Anyone who has been to Happiest Place on Earth knows how readily available and handy the Disney World maps are.
Frankly, I am a sucker for Disney World maps. It doesn’t matter how many times I have been there and how well I know my way around the place…I always end up with a park map…or five.
After recently coming home with multiple Epcot maps, I began to brainstorm ways to repurpose them. After all, they are bright, colorful and free…. aka cheap souvenir.
I have said it before…but I am not super crafty. If it isn’t easy, it isn’t going to happen. But, I noticed the number of drawings, pictures, coupons that I post on my fridge and thought a-ha!
Magnets!
Cheap and easy to make, magnets are a great way to repurpose paper keepsakes. When they are on the fridge, you can reminisce about all of your favorite memories daily.
What You Need
- Your favorite Disney Park Map
- Modge-Podge ( I used the dishwasher kind, but that’s just because it’s what I had on hand. The plain ol’ regular modge-podge will do just fine)
- Foam brush ( it really doesn’t matter what size. I used a 1.5″ one I had laying around)
- 2.5″ Circle punch ( I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby, but you can also order a Fiskars Circle Punch on Amazon for around the same price)
- Mini-hot glue gun with sticks
- 1.5″ flat wood discs ( or any shape you like, really)
- Magnetic backs ( I used these pretty sturdy magnets with an adhesive back. I purchased them at Michael’s. However, you can also find them on Amazon.)
Steps
1. Find a spot on the map that you think would make a cute magnet. I like to pick our favorite countries from Epcot.
2. Punch out the selected piece with your circle punch.Â
2. Punch out the selected piece with your Note: You can do this without a circle punch if you want to trace a circle and cut manually. I don’t trust my cutting skills, so I splurged on the tool for perfect circles.
3. Use the modge-podge to glue your selected circle to the front of a wooden disc.
The best way is to make sure that the side you want visible is facing down, and coat the backside with a respectable layer of modge-podge.
4. Put another layer of modge-podge on the back of the disc and fold over the extra paper.Â
I love that this part doesn’t have to be pretty, because it’s modge-podge. And modge-podge cures many crafting woes.
If you really want, you can even add an extra scrap of paper on the back to cover the wood. But, you’ll be putting a magnet on anyways.
Let it dry for just a bit before moving on to the next step.
You may want to flip it over so that the side that won’t have the magnet is facing up. If the paper sits in modge-podge, it could end up flaking off. However, you can add some modge-podge to the front as a layer of protection.
5. Finally, when you are ready, use the hot-glue gun to adhere your magnet to the back.
I purchased magnets with adhesive, but I was not fully confident in the adhesive.
 I found the glue-gun to give the magnet a more secure hold. You will want a magnet that is fairly strong and heavy, as the wood does have some weight and a flimsy magnet won’t hold it onto a surface.
Flip your magnet back over to let everything dry and you’re done!What an inexpensive and practical way to repurpose your Disney park maps and remember your vacation memories.
Follow me step-by-step on my YouTube Tutorial
For some more creative ways to upcycle your Disney World Maps, check out these other great ideas from the blogosphere!
DIY Disney Parks Map Guidemap Lampshade from SavoringTheGood.com
Disney Map Bangle Bracelet from DisneyEveryDay.com
Make Coasters for your favorite magical beverages from the Disney Parks Blog
Disney Park Maps Serving Tray from thefarmgirlgabs.com
Like this post? Please spread the Disney love to others!Â
tachira
I absolutely love D. I . Y and themed as well. This is an awesome idea . A great family activity.