In recent years, Disney ears and headbands have gone through several new tag transformations. With all of the different tags that are in existence, it is hard to keep up with what authentic tags should look like. The bad news is that currently there are multiple styles of fabric tags that can be found on ears in parks and on Disney properties (such as Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, etc…). The good news is that even though there have been numerous tag transformations, the tags still used on fake ears is highly outdated by three or four years! There is even more good news too – the tips and tricks that I have previously identified and shared with you are still accurate!
Before we look at the newer tags, let’s do a quick recap of the older style tags that are still being used to deceive people looking for authentic ears.
* More information on authenticity and tags can be found through the links at the bottom of this article.
Recap of Older Tags that are Currently Faked
These are the first two authentic “circle logo” tags that were used – both prior to the long “CVS tags.”
The tag on the left is what is most commonly used on fake ears still today. There are several minor, but telling details that can be used to identify a fake version of this tag.
Despite this particular tag not being used since around 2021, it is still being found on fake ears today. Many of those fake ears also have other telling signs to look out for.
The fake Quilted Iridescent Loungefly Ears pictured in left picture above has a couple of fake details to point out. The first obvious giveaway is the fabric tag itself. All new Loungefly ears since around 2021/2022 come with a fabric “Disney Parks | Loungefly” tag as pictured center above. This special tag was paired with the long “CVS tags” onward. The actual tag that should be on these iridescent ears is the tag to the above right. Note that the fake pair has an outdated fabric tag and is missing the fabric Loungefly tag.
The other obvious giveaway is the Shanghai Disneyland paper tag. This is the common “Winnie the Pooh” fake tag. As a reminder, there are no Shanghai Disneyland tags like this and there never have been. In addition, this tag has the printed on dotted line, outdated price, and a shiny tag material.
As a side note, this is an authentic FABRIC “Winnie the Pooh” tag. This will only be found on products featuring Winnie the Pooh characters (just like Marvel will have a Marvel tag and Star Wars will have a Star Wars tag).
Another telling factor of new ears is the plastic hang tag that has been used since 2023. Prior to 2023 (the long “CVS tags” and before), a hard plastic square-adjacent hang tag or a clear plastic hook was primarily used on ears. Since 2023, most ears in the US and Disney owned parks (ie not Tokyo), have used this the type of tags pictured below. These tags are a folded lightweight plastic with additional information. There is often a skinny barcode tag (with or without price) or a large gray tag (generally in Disney Store, overseas, Disneyland Paris, etc…). This is not a one hundred percent telling factor as ears MAY not have this tag, but is definitely something to be aware of and look out for. If you see a pair of ears that has that tag, then all of them should have that tag. Lastly, the new hanger tag has not shown up on any fake ears – only the “Winnie the Pooh” tag.
Tags from 2022 – 2025
Currently, there are several different tags that can be found on ears in the parks (US and overseas parks as well). These tags are very similar in style, but have some differences. None of these tags have currently been faked (as of publishing this article).
Top Left – Tag that was used in the 2023 – 2024 time frame. This is not used on new ears, but could possibly still be found on some older ears in the parks. Note that the circular Disney logo is small and there is a gap between it and the Disney copyright
Top Center Left – This tag was used on the Toy Story ears released in Shanghai Disneyland.
Top Center Right – This is the US version of the Disney/Pixar tag.
Top Right – A few ears were released with the same style of tag, but in black.
Bottom Left – This is the newest version of the circle logo tag. It has a much larger logo with the Disney copyright just below the circle.
Bottom Center – This is the same tag as the bottom left, but it is sewn l=slightly differently and the font/sizing is a little bit different. They are both authentic.
Bottom Right – This is the tag that was found on one of the newest released ears in Walt Disney World (the light up EPCOT ears). Other ears have released since with the older, new style of circle logo tag so there is no definitive answer to if this is a new tag switch.
Other Recent Tags from Other Parks and Entities
US Parks and Resorts and Other Entities
Hong Kong Disneyland
Shanghai Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort
Timeline of Minnie Ear Tags (US)
In order to help simplify the many tags used on ears and headbands, this timeline creates a visual of most of the tags used (in the US). As previously stated, many tags have minor variations and overlaps. This also means that some ears may exist with different tag variations – especially ears that were sold for a length of time.
Other Key Factors of Fake Ears
As a final reminder, ears exclusive to a park or event will NOT come with a Shanghai price tag (or in some cases a Hong Kong Disneyland tag is now being used with no security tape).
Concluding Thoughts
There are so many different types of tags that have existed on the thousands of ears that have been released across all different parks. I have attempted to create comprehensive guides and lists that cover as much as possible when it comes to tags and key giveaways of fake ears.
There is nothing wrong with purchasing or having fake ears. Whatever makes you happy is what is most important! However, if you are a collector and do care about authenticity, these are tools to assist you in your collecting quest. And if you are selling ears, hopefully this information helps you accurately create listings.
If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me through social media messages or my email at MinnieEarCollectors.com with pictures and information about the ears that you trying to authenticate. Please feel free to leave a comment on a recent post on FaceBook or Instagram to notify me that you have sent me a message or email as I will see that notification sooner and can then respond to you quicker.
More Resources for Tags and Authenticity
For information about prior tags and to review earlier tags, please review the following articles:
Real vs. Fake: Determining Authenticity and Identifying the Tags of Official Disney Parks Ears
Real vs. Fake: Spotting Fakes – Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction
Real vs Fake Ears: How to Spot Fake Ears by Looking at the Tags
Real vs. Fake: Beware of New Tactics
**When you see images from Minnie Ear Collectors on resale sites, they are not my listings nor are they endorsed by me. While they may not be intending harm, many of the pictures are modified which is a purposeful deception when it is not disclosed. I report all fake listings and listings that use my pictures. Whenever you see listings using pictures from Minnie Ear Collectors or of fake ears, you can report them. Unfortunately, most resale sites will only act upon multiple reports (if at all).**
**The information is the article is to help you determine whether ears are authentic or fake. As things are constantly changing and new fakes and tags are being created, the information in this article may also change. Minnie Ear Collectors cannot guarantee authenticity on purchases and is not responsible for the purchase of fake ears.**
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