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We Asked Our Readers: What Do You Think Will Be the First Thing to Sell Out When the Parks Reopen? Here’s What They Said.

When the Disney World parks reopen their gates, what do you think will be the first thing to fly off the shelves?

Space Mountain Minnie Ears

The Disney World parks have been closed since March 16th and they’ll remain shuttered “until further notice.” But with Disney Springs partially reopened, Disney World is taking the first step towards resuming operations.

We’ve found ourselves wondering what things Disney fans will rush to snatch up when they return to the parks — and we wanted to know what our readers think! So, we took to Instagram to ask, “What do you think will be the first thing to sell out when the parks reopen?” Let’s take a look at what our readers said!

Disney World Street Signs

Experiences

Let’s start by taking a look at the tickets and events that people think will be the first to sell out!

Park Tickets

Out of all the responses we received, the top answer by far was park admission tickets! 

Cinderella Castle

Several of our readers referenced the advance reservations required for the reopening of Shanghai Disneyland and said that if Disney World also limited admission, tickets will be the first thing to go.

Tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Another ticket that many people expect to sell out quickly is admission to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom!

general halloween

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

Some said this would be their ideal way to experience Disney World again after the reopening, and they think others will jump on the tickets quickly!

Merchandise

While some people expected the theme park tickets to be the first thing to go, others think that Disney will have a hard time keeping merchandise in stock! Here are the items our readers believe will disappear from the stores first.

Disney Face Masks

Disney did release a line of character face masks available for purchase online, so we can definitely see them selling these in the parks when they reopen as well!

Disney-themed Cloth Face Masks ©Disney

Plus, since guests at the reopened Shanghai Disneyland and Disney Springs are required to wear face masks, it’s possible they will be required — or at least encouraged — when the parks reopen. If so, we agree that guests will likely want the option to accessorize with a Disney version!

Mickey Ears

Another top response — the iconic Mickey Ears and Minnie Ears!

UK Minnie Ears

Considering how popular these were even before the park closures, we can definitely see guests scooping up a pair as soon as they walk through the gates.

2020 Merchandise

Disney World is known for releasing dated collections for each year. And several of our readers are expecting that the 2020 merchandise will be a hot commodity! With the parks closed for so much of 2020, it’s possible guests will want to commemorate that!

2020 Mickey Ornament

We’ve seen t-shirts, picture frames, mugs, sweatshirts, ornaments, and more all with the 2020 design, so at least guests will have plenty to choose from!

Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Collection

This year, Disney has released a new set of Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction merchandise each month. The collection is themed after popular Disney attractions and each month a new Minnie Mouse Plush, Minnie Ears, mug, pins, and bag are made available!

The April Collection is themed after “it’s a small world” ©Disney

These items have sold out super quickly each month (especially the Minnie Ears!), so we think our readers are on to something with this response!

The only question is — will World of Disney stock these cuties this week??

Snacks

While some expect the ticket counters and merchandise locations to be the first to run out of stock, others are headed straight for the SNACKS!

Dole Whip

Of all the food-related responses, Dole Whip was by far the most popular! Which is fitting, since Dole Whip was the champion of our Snack Madness showdown this year!

Dole Whip

Between its status as a Disney icon, and the tart, refreshing flavor, a few readers think that those Dole Whip machines will run dry pretty quickly after the parks reopen!

Mickey Premium Bar

From one quintessential Disney snack to another, a lot of people also expect the Mickey Premium Bar to sell out quickly!

Premium Mickey Ice Cream Bar at Disney World

This snack is so quintessentially Disney that they actually make other food “dressed up” like Mickey Premium Bars. These cold, sweet snacks are sold practically everywhere in the parks, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one once they reopen!

Popcorn

The smell of fresh popcorn reminds us of Main Street, U.S.A.!

Popcorn in Mary Blair Popcorn Box

And even though this one isn’t quite as exclusively associated with Disney World, we do know some serious popcorn (and popcorn bucket) fans, so our readers who guessed this will be the first item to sell out might be on the right track!

We were interested to see the variety of opinions from our readers about what will sell out first when the Disney World parks reopen! And after seeing the great points made about tickets, limited-edition merchandise, and iconic Disney snacks, we could see just about anyone’s guess being correct. Which just goes to show how much awesome insight Disney fans have into the parks!

What do you think will be the first thing to sell out when the Disney World parks reopen? Let us know in the comments!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Animal Kingdom, Cult Favorites, disney merchandise, disney parks, disney’s hollywood studios, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Snacks, Walt Disney World, 2020 mickey’s not so scary halloween party, april minnie mouse: the main attraction collection, disney masks, Dole Whip, mickey ears, mickey premium bar, popcorn, walt disney world reopening

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Disney Parks Other

PHOTOS and TIPS: Our FULL Experience From Disney Springs’ Reopening Day

Welcome back to Disney World! Disney Springs began a phased reopening today, May 20th.

