There’s never been moderation of demand. People are sick of sky high prices, sweltering heat, lack luster guest experiences and business model changes.
Nope .. only ignorant people still use the word woke. Woke equals kindness. It’s about Disney price gouging, and raising the prices, while lowering the quality of food and experience.
You must be a former snowflake or perhaps a millennial who is trying to stop young Americans from bearing children. You think you are “saving the world,” but in reality, our nation is slowly being destroyed from within. Breaking/moving statues, setting fires in places of religious worshipwill never eradicate our nation’s history.
You mean more kind to anybody that agrees with you, inclusive of everyone but white males, freedom-loving to take whatever drugs you want and have sex with whatever you want, period. All other freedoms get censured, canceled, hash-tagged and witch-hunted out of existence.
While the sex and drugs part I might agree with, I think you’re rather missing the point of freedom.
Except the ones that are angry and subverting freedom through authoritarianism are the ones Disney is standing up with by being woke
Who are the ones banning people on social media and suppressing free speech, colluding with the federal govt to influence what messages get elevated? Who are the ones threatening people with doxxing and getting them fired from their jobs and trying to ostracize them from society? Who are the ones rioting and attempting to assassinate SCOTUS justices? Who are the ones that refuse to share their space with people who disagree with them?
Where is there an ounce of “kindness” for anyone except those you think deserve your kindness? If you love freedom, then you have to defend it even for the people you dont want to like.
kCal…You are 100% correct. Noone can blame Gov DeSantis….As a father and an elected official, his #1 concern is for the residents of Florida. Since too many public schools in the USA support DragQueen reading hour, believe keeping parents in the dark regarding sexual preferences children may have only shared with school officials, the dispensing of hormone blocking medication & when schools think they have every right to discuss sexual practices/ideologies with other people’s children. Parents grandparents, aunts & uncles & caring, common sense public officials. MUST step in. Our children are the future. They need to be nurtured & not have their childhood corrupted. Disney parks USED to be a SAFE HAVEN for toddlers. children of all ages & adults alike. Now…Disney bent so far left they have broken the trust of the nuclear family. Little ones aren’t going to Disney to be introduced to the LGBTQ+ way of life. Families don’t save uphundreds or even thousands of dollars to go on a family trip to have sexual innuendos thrown in the faces of their children. Walt Disney would turn over in his grave & fire every one pushing this “wokeism”…Why are the park streets empty? Because EVIL exists where it never did before….
Tell that to all the families packing Disneyland when I was there in May. Including the family man with the Desantis t-shirt on. You are whats wrong. And, as an ‘elected’ official, you should represent ALL of your constituents because they ALL pay you.
My family was a premium pass holder when we lived in Florida for 11 years and when leaving in New Jersey we visited every year for 50 years. Now the changes you have made with pay to park, high ticket passes, reservation system and that genie pass system, I will never ever return to Walt Disney world again. One more thing is you’ve built rides that children can not get on and built buildings for princesses up in they air so you can’t visit them. Who ever is in charge now (Mr.Walt Disney is looking down and crying) has not made changes for a family with children to afford and enjoy ……I’m glad you are losing money and you should hire someone that can think about going back to make Disney more fun, enjoyed and lower prices so it will become a wonderful place again for families!!!!!!!😭😭😭!!!!!!
I can’t afford some things like a Tesla… it’s called living within your means. Movie theater tickets cost 15$ a pop now… and another 50$ in concessions… it’s about what you SAVE your money to do. Like a SAVE for my season pass for stead of going to Starbucks and the movies. 🤷🏼♀️
yes prices have sky rocketed , but as locals we go quite often and h ave the highest price pass minus the water parks. We used to come to DW a couple times a year and spent mega bucks and its much less for us to buy the passes while living near by and enjoy the parks than travel places I dont want to go too. We were at the magic kingdom july 3 and it was almost walk on for the rides we always ride……..We went to Hollywood studios on july 4 and the same there, walk on rides even at star wars land. I believe the crowds from before had reservations from before covid and were making up for it. Its not like it was dead there but very refreshing and I believe they probably made a killing with people buying things, and food and especially drinks those days……We will continue going quite often after a little rest from the heat there.
It’s not Disney, it’s Florida. It’s got nothing to do with Disney and everything to do with the new laws in Florida. Sorry WDW, my family’s going to Disneyland.
We won’t be visiting Disney World for a long time due to their deceptive marketing practices and their political involvements.
We also will be recommending to guests and friends they should try the other parks like Universal or Sea World. I recommend you change Management, apologize for making the choices made and once again be thankful to those that keep your company open.
I so agree companies like Disney are not political voices and with the highest prices ever and the most liberal management I will spend my money somewhere else
People are also more than a little tired of companies going woke. I hope Disney gets the same treatment as Bud Light and Target. This woke experime t is putting politics ahead of shareholders. BOYCOTT!
Universal is far worse than Disney, it’s completely destroyed. All of the memorable and thrilling attractions are gone. Sea World was pretty boring even before I knew their animals were unhappy.
I don’t know what time these photos were taken, but I was at Epcot on 6/28 and Disney’s Magic Kingdom on 6/30 and crowds were unreal. We waited for 70 mins to get on SOAR and most rides had similar wait times. I don’t think Disney is losing any business despite the high rates. I saw a very different picture.
I agree! We went yesterday 7/5/23 and despite the brutal heat and rain it was very busy ! While we were in line for Rise of the Resistance, the Indians Jones show finished and our wait went from 40 min to 115 minutes. And here’s the odd thing … people were having a great time!!
