Shopping at Walt Disney World Has Changed in Some Locations

We knew this day would come. A few of the COVID-19 precautions that Disney initially had in place in the July 2020 reopening have started to fade away. Certain attractions are loading at every row now, which has been happening in phases for a few months now. But this week our field team began noticing some merchandise shops changing their procedures. Let’s take a look.

As a refresher, for the past eight months shopping at Walt Disney World has meant lots of designated entrances and exits. This can be frustrating when dealing with larger stores that have multiple doorways. We’re seeing some of the larger stores at Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios remove Exit Only and Entrance Only signage. Our team is also seeing fewer Cast Members stationed out front to direct the comings and goings of guests.

Fantasy Faire – No Designated Exits / Entrances – March 25, 2021

Smaller shops, like the fan favorite Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe at Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom, still have designated entrances and exits. Stores like this one are a little tricky to navigate given there are four doorways. At Sir Mickey’s our team noticed the Entrance Only sign was gone, but Exit Only remained. And at the massive Main Street Emporium, the designated entrances and exits remain, but without any Cast Members out front, guests are up to their own devices.

Main Street Emporium – Designated Entrance – March 26, 2021

Main Street Emporium – Designated Exit – March 26, 2021

Sir Mickey’s – No Designated Entrance – March 25, 2021

Sir Mickey’s – One Designated Exit – March 25, 2021

Also at Magic Kingdom this week Bonjour! Village Gifts at New Fantasyland as reopened. Here’s hoping other closed stores will reopen throughout Walt Disney World soon.

Bonjour! Village Gifts Reopened – March 26, 2021

Over at Hollywood Studios our team noticed that the designated entrance and exit signs were removed at Hollywood 5&10, but remained in some place like right next door at the Darkroom.

Hollywood Studios 5 & 10 Entrance / Exit Only Removed – March 24, 2021

Hollywood Studios Darkroom Entrance Marker – March 24, 2021

So, be prepared for the continuation of designated entrances and exits at smaller, specialty shops. And at larger stores you will most likely no longer have to worry about finding the designated entrance or exit, and be free to spend your money with the Mouse.

Have you been shopping at Walt Disney World lately? What do you think of these changes?

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