Biggest Guest Complaints About Disney World
Walt Disney World fans have a lot of complaints right now, so much so that the Festivus-style airing of grievances has become a year-round tradition. There have been many changes that are unpopular with loyal guests, including cutbacks, temporary policies that have become permanent, price increases, and more. Plus, decisions viewed as short sighted to increase profits and per capita spending, all to the detriment to consumers and the experience.
It’s impossible not to notice this. Many complaints we hear from readers are prefaced with “I’m normally a fan no matter what who defends Disney, but…” or “I don’t normally complain, but…” There have been far fewer fans offering defenses of unpopular decisions with the rationalization that Walt Disney World is a business. There’s also less knocking of those who air their grievances as “so-called fans” and much more agreement and acknowledgement of Disney’s shortcomings.
While I enjoy channeling my inner Frank Costanza from time to time, I’ve also made a concerted effort in the last couple of years to appreciate what I have, savor the little things, and look for the silver linings. A lot of feel good fluff, but it’s helped give me a more positive perspective. That probably hasn’t always been evident because there are times when it has been tough to find the upside in some things Walt Disney World is doing.
Nevertheless, it’s in that spirit of positivity that I’m going to air these grievances fans have with Walt Disney World but also attempt to play devil’s advocate and try to make sense of the decision or justify it from their perspective. Perhaps that’ll make me a “pixie duster,” but Walt Disney World still is my favorite place on earth and I’ve gotta rationalize that somehow.
Anyway, let’s begin. Welcome, new comers. The tradition of Festivus begins with the airing of grievances…
Slow Return to Normal – Just today, the Walt Disney World Railroad officially reopened. Last month, Fantasmic finally returned–the last nighttime spectacular to come back, and a major step forward for normal operations and crowd dynamics at Walt Disney World. Still, a lot of entertainment is gone, as are shows like Jedi Training Academy and Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Much of that may never return.
Earlier this week, the company announced Chef Mickey’s and Cinderella’s Royal Table going back to normal in Winter 2023. Almost every restaurant is back with the recent reopenings of Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Monsieur Paul, and Takumi-Tei. However, a few remain closed or have scaled back their meal services. Again, some of that may never be back.
Readers of this site have likely tired of hearing “staffing shortages” as an excuse for just about everything that still isn’t back, but it’s true (for the most part). Even then, almost all of this has been exacerbated by Disney’s own decisions, or lack thereof. Staffing shortages exist and persist because Disney furloughed so many people and was slow to recall them. A lot of entertainment still isn’t back because the company waited rather than making modifications early-on.
In a vacuum, it might be possible to rationalize or explain away so much of Disney’s lethargic pace in resuming normalcy. However, once you step back and look at the totality of the circumstances–especially as compared to their competitors and in light of the prices being charged–it’s all much less forgivable. For the purported leader of the theme park industry, they’ve sure been doing a lot of following.
Disney Park Pass Reservations – Even after Walt Disney World raised its capacity caps by significant degrees, the company left the park reservation system in place. Many days, it’s little more than a formality–a pointless source of friction and yet another thing to book as part of the tedium of planning a trip. It decreases spontaneity and many fans argue that it isn’t doing anything on crowded days, so what’s the point?
At this point, the Disney Park Pass system doesn’t exist for keeping crowds low—that hasn’t been the case for ages. It’s to redistribute them and prevent attendance from overwhelming staffing levels and available resources at each individual park. Walt Disney World still is not firing on all cylinders, and is unequipped to handle the same guest loads as in a normal year. I’m no fan of the reservation system in the long term, but it’s a “necessary evil” in the short term given the demand-capacity imbalance.
Nevertheless, this is highly likely to change in January or February 2023. While park reservations will likely stick around for some groups (like Annual Passholders and Cast Members), they’ll become a non-factor for most guests.
No Disney Dining Plan – Far and away the most common reader questions we receive concern the return of the Disney Dining Plan. It still isn’t back, despite assurances from the company that it was only being temporarily suspended and would return “soon” (quite a while ago).
