It’s maybe a bit old fashioned and I haven’t heard any of my Disney friends talk about it in a while, but one of the most special treasures you can bring home as a memento of your Disney vacation is also one of the least expensive…a hand-cut silhouette of your child.

Think about it – lots of souvenirs are pretty generic.  Toys get broken or worn out, children’s clothing gets outgrown.  Disney pins are great souvenirs, but are pretty small.  Pictures are excellent, too – but what about something different and unique?  For about $8 (unframed) and roughly double that framed in a black plastic oval, you can capture your child’s (or your own) profile – preserved by an extremely talented, scissor-wielding artist – in just a few minute’s time.

If you find yourself in Magic Kingdom with a some time on your hands and you’re child is able sit still for just a little while (or is asleep in their stroller), I encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  On Main Street (halfway down on the right) and in Liberty Square (near the Hall of Presidents) you’ll find silhouette artists waiting.  There are also silhouette carts in the France pavilion in Epcot and in Downtown Disney, but I find the Magic Kingdom locations easy to visit while moving from one land to another and the wait is very short (or nonexistent).  Disney Ear Hats and other costume pieces can make your silhouette more Disneyfied if you like.

You should know:  The artists are outside vendors and cannot charge your new masterpiece to your room – be prepared with cash or a credit card.  Also – the silhouettes cannot be sent to your resort, you’ll have to carry them with you or pick them up on your way out.

And if you want to, you can trade some pins commemorating Disney silhouettes too.