They were pretty quiet July 4th. The revenue from the parks are what was supporting their streaming movies etc because they were/are a losing proposition. They are now running the bounce back program. If you book within 7 days of departure from your trip you’ll get 35% off deluxe resorts, 30% off moderates and 25% off value. That tells you they are losing big time. Their stocks were just downgraded!
I have been going to Disney World since 1972 when it would take 5.5 hours from Miami when the speed limits were 55mph. They did away with late night visiting if you stayed at one of the hotelsz high prices for food, bracelet or no brackets. Mr. Roy Disney founder must be rolling in his grave. Disney is for families to come and enjoy, not have all this crap to deal with. Very Disappointed. Thry need to go back to square and relaunch. We pray for that, especially for the kids and families. Age 69.
Couldn’t agree more. Remember the parks were open until 12/1 at night. They had 2 parades at night so you could watch one and enjoy the rides during the other. The Contemporary Polynesian were expensive but not so out of wack like now. At least you felt like you were getting your monies worth. We have been going since 1974. Also 69🤣
Um, well when you don’t allow pass holders even at the highest tiers book the parks you loose more than half your attendance. See above. Has nothing to do with DeSantis. Temperature does not help but true theme park fans (aka seasonal pass holders) don’t give a damn about weather 😂.
Glad to see the majority of these replies are about Disney’s political position, outrageous prices, and low-moral stance. Americans are SICK of the baloney that these companies are shoving down our children’s throats. To the “Big Wigs” of Disney: Wake up and smell the coffee!!
All the white people hating the fact that Disney is no longer whitewashed cracks me up. Like people of color exist and the deserve the right to be seen and heard. Loved the new Little Mermaid!
How do you explain the exit of Song of the South? Splash Mountain was wonderful, no need to change it. They could have made a new original ride for Tiana. You loved the New Little Mermaid? You and 10 others according to the reviews.
100% true Deb. Anyone that enjoyed that mindless pandering BS with bad music and uncanny valley aesthetics is only proving their brain works on a primitive level.
Too expensive for the brits now, too many changes taking place and why I why the cost of the old fast passes which worked really well when we were organising our visit. No problem in park hopping. We will not be going back after 25 years of wonderful memories, WDW has done it for us.
Disney no longer cares about family vacations. Back in 2005,06,07 we went every year
As management kept changing prices went higher
As a family of 4,we spent a week at All-Star Movie Resort,hit every park and did breakfast and dinner specials with characters meals included for 7 days. We paid under 5,000$ including air fair. My son just came back with his family of 4,went too 2 parks and stayed 3 nights cost him over 6500_ It is all about the money. Poor Walt, he must be rolling in his grave
What he wanted was a park for families to enjoy and to return to year after year. Now u need a six figure income to go or
at least 50% of your annual income. God help the famies who have more than two kids
I have been going to Disney for over 30 years now. I would save all year so I could afford staying at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Beach Club or Wilderness – mostly. BUT< I could only afford them when they had the 30-35% off deal. Now even with that, they are out of control and more money than you spend at most very upscale hotels in the country. I don't know if Disney was planning on only wealthy people coming to Disney or??? but, the prices truly are becoming out of control for the majority of people, I can't even imagine with a family and kids!! If I wasn't a passholder, I would for sure not be able to go as prices are out of control. I think that is the main reason, inflation, the prices, etc, it is becoming out of control for most people and now that they have done this, I don't know how you go back. I just know that Walt would be so disappointed as he wanted everyone to be able to enjoy Disney – families, seniors, adults, everyone and it is becoming out of reach for many. Makes me sad as I am a senior now and I love to go to Disney and not sure I can much longer even with discounts.
I don’t want to take my kids to a place where I could see a man in a dress pretending to en a fairy. Plus very high prices included.
Just stick to universal studios for my family and me, we usually go to Orlando three times a year
LMAO. Like Universal doesn’t have the same high prices. Oh, no, your kids might see a man in a dress. Guess what, wanker, you might see that at the mall, too. You not going shopping now?
We (family of 4) used to come every year for 15+ years, either Oct/Nov or Feb/Mar. Now it’s just too expensive. I feel like I am paying duplicate fees just so I can get on rides. Two years ago we started going to Universal. It’s not as magical as Disney, but it’s much cheaper, less crowded and we enjoy ourselves more because we don’t have to do all the planning we had to do at Disney just to make sure we get on some rides. Very sad Disney!!!
Sounds horrifically boring. And Universal is not any cheaper. Also, it’s less crowded for a reason. Outside of Harry Potter and Spiderman, the park sucks.
Good. When they shut down the professional reservation-mongers and I can get a table at Space 220 I’ll go back to my usual habit of spending thousands at the park. Until then, I won’t.
Disney like Budweiser is paying the price for politicizing their brand. Disney needs to remember they are in the family entertainment industry, not in the business of pushing ANY agenda.
What people do not realize is Disney Parks have some up and down times, even during the week..
It does not help that prices are high, but go to the grocery store… low prices…NOT! Fill your car with gas….$$$$
Go to a sporting event, how much, just to sit in a seat?
Even budget hotels across the country are charging $150+ for 1 night.
Politics aside and the bad Governor, the parks have become too expensive of a vacation for most middle class incomes.
The Local people can still find ways to go at a less expensive way. Visit just 1 park a day, not have to buy items at the Parks, eat breakfast at home and end the day and eat dinner at home.
Just getting to the parks from the airports has become a chore.
When it becomes an issue just to try and schedule your day at the parks and cost so much extra for rides, most will rethink when and how they should if ever return to the parks.
The magic has gotten a bit harder to deal with, but if the park is empty and a 20 min wait is available, that is excellent for park goers.
There are too many vacation choices especially with theme parks. So if I have to choose what’s best for my family I would say Universal which focused on family-centric fun. All the while Disney themes are strewn with leftist activism. No thanks not getting my money.
