Credit: DisneyIn the vast, vocal world of “Disney Twitter” and fan forums, it’s remarkably easy to find a grievance. Whether it’s the rising cost of a Mickey Bar or the strategic complexity of Lightning Lane, the discourse often feels like a permanent rain cloud over the Seven Seas Lagoon.
However, a recent viral thread started by @DisneyClipsGuy has sparked a much-needed counter-narrative. He challenged fans to look past the spreadsheets and focus on the show. The response was overwhelming: thousands of fans jumped into the comments to celebrate the genuine wins, the “plus-ups,” and the logistical magic that has quietly transformed the Florida parks into a more efficient, immersive experience than ever before.
While the “Disney was better in the 90s” crowd will always have a seat at the table, the reality of early 2026 is that Walt Disney World has successfully modernized its infrastructure and storytelling. Here is a look at the 10 things Disney has gotten absolutely right over the last several years.
1. The Skyliner: The “Most Magical Flight on Earth”
Perhaps no single addition has fundamentally changed the “resort life” more than the Disney Skyliner. Initially met with skepticism (the “sweat-box” rumors were rampant), the gondola system has become a cult favorite and a primary reason guests choose to stay at “Value” and “Moderate” resorts like Pop Century or Caribbean Beach.
Fans in the thread were nearly unanimous: the Skyliner isn’t just transportation; it’s an attraction in its own right.
- Efficiency: It offers continuous loading, eliminating the dreaded “bus line” wait.
- Accessibility: For families with strollers or guests in wheelchairs, the ability to simply roll onto a cabin without folding equipment is a massive “quality of life” upgrade.
- The View: Floating above the tree line and gliding into the back entrance of EPCOT (the International Gateway) provides a serene, scenic start to the day that a bus simply cannot match.
2. The Bus Revolution: Technology Meets Comfort
While the Skyliner gets the glory, the humble Disney Bus has undergone a stealthy revolution. Over the last few years, Disney has overhauled its fleet with modern, high-capacity buses featuring sleek interiors, USB charging ports, and—most importantly—GPS integration.
The “Disney World Win” here is the My Disney Experience App’s real-time bus tracking. Guests can now see exactly when the next bus is arriving at their resort, allowing for a more relaxed morning coffee rather than a frantic sprint to the stop. It has removed the “transportation anxiety” that used to plague the start of a Disney day.
3. The “E-Ticket” Renaissance: Cosmic Rewind
If there is one thing Disney has mastered recently, it is the modern E-Ticket attraction. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT is, by most accounts, the best ride Disney has ever built. By blending a groundbreaking “Omnicoaster” ride system with a high-energy soundtrack and genuine humor, Disney proved they can deliver “thrill” while still maintaining the whimsical storytelling that sets them apart from a standard iron park.
4. The Great Operational Pivot: Spontaneity Returns
Following the post-pandemic era of heavy restrictions, Disney has systematically removed the “friction” that fans hated. The return of all-day Park Hopping and the removal of Park Pass Reservations for date-based tickets were massive victories. Fans noted that the parks feel “fun again” now that they don’t have to decide six months in advance exactly where they’ll be at 2:00 p.m. on a Tuesday.
5. The EPCOT Transformation: A Lush New World
For years, EPCOT was a sea of plywood. But as the walls have come down in World Celebration, the result is breathtaking. The park has reclaimed its “garden” feel.
- Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana: This walkthrough is a masterclass in serene, tactile magic. It’s educational, beautiful, and provides a much-needed “low-demand” sanctuary for families.
- CommuniCore Hall & Plaza: Finally giving the park a “hub” for festivals, Disney has restored the park’s flow and optimism.
6. Moving Past the “Screen Age”: Tiana’s Animatronics
One vocal complaint of the early 2020s was the over-reliance on digital projections. Disney heard the message. The recent opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure showcases a return to physical, tactile magic. The ride features dozens of A-1000 animatronics—figures with fluid, lifelike motion that don’t rely on screens. It is a stunning return to the craftsmanship that Walt Disney himself pioneered.
7. Happily Ever After: The “Plus-Up”
When Disney brought back the fan-favorite nighttime spectacular Happily Ever After, they didn’t just hit “play.” They “plussed” it with stunning projections down Main Street, U.S.A. This demonstrates a renewed respect for the emotional connection guests have with the classics, proving Disney isn’t afraid to lean into nostalgia when it works.
8. The Return of “Resort Life” Value
From the full return of the Disney Dining Plan to the reinstatement of free overnight parking at resort hotels, Disney has slowly been adding “perks” back into the equation. Staying on-property feels like a premium experience again, especially with the Extended Evening Hours for Deluxe guests, which offer some of the lowest wait times in the parks’ history.
9. MagicBand+ and Interactive Storytelling
While some saw it as a “glow-toy,” MagicBand+ has actually deepened immersion. The “Bounty Hunting” game in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the bands reacting to the “Fab 50” statues are small, reactive touches that make the environment feel alive. It’s “hidden magic” that rewards guests for slowing down and exploring.
10. The “Blue Sky” Commitment
Under the leadership of Josh D’Amaro, Disney has been more transparent about the future. The commitment to a $17 billion expansion (including the groundbreaking of Villains Land) has given fans a sense of direction. They are no longer just “fixing” things; they are dreaming again.
Conclusion: The Magic is in the Details
Is a Disney trip expensive? Absolutely. But as @DisneyClipsGuy and his followers highlighted, the “Disney Standard” is still very much alive. Whether it’s the quiet glide of a Skyliner cabin over a sunset-lit lake or the reliability of a new bus fleet with GPS tracking, Disney is proving that it is still the undisputed king of the guest experience.
What is the one thing you think Disney World has gotten right lately? Is it the transport, the new rides, or just the feeling of being back on Main Street? Let us know in the comments!