As Disney Parks Merch Quality Declines, Resellers “Make a Profit”

in Merchandise

world of disney downtown disney

Credit: Disney

In recent weeks, we’ve shared Guests’ stories about the apparent decline in the quality of various pieces of Disney Parks merchandise.

world of disney store exterior
Credit: ABC News

Related: Disney Guests Complain About Food Quality Despite Prices Increasing

Now, another Guest, Janet, has experienced an unfortunate situation with a Lady and the Tramp-themed mug. Janet shared a photo of her Disney Parks mug with Inside the Magic and, as you can see, the lettering — which features the quote “If you love me, let me sleep” — has begun peeling off:

if you love me let me sleep mug peeling letters
Credit: Disney Guest Janet

Related: Disney Brings Back “Sold Out” Merchandise at Reduced Rate, Outrages Fans AGAIN

The main issue is that the mug, which is dishwasher safe according to its usage directions, began falling apart after a single wash in Janet’s household dishwasher. She contacted Disney, who according to Janet, “had no issue giving me a refund because the item was out of stock.”

She also noted that, “Disney did not ask me for proof that the item was damaged and did not require me to send it back.”

cinderella castle 50th anniversary
Credit: Disney

Related: Fans Want Disney to Crack Down on Resellers For Breaking Rules

Janet did express concerns about how resellers can profit from the seeming decline of merchandise at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and online at shopDisney.com. She shared:

“…when items are defective and out of stock, this gives resellers a chance to make a profit. The mug I paid $8 for is being resold for $25.”

figment popcorn bucket
Credit: Disney

Related: Disneyland Announces Closing Dates For Starbucks, Other Popular Stores

Janet is not alone in her fears about Disney resellers on eBay and other websites profiting from defective Disney Parks products being out of stock — if fans are desperate to replace their items, they will often pay much higher prices than they normally would.

The immensely popular Figment popcorn bucket that was recently available at the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is being listed for hundreds of dollars, and even inspired a charity auction in which artists sold “bad sketches” of the collector’s items for thousands.

Walt disney world 50th anniversary merchandise
Credit: Disney

Related: Fans Irate as Disney Ships “Fake” Version of 50th Anniversary Spirit Jersey

Officially, Disney’s stance on reselling can be found in the Annual Pass terms and conditions for both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort:

A Passholder must present a valid Annual Pass and valid photo identification prior to purchases to receive any applicable benefits and discounts. Benefits and discounts are nontransferable and may not be combined with any other offer or promotion. Such benefits and discounts are for personal use only and may not be used for any commercial purpose including, without limitation, to obtain or purchase items or services with the intent to resell such items or services.

bing bong's sweet stuff interior merchandise displays
Credit: Disney

Related: Guests Shocked as Disney World 50th Christmas Ornament Explodes on Tree

What do you think about Disney’s seemingly low-quality theme park merchandise?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!

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