All these theories and no stats past 1 day. I wanna see the stats for their before and after pride month because that’s all in really hearing. No one wants to go to Disney after 1 month of pride crap. Big surprise get canceled like bud wiser
Used to be a Passholder and loved Disney. Way too expensive now so we are finding other things to do around Florida . We can do several unique things like Leu Gardens and other places and still pay less than the price of a Disney pass. It’s pathetic what Disney has done and has priced out many families.
We are so tired of all the bad news of Disney world the last 2 years from ticket prices, annual passes, fighting the state of Florida, closing rides, exorbitant high hotel prices at all hotels, people fighting, incompetent ceo, not iger, parking passes, the lists go on and on. And I am a DVC member since 1991. Cruises are great, everything else has gone to _____t. Extremely disappointed in Disney!!!!!!!
Our family started to visit Disney world in 1992. We went almost every year. It was wonderful. The park hopper passes were great and the fast pass was a great idea. The unused tickets were good for a lifetime. We did not mind the rising prices because it was a good value and a great experience. We have not been there in 5 years. The last three visits the quality of the experience declined and the price kept going up. The lifetime tickets were gone. You had to book the fast passes online before you got there. There were very few left if you waited till you got there. Even minor things like the statement on your door on the day of departure. I was told i could get it by email or come to the desk to get a copy. The employee moral was down and everything was blamed on the “bean counters “.The prices and lack of quality of the experience have stopped us from returning. It is sad because we miss what it was.
DVC Owner and we don’t have plans to return due to Genie + and lightening lane. Have had too many recent Horrible experience crowds, ticket prices, and then additional fees that don’t guarantee you the ability to get the rides you want.
Disney has lost its magic for me. I gave up my annual pass as I have no intention of going to the parks anymore. I will use my DVC as I really love the resorts and Disney Springs.
The expense is a killer, but for me it is all the planning you have to do. It is no longer fun for me, especially the no hopping until 2:00 pm. This is the first year since 1994 that I will not be visiting a Disney Park. Makes me sad.
I am going to London this year for less than I would have paid to go to Disney.
I’ve been waiting for a Disney gut check with their high prices. Glad it is finally here. You can’t keep jacking prices up at the parks and expect people to pay it out of loyalty to Disney! They are not loyal to their fan base to that fan base has said enough! Makes me happy!
My oldest graduated high school and asked to either go to Disney for a week or go to Germany. Germany was cheaper. We used to go frequently, but the prices are truly absurd and now they want to add so many things. It was expensive before, but we saved and made it work. Now, I just can’t save enough. My family is now willing to save our money and enjoy new experiences. That’s where our dollars will be going. We were so course to investing in DVC, but not now. Disney needs to stop treating their frequent and invested guests with such a poor response. It used to be magical. We went last year and cast members ignored basic requests, bathrooms were dirty and the food service and quality had declined. It was very obvious. I wish the higher ups would read these comments, ASK why this is happening from your frequent and invested guests and make changes. All of the graphs and charts can’t give all the reasons.
Constructive advice: You want the crowds back? Bring back free Fastpass Plus which everyone loved, and maybe roll back a little bit of the ridiculous pricing especially for passholders. It’s okay to charge a lot to get into the parks, but then once you pay to get in, stop so obviously nickel and dimeing the customers with things like the stupid Genie Plus program, and the Lightning Lanes for any of the rides that anyone actually wants to ride. Honestly that just pisses people off – probably even more than the relentless politically correcting of every single possible aspect of the park to avoid ever offending anyone. Customers spend a lot of money in the Parks on their own don’t need to be force-fed zero value added extra cost intangible items that used to be free and included in the ticket price (while some customers may be somewhat gullible, they’re not just plain stupid. They realize this when you make it so obvious). Take a page from Walt Disney’s playbook. It’s fine that every ride empties into a gift shop. It should. That’s was Walt’s subtle genius and how Disney always made its money.
Let it be the customer’s choice to spend ridiculous amounts of money on high profit margin items -and they will! Nothing wrong with that. It’s the American way. But be subtle about it. And stop overtly nickel and dimeing every customer in such obvious ways. Just some friendly advice from a recent former passholder who finally had enough.
I was in Orlando last month, didn’t go to Disney – very pricey, plus price was fluctuating depending on the day you chose, and really not interested in being locked into a specific day with Florida weather the way it is. No thank you, there are plenty of other less complicated things to do in Orlando.
Prices yes, heat no. I’ve been to Disney in 98 degree weather and seven months pregnant with a husband walking on crutches with hip stress fracture. We were in Epcot for 9 hours! Wusses!
I am not sure where you were, but I am down here from Michigan for 10 days celebrating my 75th birthday. Went to AK today, parking a tram ride from the entrance at 10:10 am. I managed a Safari, a Flight of Passage, a Na’vi River Ride, an Expidition on Everest, Dinosaur and dinner at Yak &Yeti via LandrySelect. Left tge park at 6:30 in a slight sprinkle. This is my third trip down this year, and the longest wait times for those rides. The park was full of strollers and ECVs. Strangely enough, there were huge numbers of people in all of those lines and associated with all of those vehicles.
As mich as we used to love Disney World, with the price increases, pay parking, genie, park reservations, and long ride wait lines, my family and I decided we will never go back to Disney World. And to add insult to injury, the rental price for ECVs is way too expensive. And being a larger man, there is no way I can even fit on most of the rides. Disney World – NEVER AGAIN will we visit.
If the crowds are down, I have to wonder if it has to do with countries putting the USA on do not travel lists because of our political climate. Many out of state people may find Florida’s policies egregious and have second thoughts about traveling here. Foreign travelers and out of state visitors make up a large percentage of WDW clientele.