Like many things that have happened (or not) over the last year-plus, the suspension of the Disney Dining Plan was originally motivated by one thing (physical distancing and closures) and that rationale has morphed over time to other reasons (staffing shortages, inflation, per guest spending, etc).
At its core, the underlying reason for the Disney Dining Plan not being offered has always been an imbalance of supply and demand. Like with a few other complaints on this list, this is arguably being done for the benefit of the guest experience. Visitors would be even more outraged if they were allowed to buy a “useless” Dining Plan with credits they couldn’t redeem due to a lack of ADRs. In short, we get and sympathize with fans’ complaints, but ultimately understand why the DDP still isn’t back.
Restricted Park Hopping – Walt Disney World brought back Park Hopping last year, which was a huge relief to anyone who tried to fill a full day at Animal Kingdom sans shows or wanted to spend 1.5 days at Magic Kingdom. However, Park Hopping began each day at 2 pm and required that guests enter the first park for which they had reservations, even if it was already after 2 pm.
I love the freedom to Park Hop, and often used to bounce between DHS and Epcot very early in the day. With that said, I’m going to defend this practice in whole. For one thing, there’s enough to do at any park until 2 pm. For another, it serves a practical purpose. If Park Hopping were totally unrestricted, you’d have busy days when people would circumvent the Disney Park Pass reservation system by booking Epcot but immediately hopping to Magic Kingdom. Disney can’t get rid of the Park Hopping rule until it gets rid of Park Pass. Hopefully they’re both gone by early 2023!
Construction Delays – When the parks closed for a few months, Walt Disney World paused all construction. Contrary to popular perception, this was not mandated by the state–work all around Central Florida continued during that time. Some projects that were near completion pre-closure were held back for months even after being finished and other attractions that were slated to open “in time for” the 50th Anniversary didn’t restart until months after reopening. The resulting delays, in several cases, will be over two years. Other previously announced plans were scaled back or abandoned entirely.
From my perspective, the degree to which this is excusable depends upon the project. While I don’t like it, I can understand Disney sitting on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and other things. Theme parks add attractions to incentivize new bookings, and they largely would not have fulfilled that role had they debuted last fall. Universal is the one anomaly in continuing to open new things, and a true kudos to them in going against the grain; otherwise, virtually every theme park operator has held back additions.
This is far less excusable when it comes to the central spine redesign of Epcot–also known as the Giant Epcot Dirt Pit™️. Having the park not be a maze of construction walls isn’t something that’s marketable or excites people into booking trips. No matter how long the closure lasted, its financial fallout, or what austerity measures were necessary, it was patently obvious from the outset that would need to be finished.
Disney squandered an opportunity by not kicking the Epcot overhaul into overdrive during the closure and subsequent reopening when the parks were uncrowded, and should be downright embarrassed by the leisurely pace of work in the year that followed.
Another embarrassment is the speed of TRON Lightcycle Run. The entirety of Universal’s Epic Universe will end up being built in about the same time it took Walt Disney World to construct a cloned roller coaster in a mostly-empty warehouse. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this ride, but I think many WDW diehards are going to be disappointed by its duration and lack of show scenes given how long it took to build. There will probably be a sense of “that’s it?!” when it finally debuts in Spring 2023.
Underwhelming 50th Anniversary – The biggest “limited time” component of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary is statues honoring 50 characters, the majority of which have minimal presence in or significance to the parks. There are two new nighttime spectaculars featuring movie moments and songs. There’s also some other stuff, none of which offers a nod to the past or the rich legacy of the Vacation Kingdom of the World.
In the latter regard, the unequivocal bright spots have been that the merchandising and culinary teams have truly outdone themselves. There’s a wide range of clever and inventive 50th offerings that appeal to a broad spectrum of guests. These items are varied, fun, and celebratory–perfect for the anniversary celebration. But it’s also mildly insulting that the value of nostalgia is limited to the degree it can be directly monetized.
Over the course of its 51 years, Walt Disney World has grown a fierce fandom, fostering huge communities and accommodating a range of niche interests. It has resulted in one of the most lucrative timeshare programs ever and an immensely lucrative Annual Passholder program, the growth of which not even surging prices can stop. Despite this, if you only paid attention to the substance of the World’s Most Magical Celebration, you might assume it was a tribute to the company’s characters and movie intellectual property.
