Pre-covid Disney was still expensive, but doable.
Post-covid there were too many changes that happened in to short of time.
Magical Express – Gone.
Fastpasses – Gone.
Annual passes – Gone, then back, then gone.
Dining plans – Gone, altho they are now returning.
Meals – Smaller portions, bigger costs.
Magic bands – No longer a “free” perk.
Extra magic hours at night – Gone.
Night time parade – Gone
The list goes on, yet Disney is listening to its guests?
I don’t think so Tim.
You are right about everything. Yes, it is not affordable. If you have kids, even worse. Yes, it is not worth it. Last time I went, in 2023, there were so many problems: long lines to get in, many rides were shut down, lack of characters around, cast members not helpful… food is outrageously expensive and doesnt taste good!!! But there is more… the woke agenda: Disney should just shut up and stop.
SO when you are at the Disney Parks and see all together, it feels like the magic is gone.
Maybe they still have it Japan.
Bottom line, cost-benefit is not worth it.
I did go to the world last year with friends. However, we did not buy park tickets, genie+, or LL! Instead, we enjoyed the resort amenities, enjoyed meals in our room (we had a full kitchen) did 1 dinner show, and strolled Disney Springs. We also visited the outlets. Believe it or not, we spent very little in comparison and enjoyed one of the most relaxing Disney vacations ever! We refuse to pony up on all the extra charges. Actually, we thank Disney for forcing us to see that we can have a “great stress free, budget friendly” vacation!
My husband and I are pass holder and I have been getting DAS for a few years I am 70 years old and have severe chronic arthritis and have high blood pressure I can’t stand in the sun nor my husband and when I requested the DAS they told me I don’t qualify for it and I have suffered a stroke also we used to go two or three times a month we only go to a few rides and go eat and go to the resort that is why we have not gone since that to me is description and Iger want old people like us to pay for lightning lane we are very upset about it what do you think of this thank you
Same, I was denied a DAS pass recently. I just had a kidney transplant, 2 episodes of rejection since March 26th my surgery date. I’m on 17 medicines that have strict warnings on heat and sun exposure. It causes extreme fatigue and weakness to the point I nearly faint. I also have neurotoxicity and severe neuropathy from my transplant medications but Nope, i dont qualify…because I am not neurodivergrnt. Disney is opening itself up to major ADA lawsuits.
I am with you. I use to go 2 to 3 times a month with DAS plus anual pass holder. I plus caretaker would do 2 rides and show and have lunch. Unfortunately I am wheelchair bound with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Between bladder issues and temperature sensitivity normal lines don’t work. Try leaving a normal line in electric wheelchair (return to Q). I have stopped going. I wish I could refund my anual pass.
IGer, along with a small push from covid, are what’s led to the Disney demise.. Disney has abandoned the family first culture and replaced it with putting the stockholders’ needs above customer satisfaction. Only the wealthy can afford to see the mouse, making Iger the cat that ate the loveable Mickey.
(2 people)
Deposit.
CBR 3 nights, 2 days.
Hopper Passes, 2 days.
One Character Breakfast.
Light meals while there.
Souvenirs.
Lightening Lane for us both.
Total for 2 people: $2,600
I don’t know if we did good or not?
This was 5/2024.
Hoping to go again in a couple of years.
Only thing I didn’t like as a First Time Guest and My First Birthday at Disney World was not getting treated like a first timer, even with wearing the badges. I even got physically hurt the first morning and not one Cast Member offered to get me help when I told them!
Yes, the time there was mostly awesome, but I suffered in pain for 2 days, not knowing they have First Aid Stations.
Overall,
AN EXPENSIVE SAD FIRST TIME AT THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE FOR FUN!!
Will I go again for a second visit, probably, because unfortunately I learned things the hard way and will do things differently to make it a more pleasant experience
Same, I was denied a DAS pass recently. I just had a kidney transplant, 2 episodes of rejection since March 26th, my surgery date. Despite my complications, I got special approval from my doctors to travel. I’m on 17 medicines, 3 being anti rejection medications that have strict warnings on heat and sun exposure. It causes extreme fatigue and weakness to the point I nearly faint. I also have neurotoxicity and severe neuropathy in hands and feet from my transplant medications but Nope, I dont qualify…because I am not neurodivergent. Disney is opening itself up to major ADA lawsuits. I just want to be able to take my 12 yr old daughter, who has t1 diabetes who also does not qualify-while I’m sympathetic to those with neurodivergent diagnoses, there are far more other major health conditions that warrant a DAS pass.
