Disneyland reopening celebrated with custom Mickey ears and masks

There are few things so iconic that a simple silhouette can be instantly recognizable to anyone in the world.

That’s the power of Disney and its stalwart symbol Mickey Mouse, which has transcended from cartoon mouse to corporate emblem. When Disneyland and California Adventure reopened Friday for the first time in more than a year, a quick scan of the crowd showed how ubiquitous that 93-year-old mouse truly is.

In the six decades since Disney opened its first theme park, the company has fostered a distinct culture within its amusement locations. From how its cast members are instructed to go about their jobs to the ambiance of the different lands that make up the park, everything that Disney does is deliberate and in service of creating an unrepeatable experience.

Perhaps the most prevalent example of this comes in the form of wearable Mickey and Minnie ears.

Mickey ear hats have been a staple souvenir for Disney parks for decades. Created by Roy Williams for the Mouseketeers on “The Mickey Mouse Club” in the ’50s, getting a pair of classic black Mickey Mouse ears, with custom embroidering, has been a rite of passage for many parkgoers since Disneyland first opened in 1955.

In the mid-80s, Disney began to offer a headband version of these hats. However, it wasn’t until the park’s 50th anniversary that product developers redesigned the iconic ears. In celebration of the milestone, Disney offered a line of golden ears.

The golden hat became such a phenomenon that it inspired the company to make other versions for special occasions and holidays. Over the years, these classic keepsakes have evolved into coveted fashionable and Instagramable accessories.

A top seller at the parks, Disney has worked hard to keep up with demand. The company has designed dozens of different pairs from simple sequined ears to pairs that honor fan-favorite characters and attractions. Most of the ears in Disney’s collection cost around $30 per pair. However, due to the popularity of these headbands, Disney has partnered with a number of designers to make limited edition specialty ears that can cost closer to $100.

These ears have become so popular that crafters have turned to Etsy to create and sell their own designs. In preparation for the reopening of Disneyland, many guests are shopping for specialty ears and masks to wear around the park.

To be sure, Disney is not the only theme park to lean heavily into merchandise. Universal Studios sells Hogwarts robes and Minions T-shirts at its parks and Six Flags has licensing agreements with Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes brand. Still, there is something distinctive about Disney’s Mickey ears that set them apart from other souvenirs.

Since Disney doesn’t permit adults to wear costumes in the park, older guests that are still children at heart, have resorted to other means to celebrate their favorite Disney characters, movies and moments.

Look closer and you’ll see someone wearing an outfit that’s reminiscent of Peter Pan, Rapunzel or Snow White, a trend known as “Disney bounding.”

“I’m a sucker for anything Sleeping Beauty,” she said. “I also like sequins and unique things like when [Disney does] special food or holiday [ears].”