PHOTOS: World of Disney Reopens with Long Lines for Merchandise and Social Distancing Guidelines at Disney Springs

Iain

PHOTOS: World of Disney Reopens with Long Lines for Merchandise and Social Distancing Guidelines at Disney Springs

World of Disney–Disney Springs’ flagship store–has finally reopened to the public, following its lengthy closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Disney Springs officially reopened its gates to guests last Wednesday, the Disney-owned stores have only opened their doors today.

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As expected, people have been flocking straight to World of Disney as their first go-to shopping spot for the day. In anticipation of the high crowds, Cast Members have been stationed outside the store, adding guests to a virtual queue system to ensure that social distancing is practiced at all times.

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As you can see, the front of the store is blocked off to guests, but with many Cast Members around to help.

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World of Disney is definitely the main attraction for today’s reopening, so crowds in the area are particularly bustling. Even with the virtual queue system, a fair bit of waiting in line is still required to sign up. With up to an hour to go before the store’s 10am opening time, guests were waiting all the way through the Marketplace, right down over the bridge and beyond.

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Security guards are working very hard alongside Cast Members to keep guests separated and following these new procedures as they wait to enter the store.

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It’s good to see that Stitch is back to his usual spitting habits! We’ve missed that little terror.

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And we’re in! All across the store, signs prompting “Physical Distancing” boldly remind guests of the new regulations.

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This sign clearly reminds guests of all the precautionary measures all people, including Cast Members and guests, are expected to comply with. Face masks, social distancing, hand-washing, mouth-covering are all stated, alongside the all-important “stay away if you have symptoms” rule.

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On the ground, markers are in place, advising guests where and where not to stand. Here, you can see line markers wind strategically around the merchandise stands.

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Speaking of merchandise, isn’t it exciting to be back in our favorite store? Make sure you stay tuned to WDWNT for all the latest merchandise news, and a look at what is on offer.

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It wasn’t really surprising to see that a lot of shelves were quickly cleared right out, with so many people having missed their Disney merchandise fix!

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One of the most highly-desired merchandise collections people were hoping to get their hands on in World of Disney is the “Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction” series. Having been instantly sold-out online at shopDisney and impossible to get hold of anywhere else, guests were crowding management, hoping for more information, but it’s since been confirmed that they’re officially sold out.

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Over at the registers, more markers were in place on the floor to encourage social distancing, and Cast Members on hand to help. Guests were encouraged to queue responsibly, and ensure they don’t step forward to pay until the a Cast Member was available. Clear screens have been installed to protect people on either side of the registers, too.

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Unfortunately, arguments were ensuing amongst guests who had managed to purchase some of the more desirable merchandise, which was limited to ten items per person.

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Will you be visiting World of Disney, or any of the other stores at Disney Springs any time soon? If so, don’t forget your face mask, keep your distances and, above all, please be kind and courteous to Cast Members and fellow guests. Happy shopping!

3 thoughts on “PHOTOS: World of Disney Reopens with Long Lines for Merchandise and Social Distancing Guidelines at Disney Springs”

  1. Yeah, it looks like at least one person in these pictures is interested less in the joy of collecting and more in the reselling of desirable merch on eBay. The dollar signs in his eyes are visible from more than six feet away.

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