In normal circumstances, none of this would be particularly surprising. Increasingly, people visit Walt Disney World to be immersed in all things IP. Unimaginative as it might be, Disney is giving the park-going public what it wants. During the 18 months of a milestone anniversary and given the aforementioned passionate fanbases? It comes across as out of touch with its own community, unappreciative of their decades of patronage, and unconfident in the strength of theme parks as a standalone product. I was so excited for the 50th Anniversary, but at this point, I’m anxiously awaiting April 2023, when the ‘event’ will be put out of its misery.
Limited Hours – This is one that has improved considerably this year, and hopefully will further improve in 2023. The big change has been earlier opening times for Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT, which have been great–and hugely advantageous for early risers.
As much as I hate the gradual erosion of park hours, which started long before last year, it’s at least in part supported by guest behavior. No matter how crowded in the morning, Animal Kingdom still clears out by late afternoon. Hollywood Studios is not nearly as busy the last couple hours of the day. Future World empties an hour before Harmonious.
However, Magic Kingdom’s hours are not nearly as defensible. It opens late and closes early by historical standards, with the park frequently having 9 am to 10 pm or 11 pm hours at times when it operated from 8 am to 12 am in the past. On busy days, that 9 am opening time is especially unfortunate, as rope drop is unpleasant and offers minimal strategic upside. On top of that, the colossal crowds lingering on Main Street a full hour after park closing are a pretty good indication that the park should stay open later.
Most likely, this is a staffing issue. Magic Kingdom’s hours are limited by available Cast Member shifts, making it difficult to add another 2-3 hours per day. With each passing month, this feels less like a compelling justification and more like a lame excuse.
Catering to the “Rich” – There have been no shortages of examples of this–or at least, decisions that have prompted this refrain among Walt Disney World fans. Price increases are the big one, but so too are the proliferation of pricey upcharge offerings, VIP tours, After Hours events, and more.
Disney is trying to squeeze the middle class, not exclude them. That might offer little solace, but it’s an important distinction (more so than a “defense” of the practice). The rich are not booking motel-style rooms with exterior hallways at the Value or Moderate Resorts, let alone the many nearby off-site budget hotels that Disney relies upon to fill the parks. Rite of passage vacations among the affluent are certainly a thing, but not nearly enough to sustain Walt Disney World.
Simply put, Walt Disney World is a middle class vacation destination. Even on the high end, it doesn’t offer the caliber of service, amenities, or general quality the affluent expect of real world destinations. This is why Disney “outsources” that to Four Seasons on the hotel side. There are low-volume niche experiences at Walt Disney World aimed at the wealthy, but they’re relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Disney’s bread and butter is still the middle class…and the current trajectory doesn’t change until that group says “enough is enough” and pulls back in its spending and splurging.
Paid FastPass – Roughly 14 months later, Walt Disney World retiring free FastPass and replacing it with a paid alternative continues to be one of the biggest fan grievances we hear. From the outset, our position on this inevitable change was that it “could’ve been worse” and offers downside and upside. This has not been well received by fans, many of whom consider us Disney apologists as a result.
We get it. The move to Genie+ represents a paradigm shift, and is an encapsulation of so many other frustrations. The Genie system is unnecessarily convoluted and has too steep of a learning curve. Excluding some attractions from Genie+ comes across as an unnecessarily crass cash grab. It clearly launched several months before the app feature was ready.
On the plus side, Genie+ has improved in several ways big and small this year. (However, it did take over a year after launch–to add a modify button, the most basic of features. On the downside, Walt Disney World introduced date-based pricing, resulting in a spike from $16 per day to nearly double that. For peak dates, the service currently costs ~$31 after tax, which sure feels like infringing on my right to celebrate new holidays.
