"Can't Live Without It!" - Aug 30, 2001

"Can't Live Without It!"
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So where do you find items to add to your collection. There is a good chance that your neighbors down the street who went to Disneyland (or any Disney property) last year have some items they might be willing to part with. Or ask your parents or grandparents if they went to Disneyland in the 50s or 60s, or DisneyWorld or EPCOT in the 70s or 80s. If so, they probably have a guide, postcard, or admission ticket tucked away somewhere. Also, local flea markets are often good sources.

Don’t forget those little pieces you can still find on your next visit. For instance, Disney’s California Adventure just opened this year, and very shortly Tokyo Disney Seas debuts. There are bound to be paper goods that either have an important date on them, or are eventually discontinued and therefore of small edition size. Also look be on the lookout for handouts such as menus, information cards, autographs, even location specific napkins or paper plates.

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Front of free handout from the old Mr. Lincoln show

Sometimes you find paper goods in the strangest of places. Take for instance, the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln attraction. It was little known, but if you asked the attraction host or hostess for a copy of the speech Mr. Lincoln gave, they had a little brochure with the words and sources. With the new speech, this will now become a collector’s item.

So, what sort of Disney Paper Goods collectibles do you have in your closet? It’s okay. You can leave the computer for a bit to go check. Just make sure you report back and let us all know.

There are two web sites to check out if you’re interested in further reading on Disney Paper Goods

As part of this series Stacey and I will provide information about a unique collectible item with every column.

Featured Item

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Thin paper conical birthday hats given out for free to park visitors on July 17th, 1980, 1995, and 2000 -- Disneyland’s 25th, 40th and 45th birthdays. The value of the hat depends on its condition. For instance, while the 40th anniversary hat had its chin strap stapled on, the 45th anniversary hat was only taped on. Therefore more of those hats break if worn. Conical paper hats are also hard to store without them incurring damage. So finding one in mint or excellent condition is important and often difficult.
Edition size or run: Estimated run 50,000 each. 1 day availability. Estimated current edition size: 5,000-10,000 of each hat probably survive intact. Available: NFFC conventions, Online Auctions. Mint or Excellent Condition Price Range: 45th - $1.00 - $5.00, 40th - $5.00-$10.00, 25th - $15.00-$20.00

Discuss It

-- John Frost and Stacey Wright

"Can't Live Without It!" is posted on an irregular schedule..

The opinions expressed by our John Frost and Stacey Wright, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.

-- Posted August 30, 2001
-- All images are Copyright Disney.

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