I found I did not eat as much. I wanted to try many treats shown on the bloggers, but I didn’t get any. I ate protein bars I brought on the trip in the am for rope dropping. We went to Be Our Guest, but I don’t think I will again. It’s not worth $70/person. Sci Fi Dine in Theater is another favorite but the food is not that good–it’s the atmosphere. Spent $900 on after hrs. Still can’t believe I did that. NO MORE
The Disney Company depends on DVC members for the park expansions and refurbishments. Everything they do is catering to the 1%, wealthy. They do not care about the family crowd anymore.
Another reason besides cost are the changes to DAS. All they need to do is see the way the disabled were spoken to. Also cost is unattainable for families.
We have been going to Disney World for 43 years taking kids and grandkids. In order to offset the heavy cost in recent years, we cut the number of days we stay. We have gone from 7 days to 4 days, no table dining, only quick service, no merchandise and one snack a day. Disney has gotten greedy, so we just cut the length of stay. We still budget the same amount and cut any extras. We stay 5 nights instead of 8. No more flying in on Saturday and home the next Sunday. Now we fly in Sunday and return on Friday. We used to go every year, now it’s every other year. Our last visit in 2022 even with Genie+ in Magic Kingdom, we only did 1 ride and 1 lightning lane. It was our first horrible experience at DW. At our age, Magical Express was a definite perk. The Magic is disappearing. My daughters now go to Universal with their kids. They refuse to go back to DW.
I’ve been goin since 1999 the last time I went was 2022 and it is the last time it was a terrible experience very costly and underwhelming I went to universal last year had a great time and that’s where I’m going from now on
It seems like Disney is no longer pandering to families. Now they’re pandering to rich Disney adults (I’m a poor Disney adult 🤭). A family with a few kids just can’t do it anymore!
We went last August with the 4 park ticket at $99 a day. We did not buy G+. They had the exact same deal this year as well as a 3 park ticket (no MK) for $89 a day. We opted for that and a Halloween party, overall cost is still just under $400 a person for four park days. Although prices used to be cheaper in the early 2000s and prior, the cost of tickets hasn’t increased greatly from last year. Food and G+ are definitely areas for people to save. Food is crazy expensive, but still cheaper than other theme parks’ food. (Dollywood wants over $15 for a corn dog and fries).
Crowds are also down at Universal, not just Disney. People are struggling financially due to high inflation for several years. Also I feel people are putting off trips for new experiences coming in the future. Epic opens next year.
Interesting, I just typed a whole response into where I think the problem is and as I was finishing up an error occured and the comment was lost. I think I may know exactly of what is going on. I will have to find another avenue to put it out there on. I may have guessed more than I realized.
Disney have many problem that is costing them alot of $$$$ . Everything from Paying the Iger to much and not taken care of its employees, they lost the edge of customer service that was a model roll to go by. There are people that dose help buut as it used to be. And all the perk that Disney used to have, that made it worth while. Then you can bring in the Woke and all the $$$$$$ was lost at the movie. Now we lost Splash Mountain did any body from Disney try to explain what the movie is all about OH NO that would make scense .
Damn, a whole of complainers here. Most of you can’t spell either and grammar is terrible. Sounds like most of you have sad lives and are just looking to complain about anything so you can feel some connection to people.
Too expensive. I suppose the wokeness isn’t too obvious at the parks because they haven’t changed them that much. But it just breaks the connection to the brand. It’s just not worth the price.
Comments for It’s the Money! There’s a Valid Reason Disney World Crowds Are So Low
Jerry Atrix
Pre-covid Disney was still expensive, but doable.
Post-covid there were too many changes that happened in to short of time.
Magical Express – Gone.
Fastpasses – Gone.
Annual passes – Gone, then back, then gone.
Dining plans – Gone, altho they are now returning.
Meals – Smaller portions, bigger costs.
Magic bands – No longer a “free” perk.
Extra magic hours at night – Gone.
