More New Merchandise, More Chaos At Disney Parks

Another day, another merchandise release, more chaos. On April 22, Disney released its newest popcorn bucket featuring Elliot the dragon from the 1977 film, Pete’s Dragon. An adorable turtle sipper also went on sale. These two pieces of merchandise went on sale to celebrate the return of Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade. Additional merchandise, including Minnie ears, a Loungefly backpack, t-shirts, and more, also went on sale in both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Credit: Disney

As has become a new Disney tradition, the crowds descended on Disneyland Resort and ran over each other to be the first to snatch up the new merchandise. Lines were long and shelves were quickly emptied. Cast Members did their best to keep order, as well as restock merchandise when they could, but it was gone almost as quickly as it was put out.

Credit: Disney

Kitra Remick shared a video of the chaos that she had seen, as well as the sentiments shared by many who cannot make it down to The Happiest Place on Earth the day merchandise is released.

Well, this sucks. 

Well, this sucks. pic.twitter.com/iUzB9KJ2k8

— Kitra Remick (@kitra) April 22, 2022

Instagrammer Five Fires (@thecalibae) also shared a video of the massive crowds that were waiting for the ropes to drop, so they could run to grab the merchandise they so desperately wanted.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by FIVE FIRES YOUTUBE (@thecalibae)

While it is not surprising to see large crowds waiting at the Parks when new merchandise is released, it was a little surprising considering the chaos that happened at Walt Disney World when the Figment popcorn bucket was released at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts. Guests waited for hours to get their hands on the little purple dragon, and it quickly sold out. When Disney finally got more in stock, Guests were required to purchase him through mobile order.

Credit: Disney

Just a few hours after Disneyland and Disney California Adventure opened, many Guests were reporting that some locations were already sold out of the buckets. Other locations were still offering it, but it came with food. Guests learned that those spots — like Hungry Bear Café — had some left, and the lines there quickly grew. 

While most Guests love seeing all of this great new merchandise, many find it frustrating that, if they don’t get to the Parks on the day of the release, they may not get anything. Many believe that Disney shouldn’t sell everything they have all at once. Instead, they should release a certain amount each day. Many Guests also feel that Disney needs to crack down on resellers, who purchase as much of the merchandise as they can and then jack up the prices when they resell it online. 

Credit: OrlandoMike1995 Instagram

Disney has shared that the Main Street Electrical Parade will only be around for a limited time. However, they have not said how long that time will be. It is possible that the parade, as well as Disneyland Forever fireworks, will run through summer and wrap up when Disney begins its Halloween celebration. Hopefully, Disney has already planned to have more Elliot popcorn buckets and turtle sippers to be shipped to them periodically, so Guests have ample chances to buy them.