Disney Springs, Walt Disney World’s massive shopping and dining district, is renowned for its diverse offerings, from Mickey-themed merchandise to unique specialty shops. But this holiday season, one of its most popular stores left guests stunned—not with its dazzling displays, but with shelves that were almost completely bare.
The LEGO Store at Disney Springs, a must-visit destination for families and collectors, faced an unexpected shortage of merchandise during the busy holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s. A Reddit user shared their experience in a viral post, describing the surprising sight of near-empty shelves in what is usually one of Disney Springs’ busiest shops.
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What Happened at the LEGO Store?
The Reddit user, posting under the username Away_Replacement_236, expressed disbelief at the state of the store. They wrote:
Thought this was interesting… I come down to WDW usually ~3 or 4 times a year. Always come for NYE. Almost always make a point to go to the lego store @ the springs and have never seen this or anything remotely close for that matter. They were out of stock of every item except one. They spread their stock of the one item all around the store to semi fill the shelves but it still looked so odd. They had people at the front door making an announcement as you walked in. Has anyone experienced this in the past?
According to the post, the store attempted to make the empty shelves less noticeable by spreading out its remaining inventory—a single product—across the display areas.
The user also noted that employees were stationed at the front door, warning guests about the limited stock before they entered.
Lego Store @ Springs Completely Out of Stock
byu/Away_Replacement_236 inDisneyWorld
Why Were the Shelves Empty?
Some fans speculated that the shortage was due to LEGO’s upcoming January 1 product launch. With over 140 new sets scheduled for release, employees may have been instructed not to restock the shelves until the new items were ready to debut. This explanation, while plausible, didn’t ease the disappointment of guests who had hoped to pick up unique LEGO sets during their holiday visit.
Others pointed to the record-breaking crowds at Disney during this time of year. The week between Christmas and New Year’s is notoriously busy at the parks, with long lines, sold-out merchandise, and packed dining reservations becoming the norm. The LEGO Store’s empty shelves could simply be a result of overwhelming demand during this peak season.
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While the lack of stock left many visitors disappointed, guests were quick to praise the efforts of the LEGO Store’s employees. Cast members reportedly went above and beyond to create a fun experience for families, even under challenging circumstances. According to the Reddit user, staff engaged with children by encouraging them to build their own creations with the materials available in-store.
“They did everything they could to keep the magic alive,” one commenter noted. “It’s not easy to manage a store with nothing to sell, but it sounds like they handled it with grace.”
Disney Springs, formerly known as Downtown Disney, has been a staple of Walt Disney World since 1975. Over the years, the area has transformed into a vibrant hub with 90 shopping locations, 70 dining options, and 25 attractions, shows, and events. The LEGO Store is just one of many unique offerings that make Disney Springs a must-visit destination for fans of all ages.
From the World of Disney store to niche shops like the Coca-Cola Store and Savannah Bee Company, Disney Springs offers something for everyone. But this recent shortage highlights the importance of timing your visit—especially if you’re hoping to snag something special.
Have you ever visited a Disney store only to find empty shelves? What do you think about the LEGO Store’s decision not to restock before the new product launch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