Night time parade – Gone
The list goes on, yet Disney is listening to its guests?
I don’t think so Tim.
Don
I agree 100: when will it end?
Unca Leo
You are right about everything. Yes, it is not affordable. If you have kids, even worse. Yes, it is not worth it. Last time I went, in 2023, there were so many problems: long lines to get in, many rides were shut down, lack of characters around, cast members not helpful… food is outrageously expensive and doesnt taste good!!! But there is more… the woke agenda: Disney should just shut up and stop.
SO when you are at the Disney Parks and see all together, it feels like the magic is gone.
Maybe they still have it Japan.
Bottom line, cost-benefit is not worth it.
Thumper
I did go to the world last year with friends. However, we did not buy park tickets, genie+, or LL! Instead, we enjoyed the resort amenities, enjoyed meals in our room (we had a full kitchen) did 1 dinner show, and strolled Disney Springs. We also visited the outlets. Believe it or not, we spent very little in comparison and enjoyed one of the most relaxing Disney vacations ever! We refuse to pony up on all the extra charges. Actually, we thank Disney for forcing us to see that we can have a “great stress free, budget friendly” vacation!
Cary
My husband and I are pass holder and I have been getting DAS for a few years I am 70 years old and have severe chronic arthritis and have high blood pressure I can’t stand in the sun nor my husband and when I requested the DAS they told me I don’t qualify for it and I have suffered a stroke also we used to go two or three times a month we only go to a few rides and go eat and go to the resort that is why we have not gone since that to me is description and Iger want old people like us to pay for lightning lane we are very upset about it what do you think of this thank you
Andrea Hoole
Same, I was denied a DAS pass recently. I just had a kidney transplant, 2 episodes of rejection since March 26th my surgery date. I’m on 17 medicines that have strict warnings on heat and sun exposure. It causes extreme fatigue and weakness to the point I nearly faint. I also have neurotoxicity and severe neuropathy from my transplant medications but Nope, i dont qualify…because I am not neurodivergrnt. Disney is opening itself up to major ADA lawsuits.
Adam
I am with you. I use to go 2 to 3 times a month with DAS plus anual pass holder. I plus caretaker would do 2 rides and show and have lunch. Unfortunately I am wheelchair bound with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Between bladder issues and temperature sensitivity normal lines don’t work. Try leaving a normal line in electric wheelchair (return to Q). I have stopped going. I wish I could refund my anual pass.
Bill Jones
IGer, along with a small push from covid, are what’s led to the Disney demise.. Disney has abandoned the family first culture and replaced it with putting the stockholders’ needs above customer satisfaction. Only the wealthy can afford to see the mouse, making Iger the cat that ate the loveable Mickey.
Lisa
(2 people)
Deposit.
CBR 3 nights, 2 days.
Hopper Passes, 2 days.
One Character Breakfast.
Light meals while there.
Souvenirs.
Lightening Lane for us both.
Total for 2 people: $2,600
I don’t know if we did good or not?
This was 5/2024.
Hoping to go again in a couple of years.
Only thing I didn’t like as a First Time Guest and My First Birthday at Disney World was not getting treated like a first timer, even with wearing the badges. I even got physically hurt the first morning and not one Cast Member offered to get me help when I told them!
Yes, the time there was mostly awesome, but I suffered in pain for 2 days, not knowing they have First Aid Stations.
Overall,
AN EXPENSIVE SAD FIRST TIME AT THE MOST MAGICAL PLACE FOR FUN!!
Will I go again for a second visit, probably, because unfortunately I learned things the hard way and will do things differently to make it a more pleasant experience
Andrea Hoole
Same, I was denied a DAS pass recently. I just had a kidney transplant, 2 episodes of rejection since March 26th, my surgery date. Despite my complications, I got special approval from my doctors to travel. I’m on 17 medicines, 3 being anti rejection medications that have strict warnings on heat and sun exposure. It causes extreme fatigue and weakness to the point I nearly faint. I also have neurotoxicity and severe neuropathy in hands and feet from my transplant medications but Nope, I dont qualify…because I am not neurodivergent. Disney is opening itself up to major ADA lawsuits. I just want to be able to take my 12 yr old daughter, who has t1 diabetes who also does not qualify-while I’m sympathetic to those with neurodivergent diagnoses, there are far more other major health conditions that warrant a DAS pass.
