At Disney theme parks, stuffed animals not sit solely on cabinets or in strollers.

Featured Video

Instead, many Disney followers put on them perched on their shoulders. Known as Shoulder Plushies, these magnetic companions at the moment are one among Disney’s most uncommon souvenirs. Since their debut in 2018, they’ve advanced from a unusual novelty right into a booming class of merchandise.

Although the primary launch featured Baby Groot, the toys shortly attracted an older demographic. Children confirmed curiosity, however adults, particularly Disney superfans, drove demand.

These parkgoers usually return many times, desperate to showcase their devotion by means of trend and equipment. For them, a Shoulder Plush affords one thing totally different from mouse ears or pins.

What are shoulder plushies, and the way do they work?

Each plush measures round 5 inches tall and prices anyplace from $25 to $30, with a magnet within the toy to connect it to the wearer’s clothes. Consequently, the stuffed character seems to cling magically to the shoulder, wobbling barely however staying safe except the wearer strikes too shortly.

Over the years, Disney steadily expanded the lineup. By the tip of subsequent yr, in line with the New York Times, greater than 45 totally different characters will be a part of the gathering. Fans can already purchase Jiminy Cricket, Tinker Bell, and Joy from Inside Out, with extra anticipated to observe. 

The Shoulder Plush was additionally a 2025 Toy of the Year Awards finalist, solely crushed out for the highest spot by the Emotional Baggage plushies which are “designed to help children understand and express their emotions in a playful and supportive way,” in line with the web site.

A brand new fandom development

Shoulder Plushies thrive as a result of they faucet into the playful nature of Disney Adults and adults basically, unabashedly chasing the enjoyment they might have missed out on in childhood. This cultural shift sees adults embrace toys, collectibles, and costumes to reconnect with childhood pleasure. 

@coastingwithbrooke Shoulder buddies! #disneylandparis #disneyland #themepark #fyp #fyppp ♬ Old Disney Swing Jazz – Nico

Disney isn’t the one one creating shoulder-mounted companions. Moving shoulder dragon puppets have lengthy been a staple of Renaissance festivals within the United States, that includes heads and typically tails which are managed by a wire within the wearer’s sleeve. Additionally, for the reason that recognition of Disney’s Shoulder Plushies has grown, sports activities groups and different on-line retailers are additionally making their very own magnetized shoulder companions.

Universal theme parks additionally joined the competitors with higher-tech, higher-priced variations much like the dragon puppets which are in a position to transfer and make noises.

The inspiration for Disney’s first Shoulder Plush probably traced again to the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 poster, the place Baby Groot stood on a personality’s shoulder. Designers shortly translated the thought right into a working toy, and the remainder adopted.

The web is chaotic—however we’ll break it down for you in a single every day electronic mail. Sign up for the Daily Dot’s e-newsletter right here.