Disney Springs

We have been taking you around Disney Springs to see the new safety procedures and how they affect guests’ shopping and dining experiences. We’re walking you step-by-step through a post-closure Disney Springs and going over exactly how your visit could look much different than your previous trips.

Entering Disney Springs

To control crowds and provide a more streamlined entry process, Disney Springs is limiting entrances and establishing additional safety procedures for guests.

Hours and Limited Capacity

Disney Springs is currently open from 10AM to 10PM.

Disney Springs

However, Disney Springs is limiting the number of people visiting the property, stores, and restaurants. Once the designated parking garages (Lime and Orange) are full, guests are not allowed to park and enter Disney Springs.

Orange Garage

That means, even guests with dining reservations at a Disney Springs restaurant will not be allowed in. But, cancellation fees for these reservations will be waived for guests unable to enter due to limited capacity.

Parking

All of the surface-level lots are currently closed so guests may self-park (no valet available at this time!) in the Orange and Lime garages. We were told that the Orange garage would be filled first, and we were able to choose our parking spot since there were no Cast Members directing traffic within the garage.

Orange Garage

But there were Cast Members inside the garage welcoming back guests! We also spotted distancing markers, warning signs, and hand sanitizer stations throughout the garage.

Warning Sign

We arrived early (before Disney Springs officially opened at 10 AM), so we didn’t have any issue finding a parking space. Really…NO trouble.

Parking Lot

Now, let’s take a look at actually entering Disney Springs!

Entrances

Guests are only permitted to enter Disney Springs from the following four locations: Orange garage, Lime garage, the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge, and the rideshare location.

Disney Springs

Guests aren’t allowed to enter until they’ve completed a temperature screening.

Masks Are Required

Guests ages three years and older and employees are required to wear masks. These masks must cover your mouth and nose at all times, except when you are seated at a dining table.

Required Measures sign

Guests are required to bring their own face masks. Let’s say it one more time: no mask = no entry. If you want pack an extra! Better to be prepared than to make it all the way to Disney Springs and realize you can’t go inside because you dropped your mask while getting in your car.

Temperature Checks

Guests, Cast Members, vendors, and other employees are all required to have their temperatures checked prior to entering Disney Springs.

Temperature Screening

Temperature check stations are located at the second-floor exits of the Orange and Lime parking garages and the Marketplace Entrance (for guests from the Hotel Plaza Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge and rideshare drop-off).

Advent Health Signage

The temperature checks were completed with touchless forehead thermometers. Any guests who test 100.4 degrees or higher will be directed to a tent where they were allowed to cool off and rest for a few moments before attempting one more screening. If they test above the maximum accepted temperature again, their entire party will be required to leave.

New Protocols to Enter Disney Springs

The temperature check process only took a few seconds for us once we made it to the front of the line and the friendly employees completing the screenings made us feel at ease!

Open Dining Locations

Disney Springs reopened with select third-party dining locations — you can find a full list of available restaurants here!

STK

Click on each location below to check out our full experience at the reopening!

Reservations

Before Disney Springs reopened, we were able to make dining reservations through OpenTable and individual restaurants’ websites.

Wolfgang Puck

And if you’re planning on eating at a table-service location, we recommend trying for a reservation first — otherwise, you could find yourself with a bit of a wait. When we arrived at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, there was an hour wait for walk-in guests.

Tips For Dining in Reopened Disney Springs

In addition to making a reservation, we picked up a few more dining tips as well. Make sure to keep an eye out for social distancing markers at quick-service dining locations, or anywhere else you might run into a queue.

Distance Markers at YeSake

Certain locations, like Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, only allow one group inside at a time. So be careful to read signs, ask Cast Members if you have questions, and know that each location is operating a little differently.

Also, keep in mind that not all dining locations are reopened yet! We spotted signage for House of Blues and The Smokehouse indicating they’ll be back soon.

House of Blues Opening Soon Sign

Also, you might want to bring a few items along with you for your dining experience. If you’d like to sanitize your hands immediately before you eat, be sure to bring your own bottle of hand sanitizer. And if you’d prefer to use your own pen to sign receipts, don’t forget to pack one!

Eating On The Go With a Mask

If you’re a fan of grab-and-go style eating, you’re in luck! We noticed that the to-go dining experiences were pretty similar to what we’re used to in Disney Springs. We saw tables and chairs placed outside dining locations that wouldn’t usually have their own designated seating. We also didn’t notice any areas where seating had been entirely removed.

Sunshine Churros

On our visit to Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, we learned that guests are allowed to walk around with their food or drinks in Disney Springs. And while guests are required to wear their masks at all times, they are allowed to lower masks to take a bite or drink — then recover their faces. We put this method to the test with the brand new Welcome Drink from Starbucks!