Disney, ABC, ESPN, have got to be the worst managed companies in the world surpassing those lightweights at InBev. The couldn’t sell ESPN, greed and immorality is killing Disney and ABC is a has been.
Its not worth it for me anymore, I would go atleast twice a year for the food and attractions but mostly for splash mountain, I used to go on it so many times before the parks would close and it was fun, but now that they removed it and is being changed im not really interested in going now and the prices which are high used to be worth it for me but now it isnt worth the hassle.
Tourism is down across all of Florida. Trade shows and conferences cancelled everywhere. Foreign countries putting Florida in their do not travel lists. DeSantis has chased everyone away. We cancelled our trip because we refuse to support their fascist government.
If it is just karma, go woke, go broke, relax. Everything’s gonna be all right, when Walt Disney World has to come up with a plan, just to stay back on track. Also, it needs to push through, so that it can help everyone be all ears for this case, bringing everyone back.
I’m boycotting Disney due to its abandonment of traditional values and its heavy-handed, liberal, woke slant.
Disney should be politically neutral and avoid political activism.
I haven’t mentioned my boycott of Disney to anyone I know in real life nor do I plan on doing so. I’m not far right-wing nor do I manifest any stereotypical traits of someone far right-wing.
I’m also not someone who obsesses over politics, but there does come a point where a company so diverges from my values that I can no longer patronize them. It has come to that point with Disney.
Here are some examples of Disney becoming heavy handed with their liberal woke slant:
• Disney created a movie scene featuring a menstruating Michelin Man (Baymax asking for advice on which tampons to buy).
• Disney created a movie with a “non-binary” character (Elemental).
• Disney hired a cross-dressing man to be a “fairy god mother” at Disneyland.
Disney is supposed to represent fun, fantasy, and entertainment, not creepy, bizarre political stances such as these.
Until recently when people finally decided to vote with their feet and boycott Disney, the parks were crowded to the point of being miserable.
Visiting Disney parks requires an obscene level of planning to be able to avoid lines and to fit in a worthwhile number of rides into a trip.
Disney now has arcane rules such as having to make park reservations in addition to buying a ticket.
The elimination of the Magical Express was a degradation of the guest experience.
Disney prices have become obscenely expensive and include onerous nickel and diming such as Genie Plus, Lightning Lanes, and the now abolished hotel parking fee.
Disney was once easily affordable to any middle-class family, but has now become difficult for normal middle-class families to afford.
The Disney owned “value” resort, Pop Century, now routinely costs roughly the same amount as the luxury Dolphin Resort which is owned and operated by Tishman, MetLife, and Marriot.
The quality of Disney imagineering, rides, and the overall park experience has declined tremendously. Disney now has an overreliance on screen-based rides instead of traditional dark rides with immersive scenes and audio animatronics.
Disney used to either hide their show buildings or make them architecturally pleasing as was done with the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and the original Epcot pavilions.
Show buildings now are ugly, boxy buildings like Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot or Tron at the Magic Kingdom.
Disney built Disneyland in a year, but now takes many years to build a single ride.
Disney is now a woke, mediocre company that is no longer worth my patronage.
we usually come 2-3 times a year (family of 9) but you have raised pricing to the point that people on a regular budget cannot afford to go. Thank you for bringing back the dining plan but we have always bought Deluxe Dining. please rethink bringing it back as well and get the pricing to where we can continue to come more often.
Comments for Walt Disney World Crowds Vanish, Parks at Their Emptiest in 10 Years
Don
There’s never been moderation of demand. People are sick of sky high prices, sweltering heat, lack luster guest experiences and business model changes.
kCal
And people are sick of Disney going more woke!!
Sarah
Nope .. only ignorant people still use the word woke. Woke equals kindness. It’s about Disney price gouging, and raising the prices, while lowering the quality of food and experience.
Dianne
You must be a former snowflake or perhaps a millennial who is trying to stop young Americans from bearing children. You think you are “saving the world,” but in reality, our nation is slowly being destroyed from within. Breaking/moving statues, setting fires in places of religious worshipwill never eradicate our nation’s history.
Willy
No, it’s about Disney supporting child trafficking.
Why are you defending them? Something to hide?
Mike
Go woke go broke! Stay out of politics take care of your shareholders first, and keep your nose out of social media
Jennifer Rollison
More woke? You mean kind, inclusive, freedom-loving. Better than the alternative, you know, authoritarian, angry, subverting freedom.
Caracoid
You mean more kind to anybody that agrees with you, inclusive of everyone but white males, freedom-loving to take whatever drugs you want and have sex with whatever you want, period. All other freedoms get censured, canceled, hash-tagged and witch-hunted out of existence.
While the sex and drugs part I might agree with, I think you’re rather missing the point of freedom.
Doug
Except the ones that are angry and subverting freedom through authoritarianism are the ones Disney is standing up with by being woke
Who are the ones banning people on social media and suppressing free speech, colluding with the federal govt to influence what messages get elevated? Who are the ones threatening people with doxxing and getting them fired from their jobs and trying to ostracize them from society? Who are the ones rioting and attempting to assassinate SCOTUS justices? Who are the ones that refuse to share their space with people who disagree with them?
Where is there an ounce of “kindness” for anyone except those you think deserve your kindness? If you love freedom, then you have to defend it even for the people you dont want to like.
Jeannie
Yep, for going WOKE and grooming children.
