Mickey Ears Labeled Problematic by Fans

in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

Child wearing Mickey Mouse hat with parents in front of Cinderella Castle

Credit: Disney

Whether it’s Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or any of the international Disney Parks, normal Guests will purchase a tee-shirt and set of trading pins at the minimum or a full-on Disneybound outfit with all the accessories at the maximum as their big souvenir. While the Parks certainly offer a lot to choose from, all Disney fans should own at least one pair of Mickey Ears.

Sorcerer Mickey Ears feature photo
Credit: The Cali Bae Instagram

Mickey’s ears are as iconic as the profile of the mouse himself, and every Disney fan worth their salt has at least one pair. Be it in classic black or one of the dozens upon dozens of character options readily available, no piece of Disney merchandise has had quite the pop culture phenomenon the ears have become. However, Disney has been doing Guests a disservice for decades

A Fatal Flaw for Mickey Ears

Ice Cream Bar Ears
Caption: Inside The Magic

The Mickey ears available at all Disney parks are some of the most recognizable souvenirs from any popular tourist destination. With the exception of the controversial platinum pair that had Minnie “dripping with excitement,” the ears have all been creatively designed to fit a variety of characters, themes, and tastes.

Related: Don’t Bring Your Kids to Disney World, Wait Til They Grow Up

Guests don’t even have to step onto Disney Park property to get their ears. Right now, shopDisney offers dozens of different options for mouse ear headgear. However, a recent discussion pointed out a design failure  that effects every set.

And you could even mix and match bows with other compatible headbands!!
by u/disneyfacade in WaltDisneyWorld

A recent post on r/WaltDisneyWorld called the versatility and accessibility of the iconic ears into question. While the thread begins with a mildly amusing Dr. Doofenshmirtz meme, it also sparks a curiously interesting dialogue in the comments below. It seems the ears aren’t truly made with every Guest in mind.

Related: Age Minimum Need Confirmed by Disney Guests

There are dozens of gorgeously made ears, but a majority are made using Minnie as the base. While Disney is certainly more progressive than some, many male-identifying Guests struggle with finding a fitting set.

While u/AnxiousDonut adapts to the bow issue and writes,

“I wear minnies donut ears. Took the bow off. Still pink. But I get so many compliments from men and women. Even the prince and princesses yell out “are you aware of pastry’s on your head?!” Love it.”

u/ FrozenFrac replies,

“Seriously. The “men’s” ears don’t look all that great (at least on me lol) and I kind of hate how inherently less fashionable I can be with Disney merch at the parks.”

Additionally, many Disney Park Guests feel that Disney is sitting on a gloriously missed opportunity. A set of interchangeable ears with and without Minnie’s bow could be a potential merchandise boom. Some even agree Minnie’s bows alone would draw a crowd.

little boy wearing mickey ear hat
Credit: Disney

According to u/telligurl, Disney has at least attempted this idea before. The user writes,

“They actually did sell that for a while, with a few different bows. I have it and the tiki room bow. It’s really cute, but I guess it didn’t sell well since they don’t have it anymore.”

Related: North Carolina’s Disney Park: What Happens When Mickey Moves

Whether this is something Disney themselves will notice or something that only the Etsy market will remedy remains to be seen. Be that as it may, the Disney Parks might actually have a potential problem forming under their noses.

Do you have problems picking out your next pair of Mickey Ears? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!

 

in Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World

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