How Sydney Helps Guests Bring Disney Magic Home
At Walt Disney World, a small keepsake can hold a lifetime of memories, whether it’s a character keychain or a fridge magnet.
Behind many of these items is the Souvenirs team at Disney Consumer Products, a passionate group of cast members dedicated to transforming small moments into lasting reminders of a Disney visit.
Sydney Nugent, Associate Merchandising Manager on the Souvenirs team, says the team “creates tangible magic through incredible and beloved products from our parks.”
One of Sydney’s most exciting projects is a new line of vinyl decals arriving in parks this April.
Designed as high-quality keepsakes that can fit into any budget, these decals offer guests a fun way to personalize water bottles, laptops and more.
“I wanted to make sure that there was something for everyone and for guests to find something that reminded them of a friend or family member,” Sydney says.
The project has been especially meaningful for Sydney, who has been closely involved in shaping the strategy, artwork selection and product placement.
Sydney’s journey with Disney began over a decade ago on the Disney College Program in 2015. Even then, she knew she wanted to eventually create merchandise for Disney.
After graduating, Sydney returned to Disney for a professional internship with the merchandising team. That opportunity soon became a full-time role, launching a career that would take her across multiple areas of Disney Consumer Products, including graphic apparel, Disney Cruise Line, home decor and special events.
Eventually, Sydney found her perfect fit with the Souvenirs team, helping create products that double as memorable keepsakes, including the new line of decals.
From the first spark of an idea to the moment a guest picks a souvenir off the shelf, cast members like Sydney help ensure that Disney memories can be carried home in the palm of a hand.
Sydney often reflects on her own souvenirs she collected as a child and how those items still bring back vivid memories of family vacations and hopes that other guests have those same feelings when they visit the parks.
“We’re here to make magic,” Sydney reflects. “This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some guests, but they will have this souvenir for the rest of their lives.”