Dianne
kCal…You are 100% correct. Noone can blame Gov DeSantis….As a father and an elected official, his #1 concern is for the residents of Florida. Since too many public schools in the USA support DragQueen reading hour, believe keeping parents in the dark regarding sexual preferences children may have only shared with school officials, the dispensing of hormone blocking medication & when schools think they have every right to discuss sexual practices/ideologies with other people’s children. Parents grandparents, aunts & uncles & caring, common sense public officials. MUST step in. Our children are the future. They need to be nurtured & not have their childhood corrupted. Disney parks USED to be a SAFE HAVEN for toddlers. children of all ages & adults alike. Now…Disney bent so far left they have broken the trust of the nuclear family. Little ones aren’t going to Disney to be introduced to the LGBTQ+ way of life. Families don’t save uphundreds or even thousands of dollars to go on a family trip to have sexual innuendos thrown in the faces of their children. Walt Disney would turn over in his grave & fire every one pushing this “wokeism”…Why are the park streets empty? Because EVIL exists where it never did before….
Jennifer Rollison
Tell that to all the families packing Disneyland when I was there in May. Including the family man with the Desantis t-shirt on. You are whats wrong. And, as an ‘elected’ official, you should represent ALL of your constituents because they ALL pay you.
D dork
Delusional Clown
Lisa
Too expensive no one has any money thanks to bideneconomics.
Susan Dolson
My family was a premium pass holder when we lived in Florida for 11 years and when leaving in New Jersey we visited every year for 50 years. Now the changes you have made with pay to park, high ticket passes, reservation system and that genie pass system, I will never ever return to Walt Disney world again. One more thing is you’ve built rides that children can not get on and built buildings for princesses up in they air so you can’t visit them. Who ever is in charge now (Mr.Walt Disney is looking down and crying) has not made changes for a family with children to afford and enjoy ……I’m glad you are losing money and you should hire someone that can think about going back to make Disney more fun, enjoyed and lower prices so it will become a wonderful place again for families!!!!!!!😭😭😭!!!!!!
Maria
I can’t afford some things like a Tesla… it’s called living within your means. Movie theater tickets cost 15$ a pop now… and another 50$ in concessions… it’s about what you SAVE your money to do. Like a SAVE for my season pass for stead of going to Starbucks and the movies. 🤷🏼♀️
lorraine
yes prices have sky rocketed , but as locals we go quite often and h ave the highest price pass minus the water parks. We used to come to DW a couple times a year and spent mega bucks and its much less for us to buy the passes while living near by and enjoy the parks than travel places I dont want to go too. We were at the magic kingdom july 3 and it was almost walk on for the rides we always ride……..We went to Hollywood studios on july 4 and the same there, walk on rides even at star wars land. I believe the crowds from before had reservations from before covid and were making up for it. Its not like it was dead there but very refreshing and I believe they probably made a killing with people buying things, and food and especially drinks those days……We will continue going quite often after a little rest from the heat there.
KK
You definitely don’t need to buy any of that junk food at movie concessions.
Phil
Agreed, I want to VISIT the park, not BUY it.
Lupe
We are visiting Disney in September 2022
Anne
It’s not Disney, it’s Florida. It’s got nothing to do with Disney and everything to do with the new laws in Florida. Sorry WDW, my family’s going to Disneyland.
Jim Carroll
We won’t be visiting Disney World for a long time due to their deceptive marketing practices and their political involvements.
We also will be recommending to guests and friends they should try the other parks like Universal or Sea World. I recommend you change Management, apologize for making the choices made and once again be thankful to those that keep your company open.
Daryl-Rhys
So you recommend the inferior, more expensive and more politically involved alternatives.
John Smith
I’ll be thankful that all people like you aren’t there. Good riddance.
Jules
I so agree companies like Disney are not political voices and with the highest prices ever and the most liberal management I will spend my money somewhere else
C robb
People are also more than a little tired of companies going woke. I hope Disney gets the same treatment as Bud Light and Target. This woke experime t is putting politics ahead of shareholders. BOYCOTT!
KK
Universal is far worse than Disney, it’s completely destroyed. All of the memorable and thrilling attractions are gone. Sea World was pretty boring even before I knew their animals were unhappy.
Spank the frank
Good. Disney can eat a D.
Diana Ruiz
I don’t know what time these photos were taken, but I was at Epcot on 6/28 and Disney’s Magic Kingdom on 6/30 and crowds were unreal. We waited for 70 mins to get on SOAR and most rides had similar wait times. I don’t think Disney is losing any business despite the high rates. I saw a very different picture.
DisneyMom
I agree! We went yesterday 7/5/23 and despite the brutal heat and rain it was very busy ! While we were in line for Rise of the Resistance, the Indians Jones show finished and our wait went from 40 min to 115 minutes. And here’s the odd thing … people were having a great time!!
Snicker
They were pretty quiet July 4th. The revenue from the parks are what was supporting their streaming movies etc because they were/are a losing proposition. They are now running the bounce back program. If you book within 7 days of departure from your trip you’ll get 35% off deluxe resorts, 30% off moderates and 25% off value. That tells you they are losing big time. Their stocks were just downgraded!
Jan K.
I was at Epcot on 6/28/23 and walked right on to Soarin, and the Land. The only wait time I had was Spaceship Earth because it was down.
Marc
It’s called anti woke.You. Are not the Disney I grew up with.
Diana Cox
Here’s another reason… Go Woke. Go Broke!!! Karma baby.
Diana Cox
Go Woke , Go Broke.
Smith A Dawson, III
I have been going to Disney World since 1972 when it would take 5.5 hours from Miami when the speed limits were 55mph. They did away with late night visiting if you stayed at one of the hotelsz high prices for food, bracelet or no brackets. Mr. Roy Disney founder must be rolling in his grave. Disney is for families to come and enjoy, not have all this crap to deal with. Very Disappointed. Thry need to go back to square and relaunch. We pray for that, especially for the kids and families. Age 69.
