Things are constantly changing at Disney World.

Cinderella Castle

You may be thinking — “it’s only Disney, how much MAJOR news could happen in just one week?” Well, buckle up partner! We’ve got 3 pieces of BIG Disney news that may have a huge impact on your next Disney World vacation.

1. You Can Now SKIP Long Merchandise Lines in Disney World

Love to use Mobile Order to get your food in the Disney Parks in a quick and convenient way? Then we have a feeling you’re going to love the new Merchandise Mobile Checkout system that Disney has been testing this week at both Disney World and Disneyland.

Mobile Checkout

With this new system, you go to the store you want to shop at in the parks, open the My Disney Experience app (in Disney World) or the Disneyland app (in Disneyland), scan the items you want to purchase as you’re walking around the store, and put them in a special Mobile Checkout bag.

Screenshot from My Disney Experience

When you’re done shopping in the store, you can pay through the app (instead of waiting in line), and then go through a quick final check with a Cast Member, and you’re DONE! The time for waiting in looooong check-out lines may be over thanks to this new system!

Screenshot from My Disney Experience of Mobile Checkout

We felt like it was really easy to use. When we tried it, the system was only testing in Mouse Gear at EPCOT and World of Disney in Downtown Disney, but we’re on the lookout for more information and to see if the system will eventually become permanent.

Click here to see more about our mobile checkout experience in Disney World!

2. Disney Characters May Be Coming to Your Disney World Resort Hotel

Another BIG piece of news that came out this week was that Disney characters MAY be coming to Disney World Resort hotels this month in (get this) customized RVs! We’ve mostly seen characters in the park — save for some hotel character dining experiences, and our recent spotting of Goofy and Pluto at the Stormalong Bay pool in Disney’s Beach Club Resort, so seeing the characters in a bigger way at the hotels would be a big and really fun change.

Pluto and Goofy!

WDWMagic reported about these pop-up events potentially coming to the hotels soon, but we haven’t heard anything from Disney just yet. We’re definitely on the lookout for more information about this and will let you know if we are able to get more details in the future.

Click here to read more about whether Disney characters may be coming to your Disney World Resort hotel soon!

3. Disney Is Editing On-Ride Photos to Add Masks for Guests Wearing Them Improperly

Finally, we end our news roundup with some information we found out very recently. Some guests’ masks may accidentally slip or be removed (perhaps accidentally their child) during a ride, resulting in a ride photo featuring that guest without a mask or wearing the mask improperly. Disney will not provide guests with photos where a face mask is not worn properly. So, what can be done for those guests who still want their on-ride photos? Disney is testing out a solution.

© Kylene Wimpsett | DisneyFoodBlog

Disney is now testing out a system where they edit guests’ photos to show the guests wearing a face covering. Of course, Disney does still require guests to wear masks at all times (including on attractions), except when actively eating or drinking AND stationary. But, this new system could help guests whose masks slip accidentally on rides but still want to get their photos.

It’s still in testing though and is only available on Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom and Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom. We’ll keep an eye out for more information as things move forward.

Curious what this edited face mask looks like? Click here to see our post with a photo sent to us of how it looks!

And that’s all for the BIG Disney World changes this week! Of course, there were lots of other news stories like changes in D23’s Gold Family Membership, updates on the coronavirus situation in Florida, chances for you to enter to win 23 days of Disney prizes, and some amazing patents filed by Disney giving us a peek at the future. For ALL the latest Disney news, be sure to check back with us often at DFB!

Click here to see news about Disney’s stock values!

Are you planning to visit a Disney theme park soon? Let us know in the comments!