Who’s been to Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney? Sometimes I think adults have more fun in that store than kids do! For just $20 (+ tax) you can pack a box full of Mr. Potato Head parts. This is a great (and economical) souvenir!
Here’s a few helpful hints on how to get the most bang for your buck:
Buy your Potato Head body at home. If you have a Mr. Potato Head already, great! Bring him with you, in your suitcase, so that you can try out all of the new parts you purchase. If you’re able to, purchase a Mr. Potato Head before leaving for Disney World. Finally, keep your eyes open at garage sales – I once found a Mr. Potato Head body for 25 cents! Having a potato body already, allows you to fill your box with more parts.
Make sure you get Lefts and Rights. Many pieces have a “left” and “right” – arms, ears, gloves, etc. – so be sure to grab one of each!
Be sure to get a set (or two) of arms. The arms found in Disney are the only ones that can actually hold the Disney accessory items; Regular Mr. Potato Head arms won’t hold the Mickey balloon, Mickey ice cream bar, etc. – so be sure to get a set (both left and right) of arms!
Pick out a variety of pieces – big and small! Be sure to grab hats, shoes, accessories to hold, eyes, ears, mouths and noses. Some items belong in sets – such as the Pirate, Fairy, Disney Tourist, or Minnie Mouse. Be sure to find all the pieces that belong in the particular set you’ve got your eye on.
Now you’re reading to start packing that box!
Little pieces can fit into bigger ones! Before you start filling your box, try to pack smaller pieces inside of the larger pieces. For example, turn Mickey’s shoes upside down and you can fit two tongues, two ears, two earrings, a Mr. Potato Head cast member badge, and a set of eyes inside of them! And if you decide to get a Mr. Potato Head body at the shop, be sure to open up his back and fill up the inside!
Pack larger items first, then add smaller pieces. The trick to packing is to put your larger items in the box first and then fill in the gaps with the smaller pieces. Place your “filled” shoes and hats carefully into the box. Then pack your medium sized accessories around the bigger items, and finally squeeze in the smallest pieces. Flat pieces, such as the autograph book, can go in very last – as they can slide down the sides of the box.
Buy the huge pieces separately. There are some massive pieces available – such as a Dumbo ride Elephant or a Mary Poppins umbrella – don’t bother trying to pack those in your box – you won’t be able to fit much else into it. Instead, if you really want it, buy them separately for $2 – $4.
Can you close your box? Be sure that you’re able to close your box (and that it remains closed on it’s own.) Ask a castmember for help! Cast members are pros at packing these boxes, and are happy to help you fit in everything you want.
Enjoy your new Mr. Potato Head parts!! If you purchase a box of parts towards the start of your trip, your kids (and you) might possibly be entertained during down times in your hotel room. This is also a great souvenir to pull out and entertain company of all ages! Disney does retire some parts but they bring in new ones, so you just might want to fill another box with new parts on your next trip!
In addition to Once Upon a Toy selling these parts, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures (located in Dinoland of Disney’s Animal Kingdom) sells them as well.
In addition to writing for Chip & Co., Terri writes for her own blog Walt Disney World Hints, where you can find helpful information, news, tips and secrets all about Walt Disney World. Extra hints are often given on her facebook page WDW Hints too! (Special thanks to Terri’s cousins, El & Kara S., for providing the Mr. Potato Head statue picture for this article.)
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I went to DTD last week just to get the exclusive Mr. Potato Head parts. Sadly, they were sold out of most all of the good stuff. I filled a box but missed out on all the cool parts. The good news is that I talked to the cast members that worked at Once Upon A Toy and they said that Mr. Potato Head was getting a big makeover and that all new exclusive MPH parts would be arriving in July. Luckily, I have a trip planned for August so I may just get some cool stuff then.
I am a packing master, cannot wait to do this! Also, didn’t know you could go to Chester and Hesters.
I’d suggest checking ebay for a cheap “starter set”. They have ones for $8-$10 as well as a few bodies for $3. Great way to get to get the kids excited about potato head before they really go nuts and see disney potato head stuff!
We had bought the big potato head container, if we bring it back and fill it up do we get any discount?
Good tip! Thanks for sharing.
LOL! Well… all the more reason to go back to WDW!! You’ve got to get two left hands to correct your mistake. ;o)
I am the proud owner of two right Mickey hands… oops
I would add that after you close your box, tap it on the counter a few times to see if the contents settles some. (think huge bag of potato chips, but lots of air when you open it) If it does, you may be able to fit a couple of more pieces!