With that said, we’ll have to “agree to disagree” on a lot of the other complaints. Getting up at ~6:50 am on vacation stinks, but that’s already par for the course if you want to beat the crowds. At least in theory, having some Individual Lightning Lanes incentivizes construction of new headliner attractions, which can be directly monetized. FastPass+ might’ve been beloved by hardcore fans who always stayed on-site and knew its quirks, but it created its own losers (anyone off-site or learning of its existence upon arrival). FastPass+ was stretched to its breaking point and a change was needed.
Genie is very far from perfect and should’ve been more like MaxPass, but it’s not as bad as it’s made out to be. It will hopefully improve over time, and even simple UI and reliably fixes, plus booking prompts will improve the overall Genie+ experience. Not everyone will love it, but not everyone loved paper FastPass or FastPass+ either.
Too Much Screen Time – Refreshing Genie+ for better Lightning Lanes. Mobile Order for counter service restaurants and Merchandise Mobile Checkout to buy stuff. Constantly checking Walk-up Waitlist for new table service availability. Checking wait times and showtimes. Joining the Cosmic Rewind virtual queue. Reading restaurant menus. Playing the MagicBand+ mini games or the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure.
One of the fastest-growing complaints we’ve heard this year is that visiting Walt Disney World involves too much screen time. We see this as a double-edged sword and, honestly, a bit overblown (sorry!). Refreshing Genie+ is similar to doing the same for FastPass+ to obtain 4th (and beyond) ride reservations. Mobile Order, Merchandise Mobile Checkout, and Walk-up Waitlist are not required–they’re optional offerings that can cut down waiting at restaurants (and are increasingly common in the real world). Same goes for the minigames in the Play Disney Parks app.
As a general matter, we do agree with this criticism. One of our core ‘theses’ was that Walt Disney World leaned too heavily on technology (ironic, since it’s something the company is objectively awful at) and not enough on tactile experiences. To paraphrase my favorite Walt Disney quote, “it’s people that make the dream a reality.”
The best memories are formed as a result of interpersonal moments, and so much emotional resonance is derived from guests connecting with Cast Members. Even if people can’t put their finger on it, so much of what differentiates and defines the appeal of Walt Disney World is the ‘little things’ that connect them to other people and the environments around them. Sure, ‘sexy’ rides like Cosmic Rewind get people to take the trip, but it’s the myriad little things and those connections that convince them (even subconsciously) to return.
So while we won’t point to Genie+ or any other new feature in My Disney Experience as being “bad,” like many fans have done, we very much agree with the generalized sentiment that spending a day at Walt Disney World now nudges guests towards spending way too much time with their faces buried in their phones. These new features are great in isolation, and benefit the company by improving efficiency and cutting costs. However, the totality of all of this amounts to Walt Disney World effectively leaning into its weakness and away from its strengths. And that’s worthy of a pretty big ‘grievance,’ if you ask me.
Cutbacks & Charges – This is already getting really long, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least acknowledge all of the cutbacks and charges for things that used to be included. Want a MagicBand? That’ll cost you! Bread to start your table service meal? Prepare to pay extra! Evening Extra Magic Hours? Upgrade resorts! Want to see a parade or stage show? It’s behind an After Hours paywall.
I’m not a fan of nickel & diming. I don’t want to give this major grievance only cursory treatment, but there’s just not a ton I can add here that hasn’t already been said. There are arguably some scenarios–like cutting back on plastic waste with MagicBands or hiring more housekeepers being nearly impossible–where some of this is understandable. By and large, it’s just a way to improve margins. It’s an effective approach because each is minor in isolation, but there’s a reason why “death by a thousand cuts” is a saying. The totality of these cost-cutting measures has become very noticeable.
End of Disney’s Magical Express – We knew it was coming, but it was still difficult to believe that Walt Disney World would actually follow through and end Disney’s Magical Express this past January. Even until the very last minute, many fans felt the company was playing hardball and would extend its contract with Mears. That did not happen.
To this day, we still hear from readers holding out hope that Disney’s Magical Express will return in 2023. Given that there’s no basis for this belief, it’s one of the more surprising common questions we’re asked. Although its spiritual successor is still operated by Mears and there’s another fun train-themed alternative, Walt Disney World does not offer airport transportation.
