Credit: DisneyIf you’ve been to Walt Disney World Resort in the last few years, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: limited-edition merchandise disappearing faster than most guests can get through security. Whether it’s popcorn buckets, sippers, or seasonal collectibles, items that were meant to spread a little magic often end up being scooped up in bulk by resellers, only to reappear online hours later at double or even triple the price.
This ongoing issue has become a sore spot for Disney fans, especially during popular holiday seasons. For families visiting the parks once a year, missing out on an exclusive item can feel like a major letdown. And for locals who visit regularly, the constant reseller rush has turned what should be a fun tradition into an exhausting race against the clock.
Now, Disney is taking a very different approach to how it sells some of its most in-demand merchandise. This isn’t a small operational tweak. It’s a move that could completely change the way fans get their hands on exclusive items.
Disney Brings Park-Exclusive Merchandise Online
In what many are calling a major shift in strategy, Disney is now offering select holiday merchandise online for the first time. Among the debut items: a Sulley Santa popcorn bucket and a Donald Duck holiday tree light-up sipper.
These are the kinds of products that usually require a long line and a whole lot of patience to snag. But this holiday season, fans can simply order them from home.
The Sulley Santa popcorn bucket is priced at $32.99, while the Donald Duck sipper comes in at $24.99. Both items feature festive designs, adjustable straps, and plenty of collector-worthy details. This kind of product has historically sold out or, at the very least, become unavailable for certain periods of time.
This new approach doesn’t just make life easier for shoppers. It also signals that Disney is paying attention to how merchandise drops have evolved and how they affect the guest experience.
Why This Move Matters
This change is about more than convenience. For years, resellers have descended on parks during major merchandise drops, often buying the maximum number of items allowed. While Disney has limits in place, those rules don’t always stop determined resellers. Many bring multiple people to maximize their purchases or visit multiple locations throughout the day.
Before Disney put the limit of “2 per person” in place for many exclusive items, we’d see people carrying around 10 or more popcorn buckets on the day of a drop. The resale market absolutely has value for Disney fans, but it’s a delicate balance because many resellers, mostly locals, go overboard.
That practice leaves everyday guests at a disadvantage. By moving some merchandise online, Disney can give fans everywhere a fairer shot. It also gives the company more control over distribution, allowing for better inventory management and reducing the resale market’s influence.
This move also lets Disney ensure that real fans, not just people looking to make a quick profit, have access to these seasonal collectibles.
A Growing Problem for Fans and Disney
The reseller issue isn’t new, but it’s become increasingly visible over the past several years. Viral videos of guests loading carts with exclusive items have made their way across social media platforms, sparking outrage among fans who show up hours later only to find empty shelves.
Only a few holiday products have been released online right now, but it’s not hard to imagine this becoming a much larger strategy. If these online sales perform well, future seasonal releases might follow the same pattern. Halloween buckets, EPCOT festival merchandise, and other limited-edition collectibles could be next.
This kind of system could also help with crowd control in the parks. When merchandise drops lead to long lines at popcorn stands and food booths, it can create bottlenecks in high-traffic areas. By shifting some sales online, Disney can ease those pressure points, making the parks more enjoyable for everyone.
And for Cast Members who work those merchandise stands, fewer massive lines could mean less stress and a better overall guest experience.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
For many Disney fans, holiday merchandise is more than just an accessory. Collecting these items has become a tradition, something to look forward to each season. In previous years, that tradition often involved rope dropping or rushing to a specific kiosk before items sold out.
With this change, guests won’t have to plan their day around securing a collectible. They’ll still be able to find plenty of exclusive items in the parks, but the most sought-after pieces may now be more accessible to a wider audience.
This also means that people who can’t make it to the parks during the holidays will still have a chance to bring home a little piece of that seasonal magic. Whether they’re collecting or gifting, that’s a big win for fans across the country.