My Disney Experience merchandise test is still active months later
Walt Disney World appears to still be testing its “Find Merchandise” feature in the My Disney Experience app, nearly six months after it was first spotted, suggesting the company is continuing to refine how guests shop for products on property.
The feature, which is currently limited to World of Disney at Disney Springs, allows select users to search for specific merchandise items and check whether they are available for in-store purchase.
Disney merchandise test continues longer than expected
When the feature first surfaced in late 2025, it appeared to be a short-term test. However, recent screenshots shared with Attractions Magazine show the functionality is still live for some users.
Guests who have access to the test inside the My Disney Experience app see a prompt inviting them to “Find Merchandise — Now Testing,” along with messaging that the experience is part of a limited-time trial.
Search results display product images, pricing, and item numbers, with individual product pages offering additional details and a “Check Shop Availability” option. The availability is currently just for World of Disney at Disney Springs.
Disney has not publicly announced a wider rollout of the feature. This is another instance of how often theme park destinations test features and seek guest feedback, like the recent Epic Universe survey.
A broader push toward merchandise accessibility
While the test remains limited in scope, it aligns with Disney’s broader efforts to integrate retail into the digital guest experience. Tools like Merchandise Mobile Checkout have already streamlined in-store purchases, and a searchable inventory system would be a logical next step.
If expanded, the feature could help reduce time spent browsing crowded retail locations and improve conversion by allowing guests to plan purchases.
One interesting detail from the test: not every listing is especially clear. In one example, an Oswald item appears with a fairly vague name and limited description, making it a bit difficult to tell exactly what the product is without tapping further. That said, the overall concept still feels promising for fans hunting for specific characters, collections, or attraction-themed merchandise.
Merchandise matters
The continued testing also underscores how critical merchandise has become across the entertainment industry.
AMC Entertainment recently reported record-breaking results tied to the debut of The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, including its highest-ever combined global admissions and food and beverage revenue for a five-day Easter weekend.
More than six million guests attended AMC and ODEON locations globally during that stretch, and notably, merchandise tied to the film ranked as the company’s second-best selling and second-highest grossing merchandise program of all time, behind only the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour concert film.
These results highlight a key industry trend: merchandise is a core revenue driver and a major part of the overall guest experience.
What it could mean for Disney
For Disney, a fully realized merchandise search tool could significantly enhance both guest satisfaction and spending. By helping guests quickly locate specific items—especially high-demand or limited-release items—the company could bridge the gap between digital planning and in-person retail.
It’s also worth noting that Walt Disney World previously offered a standalone shopping-focused app that helped guests locate merchandise across the resort, but that tool is no longer available. In many ways, this new in-app feature feels like a modern evolution of that idea, bringing merchandise discovery directly into My Disney Experience instead of requiring a separate platform.
For now, the feature remains in testing, but its longevity suggests Disney sees long-term potential.
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