Disney has introduced a controversial new system for selling certain merchandise at one resort, and guests are not happy about it.
Starting January 15, 2025, items from the upcoming Duffy & Friends Wonderful Kitchen range, including plush badges, charms, and costumes, will only be available through the Tokyo Disney Resort app. However, this app is only accessible to Japanese residents, leaving international visitors unable to purchase these exclusive items.
The move aims to curb the growing issue of resale, as items like Duffy and Friends merchandise have sparked intense demand and long lines in the past. At times, guests have resorted to storming shops or waiting for hours, even creating chaos at parks like Shanghai Disneyland, where the debut of new Duffy items led to security intervention.
The frenzy surrounding Duffy merchandise is not unique to one park, with Tokyo Disney Resort, Shanghai Disneyland, and Hong Kong Disneyland all seeing significant demand for these items, which generate an estimated $500 million annually. In some cases, virtual queues have been implemented to manage the crowd.
While Disney’s intention to address resale is understandable, many international guests feel left out.
As one guest wrote on social media, it feels unfair to deny overseas visitors the chance to buy these items, especially after traveling long distances. Some feel that this new system prioritizes local residents over international Disney fans who might have planned their trips around acquiring exclusive merchandise. (Notably, the number of international visitors flocking to Disney’s Japanese parks has soared in recent years).
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
The Tokyo Disney Resort website has noted that the app-only policy is temporary, though there is no official timeline for how long it will remain in place. This change coincides with the launch of the Duffy & Friends Wonderful Kitchen event, which will run from January 15 to March 31, 2025, featuring limited edition food and exclusive merchandise.
Another major Duffy event, Duffy and Friends 20th: Colorful Happiness, will begin in March 2025 and continue all the way through 2026, celebrating two decades of the beloved characters.
While the app-only system is likely aimed at reducing resale practices, it has left some guests feeling frustrated and disappointed. The question remains whether this system will remain a permanent solution or if Disney will find another way to manage the overwhelming demand for its merchandise.