Even more than paid FastPass, this has garnered the most backlash and confusion among fans. A year later, I still cannot make sense of this one. Retiring DME is the equivalent of pulling your ace starting pitcher throwing a no-hitter during the World Series. Sabermetrics somehow justifies it, but it makes no sense to anyone in the real world. It’s analytics gone awry, justifying decisions that diminish the overall quality of the experience. The fun is being sucked away by people who don’t actually love the game, armed with computers that have deemed those decisions to be “correct” and “good.”
It seems like the decision to eliminate Disney’s Magical Express was arrived upon in a similar manner, and I can muster no defense for the move, whatsoever. Like stupid sabermetrics decisions that are hurting baseball, I fear Disney is doing something similar with an overreliance on analytics. Perhaps these will bring short-term gains, but also, unknown long-term pain.
Eliminating Disney’s Magical Express is short sighted and will cost the company hotel stays, visits to other theme parks, meals outside the resort complex, and more. One of Walt Disney World’s greatest strengths was its bubble, and the company has voluntarily punctured that. The captive audience that was viewed as advantageous for years is gone–and at a time when Walt Disney World’s #1 competitor keeps growing and getting stronger. Make it make sense.
The thing is, I’m sure there is a business justification for the decision, with complex calculations performed. It all makes sense, if you’re a computer. And yet, it does not pass the simplest of smell tests for humans. (I don’t want to give any false hope, but I still think Walt Disney World might find itself reversing this decision once Epic Universe opens.)
This encapsulates my biggest fear for the future of Walt Disney World. More decisions by analytics, fewer by real people. Less that’s interesting and unique, more that’s beholden to brand deposits and dictated by accountants. Beyond some of what’s listed here, I also see this mentality reflected in entertainment like Disney Enchantment. That nighttime spectacular is easier to explain as something assembled by algorithm, predicated on Disney+ marketing targets or viewership data. I also see it repudiated in things like KiteTails, which is why I love that chaotic and unpredictable show.
Above all else, Walt Disney World should be fun and creative. Its leaders should never lose sight of that, and realize that a decision is only as “good” as its resulting guest satisfaction. They should be cognizant of the fact that everything has a cost, including short-term financial gain. The price paid for guests returning from trips feeling deflated or devalued should be deemed too high, no matter what per capita spending might have to say. Walt Disney World is a business and always has been. It’s also innovative and imaginative, an ambitious endeavor built not by MBAs and accountants, but by creative visionaries–it should be treated as such by those who now lead it. Guests have long known that the company was after their money, but never before have they felt that was the essence of Walt Disney World.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Have any grievances of your own to air about Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our airing of grievances? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Bryan,
Before making a final decision on the trip, talk to your wife. Trust me there are plenty of things to spend that money on. No need to feel guilty about feeding the monster. I did and had a terrible time. It just wasn’t Disney. What Disney doesn’t understand is that many people saved their stimulus money and many people just needed to get out to be back to normal. We saw the UK bump in mid November and that was 3 days after the restrictions were lifted. I would guess many people will think twice about doing that again. Don’t get excited over Disney food because you will be lucky to get a sit down meal where you want. Line cutting was out of control. People are right about the price hikes. We started to look in May for late August/September for a week. We couldn’t get the flights, rooms and dates to click. Tickets averaged $79 a day for 5 days. October 1 hit, they went to $99 a day. And you didn’t anything more. Okay, I needed to get away. We would have gone pre pandemic, but my son had medical issues that put a damper on that. After he was cleared medically we finally got everything to click. I hope you have a good time and don’t end up kicking yourself for the decision.