Cheryl C
I wish your first visit was 15 years ago. Things were 100% different. Disney used to care much more about their guests and parks!
beautiful gorgeous
I found I did not eat as much. I wanted to try many treats shown on the bloggers, but I didn’t get any. I ate protein bars I brought on the trip in the am for rope dropping. We went to Be Our Guest, but I don’t think I will again. It’s not worth $70/person. Sci Fi Dine in Theater is another favorite but the food is not that good–it’s the atmosphere. Spent $900 on after hrs. Still can’t believe I did that. NO MORE
beautiful gorgeous
The Disney Company depends on DVC members for the park expansions and refurbishments. Everything they do is catering to the 1%, wealthy. They do not care about the family crowd anymore.
Mike
Sad!
Haven’t been for 4 years
Turned off by everything mentioned by others.
Had been multiple times for 20+ years
Laura M
Another reason besides cost are the changes to DAS. All they need to do is see the way the disabled were spoken to. Also cost is unattainable for families.
Donna Warren
We have been going to Disney World for 43 years taking kids and grandkids. In order to offset the heavy cost in recent years, we cut the number of days we stay. We have gone from 7 days to 4 days, no table dining, only quick service, no merchandise and one snack a day. Disney has gotten greedy, so we just cut the length of stay. We still budget the same amount and cut any extras. We stay 5 nights instead of 8. No more flying in on Saturday and home the next Sunday. Now we fly in Sunday and return on Friday. We used to go every year, now it’s every other year. Our last visit in 2022 even with Genie+ in Magic Kingdom, we only did 1 ride and 1 lightning lane. It was our first horrible experience at DW. At our age, Magical Express was a definite perk. The Magic is disappearing. My daughters now go to Universal with their kids. They refuse to go back to DW.
Paul
I’ve been goin since 1999 the last time I went was 2022 and it is the last time it was a terrible experience very costly and underwhelming I went to universal last year had a great time and that’s where I’m going from now on
Cheryl C
It seems like Disney is no longer pandering to families. Now they’re pandering to rich Disney adults (I’m a poor Disney adult 🤭). A family with a few kids just can’t do it anymore!
CMBN
It’s not just the way too EXPENSIVE, nickel dime stuff there. It’s all the WOKE, DEI STUFF! I refuse to have ANYTHING Disney!
Amber
We went last August with the 4 park ticket at $99 a day. We did not buy G+. They had the exact same deal this year as well as a 3 park ticket (no MK) for $89 a day. We opted for that and a Halloween party, overall cost is still just under $400 a person for four park days. Although prices used to be cheaper in the early 2000s and prior, the cost of tickets hasn’t increased greatly from last year. Food and G+ are definitely areas for people to save. Food is crazy expensive, but still cheaper than other theme parks’ food. (Dollywood wants over $15 for a corn dog and fries).
Crowds are also down at Universal, not just Disney. People are struggling financially due to high inflation for several years. Also I feel people are putting off trips for new experiences coming in the future. Epic opens next year.
Tim
Interesting, I just typed a whole response into where I think the problem is and as I was finishing up an error occured and the comment was lost. I think I may know exactly of what is going on. I will have to find another avenue to put it out there on. I may have guessed more than I realized.
Bob
Cost? One NFL or NBA game cost allot more
Bob K.
Disney have many problem that is costing them alot of $$$$ . Everything from Paying the Iger to much and not taken care of its employees, they lost the edge of customer service that was a model roll to go by. There are people that dose help buut as it used to be. And all the perk that Disney used to have, that made it worth while. Then you can bring in the Woke and all the $$$$$$ was lost at the movie. Now we lost Splash Mountain did any body from Disney try to explain what the movie is all about OH NO that would make scense .
sue
Damn, a whole of complainers here. Most of you can’t spell either and grammar is terrible. Sounds like most of you have sad lives and are just looking to complain about anything so you can feel some connection to people.
Bob
Too expensive. I suppose the wokeness isn’t too obvious at the parks because they haven’t changed them that much. But it just breaks the connection to the brand. It’s just not worth the price.
Comments are closed.