior Encyclopedia of Animated Characters is an awesome keepsake.
My favorite memory was when we took it to a Character Meal where we met Cinderella characters and the Evil Step-Sisters rewrote their stories. It was hilarious! While the kids were confused at the time, it was a great memory for the adults and now we can pull out the book and see what they changed.
3. Mini Photo Albums
Grab an inexpensive 4×6 brag book-style album from the local dollar store and remove the paper inserts from every other page.
When you meet Disney Characters, have the characters sign the blank white inserts or cute scrapbook paper, and then on the opposite empty page you can insert a photograph of you and your favorite characters is one of the perfect Disney Autograph Book Alternatives. Especially if you also want to show off your pictures!
This makes a great keepsake that serves more than one purpose and will be enjoyed for years to come.
4. Scrapbooks
A small scrapbook, similar to a photo album, gives you a bit more room for pictures and autographs. Tuck in your tickets, pictures, smashed pennies, and more among the autographs. Remember an archival pen for keeping your autographs intact for the long run. I even found this Pixar-themed scrapbook that is super cute!
5. Disney Vinylmation | Disney Autograph Book Alternatives
Did you know that they make 9″ Disney Vinylmation Figures? They make the perfect autograph book alternative!
We grabbed ours at the Pin Station at Disney Springs, but you can also purchase them online. Don’t forget your stash of permanent markers for autographs.
The kids sometimes play with it so some of the autographs are a little smudgy, but it’s still pretty awesome.
6. Pillowcase
This is especially good if your child has a Disney-themed room, it adds a really fun and special touch. It’s light and takes up very little room in your bag. This is a bonus on long days at the park. Take a permanent marker as well as a medium-sized embroidery hoop to stretch small sections of pillowcase tightly across. This will make it much easier for characters to sign the pillowcase.
You can get creative and embroider the pillowcase by hand, stencil a picture using the process in the Autograph T-shirt (affiliate link) above, or head to Etsy (affiliate link) and purchase your favorite pillowcase for the trip.
7. Photo Mat | Disney Autograph Book Alternatives
8. Storybooks
If you are setting out to meet a favorite character or two, pick up small story books like Little Golden Books for your favorite character to sign! They are lightweight and a great idea if you are looking for only a few themed signatures.
9. Mickey Ears
Use a paint marker and ask Characters to sign your ears! This is perfect for a one-of-a-kind Disney Bound and a great souvenir.
Where Can I Meet Disney Characters?
You can meet Belle and the Beast at the France Pavilion in Epcot. Alice in Wonderland can be found outside the English Garden by the cottage in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot. Ariel is in Ariel’s Grotto inside Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom.
Make sure to check the My Disney Experience App for the latest character schedule. You can also check the Park Map and find a Cast Member if you still have questions.
Which is your favorite alternative?
Enjoy your visit and good luck capturing all those character signatures!
My personal favorite is one my dad came up with when I was little. He printed out colouring pages and put them all in a large binder. Also a great way to keep kids occupied when on the bus, waiting in line, and waiting for food when not at a character dining experierence.