Long Lines and Early Closures Frustrate Fans on Destination D23’s Opening Day. Destination D23’s 2025 event, held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and Convention Center, faced significant challenges on its opening day as attendees reported hours-long waits for merchandise and early closures for pre-booked RSP (Random Selection Process) pick-ups.
The event’s main shopping areas, which offered exclusive merchandise, were a source of frustration for many. Attendees reported wait times of over three hours for some lines. The congestion was compounded by narrow hallways, leading to confusion and packed conditions as fans attempted to navigate the different queues.
One of the most notable issues was the early closure of the pickup line for The Walt Disney Company Store. Despite an advertised closing time of 6:00 PM, the line was reportedly shut off at 5:15 PM, leaving many attendees who had pre-scheduled RSP slots unable to collect their items.
The logistical issues have added to an already tense atmosphere among D23 fans. The 2025 event has drawn scrutiny for a perceived lack of major announcements, particularly the absence of a dedicated Disney Parks Panel, which has historically been a highlight. This has fueled a debate among fans who feel the event, marketed as “bigger,” is more focused on ticket sales than on providing the intimate, content-rich experience of past Destination D23 gatherings.
The event, a smaller-scale alternative to the biennial D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, has historically been valued by fans for its deep-dive panels and exclusive content.
Furthermore, the Cast Members working the event tried their very best to be accommodating; they had to be clued in on how to handle situations that were brought up. We had our own interaction where one hand didn’t know what the other hand was doing and was sent from a CM to Guest Services, only for Guest Services to send us back to the CM, who wanted to send us back to Guest Services (This is not saying anything negative about the CMs; they were doing the best they could in a bad situation).
Long Lines and Early Closures Frustrate Fans on Destination D23’s Opening Day
