Guests Can’t Walk Into Disney Park Shops To Buy Merchandise From September
Seasonal events are always a highlight for Disney parks, but fall and winter hold a particular magic. Between pumpkin-laden walkways, shimmering Christmas lights, and exclusive entertainment, the final months of the year consistently draw some of the most dedicated crowds. For many fans, the limited-time merchandise is just as enticing as the shows and parades.
Disney has long leaned on exclusivity to fuel fan demand, and 2025 is no different. This year’s Halloween lineup has already attracted attention, with social media buzzing about pastel Mickey and Minnie ghost ears that sold out almost immediately. Safety devices are now used to control the sale of restocked items, with cast members releasing them only upon request. The move hints at a broader problem Disney has struggled to manage for years.
Reseller culture has become deeply entrenched at Disney properties worldwide. Guests often purchase limited-edition products in bulk, flipping them online for hefty markups. The ghost ears are just one example, having been listed for more than $10 above retail price. In Asia, the issue has grown especially severe, with Shanghai Disneyland guests once waiting 14 hours to secure the latest goods.
Tokyo Disney Resort Moves to Control Demand
In an attempt to prevent chaos this fall, Tokyo Disney Resort is introducing stricter policies around its 2025 Halloween collection. The resort, operated by The Oriental Land Company under a licensing agreement with Disney, confirmed that guests will no longer be able to simply walk into the theme park stores to purchase Halloween merch.
Instead, standby passes will be required for entry into select retail locations beginning September 17.
Among the stores affected are Disney & Company, Gag Factory/Five and Dime, Emporio, and Sleepy Whale Shop. Meanwhile, Bon Voyage, the standalone shop near the resort entrance, will require advance reservations from September 16 through September 18. Those reservations open on September 11.
This strategy is not entirely new. Standby passes were previously implemented to control overwhelming crowds during Duffy and Friends product launches, which routinely triggered surges of demand. The system is intended to make the shopping experience more orderly and reduce the resale-driven frenzy that has marred past events.
The decision follows a rocky holiday season in 2024. Some Tokyo Disney Resort guests who pre-ordered Christmas merchandise reported that their items would not arrive until May 2025, long after the holidays had ended. The backlash highlighted how high demand can strain even Disney’s logistical systems, creating frustration among loyal fans.
A Packed Halloween Lineup Beyond the Shops
While merchandise may spark the biggest headlines, Tokyo Disney Resort is also rolling out a robust Halloween entertainment slate. Haunted Mansion Holiday Nightmare, the seasonal overlay that mirrors Disneyland Park’s Haunted Mansion Holiday, will return and run through January.
Daytime festivities will be anchored by the parade The Villains’ Halloween: Into the Frenzy, described as “the coolest and most gorgeous Halloween party ever.” Classic characters, including Chip and Dale in festive costumes, will appear alongside iconic Disney villains. Guests can secure designated viewing areas through Disney Premier Access.
Nighttime will feature Night High Halloween, a special fireworks display synchronized with Halloween-themed music. Costume enthusiasts will also have their moment: from September 16 to September 30 and again from October 16 to October 31, adult visitors may dress as Disney characters, an exception to the usual policy. Changing areas will be available onsite for a fee.
As Disney continues to balance crowd control, fan expectations, and reseller-driven demand, Tokyo Disney Resort’s policies may serve as a model for how parks can manage limited-edition releases in the future. For visitors, though, the Halloween season still promises the same blend of atmosphere, entertainment, and exclusivity that has defined the resort for decades.
How do you think Disney could tackle reseller culture?
