There was a time when I’d look at people wearing silly Disney hats and think, “There’s nothing that could get me to wear that.”

Several years, one child and a complete loss of self-respect later, and I’ll put anything on my head just to make my kid laugh. Or my wife. Actually, it’s really not even about making people laugh. I just like Disney stuff – and that includes Mickey ear hats.

When I first started going to Walt Disney World, the choice was fairly limited: Black Mickey Mouse Club-style were the most prominent. But as anyone who has been to the parks recently knows, they’ve expanded the designs dramatically. There are a zillion styles, and I’m always excited to see what they’ve come up with.

I have a fairly modest, accidental collection of Mickey ears. By modest I mean less than 10. By accidental I mean that I didn’t set out to start a collection. It just sort of developed over time. However it is threatening to break out into a chaotic spending spree.

My favorites, among the ones that I have handy around here, are the Yin/Yang ears:

The Mickey yin/yang ears, as modeled by a napping Amy in the Carolwood Pacific Room at the Wilderness Lodge Villas. Note: The fanny pack (sorry UK readers) will have its own post at some point in the near future. It has its own section in the next "Mousejunkies" book.

And the 50th Gold ears that were passed out at a press trip I attended a few years back. (Though you can buy them.)

Yeah, same old boring pic of me from the NH Union Leader. It's the only one I have with the gold ears on.

Katie loves her Pirate Princess ears:

A self-portrait at 'Ohana.

And when we went to WDW for Amy’s birthday one year, she was princess for a day (which is very out of character for our Amy – the hockey player.)

And to continue along the princess theme:

Princess Katherine and my shoes in the background.

But there are all kinds of them out there now, and every trip I regret not picking one or two up. I’ve got my eyes on a few I might need to grab next time I’m at the World:

Mickey "pants" ears. I've got this thing where I don't wear pants... Don't flee in terror - I wear shorts. But these ears would be perfect.

How is it that I don't already own these ears?

These were all over the place during my last trip. Also - they're scratch-and-sniff, which is cool.

These are the "Christmas Patchwork" ears. Seems like there should be a robe to go along with them. (Tip: They're on sale for $6.99 at the Disney parks shop.)

"Jumping Mickey" - I hadn't seen these, but I like the colors. These are limited.

Limited edition Alice in Wonderland ears. (These are not the same as the ones that come with the hatbox.) Still - really nice artwork.

These seemed to be everywhere last fall. Really cool design. (Again - more scratch and sniff.)

The 40th Anniversary ears. This is a no-brainer. Gotta get 'em.

I realize I can order any of these from the Disney Parks Store online. But it means so much more if I get them while I’m at Walt Disney World. Then there’s a memory or a story attached. Then they can be “park-worn.”

What about you? Are you an Ears Person? Do you have a favorite set?