Welcome Back Drink at Starbucks

So, whether you’d prefer to snag a table, or take a stroll while you enjoy your snack or beverage, both options are available!

Open Retail Locations

Disney will start opening some of its Disney-owned locations on May 27th, but the following locations were open on the first day of Disney Springs’ reopening.

  • Anthropologie
  • American Threads
  • Free People
  • UNIQLO
  • Crystal Art by Arribas Bros.
  • Pele Soccer
  • Pop Gallery
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop
  • Basin
  • Chapel Hats
  • Columbia Sportswear
  • Edward Beiner Eyewear
  • Happy Hound
  • Lucky Brand
  • Luxury of Time by Diamonds International
  • Pandora
  • Royally Yours Arribas Bros
  • Sanuk
  • Savannah Bee Company
  • Sosa Family Cigars
  • Sugarboo and Co.
  • UGG
  • UNOde50
  • Volcom
  • Vera Bradley
  • Zara

Tips For Shopping in Reopened Disney Springs

As with dining locations, retail locations are also operating with reduced capacity. Be sure to keep an eye out for designated entrances and exits, since many locations are keeping them separate.

Ugg Store Exit Only

On a similar note, keep an eye out for those social distancing markers that show proper spacing!

Social Distancing Marker

Also, bring a non-cash form of payment, because some stores like Ron Jon Surf Shop are not accepting cash.

Ron Jon Surf Shop Not Accepting Cash Payments

It can be difficult to retrain ourselves to abide by these new measures, so try to be mindful on your next visit!

Changes in Stores

In addition to the distancing measures, designated exits and entrances, and some changes in payment methods, we also noticed signs asking guests to limit contact with merchandise.

Arribas Bros. Merchandise Sign

Plus, we also spotted social distancing markers and signs in front of cash registers like at Ron Jon Surf Shop.

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Overall, we weren’t too surprised to see the changes at retail locations, since they closely mirrored the reopened shopping at Universal’s CityWalk, but they can take some getting used to if this is your first experience.

Cashless Payment

Disney recommends guests use cashless payments such as debit cards, credit cards, and Disney gift cards whenever possible. Contactless payment or cash can be used to purchase gift cards at the Welcome Center and other select retail places throughout Disney Springs.

Welcome Center at Disney Springs

While we did find several locations that were accepting cash, some places like Ron Jon Surf Shop were not. So, we’d say plan on coming to Disney Springs with a non-cash method of payment just in case. Or, stop by the Welcome Center to buy a gift card if needed!

Additional Cast Members to Enforce New Procedures

Guest Relations Cast Members were stationed throughout Disney Springs to enforce social distancing and answer guests’ questions. Cast Members were each equipped with masks, of course.

Guest Relations Cast Member

One question we asked a Guest Relations Cast Member was: Are there any masks for sale within Disney Springs? And surprisingly, the only place we know of that’s selling masks (so far, at least) is Vera Bradley.

Access to Hand Sanitizer

We spotted hand sanitizer stations in the parking garage, at entrances to restaurants, and throughout Disney Springs.

Hand Sanitizer Locations

Plus, we also spotted it for sale at Basin.

Basin Reopening

We recommend carrying your own personal hand sanitizer so you can clean off whenever you need and don’t have to scramble to try and find a sanitizer station.

Crowds

While there was somewhat of a crowd when Disney Springs first reopened at 10 AM, the crowds dispersed throughout the day and were noticeably lower by mid-afternoon.

Disney Springs

The places where we felt the impact of the crowds the most was at dining locations. We noticed that some table-service locations had a wait for walk-in guests — like we mentioned from Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill. This was likely a combination of demand and reduced seating capacity.

Wolfgang Puck

And we did notice some long lines at quick-service dining spots too. Check out those people waiting for Chicken Guy!

Chicken Guy!

But again, outside of waits for dining locations, the crowds didn’t feel too heavy at all, especially as we were strolling around.

Overall

With Disney Springs being the first U.S. Disney attraction to reopen, Disney was tasked with keeping guests safe while delivering a comfortable, enjoyable environment to dine and shop. Similar to our initial thoughts at the reopening of Universal Orlando’s CityWalk, we were very impressed by Disney’s attention to detail, the friendliness of the staff, and the flow of operations. This new system will take some getting used to for guests and Cast Members alike. However, we are encouraged to see Disney put these new health and safety measures into practice diligently while still maintaining a positive experience for their guests.

What questions do YOU have about Disney Springs’ reopening? Let us know in the comments and we will do our best to get the info to you!

Related posts:

  1. You’ve NEVER Shopped in Disney World Like This Before
  2. News! Earl of Sandwich, Chicken Guy!, and Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs Share New Safety Protocols
  3. The Rubber Duckie Drink RETURNS! We’re Back at The Boathouse in Disney Springs on Reopening Day

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
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