Disney Parks Take Shade From Guests Expressing Detailed Disappointment - Inside the Magic

Comments for Disney Parks Take Shade From Guests Expressing Detailed Disappointment

Main Street Crowds

Credit: ITM Kelly C.

33 Comments

  1. Patrick

    Our last trip over the holidays was the most disappointing trip we’ve had in WDW. With the exception of NYE fireworks, the rest was okay at best, but disappointing in the guest experience. Too many people, attractions kept going down making wait times worse. The need for park passes made the trip much less flexible for just 2 people. Couldn’t risk park hopping and not being able to get into or even BACK into a park, so we had to change some of our plans around once we had dining reservations.

    1. KTS

      Disney just isn’t the most magical place anymore
      DISNEY SPOILT IT WITH GETTING GREEDY
      THEY FORCE ON RICH / WEALTHY NOT THE PEOPLE
      WORKING CLASS CAN’T AFFORD THEIR PRICES ANYMORE

    2. Patrick

      What do you mean not being able to get Back into a park? For what I know park Hopper works regardless. Not depending on crowd size.

      1. Went to disney for years with grandchildren starting at 2 yrs old . Went along with price increase if Christmas tickets till they were 20s but the worst was no dining available for larger crowds something that was part of our experience. Liberty tree absolute favorite no way no how could I get In there no matter when I tried day and night . Spend all that money on tickets couldn’t get in. Would live to take them now with there children but it seems impossible task. Thanks for the memories cause I see no reoccurring time for us again.

      2. Rox

        I still love it but the magic is not quite so magical. I wouldn’t mind so much paying extra for LL if we could book 3 rides like the old fastpass. I tried using it twice but as it turned out i paid the extra and got just one ride out of it because the really popular ones give you such a late time that nothing else is available after. So i won’t be doing those any more. One thing they DID get right is the mobile ordering for quick service restaurants. This is brilliant and a big help for planning, speed and convenience. Of course the prices are ridiculous and likely to get worse with the escalating fuel and food issues. And with concerns about the economy, it would be a shame if this magical family dream destination becomes a playground only for the super rich.

      3. Tina B

        If there isn’t space you can’t park hop. They say after 2pm there isn’t restrictions to hop but I was there 2 weeks ago and could not re-enter Magic Kingdom after leaving

      4. Patrick

        Asked guest services by phone and on site. If you park hop out of a park or just leave, there’s no guarantee that you will be able to get back in later. Let alone any guarantee that you will be able to hop to another park and get in. All during high park pass capacity. If a park hits it’s park pass capacity, that’s it, regardless of your pass for that park or not.

  2. Sue

    In general Disney across the board has moved so far away from Walt Disney’s original vision its a shame.

  3. Julian H

    The Magic has all but gone from Disney, as a holiday spot, its stressful for all the bookings and reservation that have to be made in advance and if you want lightning lane you have to be up and on your phone for 07:00. Not a holiday and not magical.

    Disney’s greedy board has ruined the experience and the spontaneity/freedom to go where you want now, unlike what it was like just a couple of years ago, and as regards to costs and double charging, I’m moving over to Universal. Disney just do not care about you, the want your cash bottom line and they do not care how they get it.

  4. Barbara Horan

    I was also at EPCOT in October 2021 and I was amazed at how bad it was. I was totally lost and I’ve been there at least 10 times. The walking seemed like it tripled to get to everything. Did not enjoy my day there and it used to be our favorite park. I’m sure it will be great once they’re finished but I won’t back to see it.

    1. KB

      Went in November 2021. It was awful. All the Star Wars rides were sold out of passes before 730am. That’s the earliest I could buy a ticket as a non-resort guest, resort guests could buy at 7am. Waited in line for an hour for Aerosmith, Tower, Slinky Dog, and Saucer ride- that’s 4 hours in line and place is only open 8! Garbage on the ground, cast members openly complaining, most of the shows were shut down. Animal Kingdom was the same. With the new pass system we walked around the park 6 times to actually use the pass system we paid extra for! And we paid full price fo tickets and many rides, restaurants, and shows were not open. Universal was way better for the money and experience.

  5. T

    We are scheduled to make our annual trip with grandkids to DW…can’t wait…I’m 67, been going for 54 years…off/on…yes there has been changes, in both attractions and price…I guess there weren’t many KARENS back then…WE ENJOY…BE A KID…DONT WORRY…BE HAPPY …don’t waste the money you say you work so hard for.

