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Credit: Inside The MagicMarch 2025 marks five years since COVID-19 shut down the country, including the most magical places on earth—Disney World and Disneyland. When Disney parks across the globe closed their gates in March 2020, fans worldwide anxiously awaited their return. But when the parks reopened, it was clear that Disney had changed forever.
Five Years Since COVID Closed Disney: The Parks Have Never Been the Same
Disney World and Disneyland have undergone significant shifts from skyrocketing ticket prices to the loss of beloved experiences. Many loyal fans, once willing to spend thousands on a Disney vacation, question whether the magic is worth the price. With Universal’s Epic Universe just 70 days from opening, the future of Disney’s reign as the top vacation destination is more uncertain than ever.
Before the pandemic, Disney vacations were expensive, but they were often considered worth the price. Fast-forward five years, and a trip to Disney now comes with an even steeper price tag. Ticket prices have soared, Lightning Lane Multi Pass has replaced the once-free FastPass system, and hotel rates continue to climb.
In 2019, a standard one-day, one-park ticket to Walt Disney World started at $109. Now, ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, with some peak-season days surpassing $189. Disneyland has seen similar increases, with its highest-tier tickets exceeding $200. Add-ons such as park-hopping, Lighting Lane Multi Pass, and after-hours events have turned a Disney vacation into an even pricier endeavor.
Food and merchandise costs have also risen sharply. Classic snacks like Mickey pretzels and churros have jumped in price, and dining experiences now cost a premium. Many guests who once frequented Disney annually are now choosing to visit less often or explore more affordable vacation options.
The Loss of Iconic Attractions and Experiences
Beyond the rising costs, another significant change since Disney’s reopening is the loss of cherished attractions and experiences. The pandemic forced Disney to make budget cuts, leading to the permanent closure of fan-favorite rides and entertainment options.
Disneyland bid farewell to its beloved Splash Mountain, which was reimagined into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Over at Disney World, Primeval Whirl in Animal Kingdom is gone, with no immediate replacement. Popular entertainment, including The Citizens of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and street performers on Main Street, U.S.A., have vanished.
Annual passholders and die-hard Disney fans have also felt the sting of fewer perks. Disney’s Magical Express, the free airport transportation service, was discontinued. Free resort parking is gone. Even Extra Magic Hours, once a staple of staying on Disney property, have been modified into paid early entry and extended evening hours, exclusive to deluxe resort guests.
Guests Are Looking Elsewhere: The Rise of Universal’s Epic Universe
With so many changes, Disney is facing growing dissatisfaction from longtime fans. Many have turned to alternative vacation destinations, and Universal Orlando Resort is ready to capitalize on the shift.
In just 70 days, Epic Universe—Universal’s largest theme park project ever—will open in Orlando. The new park will introduce SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and the cutting-edge The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, making it the most ambitious theme park expansion in decades. Epic Universe is expected to change Orlando’s tourism landscape permanently, challenging Disney’s dominance.
What’s Next for Disney? The Next Five Years
For the first time, families planning a week-long trip to Orlando may opt to stay at Universal instead of Disney. Universal’s investment in cutting-edge attractions, competitive pricing, and guest-friendly policies (such as fewer upcharges for express passes and immersive hotel offerings) makes it a powerful contender. So, where does Disney go from here? The company is at a crossroads.
As guests demand more value for their money and competition from Universal intensifies, Disney must make bold moves to win back its audience. With announcements left and right about new attractions and expansions being on the horizon and breaking ground, Disney will need more than new rides to regain guest loyalty. It will also need to bring back lost entertainment, improve value-driven options, and address guest frustrations over rising costs.
As the next five years unfold, one thing is certain: WDW and Disneyland are no longer the only must-visit destinations in Orlando and Anaheim. Guests now have more choices than ever, and Disney must prove that the magic is still worth the price.
Has Disney changed too much since COVID, or do you still find the magic worth the cost? Are you planning to visit Epic Universe instead? Let us know in the comments and share your thoughts!