Reseller Threatens Disney Cast Member During Conflict Over Merchandise

Souvenirs are a big part of a Disneyland Resort vacation. There’s nothing like running to your favorite Disney shop and finding a plush, trading pin, Spirit Jersey, or pair of Minnie Ears to commemorate your visit to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

But social media has made certain Disney Parks products “viral,” turning ordinary souvenirs into coveted status symbols. This is all the more apparent when attractions or experiences close, making their themed merchandise rare. In January, the Splash Mountain pressed penny machine at Walt Disney World Resort saw a nearly two-hour wait as Guests clamored for the last remaining piece of the closing ride.

Resellers have taken advantage of this phenomenon for debates, jacking up prices on sites like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, and Mercari. The Disney Parks enforce purchase limits for hard-to-get items, but many fans feel it’s insufficient. Certain Guests are often spotted with piles of limited edition merchandise, taking over Disney shop carts and baskets as they check out multiple times to get around purchase limits.

Reddit user u/shulzari recently recalled defending a Disney Cast Member against one such reseller after they threatened violence. The incident occurred when elecTRONica, a nighttime event at Disney California Adventure featuring entertainment, drinks, and an arcade, closed in 2012.

The Guest witnessed a reseller trying to empty a token machine at Flynn’s Arcade, inspired by the TRON (1982) franchise.

“A [Cast Member] walked up to him and asked him to stop politely, and he escalated and started throwing hands,” the Guest recalled.

In an attempt to protect herself, the Disney Cast Member covered her face with her hand. But the Guest then yelled that she hit him, attempting to skirt blame for the altercation. But the Guest didn’t let that happen.

“Security and her boss and a few others showed up and I made a bee-line over to the vests and told them I wasn’t leaving until I told them what happened,” the Guest wrote. “I waited about an hour for… all the interviews to be done and to make sure the CM was okay. I wanted her to know she was appreciated.”

Have you ever encountered resellers in a Disney shop? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments.

Please note that the story outlined in this article is based on a personal Disney Parks Guest experience. No two Guest experiences are alike, and this article does not necessarily align with Inside the Magic’s personal views on Disney Park operations.