Mickey Mouse Ears

[nostalgic]

Is it just me, or does anyone else really miss the traditional black Mickey Mouse Ears? There was something so exciting about getting a pair as a souvenir and having my name embroidered. We came from a biggish family, so we definitely did NOT get a souvenir every time we went, it was more like our ONE Disney souvenir. My sister saved a long time to get a cap rifle (Tomboy) and I absolutely LONGED for a balloon with the Mickey shape inside the clear balloon. Still can't forgive my brother for letting it out the sun roof in our van. And before that set of ears, I had a big bucket sun hat with the translucent red (or blue) eye holes on the visor. Remember?

Now I understand back in the 80s that the traditional black cap style was not trendy for teenagers. The 80s hairstyles just did not allow for it. (Flock of Seagulls for the boys and perms for the girls). Still, I had to have one and I even packed bobby pins to keep it on. Still have it (of course).

Back then I sort of snorted at the girly-girls who had to have a "headband". Then there was the beginning of the His and Hers newlywed ones. But now, it almost puts me off getting my kids Ears. Like it's a status symbol instead of a fun kids souvenir.

I mean, really, Ears were all about being a Mouseketeer!

That said, I didn't even know who the Mouseketeers were when I got my first set of Mouse Ears. I think the first time I heard about Mouseketeers was the reference to Annette Funicello in the movie "Stand by Me".

I don't mean this thread to be knocking the ladies with the cute head bands, rather more about how I miss the child-like thrill that Disneyland was, and the guilty pleasure I had as a young adult continuing to go to the parks. Laughing at ourselves as we laughed and screamed. Now it seems the park belongs to the bold and the beautiful rather than the little and sticky.

[Co Foo]

Do they not sell the traditional Mickey ears anymore?

[Benny]

Great post to read. Disneyland has such great memories. As a kid, I remember looking forward to the when we would go to DL (once a year or every other year). Always looked forward to getting the one souvenir. LOL

I had been an AP for many years until the program ended. With all the changes with the new program, the break gave some perspective and we decided to keep DL as a once in a while experience. Actually leaning towards a WDW vacation in a year or too. We've got 2 toddlers and it would be nice for them to have the same special feeling with which I grew up. That's our plan.

[merlinjones]

Rest assured, they still sell the original black Mouseketeer hats in parks and online.

Continue the tradition of wearing in parks and these will surely cycle back into style again (as they have periodically since the 1950s). Bring back the complete The Mickey Mouse Club on Disney+ (beyond just the first week shows) to ensure the image is perpetuated!

[Jesser-pie]

Why do people buy what I don’t want them to buy?

I don’t mean offense (despite laughing at people wearing something I don’t approve in an earlier paragraph with a just small hint of unintended sexism, small enough that I probably don’t even realize it).

You shouldn’t wear newer Disney gear as it ruins my experience and nostalgia.

The headbands are pure disrespect for Mickey that is running rampant in younger generations.


—

Personally, headbands give me headaches so I don’t wear them. Lucky me! I almost supported a status symbol that insulted the purity of mouse ears.

[Co Foo]

Rest assured, they still sell the original black Mouseketeer hats in parks and online.

I would love to wear original Mouseketeer ears, but the strap is uncomfortable.

[Co Foo]

This thread reminds me of the Henry Ford quote when he was discussing the Model T.

"Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants, so long as it is black."

[Spongeocto4]

I don't see the problem of them adding variations for Mouse Ears. My Niece got a lollipop style ears headband during the last trip. The ears actually glowed (intentionally or not) during the black light segments of some attractions, which was cool.

My Sister also gave me a Mickey Ears Cap, which was more functional as a hat in California's weather, than the traditional Ears would be.

[Captain Andy]

I'm a basic headband girl. It makes my curls look cute. Sue me.

[savarese04]

Why do people buy what I don’t want them to buy?


The headbands are pure disrespect for Mickey that is running rampant in younger generations.


.

Disrespect? What are you talking about? Are people trashing Mickey somewhere that I don't know about? Has Mickey become a lightning rod for anti-mouse sentiment? This sounds like you're complaining about something else entirely and are trying to draw a (very crooked) line between these two points. Could you clarify please?

