Disneyland’s Star Wars Trading Post Is Packed
People are enduring traffic, virtual queues, and long lines to shop in a galaxy far, far away….
Apparently, a combination of factors creates some pretty crowded (but socially-distanced, of course) streets and sidewalks in and around Downtown Disney in Anaheim.
And while we’re certain that folks are just wanting to get out of the house and find a Disney fix, there is something else that also calls people back to Disneyland Resort.
Is it the Force?
No, it’s not the Force. Not exactly. But it is a new Star Wars shopping destination.
Star Wars Trading Post In Downtown Disney
Julie Tremaine (who has the coolest last name in theme park journalism, btw) posted for SFGate.com and explained that guests were waiting in long lines for security, temp check, and THEN enduring lengthy virtual queues to get into the newfangled Star Wars Trading Post.
Writing from a first-hand experience, Tremaine posted:
On Feb. 19, Disney opened a new Star Wars Trading Post in the long-vacant Rainforest Cafe space, and despite the pandemic, fans have been turning out in droves.
Reservation bookings have now concluded for this opportunity. Please check https://t.co/o7LMtYiphV for future Legacy Passholder opportunities.
— Disneyland Legacy Passholders (@DisneylandAP) February 9, 2021
I visited Downtown Disney on Feb. 22, the Monday after it opened, expecting the same kind of virtual queue wait there was in the fall for World of Disney — maybe two hours at the outside. After navigating a 40-minute wait to get into Downtown Disney, an employee outside the trading post told me at 3:30 p.m. that the virtual queue was already shut down for the day. They expected the more-than-four-hour virtual queue to extend to close at 8 p.m.
In the words of the underrated L337, “Whoa!”
A Big Sale, A Big Statue
SFGate.com also mentioned a couple of other factors driving attendance….
- A massive discount for Legacy Passholders:
The Legacy Passholder 30% discount on select merchandise is being extended through March 11, Mon – Thurs at select #DowntownDisney locations! On weekends and after March 11, Passholders may continue to receive applicable discounts based on Passport type.https://t.co/XFJnQyQTeD pic.twitter.com/EqRwxPxii3
— Disneyland Legacy Passholders (@DisneylandAP) February 22, 2021
- And a new special someone standing in front of the nearby LEGO Store:
The LEGO store in #DowntownDisney has a new arrival! Come check out the new Chewbacca LEGO Model now – March 1. Fun Fact – It took 36,540 Bricks and 275 hours to build! pic.twitter.com/vLML1zRuHp
— Disneyland Legacy Passholders (@DisneylandAP) February 18, 2021
In any case, I have really been enjoying Julie’s work from the Left Coast. So, check out the full article here. And, of course, bookmark MickeyBlog.com for all the latest and greatest from each of the Disney Parks (and a galaxy far, far away….).