Walt Disney World is finally phasing out its complimentary plastic bags in favor of reusable shopping bags. Themed reusable shopping bags were introduced for purchase at World of Disney in Disney Springs in 2018, and then at the theme parks and resorts in 2019. Complimentary plastic bags were supposed to be phased out soon after, but the COVID-19 pandemic apparently delayed the change.
We are now hearing from Cast Members at merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort that the plastic bags are being phased out, and guests will be offered reusable shopping bags for purchase instead. The reusable shopping bags cost $1.00 for small, $1.50 for medium, and $3.00 for large (the prices have increased and decreased multiple times).
The messaging regarding bags has been inconsistent, however. We have been told that once a location is out of plastic bags, they are not being restocked, but also told that shops will still have a limited amount of plastic bags available to guests who ask for them. Other Cast Members have told us they haven’t heard anything about a change.
Some shops, like Pin Traders at EPCOT, are supposedly not offering plastic bags anymore, although we have yet to encounter this consistently. A Cast Member at Big Top Souvenirs told us that they will be switching to only reusable bags much later this year, and they still have plenty of plastic bags.
Regardless of exactly how, when, and where the rollout is happening, it does seem that Walt Disney World is hoping to push reusable bags more than plastic going forward.
Check out the reusable shopping bag designs available at Walt Disney World:
- New Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Reusable Shopping Bags Debut at the Magic Kingdom
- Magic Kingdom Park Specific Reusable Bags Now Available
- EPCOT Park Specific Reusable Bags Now Available
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios Releases New Reusable Bags with Updated Park Logo
- Animal Kingdom Park Specific Reusable Bags Now Available
- Disney Springs Exclusive Reusable Bags Now Available
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Reusable Bags Now Available
Alternately, guests can skip the bag or bring their own.
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