Spotted at Disney World: A guest’s hand covered in blue stains after carrying just one souvenir bag.
No, it’s not a new limited-time magic effect — it’s a not-so-magical merchandise bag problem that just won’t go away, and fans are over it.
In a viral Reddit post making the rounds this week, one Disney guest shared a photo of their hand smeared with deep blue and purple dye — the result, they say, of simply holding one of Disney’s branded plastic shopping bags during a hot summer day in Florida.
“This is what happens when you hold their bags,” the poster wrote. “And for people saying ‘just hold the handle,’ it will still rub off on your hand somewhere. Especially in this heat. You will unknowingly stain light colored clothes if you’re not careful.”
It’s not the first time this has happened — and if nothing changes, it definitely won’t be the last.
Disney, do you want us to have purple hands?
byu/catpancake87 inDisneyland
The Disney Bag Dye Disaster
Welcome to one of Walt Disney World’s longest-running open secrets: the iconic blue-and-white merchandise bags handed out at stores all over the parks can bleed color in the heat, especially when mixed with sunscreen, sweat, lotion, or sanitizer — a triple threat in Florida summers.
“Ahhh summertime heat and merch bags strikes again,” one comment reads. “They’re never going to fix this, are they?”
“This has been an issue for decades,” another added. “We used to turn the bags inside out to try to avoid the stains.”
That’s right — this has been happening for years, and it’s still staining guests’ hands, shirts, car seats, and backpacks. And while most people don’t notice until it’s too late, those who do are wondering why a company known for perfection hasn’t figured this one out.
Heat, Ink, and a Little Lotion = Stain City
Here’s what’s going on: The printed ink on Disney’s plastic bags isn’t totally sealed. So when it gets hot and sweaty(hello, Orlando in July), and you throw in a bit of moisture from sunscreen or sanitizer, that blue dye basically melts onto your skin.
And if you’re wearing white shorts or carrying a canvas tote? Good luck.
This isn’t a rare mishap, either. Fans across social media have echoed the same issue — and they’re tired of it.
A Theme Park Problem Disney Hasn’t Solved
What’s wild is that Disney clearly knows how to fix this — they’ve mastered merchandise logistics, park ops, and experience design better than anyone in the industry. But for whatever reason, the bag dye issue hasn’t been addressed.
“Disney is so good with so many things, it’s surprising they let this go on,” the original poster said.
And they’re not wrong — from MagicBands to mobile order, Disney is usually steps ahead. So why are guests still turning blue just for holding a shopping bag?
How to Avoid a Blue Hand Situation
If you’re planning a trip soon, especially during hot months, here’s how to keep your hands (and your outfit) clean:
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Avoid touching the printed areas of the bag.
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Transfer your merch quickly to a backpack or locker.
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Bring your own reusable tote (some guests already do this for sustainability anyway).
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Turn the bag inside out — a hack some guests have used for years to keep the dye off clothes.
Disney, It’s Time
It’s 2025. Guests are buying $80 spirit jerseys and $40 popcorn buckets — they shouldn’t be worried about ink-stained fingers after walking out of a gift shop. With Disney focused on guest experience more than ever, maybe it’s finally time to upgrade these bags.
Until then, if you walk out of World of Disney with a navy handprint on your white tee, you’ve officially been “marked” by the Most Magical Place on Earth.
Bring wet wipes — and maybe a backup shirt.