@Bryan
Glad you can make the trip. Do me a favor and ride Pirates once for me please. 🙂
You know, there really is not much I can say that has not been said on this forum before. I am feeling a bit bad for going 2022, I feel like I am just contributing to the beast. It’s our 20th anniversary, and my wife really wants to go, plus we saved up enough for a deluxe resort, and yet I feel like me going is hurting everyone else. I feel saddened by the comments of people who loved going and did so often, whom are now so bummed and disappointed in what this place has and is becoming. Is this the type of vacation that Disney world CEO’s would take their families on? Did the middle class lose a war and are now being punished? It’s like the scene in Robin Hood “triple the taxes, squeeze every last drop out of those insolent, um musical peasants” And people are right, as long as we keep going, and paying for this stuff, the more they will keep charging, and getting away with it. Regardless of your upbeat feeling of Genie plus, it’s not any better, you still have to get up and book a ride, still have to check your phone constantly, why do I have to compete with all of you for a chance to ride a ride? If it’s just one ride a day, why can’t we just go at our leisure? I have zero desire to ride dumbo, or barnstormer, nor do I like Small World, and there are more rides I would not be wanting a FP to go on, So why can’t I just pay the 15 and do what I want? Why do I have to compete for a spot? That is stupid and ridiculous, and that is why the hundred bucks at UV seem more like a bang for your buck, you ride at your leisure. I understand they wanna make money, however they are not making our lives any easier in doing so, at least give everyone whos stays on property, and not the “good neighbors” first crack at some rides, give them at least a 30day head start on the one ride, I mean you still have to have your “reservations” in advanced anyway, so what would the problem be? Anyway, again, I am saddened by all this and everyone who is losing a long time fun and enjoyable trip. We may be doing a big trip this year, however I can guarantee, when the time comes for the grandkids, if things don’t change, we will be looking for more affordable, options. I don’t want to see people not go; however, we should do things like our parents did, look to off-site places, eat before you get there, do not participate in overpriced dining, plan the day without the in-game cash shops etc. I don’t know, just never been so bummed to go to Disney.
I agree with most of the comments – short-sighted business decisions, way too much nickel and diming, big jump in prices. It was really bad to furlough so many people and lag in bringing them back. Disney was always expensive, but the joy was once you bought your tickets and hoppers, all was included. Now you need a devoted tech expert to master Genie and LL, plus extra $$$ to make the visit enjoyable with limited days. We felt sorry for big family groups who were shut out of rides way too often. The dining during our recent trip was disappointing, even Citricos which traditionally was our finale family dinner. Late hours had been our special pleasure, now limited. Most “cast members” tried hard, but the lack of staffing was obvious. The late night Christmas special was outrageously expensive. We’re avid DW visitors for over 30 years and long-time DVC members. I honestly can’t recommend Disney until some of this sorts out. I’m sympathetic to the financial pressures that the pandemic continues to cause, but there was an unfortunate obvious sense that the corporate bottom line has replaced the Disney “Magic.” We’re saddened. Walt would have been disappointed.
I’ve been reading the comments here and it’s all very familiar. Naturally, most of us are big Disney fans at heart. We love going to the parks and will always have a soft spot for WDW. We love the atmosphere, attractions, news, music, characters, entertainment, food, nostalgia, and simply find the place magical. At the same time, we understand that Disney is a business and has to deal with a number of marketplace dynamics. Prices will go up. Cuts will be made. Change is constant. We get it.
We are getting less value for higher costs and it’s hard to find the joy in it. The decisions have been jarring. There is a lot to complaint about – no doubt.
There are days when I just shake my head and lament the loss of something really important to me. I swear off trips. It’s just not worth it. Then I look for deals or read these blogs because, you know, I just can’t quit yoooou……
In the end, I come back to the belief that this too shall pass. We’ve all experienced highs and lows at WDW. There are times when the experience just isn’t up to snuff. There are others when it’s simply magical. This is one of those down times. However, if we focus on the positive, we can keep our interest and hobby in tact.
I had a big family trip planned for Spring of 2020. Needless to say, we had to cancel it. Since then, all the problems we’re talking about here piled up one after another. I spent hours thinking and researching how to get my family of 5 back to a “normal” WDW experience. Eventually, I realized that wasn’t possible. Travel was too expensive, too volatile, too unpredictable. I couldn’t find a reasonable Disney resort option. Attractions, dining and entertainment were all cut back. It just wasn’t worth it.