Snicker
Couldn’t agree more. Remember the parks were open until 12/1 at night. They had 2 parades at night so you could watch one and enjoy the rides during the other. The Contemporary Polynesian were expensive but not so out of wack like now. At least you felt like you were getting your monies worth. We have been going since 1974. Also 69🤣
Maria
Um, well when you don’t allow pass holders even at the highest tiers book the parks you loose more than half your attendance. See above. Has nothing to do with DeSantis. Temperature does not help but true theme park fans (aka seasonal pass holders) don’t give a damn about weather 😂.
kCal
Grow up!
SUSAN
Glad to see the majority of these replies are about Disney’s political position, outrageous prices, and low-moral stance. Americans are SICK of the baloney that these companies are shoving down our children’s throats. To the “Big Wigs” of Disney: Wake up and smell the coffee!!
“Once upon a time” never looked so bleak!!
Maria
All the white people hating the fact that Disney is no longer whitewashed cracks me up. Like people of color exist and the deserve the right to be seen and heard. Loved the new Little Mermaid!
Deb c
How do you explain the exit of Song of the South? Splash Mountain was wonderful, no need to change it. They could have made a new original ride for Tiana. You loved the New Little Mermaid? You and 10 others according to the reviews.
lol
100% true Deb. Anyone that enjoyed that mindless pandering BS with bad music and uncanny valley aesthetics is only proving their brain works on a primitive level.
Lion
Some BS right here. These political narratives still exist because of ppl like you…
K
I know right and I can’t wait until they make the new “Shaft “ reboot starring Channing Tatum!
Laughing
DOWN DOWNDOWNTBE TRANSGENDER RING OF FIRE ..
Joe
Lie
Angela Weston
Too expensive for the brits now, too many changes taking place and why I why the cost of the old fast passes which worked really well when we were organising our visit. No problem in park hopping. We will not be going back after 25 years of wonderful memories, WDW has done it for us.
Diane Kautter
Not planning a visit my annual pass is expiring soon and I don’t plan on renewing cannot afford as I use to and hate the reservation system
Chris
Disney no longer cares about family vacations. Back in 2005,06,07 we went every year
As management kept changing prices went higher
As a family of 4,we spent a week at All-Star Movie Resort,hit every park and did breakfast and dinner specials with characters meals included for 7 days. We paid under 5,000$ including air fair. My son just came back with his family of 4,went too 2 parks and stayed 3 nights cost him over 6500_ It is all about the money. Poor Walt, he must be rolling in his grave
What he wanted was a park for families to enjoy and to return to year after year. Now u need a six figure income to go or
at least 50% of your annual income. God help the famies who have more than two kids
Patti
I have been going to Disney for over 30 years now. I would save all year so I could afford staying at the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Beach Club or Wilderness – mostly. BUT< I could only afford them when they had the 30-35% off deal. Now even with that, they are out of control and more money than you spend at most very upscale hotels in the country. I don't know if Disney was planning on only wealthy people coming to Disney or??? but, the prices truly are becoming out of control for the majority of people, I can't even imagine with a family and kids!! If I wasn't a passholder, I would for sure not be able to go as prices are out of control. I think that is the main reason, inflation, the prices, etc, it is becoming out of control for most people and now that they have done this, I don't know how you go back. I just know that Walt would be so disappointed as he wanted everyone to be able to enjoy Disney – families, seniors, adults, everyone and it is becoming out of reach for many. Makes me sad as I am a senior now and I love to go to Disney and not sure I can much longer even with discounts.
Daniel
I don’t want to take my kids to a place where I could see a man in a dress pretending to en a fairy. Plus very high prices included.
Just stick to universal studios for my family and me, we usually go to Orlando three times a year
John Smith
LMAO. Like Universal doesn’t have the same high prices. Oh, no, your kids might see a man in a dress. Guess what, wanker, you might see that at the mall, too. You not going shopping now?
Daniel
I can’t wait to see a black panther played by a white man or Hispanic.
Renee
We (family of 4) used to come every year for 15+ years, either Oct/Nov or Feb/Mar. Now it’s just too expensive. I feel like I am paying duplicate fees just so I can get on rides. Two years ago we started going to Universal. It’s not as magical as Disney, but it’s much cheaper, less crowded and we enjoy ourselves more because we don’t have to do all the planning we had to do at Disney just to make sure we get on some rides. Very sad Disney!!!
John Smith
Sounds horrifically boring. And Universal is not any cheaper. Also, it’s less crowded for a reason. Outside of Harry Potter and Spiderman, the park sucks.
doyle conan
Good. When they shut down the professional reservation-mongers and I can get a table at Space 220 I’ll go back to my usual habit of spending thousands at the park. Until then, I won’t.
CB
Disney like Budweiser is paying the price for politicizing their brand. Disney needs to remember they are in the family entertainment industry, not in the business of pushing ANY agenda.
John Smith
They aren’t paying the price for anything, wanker. Magic Kingdom remains the most attended theme park in the world.
JimmyNY
Dude, shut up already.
David A
What people do not realize is Disney Parks have some up and down times, even during the week..
It does not help that prices are high, but go to the grocery store… low prices…NOT! Fill your car with gas….$$$$
Go to a sporting event, how much, just to sit in a seat?
Even budget hotels across the country are charging $150+ for 1 night.
Politics aside and the bad Governor, the parks have become too expensive of a vacation for most middle class incomes.
The Local people can still find ways to go at a less expensive way. Visit just 1 park a day, not have to buy items at the Parks, eat breakfast at home and end the day and eat dinner at home.
Just getting to the parks from the airports has become a chore.
