by Disney Magic Diva
For many visitors to a Disney Park, meeting characters is a highlight of the trip. That unique opportunity to chat with, snap a selfie, and maybe grab an autograph from a hero, heroine, villain, or lovable Disney sidekick is one of the priceless memories that makes your vacation even more magical.
Your interactions with the characters can pretty much be what you make of it. Several Divas have shared helpful tips on how to make the most of your time with characters at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. (Click to see tips from Character Diva, Pixie Dusted Diva, Soarin’ Diva, and Disney Bride Diva.) And, if you want more than a selfie, Disney’s PhotoPass Service will be on hand for most character meet and greets to capture every magical moment. But what about the autographs? The options are nearly endless – as Walt said, “If you can dream it, you can do it!”
The easiest option is to purchase an autograph book at the park. It’s convenient, simple, and readily available. Some families, though, prefer to create their own book. (You can read about some Diva ideas, here.) And then, of course, there are families who really step outside the box (or …er…paper in this case) and have characters sign objects. I’ve seen photo matboards, hats, totebags, shirts, wine glasses, posters – the list is bigger than Gaston’s ego. (We’ve shared ideas like character encyclopedias, quilts, and even a DIY-autograph-book-turned-wall-hanging!)
Recently I found a new autograph option that is easy to display and customize to your taste. Many people love Thirty One bags, but did you know they also sell throw pillows? When Kathleen, my Thirty One consultant, suggested I use a pillow for character autographs, I was intrigued. When she offered to give me a complimentary pillow cover and write a review, I felt like I had been sprinkled with pixie dust! (But please be assured, all opinions are strictly my own, honest thoughts!)
The Thirty One Statement Pillow Cover is 18×18 inches and made of 100% natural cotton canvas. The cover has a hidden zipper to easily insert the pillow of your choice. My favorite thing about this cover is that it can be personalized! Thirty One has dozens of designs, fonts, and thread colors for an embroidered pillow to suit any desire! Whether you love princesses, heroes, Disney classics, or something a little more understated, there is a pillow design that fits your DisneyStyle.
Deciding which design to choose was almost as difficult as landing a FastPass+ to Slinky Dog Dash! It’s simple and fun to design your pillow cover. Just click here to get started!
Diva Tip: I used the pillow cover, and had to find my own pillow to insert into the cover once I got home. (An inexpensive standard size bed pillow can be scrunched into the pillow cover.) To make your life easier (and slightly less lumpy), you may want to order the pillow cover with an insert designed specifically to fit the cover. Click here to order the set.
You’ll see a button to click to begin personalization of your pillow cover and from there you can start choosing icons, fonts, and colors. The possibilities were seemingly endless! Just mix and match your favorite embroidered design, color, and font. Here are some of the designs I considered:
But I finally settled on a heart with the words “Dreams Come True”. I ordered the cover and anxiously continued the Disney Countdown to my next trip.
One huge advantage to using a pillow cover for autographs is how easy it was to carry with us in the parks! It folded up into a sandwich size Ziploc bag, making it super light and convenient. I was worried about having something firm to serve as a foundation for the characters when they tried to sign the canvas cover, so I also brought a mini clipboard with us. We were happy to discover, though, that the characters were very adept at signing, and if we held the pillow cover taut for them, they didn’t need a hard surface. Leave the clipboard at home!
Diva Tip: As the canvas started filling up with signatures, we began folding up the pillow cover so that only the area we wanted signed was exposed. This helped provide a stable surface, too.
Several characters were really intrigued by the idea of an autograph pillow. Buzz was so impressed he actually signed his name rather than use the stamp he typically uses. Ariel told us all about how much she loves pillows. Having a unique item helped engage the characters and create a conversation, which naturally made the interactions more fun!
Having this pillow will be such a priceless souvenir of our trip. Unlike a book which sits on a shelf, unopened and easily forgotten, the pillow, sitting on my family room sofa, will be a daily reminder of our magical memories at Disney together.
And maybe the most magical thing of all about this autograph pillow is Kathleen has generously agreed to give a Thirty One pillow cover to one lucky Diva/Devo fan! But the pixie dust continues! If you contact her through her website and mention promo code DIVA, she will assist you in getting 10% discount off your order. So even if you aren’t the lucky winner of our giveaway, you can still get a personalized autograph pillow (or any other fabulous Thirty One product!) at a discount! Talk about Disney Magic! But hurry – this promo code expires on June 30, 2018. Here’s how to enter the giveaway for your choice of a FREE customized pillow cover:
To keep track of the entries we use Rafflecopter, entering using the widget below. Make sure you LIKE each of the Facebook/Social Media pages for your entry to count, not just visit. All entries will be verified. The winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be chosen.
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To plan your next Disney vacation, just contact Patricia at All for Dreams Travel. She will make sure the characters are ready and waiting to meet you!
***Disclaimer – We at Tips from the Disney Divas and Devos hope you enjoy reading our articles, and encourage you to share any you feel may be of interest to someone else. We do ask, however, if you choose to share the photographs attached to our articles, you give credit to the photographer. Thank you for your cooperation and sharing our love of Disney!
Hello, I was wondering what marker did you use? Did it bleed through or did you have a paper or other fabric put in between?
Thank you Lindsay