But instead of forcing it, I thought about how to make the best of a cruddy situation. My wife and two of my kids weren’t really into the idea of pushing ahead given all the concessions we’d have to make, but my son and I were still eager to try. So we did – just the two of us. And it was glorious. We didn’t force things. Since it was just the two of us, we were fine rope dropping to enjoy the headliners before hitting the pool in the afternoon. The Swan had great deals. We stuck to counter service. We didn’t care what we were doing – we just wanted to be in the environment that we love. Future World was/is a dumpster fire, but if you sit at the leaping fountains in front of the Imagination Pavilion at night, you can still hear the old music loop and see Spaceship Earth all lit up brilliantly while enjoying some ice cream. It was far from a traditional visit compared to what we are used to and originally wanted, but it ended up being a great experience once we let go of old habits.
Of course this specific example doesn’t apply to everyone – but was DOES apply is the idea that we can all adapt. Maybe we adapt in how we travel, how many park days we do, where we stay, what time of year we go, what dining we select, etc. Maybe it forces us to branch out and see new things, or revisit old experiences we haven’t tried in a while. Maybe we enjoy other area attractions instead. Or maybe we adapt by not going at all right now and waiting for sunnier days ahead. I say this because there’s no reason to feel sorry for ourselves and get all angry. Even with boneheaded decisions being made now, WDW will come back into balance at some point for everyone. Until then, we have Tom & Sarah, homemade dole whip, and lots of park loops to keep us entertained.
https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2021/12/22/universal-studios-in-orlando-to-once-again-require-face-coverings/
There are certain things that may not be popular but are needed at this time. Finding employees isn’t just a cut and dry money issue. We are short nurses in the area and one company offered $10,000 to sign on – no takers. So opening up full throttle isn’t easy in these times.
Pleasing an over the top hard to please group of followers has become almost impossible. If every Disney CM says have a magical day is it sincere or even wanted?? We want special not EVERY employee can say the same thing or it isn’t special.
The cost has to rise to slow the crowds. Somehow we as guests and passholders has to understand this is an evil necessity. Until they can gain control of the crowds they MUST DO this once the tide shifts then it will find the new normal.
As for losing perks there was a time my mom pulled up to a gas station never moved and had her windows cleaned, oil checked, water checked, tires checked and gas pumped– are we cussing 7-11 or Circle K yet?? Change is inevitable being angry and bitter shortens life expectancy.
It’s starting to feel like the death of a thousand cuts.
Extra payments for rides, the demise of the Magical Express, the lack of a Dining Plan, the cuts to entertainment. And lots of smaller changes. One of the things I like to do on a non park day is visit a resort or two to try the different quick service meals. Suddenly a lot of the menus are looking exactly the same. No more curry at Art of Animation! And a lot of the classic snacks have also gone. Pineapple upside down cake at Aloha Isle. And the way Disney treated the employees was shocking.
After twenty years of visits I was in the “one last trip for old times sake” camp. Now I don’t even know if I’ll do that.
@Dan
You won’t be the last one making that decision for sure. I told my wife we will not be going in 2022 for sure. 2023 will depend on what prices do between now and then. We have been 11 times in the past 10 years, so not going for at least 15 months is quite the break for us. Disney is benefiting from pent up demand and people having a lot of extra cash right now IMO. That wont last, and when it runs out my guess is they will start to feel the impact of all their nickle and diming.
2022 is the first year we will not be able to afford a Disney trip. It’s a sad time. We tried to make it work and I know there’s some inflation involved, but after adding in all the additional costs they now charge that were once included, in addition to the increased overall costs, it’s not feasible. The fact is, we have to look elsewhere for our family vacations. Until we meet again Disney.
We haven`t been since covid. feel very anxious about all the extra charges and not having the “magic bus” from the airport–we loved it. I am wondering if we find our next trip enjoyable !!!
I hated paying for Genie+ and ILL but LOVED them in practice. We went 12/11-12/16 and did not wait in one line. Longest line was for the PeopleMover one afternoon ha! We went on all the headliners we wanted. Although I did somewhat enjoy it in September of this year with no fast pass, we waited in a lot more lines and got a lot less done in the seven days vs. five days. Especially with a 3 year old, Genie+ and ILL are a life-saver! We often did pool in the morning so I continuously stacked Genies throughout the day allowing us to maximize evening time in the park.