When it becomes an issue just to try and schedule your day at the parks and cost so much extra for rides, most will rethink when and how they should if ever return to the parks.
The magic has gotten a bit harder to deal with, but if the park is empty and a 20 min wait is available, that is excellent for park goers.
PW
Go Woke
go Broke!
Keith
It’s not the weather….
Joe
I don’t support woke corporations. Wokeism is a terrible anti moral disease
Jose Stratton
There are too many vacation choices especially with theme parks. So if I have to choose what’s best for my family I would say Universal which focused on family-centric fun. All the while Disney themes are strewn with leftist activism. No thanks not getting my money.
Deb c
Previously Grand Floridian and Beach Club frequent vacationers. No more. We now go to Isla Bella in the Keys. Disney is tragic.
AG
This site is so junky.
Disney
All these theories and no stats past 1 day. I wanna see the stats for their before and after pride month because that’s all in really hearing. No one wants to go to Disney after 1 month of pride crap. Big surprise get canceled like bud wiser
Toni
Used to be a Passholder and loved Disney. Way too expensive now so we are finding other things to do around Florida . We can do several unique things like Leu Gardens and other places and still pay less than the price of a Disney pass. It’s pathetic what Disney has done and has priced out many families.
Tokke
High prices, long waits and every 5 year 1 new ride… this time i skip wdw for universal.
Smith A Dawson, III
We are so tired of all the bad news of Disney world the last 2 years from ticket prices, annual passes, fighting the state of Florida, closing rides, exorbitant high hotel prices at all hotels, people fighting, incompetent ceo, not iger, parking passes, the lists go on and on. And I am a DVC member since 1991. Cruises are great, everything else has gone to _____t. Extremely disappointed in Disney!!!!!!!
Keith
Honestly, wouldn’t mind visiting except that it’s in the ****ed up state of florida. Go right, third reich. We can rhyme things too lol. 🙂
AJE
When you go woke, you go broke! Hope this company is learning
Frank Cataldo
Our family started to visit Disney world in 1992. We went almost every year. It was wonderful. The park hopper passes were great and the fast pass was a great idea. The unused tickets were good for a lifetime. We did not mind the rising prices because it was a good value and a great experience. We have not been there in 5 years. The last three visits the quality of the experience declined and the price kept going up. The lifetime tickets were gone. You had to book the fast passes online before you got there. There were very few left if you waited till you got there. Even minor things like the statement on your door on the day of departure. I was told i could get it by email or come to the desk to get a copy. The employee moral was down and everything was blamed on the “bean counters “.The prices and lack of quality of the experience have stopped us from returning. It is sad because we miss what it was.
Donna
DVC Owner and we don’t have plans to return due to Genie + and lightening lane. Have had too many recent Horrible experience crowds, ticket prices, and then additional fees that don’t guarantee you the ability to get the rides you want.
Barbara Ford
Disney has lost its magic for me. I gave up my annual pass as I have no intention of going to the parks anymore. I will use my DVC as I really love the resorts and Disney Springs.
The expense is a killer, but for me it is all the planning you have to do. It is no longer fun for me, especially the no hopping until 2:00 pm. This is the first year since 1994 that I will not be visiting a Disney Park. Makes me sad.
I am going to London this year for less than I would have paid to go to Disney.
Stan
I’ve been waiting for a Disney gut check with their high prices. Glad it is finally here. You can’t keep jacking prices up at the parks and expect people to pay it out of loyalty to Disney! They are not loyal to their fan base to that fan base has said enough! Makes me happy!
Mike
FDW!
SBelle
My oldest graduated high school and asked to either go to Disney for a week or go to Germany. Germany was cheaper. We used to go frequently, but the prices are truly absurd and now they want to add so many things. It was expensive before, but we saved and made it work. Now, I just can’t save enough. My family is now willing to save our money and enjoy new experiences. That’s where our dollars will be going. We were so course to investing in DVC, but not now. Disney needs to stop treating their frequent and invested guests with such a poor response. It used to be magical. We went last year and cast members ignored basic requests, bathrooms were dirty and the food service and quality had declined. It was very obvious. I wish the higher ups would read these comments, ASK why this is happening from your frequent and invested guests and make changes. All of the graphs and charts can’t give all the reasons.
Nancy
I think many people do not want to go to Florida anymore. Too many bigots and people who hate others, it’s scary.
Nack
Constructive advice: You want the crowds back? Bring back free Fastpass Plus which everyone loved, and maybe roll back a little bit of the ridiculous pricing especially for passholders. It’s okay to charge a lot to get into the parks, but then once you pay to get in, stop so obviously nickel and dimeing the customers with things like the stupid Genie Plus program, and the Lightning Lanes for any of the rides that anyone actually wants to ride. Honestly that just pisses people off – probably even more than the relentless politically correcting of every single possible aspect of the park to avoid ever offending anyone. Customers spend a lot of money in the Parks on their own don’t need to be force-fed zero value added extra cost intangible items that used to be free and included in the ticket price (while some customers may be somewhat gullible, they’re not just plain stupid. They realize this when you make it so obvious). Take a page from Walt Disney’s playbook. It’s fine that every ride empties into a gift shop. It should. That’s was Walt’s subtle genius and how Disney always made its money.
Let it be the customer’s choice to spend ridiculous amounts of money on high profit margin items -and they will! Nothing wrong with that. It’s the American way. But be subtle about it. And stop overtly nickel and dimeing every customer in such obvious ways. Just some friendly advice from a recent former passholder who finally had enough.
TJ
I was in Orlando last month, didn’t go to Disney – very pricey, plus price was fluctuating depending on the day you chose, and really not interested in being locked into a specific day with Florida weather the way it is. No thank you, there are plenty of other less complicated things to do in Orlando.
