Immediate Changes at Disney World Aim to Restore Guest Satisfaction

The Walt Disney World Resort is the place where dreams come true, but recent outcries from guests and cast members have made things an absolute nightmare. However, that doesn’t mean the House of Mouse sits idly by.

A dramatic image of Cinderella's castle at Disney World with dark, stormy skies and multiple lightning strikes illuminating the background. — Credit: Inside the Magic

As reports of price gouging, wage disputes, cast member strikes, and outrage from parents continue to plague The Walt Disney Company. After all, it’s awfully hard to enjoy all the rides, games, attractions, and experiences Disney has to offer if guests can’t access them in full.

At the time of writing, guest satisfaction appears to be at an increasing low as the Disney parks continue to be Yelp-reviewed into oblivion. As Disney itself rushes to do even more damage control, the company has already made several steps to regain favor with its notoriously vocal audience. But will it be enough?

Damage Control at Disney World

A crowd of people gather around the statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse in front of Cinderella's Castle at Disney World. The castle is adorned in blue and gold spires, while the people wear various casual outfits, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the park. — Credit: Nicholas Fuentes, Unsplash

A report from Bloomberg this week shared that the average cost for a trip to Disney was venturing into astronomical territory, reaching tens of thousands of dollars. The report made the following statement from a recent guest:

“The cost of a high-end trip to the Florida parks has now reached around $40,000 for a family of four. Plus poorly managed crowds and clunky reservations systems, Walt Disney World (WDW) is suffering from a social sentiment crisis. On Yelp, the number of four—and five-star reviews has tumbled from almost 52% in 2019 to 33% in 2022. Last year, more than 40% of Yelp reviewers gave the theme parks a one—or two-star review.”

In the words of Rumplestiltskin, “All magic comes at a price, dearie.” That’s certainly truer now than it ever was in Disney trips past, but not everything is as bleak as some might believe.

On the contrary, Disney recently implemented several protocols as early as May 2024. It’s a slow process, but the company is undeniably addressing cost, reservation systems, and even the menus at the Disney parks.

What Has Disney Done?

A cheerful family of three, wearing Disney-themed apparel, takes a selfie with Mickey Mouse. The background features colorful, cartoonish scenery with a train and foliage. The young girl holds a smartphone to capture the moment. — Credit: Disney

The report thoroughly illustrates the number of grievances people have taken with Disney World in roughly the past two years. However, it also highlights many features implemented by the parks to help them regain their good graces.

As of tomorrow (July 24, 2024), Disney is reinstating the FastPass+ system in the form of the new Lightning Lane Multipass. In theory, this new practice cuts out the infamous Genie+ and gives guests a more flexible way to manage their time in the parks.

Additionally, Disney reintroduced the popular Disney Dining Plan to many of its vacation packages. In doing so, guests now have the option between table service or quick service plans designed to better fit their party and their budget.

The Walt Disney World Railroad boarding station near the entrance of Magic Kingdom on Main Street, U.S.A., during a cloudy day with guests and security cast members. — Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the Magic

The Bloomberg report also shared how Disney attempts to quell cost concerns on the ticket front. Sharing a limited-time event that began in May of this year. The report reads,

“News you may have missed: Starting in May, WDW started to quietly discount ticket prices, which had hit a high of $254 for a one-day park hopper ticket. Through Sept. 24, the company now offers $89-a-day access for people buying three-day tickets, with the caveat that guests can use the tickets to visit only Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom. (Magic Kingdom access is purchased separately at full price.)”

Although the offer is only valid until September, it’s still a clear attempt at regaining guest satisfaction that can’t be denied. While there is undoubtedly still much work left to be done, Disney is at least trying to regain its magical image.

In reality, it’s still not a perfect system, but it is a decisive improvement over previously reported conditions. It won’t be an overnight solution, but progress is still progress.

Are you making any future trips to Disney World? Tell Inside the Magic why or why not in the comments below!