Disney has introduced a new procedure for purchasing certain merchandise at Tokyo Disney Resort, and the decision is not sitting well with many guests.
Starting January 15, 2025, merchandise from the Duffy & Friends Wonderful Kitchen collection, such as plush badges, charms, and costumes, will only be available through the Tokyo Disney Resort app. However, the app’s difficult access and usability have made it challenging for many guests—particularly international Tokyo Disney visitors—to use, effectively limiting their ability to purchase these items.
Disney merchandise has long been a point of contention at its parks, particularly items related to Duffy & Friends, which have generated intense demand at parks worldwide.
Guests have been known to wait in long lines, storm shops, or even trample other visitors to secure their purchases. A notable incident occurred at Shanghai Disneyland in March when the release of new Duffy merchandise caused such a commotion (and a line eight hours long) that security had to be called in to restore order.
The Duffy & Friends brand generates an impressive $500 million annually, with fans at Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong Disneyland displaying a particular devotion and Disney kickstarting new plans to expand the brand recently. In response to the overwhelming demand, some parks, including Tokyo Disney Resort, have implemented virtual queues for highly anticipated merchandise releases.
In 2024, some Christmas merchandise at Tokyo Disney Resort was so popular that the order backlog extended as far as May 2025. To combat the chaos, the resort has decided to limit access to Duffy & Friends merchandise through its app, but this has raised concerns, particularly among international visitors. Many are frustrated that the new system prevents them from purchasing exclusive items despite traveling long distances to visit the park.
As @hk_emporium wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “It’s a bit strange to take away the opportunity for overseas guests to purchase merchandise and take measures against resale… Especially guests who travel many hours to come from far away countries.”
Putting aside the question of whether it is effective in preventing resale,
It’s a bit strange to take away the opportunity for overseas guests to purchase merchandise and take measures against resale…
Especially guests who travel many hours to come from far away countries.Recently, it’s not just about goods,
Due to the complexity of entry acceptance and DPA purchase, overseas guests were unable to see the show,
It’s also disappointing when you can’t ride an attraction.
転売対策として効果あるかはまずさておき、
海外ゲストのグッズ購入チャンスを無くして転売対策をするのはちょっとね…
特に何時間もかけて遠い国から来るゲスト。最近はグッズのことだけでなく、
エントリー受付、DPA購入の複雑さとかで海外ゲストがショー見えなかったり、…— Emporium HKDL情報🏰✨ (@hk_emporium) December 19, 2024
While the Tokyo Disney Resort website notes that the system is temporary, the uncertainty surrounding its duration has left many fans disappointed.
The new system coincides with the upcoming Duffy & Friends Wonderful Kitchen event, which will run from January 15 to March 31, 2025, featuring exclusive merchandise and food at Tokyo DisneySea. The event will also introduce two new characters, CookieAnn and Lina Bell, to the park.
Following this event, another Duffy celebration, Duffy & Friends 20th: Colorful Happiness, will run through March 2026. This event will mark 20 years of Duffy & Friends and will include decorations, meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise.
While Disney’s efforts to control demand for popular items may have some merit, the new system has left international guests feeling left out. Only time will tell how long the changes will last and whether they will be extended to other items in the future.