Newsten10
Prices yes, heat no. I’ve been to Disney in 98 degree weather and seven months pregnant with a husband walking on crutches with hip stress fracture. We were in Epcot for 9 hours! Wusses!
Rod Simonson
I am not sure where you were, but I am down here from Michigan for 10 days celebrating my 75th birthday. Went to AK today, parking a tram ride from the entrance at 10:10 am. I managed a Safari, a Flight of Passage, a Na’vi River Ride, an Expidition on Everest, Dinosaur and dinner at Yak &Yeti via LandrySelect. Left tge park at 6:30 in a slight sprinkle. This is my third trip down this year, and the longest wait times for those rides. The park was full of strollers and ECVs. Strangely enough, there were huge numbers of people in all of those lines and associated with all of those vehicles.
Jeff
I would have thought that people wouldn’t like the woke changes you made for the current generation. KK and BI sux!
Billie H
What??
Tom Anderson
As mich as we used to love Disney World, with the price increases, pay parking, genie, park reservations, and long ride wait lines, my family and I decided we will never go back to Disney World. And to add insult to injury, the rental price for ECVs is way too expensive. And being a larger man, there is no way I can even fit on most of the rides. Disney World – NEVER AGAIN will we visit.
Bonnie
If the crowds are down, I have to wonder if it has to do with countries putting the USA on do not travel lists because of our political climate. Many out of state people may find Florida’s policies egregious and have second thoughts about traveling here. Foreign travelers and out of state visitors make up a large percentage of WDW clientele.
Billie H
Do you see the weather there this week??? DANGEROUSLY HIGH HEAT!
I suspect this is the catalyst for smaller crowds more then anything else.
Stacey
It’s too confusing to go now. Universal has our money!
Bill Codner
Disney, ABC, ESPN, have got to be the worst managed companies in the world surpassing those lightweights at InBev. The couldn’t sell ESPN, greed and immorality is killing Disney and ABC is a has been.
Ani
Its not worth it for me anymore, I would go atleast twice a year for the food and attractions but mostly for splash mountain, I used to go on it so many times before the parks would close and it was fun, but now that they removed it and is being changed im not really interested in going now and the prices which are high used to be worth it for me but now it isnt worth the hassle.
Chris
Tourism is down across all of Florida. Trade shows and conferences cancelled everywhere. Foreign countries putting Florida in their do not travel lists. DeSantis has chased everyone away. We cancelled our trip because we refuse to support their fascist government.
John Miller
Moving to a “woke” corporate model is more likely the reason for declining visits. I wouldn’t set foot near anything to do with Disney.
Antoine Karr Santiago
If it is just karma, go woke, go broke, relax. Everything’s gonna be all right, when Walt Disney World has to come up with a plan, just to stay back on track. Also, it needs to push through, so that it can help everyone be all ears for this case, bringing everyone back.
Gary
Guests are beginning to take action because of the direction Disney is going because of WOKE and others and other reasons!!
Cosmic Ray
I’m boycotting Disney due to its abandonment of traditional values and its heavy-handed, liberal, woke slant.
Disney should be politically neutral and avoid political activism.
I haven’t mentioned my boycott of Disney to anyone I know in real life nor do I plan on doing so. I’m not far right-wing nor do I manifest any stereotypical traits of someone far right-wing.
I’m also not someone who obsesses over politics, but there does come a point where a company so diverges from my values that I can no longer patronize them. It has come to that point with Disney.
Here are some examples of Disney becoming heavy handed with their liberal woke slant:
• Disney created a movie scene featuring a menstruating Michelin Man (Baymax asking for advice on which tampons to buy).
• Disney created a movie with a “non-binary” character (Elemental).
• Disney hired a cross-dressing man to be a “fairy god mother” at Disneyland.
Disney is supposed to represent fun, fantasy, and entertainment, not creepy, bizarre political stances such as these.
Until recently when people finally decided to vote with their feet and boycott Disney, the parks were crowded to the point of being miserable.
Visiting Disney parks requires an obscene level of planning to be able to avoid lines and to fit in a worthwhile number of rides into a trip.
Disney now has arcane rules such as having to make park reservations in addition to buying a ticket.
The elimination of the Magical Express was a degradation of the guest experience.
Disney prices have become obscenely expensive and include onerous nickel and diming such as Genie Plus, Lightning Lanes, and the now abolished hotel parking fee.
Disney was once easily affordable to any middle-class family, but has now become difficult for normal middle-class families to afford.
The Disney owned “value” resort, Pop Century, now routinely costs roughly the same amount as the luxury Dolphin Resort which is owned and operated by Tishman, MetLife, and Marriot.
The quality of Disney imagineering, rides, and the overall park experience has declined tremendously. Disney now has an overreliance on screen-based rides instead of traditional dark rides with immersive scenes and audio animatronics.
Disney used to either hide their show buildings or make them architecturally pleasing as was done with the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, and the original Epcot pavilions.
Show buildings now are ugly, boxy buildings like Guardians of the Galaxy at Epcot or Tron at the Magic Kingdom.
Disney built Disneyland in a year, but now takes many years to build a single ride.
Disney is now a woke, mediocre company that is no longer worth my patronage.
AG
Old story
Vicky
Magic kingdom was packed July 6th. Wait times well over an hour for popular rides.
Ruth Hampton
we usually come 2-3 times a year (family of 9) but you have raised pricing to the point that people on a regular budget cannot afford to go. Thank you for bringing back the dining plan but we have always bought Deluxe Dining. please rethink bringing it back as well and get the pricing to where we can continue to come more often.
Whiskey Tango
Turns out, parents hate groomers. Who knew?
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