Regarding the limited hours issue. I have to point out that I’m sure there are a number of guests who choose to leave the park earlier than normal because they know the park is closing earlier than normal. I know from my experience that if I know a park is closing at 9pm I inevitably plan to leave earlier or not come back after lunch because it doesn’t make sense to drag my entire family back for a 2 hour excursion, especially if you’re staying off property. This also brings up the point of the number of guests who are choosing to stay off property because they know that Genie Plus is offered to everyone and that the on-property benefits are very limited. Even the extended hours for on property visitors isn’t that great anymore. Or, the majority of guests are Florida residents who can leave early afternoon and know they’ll be able to come back another day quite easily.
Simply put, money is most likely the main reason for why Disney does what it does but I think there are plenty of reasons for why Disney’s guests do what they do. It’s not as black and white.
The biggest issue for me will always be, a rise in prices while taking away the “extras” that was originally included in the already high price of a visit to Disney World. I’m paying more money for less park hours, no airport transportation, lessened entertainment, and longer lines. My trip in April will likely be my last for at least 2 years partly because I want my daughter to be a bit older and partly because I already know my experience is going to be more frustrating with a higher price tag. Disney needs to put their customers first.
At the end of the day, (as you mentioned) this does not stop until the consumer pushes back and says “enough is enough.” The Christmas parties all sold out I believe, even with a ridiculous $250 per person price point. We can all moan and be frustrated till the cows come home, but as long as we keep opening up our wallets Disney will keep pushing the envelope.
We actually have so-called experts going on CNN admitting that cloth masks are “little more than facial decorations”, yet Disney still wants every guest as young as freaking TWO wearing them roughly half the time. They are actively diminishing the experience based on nothing more than bunk science. My children won’t wear masks, nor should they. It’s time DW wakes up and returns to reality like their wiser competitor, Universal, has long since done.
I’m an avid AP Disney Fanatic and travel from NC, and have been coming consistently for 35 years.
My two biggest concerns are no more Magical Express for free and Genie Plus. When we come and it’s real crowded Genie Plus only gets us passes way into the late afternoon and by late afternoon all passes are taken. You don’t know that until you have already bought Genie Plus. Not a fan of standing in line or losing money. I’m heartbroken and my last trip at Christmas wasn’t magical at all!!
I am mostly disappointed about the Magical Express and luggage to hotel and airport! It used to be an all inclusive vacation. No driving off property didn’t matter. Now we may as well drive and when we do we go elsewhere for dinner and other parks!
@Tony AP holders were able to choose from a solid color magic band every year or upgrade to a design (and you got your name engraved on the inside of whatever you chose) it was a great perk. The upgrades were a bit below retail and some were AP only designs.
It’s not just 50% less. The last bubble wand we bought was $15 last January in the parks. They actually had a sale on them. We were also given a free one for a child’s birthday. It’s that touch of magic I love. The same wands are $30 now. Yeah we get an AP discount but it’s still too much for something that was 1/2 as expensive a year ago.
I’m just saying if the prices didn’t automatically make me recoil I would spend a lot more but we are actually spending less impulsively and doing more targeted spending. We are local but we stay on property or at a local hotel. Our last splurge was on Sebastian’s Bistro because the price was fantastic and the toddlers eat free. It’s like $39 per adult. We will never do Be Our Guest because it gives me sticker shock.
I feel like guests prefer it when you give them a carrot of incentive rather than a stick of nickel and dimeing. The “free” bubble wand cost Disney next to nothing but filled us with warm fuzzies. The price the following year? Not so much. The free magic band with our names on them? Lovely. The gifts for attending food & wine a certain number of times? Adorable. My kid has the tiny cutting board we got as AP in her play kitchen.
I’m less inclined to pay for things that feel punitive and more likely to pay more when I feel like Disney has gone above and beyond. That was (until this year) the brand. The brand of magical moments, perks and gifts.
Is there anything special to do or look for at Disney?
Disney, your breaking our heats, changed reservations for UNIVERSAL