We’re live from Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom for Annual Passholder Previews. There have been some unexpected updates as we explore each park!
Attraction experiences have been modified to promote social distancing and sanitation has increased greatly. We prepared to wait in spaced out lines for attractions and possibly be met with a wait, but we were not expecting to wait so long for THIS.
We haven’t seen numbers like this since Flight of Passage opened, and it’s not even for a ride! The Splash Mountain GIFT SHOP is up to a 4-hour wait (yes, you read that right).
Disney announced earlier that the neighboring attraction will be renovated with a Princess and the Frog theme. Since then, we saw many guests queued up during Cast Member previews for a chance to nab some Splash Mountain merchandise. Given the news, we expected Splash Mountain to be a little more popular than usual. We did not expect it to have a four-hour wait…for the gift shop!
Given the unprecedented wait time, Cast Members have decided to use a virtual line for the store. To get in “line,” you walk up to the Cast Member with a tablet and give your name and phone number. They will notify you when it’s your turn to enter the gift shop for Splash Mountain merchandise.
Meanwhile, at time of publishing, the actual Splash Mountain RIDE only has a 25-minute wait, so if you are dying to get in that gift shop, you could ride the ride…oh…almost 8 times while you wait!
We’ve seen many more changes since the previews started. Flight of Passage and Haunted Mansion are not showing the pre-shows in order to keep guests from mingling in one area together. Mobile Ordering is highly encouraged at quick-service dining. Security screenings and park entry have changed too! Be sure to follow along with us as we receive more updates like this one!
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Would you wait that long for a chance to buy Splash Mountain gear? Let us know in the comments!
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I have been wondering what park capacity will be once opened to the public tomorrow. Has anyone heard?
I would definitely wait, especially since there’s virtual que! What more could you ask for!
Hi. I’m curious how people with allergies are going to be handled if we have to use pre ordering? Thanks
Hi Greta! For mobile order, most restaurants will have an option for “allergy-friendly” where you can see specific options based on your allergy. For those whose allergies are not covered by this, you should be able to speak with a Cast Member to order in person!