    1. Julian H

      T because people call out Disney and this dreadful greedy board for what they have and are doing to Disney, does not make them Karens, this is a platform for discussion after all.

      I’ve loved Disney for 20 + years, its not as long as you have been going but boy have I seen some changes as I am sure you have too – and they are not for the better. You cannot seriously feel that you are getting the same value for money as you once did.

      I really do hope you and your family have a good trip, but lets be honest here Bob Paychek has openly admitted that he will keep increasing the price so long as people will come and pay it, that’s just not right and it does not make someone a Karen as you say to call them out on it.

      1. Julian H you are spot on!

    2. Amie

      That’s embarrassing that you are using the term “Karens” at your age to put down others that have a different opinion than yours.

  6. Marley C.

    I noticed during my trip during weekend of 3/04/22 that the A/C in most of the rides was not very cool, unlike the wonderful past days of cold. Is this a Chapek money saver?

    I didn’t see anyone comment on lack of outdoor seating (especially in the shade) at Animal Kingdom. We went on a VERY hot day and being older. I found myself needed to rest A LOT. Unless you want to sit on a small, jagged rock, there aren’t a lot of places that aren’t eating establishments. I’ve often wondered if this is on purpose to get you to drink more, but shade seating in the blazing summer Florida heat just seems like a no brainer.

    Did also notice several broken items in the bathrooms that was a first.

    I still love it and will continue to go but hope this isn’t a trend.

  7. Kurt

    We’ve been annual pass holders for many years, and, living in Florida, we have been to WDW multiple times a year, in every kind of condition (holidays, new construction, bad weather, etc.). But, the last few times we have been have really deteriorated in overall experience.
    It is clear they are under staffed in every area of operation. This is evident in multiple rides down at the same time, excessive lines at food venues, some restaurants completely closed, way over crowded buses, the list goes on.
    The lighting lane idea is poorly executed. Certainly, not a good value for the money. And, tremendously less satisfying the the old system.
    The reservation system is a fraud. The stated reason of the system is to manage crowds due to COVID. If that’s their goal, they are missing the mark terribly. The crowds rival those of holiday period and peak summer days. In addition, it really annoying for those who prefer to be more spontaneous while at the parks.
    Seems like they only one enjoying the current setup is the new CEO, with his doubled salary.

    1. Gman

      I agree! I have to plan for work! I like having a “loose guideline” on my vacation. I remember when I asked my wife and kids ” what park do y’all want to go to tomorrow?” I totally miss the spontaneity of the experience. Love it still, but miss flying by the seat of my pants.

  8. Steveroonie

    I always used to really enjoy making reservations to go to WDW but with the reservation system it has taken the fun and spontaneity out of the trip. I don’t like the Genie or Lightning Lanes either and will not pay additional fees to ride rides. I am getting ready to make plans for a trip in early 2023 and I hope there are some changes back to the pre-pandemic Disney that I love. If I wasn’t a DVC member I would consider going elsewhere.

    1. It will be no better in 2023. The value of being a DVC member and annual passholder has long since expired. There is “no magic” any longer.

  9. The Talbots

    Our family of 4 used to be avid annual pass holders of Disney, not any more. We pay enough to get in and them doing away with fast pass system and now pay extra NO WAY!

  10. Mary

    We were there just before the pandemic hit. We are two seniors who enjoy the sights and sounds and the food. But then again, I do my Christmas shopping for my young grandchildren too. My daughter and her family of 6 are planning on going the beginning of May, and due to us “animal watching” we were able to get flights to Orlando the middle of May. Reading these articles of the deterioration of the parks and the mandatory reservations for everything to be made at least 60 days prior, no walk up to purchase a ticket for the day. On top of the lack of shade and seating for resting. Last time we were at Epcot, with the lack of seating, I bruised my feet, turning black and blue and a stress fracture. I’m not sure if we will be visiting the parks this time, as there are many other things to do in the Kissimmee/Orlando area, and much, much cheaper or even free.

    1. Molly

      I obviously hate all these money grabs at WDW — BUT — if you are able to schedule your trip for a less busy time then you don’t have to worry about extremely long lines and wasting your money on Genie+ . Also now that EMH are so screwed up/non existent (unless staying at Deluxe?) Then why bother staying on property? If you drove there you can stay off property, spend less and get wayyyy more amenities and bang for your buck. We have yet to stay on property after 6 trips and maybe we aren’t in the bubble but…we have saved soooo much money and STILL savored the memories and magic!!
      Plus, I think a lot of people are forgetting that parks are extremely busy right now because people have rescheduled their vacations that they cancelled for Covid. Give it time, things will slow down a little…
      Yes, prices will still be ridiculous unfortunately, but you can find sooo many ways to save and cut corners. Everyone do your homework!

