Virtual Queue System in Use for Merchandise Sales at D23 Expo
It’s a big day today, with the 2022 D23 Expo officially beginning for guests!
Our MickeyBloggers are out in Anaheim, and we’re ready to share all the exciting news, events, and more from this iconic fan convention event.
Now, if there’s one thing we’re very ready to check out at this event, it’s the merchandise. Sure, we can’t wait for the panels, the exhibitions, Walt’s Plane, etc…but merchandise? It’s a fan favorite for sure!
Don’t believe me? Just look at these lines of people waiting in the standby queue, waiting to get their hands on the exclusive wares on offer…
It’s so busy!
But, fear not. Of course we knew that Disney would be ready and prepared for the crowds, which is why this year the D23 organizers decided to implement a system that has never been used before at these expos…
Virtual queuing!
Yep, if you’ve ever tried to get on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot, or remember the good ol’ days of trying to get on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you’ll be familiar with this process.
But, if you aren’t sure of what we mean by “virtual queueing,” it’s a fairly straightforward system to grasp. And, we’ve taken some screenshots of the system on the D23 and Disneyland apps, to help you understand the process, so read on…
Guests wanting to visit any of the stores at D23 are able to join a “virtual queue,” which enables them to wait for access remotely, rather than stand in a physical line. It’s going to be a busy weekend with lots of guests looking at making purchases, so this is a great way of making sure guests can have the opportunity to buy items, while still enjoying the rest of the expo.
To access the system, guests must select the “Join Virtual Queue” option on the Disneyland app. Each queue goes “live” at 6am, and again at 1pm, and it’s likely to be a fastest-finger-first kind of situation in order to secure a place in the virtual line.
Now, you might think that 6am seems early. But, these long lines outside the expo center at 4am this morning could make you consider otherwise!
It is important to note that each virtual queue “party” is limited to just two guests, so groups of more do need to be prepared to split up. It is emphasised on the app that joining the virtual queue will not guarantee entry to the merchandise stalls, too.
As you can see from the below screenshot, MickeyBlog managed to secure a virtual queue spot for the Mickey’s of Glendale store. We’re in Group 9, with an estimated wait time of 285 minutes as of 6am this morning. Phew!
Now all we have to do is wait for that notification to come up that our group has been called, and we can head on over to the store!
Of course, MickeyBlog will be sharing a look at all the items on offer, so stay tuned as we move through the line and enjoy the weekend. But, for now, this bold sponsors board will give you a good idea of some of the brands we expect to be featured in the shops, including Funko, Pandora, and more.
What items are you excited to get a look at?