Also the headbands are predominantly MINNIE ears and the original intent of those was outfit coordination, although we've long moved beyond that.

Men generally don't wear headbands, hence why there are very few bow-less ones. The removable/swappable bow version flopped hard, so I don't think there's going to be a plan to go back to MICKEY ears anytime soon. Though, I could be wrong given the desire to be more inclusive in merchandising.

With respect to the OG hats, I suspect the decline is more correlated to the rise of regular baseball caps. When the ears first came out, baseball caps (or any hats with brims) were not as predominant as today. No one is going to opt for basic ears (which are kinda cardboard junk, lets be honest) vs a hat made of dry-fit material that keeps your head cool and sun off your face.

[Jesser-pie]

Disrespect? What are you talking about? Are people trashing Mickey somewhere that I don't know about? Has Mickey become a lightning rod for anti-mouse sentiment? This sounds like you're complaining about something else entirely and are trying to draw a (very crooked) line between these two points. Could you clarify please?

Also the headbands are predominantly MINNIE ears and the original intent of those was outfit coordination, although we've long moved beyond that.

Men generally don't wear headbands, hence why there are very few bow-less ones. The removable/swappable bow version flopped hard, so I don't think there's going to be a plan to go back to MICKEY ears anytime soon. Though, I could be wrong given the desire to be more inclusive in merchandising.

With respect to the OG hats, I suspect the decline is more correlated to the rise of regular baseball caps. When the ears first came out, baseball caps (or any hats with brims) were not as predominant as today. No one is going to opt for basic ears (which are kinda cardboard junk, lets be honest) vs a hat made of dry-fit material that keeps your head cool and sun off your face.

Sarcasm and absurdity . With text instead of audible tone, I admit I may have not successfully got it across.

[Eagleman]

I never had .... traditional black Mickey Mouse Ears.
I surprise myself....for I was a Big Fan ,with old ,Black&White MICKEY MOUSE CLUB !

[nostalgic]

Do they not sell the traditional Mickey ears anymore?

It's more about the fact that they are just not the most popular option anymore. Can the headband style be embroidered? I've never even checked.

Again, this is more about nostalgia and is aimed at an older generation. It's just a fact that the headbands are far more visible in the parks, but way back when the skin caps and Mickey Ears were more prevalent.

It's funny that my memory was that I wore my ears into my teen years, but when I tried to put them on, they sat on top of my head like a cup! Has my head really grown since I was 15! I guess so....;-)

And actually, I just remembered the year that all the boys started wearing the Goofy hats, with the long ears hanging down the side. That was quite a popular item.

[nostalgic]

[QUOTE=savarese04;n8647062]


>>.....With respect to the OG hats, I suspect the decline is more correlated to the rise of regular baseball caps.....<<

What are OG hats?

[Eagleman]

I more a Base-Ball hat type of guy...with a Disneyland logo

[Spongeocto4]

[QUOTE=nostalgic;n8647078]

>>.....With respect to the OG hats, I suspect the decline is more correlated to the rise of regular baseball caps.....<<

What are OG hats?

The Original Generation AKA the traditional hats you were referring to in Post #13.

[DarthAP]

I am old school and I definitely wear the traditional Mouse Ear hat. I miss the multiple color hats with the brim on the front and the 1977 MM Club logo.

[Mr Wiggins]

[nostalgic]

[QUOTE=Spongeocto4;n8647089]

The Original Generation AKA the traditional hats you were referring to in Post #13.

ahhhh... thank you...I get tired of looking up the abbreviations and acronyms.

Some of the young people I know use the phrase "G1", like "generation one" (I had to ask what they meant by that, too), but maybe that is just toys.

[nostalgic]

I am old school and I definitely wear the traditional Mouse Ear hat. I miss the multiple color hats with the brim on the front and the 1977 MM Club logo.

Oh yes! The little brim! I was of the generation that thought those were really geeky...but they are adorable on the little boys in pictures from the 50s and 60s.