16 Theme Park Souvenirs from the ’80s Now Collectibles
These ’80s theme park souvenirs were once fun impulse buys and are now hot items for collectors.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
Theme parks in the ’80s sold all kinds of fun souvenirs, from plush toys to paper ticket books. Back then, they were just things kids begged for, but today, many are worth real money. Some items are tied to closed attractions, while others just bring back strong memories. Collectors now see these souvenirs as valuable pieces of theme park history.
1. EPCOT Center Passport Stamps
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Kids who visited EPCOT in the ’80s could collect “passport stamps” at every World Showcase pavilion. These paper booklets were once just a fun scavenger hunt, but full sets now sell for impressive prices. Collectors love how they capture the park’s original vision and global flair.
2. Original Figment Plush
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Figment, the purple dragon from EPCOT’s Journey into Imagination, became a surprise cult favorite. Early plush versions are rare finds now, especially if the tag is still attached. Figment merch from the ’80s is among the most sought-after EPCOT souvenirs.
3. Disneyland Ticket Books
Torsten Dettlaff on Wikimedia Commons
Before the all-access pass, Disneyland used ticket books labeled A through E for different rides. These colorful stubs became iconic, especially the elusive E-tickets. A full, unused booklet now fetches big bucks among park history fans.
4. Universal Studios Clapboard Keychains
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Back when Universal Studios leaned heavily into its movie-making theme, visitors could buy clapboard keychains with their names on them. They were everywhere in the ’80s gift shops. Today, they serve as nostalgic symbols of the park’s original Hollywood vibe.
5. Vintage Disney Character Hats
Kirt Edblom from Albany, Oregon, United States on Wikimedia Commons
Long before the modern ears and headbands, kids in the ’80s sported padded Mickey and Donald hats. Some were embroidered with names or had rubberized character faces. These hats now scream retro Disney and have become collectible fashion pieces.
6. SeaWorld Shamu Plush
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Shamu the killer whale was the face of SeaWorld in the ’80s, and his plush toys were wildly popular. Kids dragged them through the park and back home as their proud trophies. Now, original Shamu plushes in good condition have nostalgic and collector value.
7. Knott’s Berry Farm Glass Jars
Orange County Archives on Wikimedia Commons
Visitors once took home fruit preserves from Knott’s Berry Farm in charming little glass jars. These jars were as decorative as they were tasty. Today, collectors hunt down the older styles with retro fonts and berry-themed designs.
8. Magic Mountain Character Buttons
Jeff Turner. on Wikimedia Commons
Before the thrill rides took center stage, Magic Mountain leaned on quirky characters like Bloop and Bleep. Souvenir buttons featuring them are now rare finds. Fans of the park’s earlier era often search for these as a piece of local SoCal history.
9. Busch Gardens Safari Hats
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In the ’80s, Busch Gardens leaned into its safari theme by selling branded explorer hats. Kids loved wearing them around the park like mini adventurers. Today, these hats are rare finds that remind people of the park’s more animal-focused past.
10. Disneyland View-Master Reels
Museum of Hartlepool on Wikimedia Commons
Disneyland sold exclusive View-Master reels showing park rides and characters in 3D. These reels gave families a way to relive the trip at home. Now, the original sets are prized by collectors for their vivid color and charming simplicity.
11. Worlds of Fun Souvenir Pennants
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Worlds of Fun in Missouri sold felt pennants in the ’80s featuring its themed areas and roller coasters. These pennants were often tacked to bedroom walls or brought to school. Today, they are popular among collectors of smaller regional parks.
12. Tokyo Disneyland Monorail Toys
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When Tokyo Disneyland opened in 1983, it sold battery-operated monorail toys that zipped around tracks. These were big hits and hard to find outside Japan. Vintage models now go for hundreds and are cherished by Disney toy collectors.
13. Hersheypark Chocolate Character Figures
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In the ’80s, Hersheypark featured characters based on their famous candies, and souvenir figures of these mascots were sold in gift shops. These little figurines were popular with kids and often ended up in toy boxes or on shelves. Now, they’re quirky collectibles for fans of retro brand mascots.
14. King’s Dominion Water Bottles
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Plastic souvenir water bottles with logos from King’s Dominion were everywhere in the ’80s. They came with carabiner clips or shoulder straps and were part of every kid’s summer trip gear. Now, older versions with faded logos are fun finds at vintage fairs.
15. Disney World License Plates for Bikes
Disney Enterprises, Inc. on Wikimedia Commons
Mini license plates with Disney World logos were a common prize at souvenir stands. Kids attached them to their bikes or backpacks, showing off where they had been. Today, they are charming reminders of a time when souvenir shopping meant picking something personal and fun.
16. Worlds Fair Expo ‘86 Theme Park Pins
Colin Rose from Montreal, Canada on Wikimedia Commons
Expo ’86 in Vancouver included theme park elements, and many visitors bought pins and badges to remember it. These pins featured futuristic designs and bright colors that captured the era’s optimism. Collectors now see them as rare crossover items between expos and parks.