Boomers, did you know that your saved Disney memorabilia could be worth a small fortune? The market for vintage Disney collectibles is booming, with certain items fetching impressive sums at auctions and online marketplaces. Now is a great time to dig through your closets and attics to see what valuable treasures you might discover.
This list is based on real-world trends, data from auctions and online marketplaces, expert interviews and surveys, and the knowledge of passionate collectors. The items featured here are those that have recently increased in value due to their rarity, condition, and the nostalgia they evoke. Expect to find common items that you may not have considered valuable, as well as rarer pieces that have always been sought after by collectors.
1. Vintage Disney Lunchboxes
Lunchboxes featuring your favorite Disney characters were a common sight in school cafeterias in the mid-20th century. These items were often overlooked and treated as everyday objects, resulting in many being lost or damaged over time. However, those that have survived in good condition can be extremely valuable to collectors.
The value of these lunchboxes has grown over the years due to their increasing rarity and the nostalgic memories they evoke. See background, history, and examples on Collectors Weekly.
2. Early Disney Celluloid Toys
Disney celluloid toys, made from a type of plastic that was popular in the early to mid-20th century, were once popular children’s playthings. Many of these toys have been overlooked and discarded due to their fragile nature, but those that have survived intact are now highly prized by collectors.
For auction comps on rare examples, see this result at Morphy Auctions.
3. Original Disney Theme Park Maps
Original Disney theme park maps, given out as free souvenirs at the parks, were often discarded or damaged after use. However, those that were kept in good condition are now sought after by collectors for their detailed artwork and historical significance.
One standout example: Walt Disney’s original presentation map sold for $708,000 at Van Eaton Galleries—covered by Forbes.
4. Vintage Mickey Mouse Watches
Mickey Mouse watches, first introduced in the 1930s, were a popular accessory for children and adults alike. Many of these watches were overlooked as valuable collectibles and were worn and used until they broke or were lost. However, those that have survived in good condition can now fetch a high price.
For history and collectability context, see Hodinkee’s overview of character watches.
5. Disney Movie Posters
Original Disney movie posters, given out at theaters or sold as souvenirs, were often discarded or damaged after use. However, those that were kept in good condition are now highly prized by collectors.
See notable sales like this 1932 Mickey Mouse one-sheet at Heritage Auctions.
6. Early Disney Comics
Disney comics, featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, were once a popular form of children’s entertainment. Many of these comics have been overlooked and discarded over the years, but those that have survived in good condition are now highly prized by collectors.
For price history and key issues, browse Walt Disney’s Comics and Stories indexes at Heritage Auctions.
7. Vintage Disney Vinyl Records
Disney vinyl records, featuring music from popular Disney films and theme parks, were once a common sight in many homes. Many of these records have been overlooked and discarded over the years, but those that have survived in good condition are now highly prized by collectors.
Check availability and market trends via the Disneyland Records label page on Discogs.
8. Disney Animator’s Sketches
Disney animator’s sketches, created during the production of Disney films, were often discarded or overlooked after use. However, those that were kept in good condition are now highly prized by collectors for their artistic and historical value.
Preservation guidance and collecting insights are available from Animation Art Conservation.
9. Disney Character Figurines
Disney character figurines, sold as souvenirs at Disney theme parks, were often overlooked as valuable collectibles and were used as everyday toys or decorations. However, those that have survived in good condition can now fetch a high price.
For a sense of the current secondary market, see WDCC (Walt Disney Classics Collection) activity on eBay.
10. Vintage Disneyland Tickets
Vintage Disneyland tickets, given out at the park entrance, were often discarded or lost after use. However, those that were kept in good condition are now highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and nostalgic value.
Browse real auction results and active lots at Van Eaton Galleries, for example this 1969–70 Disneyland ticket book and this complete 1965 child ticket book.
