5 Steps to a Personalized Disney Autograph & Photo Book
If you have ever been to Disney, you know how quickly souvenirs add up. The autograph books in the parks are adorable, but they can also be expensive and impersonal. I wanted something my kids could help create, and something we could turn into a true keepsake after our trip. So instead of buying autograph books, I made our own using budget notebooks, simple labels, and a few easy supplies. After the trip, we printed small wallet-sized photos to go alongside each autograph. It turned out to be one of the most meaningful and affordable souvenirs from our vacation.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to make your own personalized Disney autograph and photo book in six easy steps.
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Materials You’ll Need
Pack of small, budget-friendly notebooks (I used this multi-pack from Amazon)
Option 1: Cricut machine, adhesive vinyl, transfer tape, and weeding tool
Pens or markers for characters to sign (The ones I got came with a pen and holder)
Stickers, washi tape, or scrapbook paper (optional for decorating)
You can use whatever notebooks fit your style or budget. I liked smaller ones because they were easy to carry in the park and light enough for the kids to hold while waiting in line.
Bonus Tip: Buy an instant print camera and decorate your notebooks while you wait in line!
Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Notebooks
Start with a simple pack of small notebooks. I picked sturdy covers that could hold up in a backpack and chose different colors for each child.
If your notebooks have any logos or text on the front, you can cover them with cardstock or patterned paper before adding your label.
Step 2: Personalize the Cover (Cricut or Printable Label Option)
Option 1: With Cricut
Open Cricut Design Space and type your child’s name. Choose a playful font that cuts cleanly, such as “Waltograph” or “Mickey.” Adjust the size to fit your notebook cover, usually around 1 to 2 inches tall. You can add small shapes like stars or mouse ears for a themed touch.
I used the font Waltograph and downloaded it for free off of font sites with just a quick google search.
Cut the design from adhesive vinyl and use transfer tape to place it on the cover. Smooth it gently with a scraper tool and peel off the tape to reveal the finished label.
Option 2: Without Cricut
If you don’t have a Cricut, you can still make your notebooks look professional. Use printable sticker paper and your home printer to create each child’s name in a cute Disney-style font like Waltograph, which you can download for free off of font sites on google. Print, cut, and stick the label directly to the notebook cover or inside the front page.
Both methods work beautifully, and the printed option is even faster if you’re short on time.
Step 3: Pack for the Trip
Before your trip, pack the autograph books, and add a few pens or markers that won’t smudge, like fine-tip Sharpies or retractable markers.
Don’t forget to get a picture with the characters to put in your book!
Step 4: Print Wallet-Sized Photos After Your Trip
Once you’re home, go through your Disney photos and pick one for each autograph. I printed wallet-sized photos (2x3 inches) on freeprints. I just made collages of the pictures so that I just had to order regular 4x6 prints and it made it SO much cheaper.
Step 5: Add Photos and Decorate Pages
Use photo-safe tape to attach the pictures next to each autograph. Let your kids decorate with stickers, washi tape, or small notes about the day they met that character. You can also add a date, location, or short memory like “Mickey was so funny!” or “It rained that morning, but we met Goofy anyway.”
Extra Ideas
Add a “My Disney Trip” page where your child can write their name, trip dates, and park names.
Use small envelopes or page pockets to hold stickers, pressed pennies, or park maps.
Print an extra photo for the cover or inside page to make it feel even more personal.
Keep a few blank pages at the back for a future trip.
Final Thoughts
This project was such a hit in our family. It cost much less than buying autograph books in the park, and my kids loved being part of the process from start to finish. Their books are now full of character signatures and tiny photos that instantly bring back those Disney memories. They’re so excited to be able to show their friends.
Whether you use a Cricut or printable sticker paper, the idea is the same. A simple notebook, a few photos, and a little creativity can turn into a keepsake your kids will cherish for years.