  11. Lori

    I’ve loved Disneyland since I was a little girl. I’m now 65 and we went last Oct. There were way too many people, to the point of not being able to enjoy our time. We tried for weeks to get dinner or lunch reservations and nothing!! That’s not right. We couldn’t even walk up to get in. I thought the reservations would help with the crowds but if anything it’s worse! I hope something changes for the better!

  12. Red Queen

    I’m dumping my AP when it’s up in May. I renewed before the huge price increase but the new prices are ridiculous. I got an AP (for the free parking) and 2 pay for a day play all year tickets to Busch Gardens for less than $400. And it’s much closer to my house. My AP includes 2 free 1 day tickets plus their fast pass system is like Universal, pay 1 fee for all the rides. Not bury my face in the phone all day. We went to MK on 3/5 and the lines were crazy. Plus Splash Mtn and Pirates went down causing huge waits at Thunder Mtn and Haunted Mansion. And 145 min wait for Mine Train is stupid, the ride isn’t even that good. Glad I got to go when they reopened in 2020 because it was fantastic for a good 8 months with few people.

    1. Captain Jack Sparrow

      Red Queen you are so correct, even as DVC Members it’s getting to the point we may just sell. We will be living about 38 miles from Busch Gardens Tampa and that may be our new go to for Parks, Disney is Out of Control.

      1. Julian H you are spot on!

  13. Ed

    Finally after all these years people have realized the unimportance of visiting these Theme Parks so many times per year. Have been to Disney at least 5 days a week for almost 20yrs. I get in FREE and have only been in the parks 5 times over that time. Have seen so many states and what they offer for a third of the cost. As to what Walt would think? Money has always talked in running a business!

  14. Monica

    Fue nuestra primera vez en Disney World. Viajamos literal, desde el fin del mundo. Contraté todos los servicios extras de pago, para optimizar nuestra visita. Y aunque experimentamos la magia, para mí hijo y mi nieta no fue la máxima experiencia, que pensaban. El mayor anhelo de mi hijo era experimentar Rise of the Resistence, estuvimos cuatro horas en una fila y cerraron la atracción por problemas, luego la reabrieron, volvimos a estar dos horas en la fila y sucedió lo mismo. No pudimos disfrutar de esta atracción ni de otras del parque, por perder seis horas en una fila. Lo peor es que viajamos con un tiempo, itinerario y con las reservas programadas a los parques, por lo que regresamos a casa, con el corazón un poco apretado, y un dejo de tristeza.

  15. Michael Shimer

    Trams, trams, where’s the damn trams!?

    Disney Parks Division needs to have someone really, really read over all these discussion boards and get a clue. Here’s a long time Florida resident guest, annual pass holder, and even former cast member warning to Bob and The Board: If you keep this money first, guests last plan going much longer, there may be a tsunami wave of discontented guests and reservation cancellations a coming your way. You can’t keep blaming the pandemic for that, with a record breaking profitable quarter just past. You also might want to worry about the real threat of a bad recession this year too. Some of those remaining loyal fans that you may hope will keep your financial heads above water may just be washed away to parks like Universal Studios and Busch Gardens, or they’ll just stay home.

  16. KF

    For most of my life I have looked forward to moving to Florida and getting an annual pass to Disney. I’ve been a huge, huge consumer of their park and cruise experiences and I am also a travel agent. Well now I am finally a Florida resident but…
    For more reasons than there is space to write, it seems Disney has lost its way. It is no longer magical. It’s almost heartbreaking.
    Unless Walt himself “magically” returns, I’ll “pass” on the annual pass and may actually not be returning at all. 🙁

  17. Reggie

    We just got back two weeks ago. A complete nightmare with crowd control. I will probably never go back.

  18. JW

    2019 last trip we made to Disney after 34 other trips. Had two trips planned 2020 but cancelled both because of the Covid threat. Most of the magic was gone in 2019 but there was times it was like the old Disney I grew up with and loved! Food quality had gone down and cast members were rude. But overall it was a good trip! Doubt we will ever return because of the reservation system, no dining plan, the cancellation of Magic Express, the reduction of food portions and the extravagant price increases. We will be spending all our money at Universal now at a third of a Disney trip cost.

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